Greenwich

Greenwich (pronounced: "Grennitsch") is technically part of London, but feels like a separate town — and is one of the most rewarding excursion destinations. Here runs the Prime Meridian (0° longitude), here stands the cradle of timekeeping, and here offers the best view of the London skyline.

Highlights

• Royal Observatory & Prime Meridian: At the Royal Observatory (1675) on the hill of Greenwich Park, the world's timekeeping was defined. The Prime Meridian Line in the courtyard marks 0° longitude — stand with one foot on each side and you are simultaneously in the eastern and western hemispheres. Admission: £18. The astronomy exhibition and planetarium are also worth seeing.
• Cutty Sark: The most famous tea clipper in the world (1869) stands in a glass dry dock at the pier. You can explore the ship from top to bottom — from the keel to the captain's cabin. Admission: £16.
• National Maritime Museum: The largest maritime museum in the world — free! From Nelson's uniform (with the bullet hole of the fatal shot) to ship models and the history of seafaring and exploration.
• Greenwich Park: The oldest royal park in London (1433). The view from the hill over the Queen's House, the symmetry of the Old Royal Naval College, and the Canary Wharf skyline behind is one of the best views in London. Free, accessible at any time.
• Old Royal Naval College: The baroque buildings by Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor house the Painted Hall — the "British Sistine Chapel" with breathtaking ceiling paintings by James Thornhill. Admission: £15.

Getting there: DLR to Cutty Sark Station (20 min from Bank/Tower Hill), Thames Clipper boat from Westminster/Tower Pier (40 min, from £8.50 — the most beautiful approach!), or train to Greenwich Station.