Explore the Wonders of the Royal Observatory Greenwich
Discover the Royal Observatory Greenwich, where history and astronomy collide in a breathtaking setting. Experience the Prime Meridian and explore fascinating exhibitions.
The Royal Observatory Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit for tourists in London, blending rich history, stunning architecture, and astronomical wonders. It's the home of the Prime Meridian and offers breathtaking views of the city from its hilltop perch. With fascinating exhibitions, a gift shop, and the historic planetarium, this location beautifully merges education and enjoyment for visitors of all ages.
A brief summary to Royal Observatory Greenwich
- Blackheath Ave, London, SE10 8XJ, GB
- +442083126608
- Visit website
Local tips
- Arrive early to enjoy the exhibits with fewer crowds.
- Consider purchasing a combined ticket for the planetarium and observatory for better value.
- Check the schedule for special events or stargazing nights for a unique experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there is a bit of walking involved, especially up the hill.
- Don’t forget to take a photo at the Prime Meridian line!
Getting There
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Walking
If you are already in Greenwich town center, you can easily walk to the Royal Observatory. Start at Greenwich Park, which is a short stroll from the town center. Enter the park and follow the paths uphill. After about a 15-minute walk, you will reach the Royal Observatory, located at Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ. The observatory is situated at the top of the hill, providing a beautiful view of the Thames and the city.
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Bus
From Greenwich town center, you can take the bus to get to the Royal Observatory. Catch bus number 188 or 199 from the stop near the Cutty Sark (Greenwich Town Centre). The journey will take about 10 minutes. Get off at the 'Royal Observatory' stop, which is just a short walk from the entrance to the observatory. The bus fare is approximately £1.65 if you are using an Oyster card or contactless payment.
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Riverboat
Another scenic way to approach the Royal Observatory is by taking a Thames Clippers riverboat service from central London to Greenwich Pier. You can catch a boat from London Bridge or Embankment and enjoy a pleasant ride along the river. Once you arrive at Greenwich Pier, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the observatory. Follow the signs towards Greenwich Park and ascend the hill. The boat fare varies but usually starts around £10 if booked in advance.
Discover more about Royal Observatory Greenwich
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Maritime Greenwich a World Heritage Site
0.7 km
Explore Maritime Greenwich, where royal heritage, maritime history, and the birthplace of Greenwich Mean Time converge in a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Trafalgar Tavern
0.9 km
Historic Greenwich riverside pub since 1837, famed for whitebait feasts, naval art, and Thames panoramas—perfect for pints, roasts, and celebrations.
Bellot Memorial Greenwich
0.9 km
A solemn obelisk in Greenwich honoring Lieutenant Joseph René Bellot’s Arctic bravery and sacrifice during the Franklin rescue expeditions.
Anchor Iron Wharf
1.0 km
Historic riverside wharf in Greenwich marked by a large anchor sculpture, blending maritime heritage with stunning Thames views.
Greenwich Foot Tunnel North
1.2 km
Walk beneath the Thames through 200,000 white tiles in this 1902 engineering marvel.
St Anne's Church, Limehouse
4.4 km
Discover St Anne's Church, Limehouse—an 18th-century Baroque maritime landmark with rich naval heritage and mysterious architectural features.
Execution Dock
4.8 km
A haunting riverside landmark where London’s maritime law was enforced through centuries of public executions.
Shadwell Basin
4.9 km
Experience the peaceful beauty of Shadwell Basin, a serene spot in London perfect for relaxation and scenic walks amidst nature's charm.
King Henry’s Stairs (Execution Dock)
4.9 km
Historic Thames foreshore site where pirates and maritime criminals faced grim justice under Admiralty law for over 400 years.
The Captain Kidd
5.0 km
Historic riverside pub with authentic maritime charm, classic ales, and scenic Thames views in London’s Wapping district.
Execution Dock House
5.1 km
Historic riverside site where pirates and maritime criminals met justice in London’s centuries-old Admiralty executions.
International House
5.2 km
Discover the International House in London, a symbol of global unity and vibrant cultural exchange at the heart of the city.
Ornamental Canal
5.4 km
Explore the serene Ornamental Canal in London, a picturesque waterway perfect for relaxation, scenic views, and rich history.
Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park
5.5 km
Discover the serene beauty of Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, a unique blend of nature, history, and community nestled in the heart of London.
St Katharine Docks Marina
5.9 km
London's only central marina: historic waterfront elegance where maritime heritage meets modern leisure.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Old Royal Observatory Garden
0.1 km
A tranquil garden steeped in the heritage of British astronomy, offering stunning views and a serene escape within historic Greenwich Park.
Prime Meridian
0.1 km
Experience the intersection of time and space at the Royal Observatory, where history meets the cosmos in beautiful Greenwich Park.
Greenwich Park
0.1 km
Historic Royal Park with panoramic London views, iconic landmarks, tranquil gardens, and rich maritime heritage in a UNESCO World Heritage setting.
Ranger's House - The Wernher Collection
0.4 km
Explore a stunning Georgian villa housing the Wernher Collection, a world-class display of medieval and Renaissance art on the edge of Greenwich Park.
Queen's House
0.5 km
Discover England’s first classical building, the Queen's House in Greenwich, a timeless blend of royal history, art, and architectural brilliance.
National Maritime Museum Gardens
0.6 km
A tranquil garden oasis within London’s premier maritime museum complex, blending history, nature, and family-friendly charm.
National Maritime Museum
0.6 km
Explore Britain’s rich naval history at the world’s largest maritime museum, set in scenic Greenwich with free entry and engaging galleries for all ages.
The Fan Museum
0.6 km
Discover the UK’s only museum dedicated to the history and craft of fans, set in elegant Georgian townhouses in historic Greenwich.
Oliver's Jazz Bar
0.6 km
An intimate, candlelit basement jazz club in Greenwich where close-up live music and community atmosphere meet a well-stocked bar.
The Greenwich Vintage Market
0.7 km
Discover rare antiques, vintage treasures, and eclectic crafts in the heart of historic Greenwich’s vibrant market scene.
St Alfege Church
0.8 km
Discover over a millennium of history, architecture, and music at St Alfege Church, the heart of Greenwich’s spiritual heritage.
1 Greenwich Church St
0.8 km
Historic Greenwich Church Street blends centuries of heritage with vibrant shops, eateries, and iconic landmarks by the Thames.
Naval College Gardens
0.8 km
A tranquil riverside garden in Greenwich, framed by the Old Royal Naval College and offering views of the Cutty Sark and Canary Wharf across the Thames.
Painted Hall
0.8 km
Explore the breathtaking Painted Hall, a Baroque masterpiece with vivid ceilings and walls celebrating Britain’s naval and royal heritage.
5b Greenwich Market
0.8 km
A historic covered market in Greenwich, London, brimming with artisan crafts, antiques, vintage finds, and global street food in a lively, community-focused setting.
Essential places to dine
The Prince of Greenwich Pub
0.7 km
A vibrant gastropub in Greenwich blending quirky museum charm, authentic Italian cuisine, and lively jazz in a historic London setting.
Pho Street
0.7 km
Authentic Vietnamese pho, banh mi, and bubble tea served in a lively Greenwich setting with fresh flavors and warm hospitality.
The Hill
0.7 km
A vibrant Mediterranean and Latin American fusion restaurant with a cozy garden setting in the heart of Greenwich.
Sticks'n'Sushi Greenwich
0.7 km
Experience fresh sushi and Nordic-inspired grilled sticks in stylish Greenwich, where maritime history meets modern Japanese cuisine.
Bill's Greenwich Restaurant
0.7 km
A cozy British restaurant in Greenwich offering hearty dishes, friendly service, and a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere from breakfast to late dinner.
Goddards at Greenwich
0.7 km
Experience authentic British pie and mash at Goddards at Greenwich, a historic eatery serving traditional comfort food in a welcoming setting.
Sefa Restaurant
0.9 km
Savor authentic Turkish and Mediterranean dishes with generous portions and warm hospitality in the heart of Greenwich.
Midpoint Restaurant
1.0 km
Authentic Turkish and Mediterranean dining with riverside views and warm hospitality in London’s vibrant SE10 district.
The Sail Loft, Greenwich
1.2 km
Stylish riverside dining in Greenwich with panoramic Thames views, modern British cuisine, and versatile event spaces.
Restaurant Story
6.1 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
La Dame de Pic London
6.5 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
6.7 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
6.7 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
14 Hills
6.8 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
George
6.9 km
Step into London’s last galleried coaching inn, where history, hearty ales, and a lively courtyard blend in a timeless pub experience.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Joli Vintage Living
0.7 km
Discover timeless threads and retro treasures at Joli Vintage Living, Greenwich's gem for sustainable, era-spanning style on charming Nelson Road.
Arc Angel Boutique London
0.8 km
Elegant womenswear samples, striking accessories, and quirky gifts await in Greenwich Market's stylish haven, where fashion meets historic charm.
Dragonfly Lifestyle
0.8 km
A small Greenwich boutique blending mindful womenswear, handcrafted jewellery and wellbeing finds in a calm, curated shop environment.
Rare Books & Curios
0.8 km
A compact Greenwich Market stall overflowing with rare and vintage books, maps and printed curios that reward slow, tactile browsing.
The Cutty Sark Gift Shop
0.8 km
Discover maritime magic and London keepsakes at this Greenwich gem, brimming with Cutty Sark-inspired treasures and souvenirs just steps from the historic clipper ship.
Painted hall gift shop
0.8 km
Souvenirs and stories from Greenwich's naval heart—tote bags, books, and treasures evoking the Painted Hall's timeless splendor.
The Junk Shop
0.8 km
Lose yourself in Greenwich's maze-like antique wonderland, where eclectic treasures, a cozy tearoom, and quirky finds await around every cluttered corner.
La Boutique Vintage
0.9 km
Unearth retro home treasures in Greenwich's cozy furniture nook—sustainable style with vintage soul.
Made in Greenwich
0.9 km
Discover Greenwich's handmade heart: a not-for-profit haven where local makers' treasures shine, fueling community creativity one unique gift at a time.
Greenwich Gifts Candy Land
0.9 km
Dive into a candy wonderland on Greenwich Church Street, where British classics and global sweets make perfect edible souvenirs in London's historic heart.
Unique Store
5.7 km
Explore London's Unique Store: Your go-to convenience shop for local snacks, souvenirs, and essentials, right in the heart of the city.
Bermondsey Antique Market
6.0 km
Uncover vintage treasures at London’s oldest antiques market, where history meets haggling every Friday morning in Bermondsey Square.
Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
6.1 km
Explore the fascinating history of Tower Bridge at the Engine Rooms and shop for unique gifts at the Official Gift Shop.
Tower of London Shop
6.4 km
Explore the Tower of London Shop for unique souvenirs that celebrate British heritage and history in the heart of London.
Traders Gate
6.5 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ye Olde Rose & Crown Greenwich
0.6 km
Traditional Greenwich pub pouring real ales and pub classics next to the theatre—perfect for families, dogs, and post-show pints in historic surrounds.
Kings Arms
0.7 km
Classic Greenwich pub with hearty grub, real ales, dog-friendly beer garden, and riverside vibes—perfect for post-sightseeing pints.
The Lost Hour
0.8 km
Greenwich's craft beer epicenter where sports, pub grub, and late-night vibes collide—lose yourself in the fun on High Road.
The Gipsy Moth
0.9 km
Historic Greenwich pub with Cutty Sark views, hearty grub, beer garden bliss, and live music vibes—perfect for nautical nostalgia and relaxed revelry.
Mindful Mixology
1.1 km
A compact Greenwich cocktail bar focused on lower-sugar craft drinks, hands-on masterclasses and a calm riverside atmosphere.
Greenwich Town Social Club
1.2 km
Cozy Greenwich social hub for cheap drinks, karaoke nights, and neighborhood camaraderie on Blackwall Lane.
Td 338 Bar
2.1 km
Warehouse wonderland with epic sound, lush terraces, and non-stop beats—London's hidden rave escape on Greenwich Peninsula.
All Bar One Greenwich
2.8 km
Elevate your O2 experience at this multi-floor haven of wines, cocktails, and event-night energy—perfect for pre-show feasts and lively toasts amid London's entertainment epicenter.
Drink At Bob's
2.9 km
Lively cocktail bar in Hither Green blending expertly crafted drinks, live music, and a welcoming vibe with vegan-friendly options.
Eighteen Sky Bar
2.9 km
Elevate your evening with crafted cocktails and 360-degree skyline views from the 18th floor over Thames, Canary Wharf, and The O2.
The Midnight Apothecary
4.5 km
Discover a magical rooftop bar blending botanical cocktails, fire pits, and historic tunnel tours atop London’s Brunel Museum.
Nine Lives
6.4 km
A subterranean Bermondsey bar blending Mexican spirits, sustainable craft cocktails, and vibrant sharable dishes in a boho-chic setting.
Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
6.6 km
A vibrant East London cocktail bar blending creative drinks, lively DJs, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Brick Lane.
The Old School Yard
6.6 km
Step into a lively retro playground with expertly crafted cocktails, classic arcade games, and a vibrant 80s and 90s atmosphere in London Bridge.
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
6.6 km
Historic pub near Tower Hill, blending dark medieval history with refined ales and classic British fare in a Grade II listed building.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Bunker
1.7 km
A compact, late-night basement club on Deptford Broadway offering affordable drinks, close-up atmosphere and energetic weekend sessions.
The Hatch Club
2.4 km
A late-night New Cross club with a roomy dancefloor, VIP sections and bass-forward DJ nights—built for parties and private events.
The Venue
2.5 km
A vibrant multi-room nightclub in New Cross, London, blending diverse music, cutting-edge sound, and a welcoming atmosphere since 1989.
American Express Invites Lounge
2.9 km
A backstage‑inspired, Cardmember-only lounge at The O2 with distinct seating zones, crafted drinks and a complimentary welcome drink on event nights.
(Admin Office) The Mobile Nightclub
3.0 km
Discover the joy of nightlife on the move with The Mobile Nightclub in London, where the party comes to you!
LA Lounge
3.3 km
London's top Afrobeats nightclub in Docklands: ethnic sophistication, VIP vibes, cocktails, and late-night dances until 4am on weekends.
CQ LOUNGE
3.7 km
South London's Afrobeats epicenter: dance, shisha, cocktails, and culture until 5am in Woolwich's vibrant CQ Lounge.
Club 701
4.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and dynamic clubbing scene at Club 701, South London's energetic hotspot on Old Kent Road.
E1
5.5 km
Experience East London’s underground pulse with E1’s cutting-edge sound, immersive visuals, and vibrant club nights.
Corsica Studios
7.0 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
The Steel Yard
7.2 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
Ministry of Sound
7.2 km
London's legendary dance music cathedral since 1991, where world-class sound systems and global DJs fuel euphoric nights across four pulsing rooms.
The Hoxton Pony
7.7 km
Edgy Shoreditch cocktail bar and nightclub blending vintage style with vibrant nightlife energy in East London.
Trafik
7.9 km
Shoreditch’s dynamic nightclub with underground beats, two floors of dancing, and a late licence for unforgettable nights.
Basing House - Shoreditch
7.9 km
An intimate Shoreditch nightclub with top electronic beats, a Funktion One sound system, and a lively rooftop bar under the London skyline.
