If the name Greenwich sounds familiar, it should. This district is famous for lending its name to Greenwich Mean Time. This is also where the western and eastern hemispheres meet. Visit Greenwich to stroll leafy streets that feel a world apart from the chaos of Central London. The neighborhood features miles of scenic riverfront and plenty of historical attractions bound to appeal to history buffs of all ages.
One of the four royal boroughs in the city, Greenwich abounds in museums and sites of historical interest. Hop aboard the Cutty Sark, a 19th-century clipper ship that was once used to import tea from China and mail from Australia. Visit the National Maritime Museum to marvel at the exhibits tracing the history of seafaring and the British Navy.
Walk across the Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory to cross between the eastern and western hemispheres. Inside the attached museum, view the 28-inch (71-centimeter) Great Equatorial Telescope. Continue to the Peter Harrison Planetarium, which features a revolving schedule of shows about stars and other celestial bodies.
After stargazing, get some fresh air at Greenwich Park. The 17th-century park is set on a hill to offer spectacular vistas that take in the River Thames, Old Royal Naval College and Canary Wharf.
Finish the day with a stop at the Greenwich Market, which has been in its current location since the start of the 18th century. The market offers a huge selection of art, antiques, clothing and jewelry, as well as international delicacies.
While many people choose to visit Greenwich on daytrips, others opt to stay in the neighborhood to avoid the hustle and bustle of central London. The fastest and easiest way to reach Greenwich is by train or tube. Alternatively, travel on a riverboat or even take a cable car, which connects the Royal Docks to the Greenwich Peninsula.
