London Places

Greenwich

The smart borough of Greenwich is on the Greenwich Meridian Line at 0° longitude, the official starting point for every new day, month, and year. The island nation of Britain—and the district—boasts an incredible maritime history. Even though star attraction Cutty Sark—the world's last remaining tea clipper—was tragically damaged by fire in 2007, Greenwich still preserves its unique charm, from its earthy markets to its distinctive Palladian architecture.

A visit to Greenwich feels like a trip to a seaside town—but one with more than its fair share of historic sites and visitor attractions, all fairly close to one another—that's designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The grandiose Christopher Wren-designed Old Royal Naval Hospital was originally erected as Greenwich Hospital, a home for veteran sailors. It closed in 1869 and was reincarnated for training young officers; today it's the setting of many a blockbuster period film.

Greenwich was originally home to one of England's finest Tudor palaces, and the birthplace of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Mary I. The masterful Inigo Jones built what is considered the first "classical" building in England in 1616—the Queen's House, now housing a collection of fine art. Right next door, one of the world's largest maritime museums, the National Maritime Museum, details stories of Britain's seafaring past and also houses Nelson's bullet-pierced coat from his last battle.

Verdant Greenwich Park is London's oldest royal park; here Henry VIII introduced deer so that he could hunt. The Ranger's House now houses a private art collection, next door to a beautifully tended rose garden. Atop the park's hill is the Royal Observatory, where you can bestride two hemispheres by standing over the Greenwich Meridian Line and see a planetarium show.

In town, opposite the Greenwich Theatre, the Fan Museum is home to 4,000 fans dating as far back as the 11th century. The Clock Tower Antiques Market and the lively Greenwich Market keep browsers busy on weekends.

Toward north Greenwich, the hopelessly ambitious Millennium Dome has been successfully reborn as the O2 and has hosted a string of the world's biggest bands and stand-up comedians in memorable, if wallet-busting, gigs. Now the most popular concert venue in London, it's slated to host the gymnastics and basketball events of the 2012 Olympic Games. In the opposite direction, downstream in Woolwich, lies the Thames Flood Barrier.