19 best things to do in Crystal Palace: A local guide

Start your visit by stopping by the Crystal Palace Park Visitor Centre, located near the Penge Gate entrance to the park. It’s a useful first stop, with a team on hand to offer advice on what to do in Crystal Palace, as well as information about its fascinating history.

We particularly enjoyed exploring the permanent exhibition that brings the story of the park and its local communities to life, from Victorian times to today. The free exhibition explores the history of Crystal Palace, from how the famous dinosaur statues came about and how the Crystal Palace structure was moved to the park, to its days as a giant Victorian funfair and attraction and how the park has evolved into what we see today.

Best for: Getting information and advice when you first arrive, learning more about Crystal Palace’s history and picking up souvenirs and cards to send to friends and family.
Good to know: The exhibition has some fun facts about the history of Crystal Palace Park. Did you know the park once offered hot air balloon rides, as well as a topsy-turvy railway and a Fairy Archipelago complete with caves?

Explore one of London’s more unusual hidden gems at Crystal Palace Subway, a Victorian underground passageway designed by Charles Barry Junior and built in the 1860s. The subway was created to link the former Crystal Palace High Level railway station with the Crystal Palace itself, allowing first-class passengers to enter the Palace through its grand brick arches and into the magnificent glass-roofed building.

Partially restored in recent years, the subway is now a Grade II listed monument and is occasionally opened to visitors for guided tours and special events. We love its distinctive Italian cathedral-inspired architecture, with bright red brick, vaulted ceilings and ornate details making it feel quite unexpected beneath the streets of Crystal Palace.

Best for: Discovering a lesser-known piece of Crystal Palace history and seeing some impressive Victorian architecture.
Good to know: The subway is opened for guided tours and special events on selected public open days. We’d recommend checking the dates in advance, as tickets for these visits can sell out quickly.

Run by volunteers, Crystal Palace Museum recently reopened after being closed for a year following a fire. The museum traces the history of Crystal Palace and its connection to the 1851 Great Exhibition. 

Only a small number of items from the original Crystal Palace survived the devastating fire of 1936, but the museum brings its story to life through a fascinating collection of historical archives, photographs, documents, ceramics and large-scale models of the Palace. The museum itself is also part of the story, as it is the last surviving building constructed by the Crystal Palace Company. It was originally used as a classroom for the Crystal Palace Company’s School of Practical Engineering.

We’d recommend taking the time to chat to the volunteers while you’re there. They are a real treasure trove of knowledge and can share fascinating insights into Crystal Palace’s history, as well as tips on other things to see and do around the area.

Best for: Anyone wanting to learn more about the history of Crystal Palace and the Great Exhibition, as well as architecture and Victorian-era enthusiasts.
Good to know: If you become a Crystal Palace Park Member, you can access exclusive events and experiences, as well as offers on food and drink across the park.

Brown and Green Cafe is a go-to for both locals and visitors, with four locations across the neighbourhood, including one inside Crystal Palace train station, its main café on the Crystal Palace Triangle and two more within Crystal Palace Park.

The cafe is known for its classic red velvet cake and banana bread with chai and orange buttercream, but there’s plenty more to choose from. The Crystal Palace Triangle location is a local favourite for hearty breakfasts and brunches, with everything from scrambled eggs served on sourdough and toasted butties to a good choice of cooked breakfasts. Alongside the traditional English fry-up, you’ll find vegan and vegetarian options, as well as an Indian-inspired breakfast, The Masala.

Best for: Foodies looking for a hearty breakfast or brunch, or anyone after a quick snack with plenty of tempting pastries and cakes to choose from.
Good to know: Brown & Green Life cafes are closely connected to their local communities and organise regular events, including fitness classes. Check their website for the latest details. The cafes are also pet-friendly, so you can bring your four-legged friend along.

Lorenzo is a must-visit in Crystal Palace for anyone looking to tuck into Italian classics while enjoying the atmosphere of a family-run straight out of Italy. The Crystal Palace restaurant opened in 1985, with the aim of bringing the flavours of Naples and Southern Italy to South London, and its menu continues to focus on fresh produce and Italian favourites.

Staples include a selection of pizzas made with San Marzano tomato sauce and Fior di Latte mozzarella, but there’s plenty more to choose from. Other must-orders include the oven-baked layered lasagne, with its creamy béchamel sauce and Parmesan, as well as a generous selection of starters. We particularly like the Melanzane alla Parmigiana, with layers of aubergine and tomato sauce baked in the oven with mozzarella and Parmesan. If you’re particularly hungry, you can even order it as a main course.

Best for: Anyone looking for a traditional family-run Italian restaurant serving all the classics.
Good to know: If the main dining room on the ground floor looks busy, ask about dining in the restaurant’s basement dining room, which can accommodate up to 40 guests.

There aren’t many places we’d queue up for a pastry, but Chatsworth Bakehouse on Anerley Road is definitely one of them. The bakery has built quite a reputation, with an ever-changing selection of inventive bakes and pastries. You might find everything from Margherita pizza milk bread and flamed corn tomatillo buns to vanilla-glazed cinnamon rolls and Guinness cakes, and that’s just naming a few.

And if you’re here for their famous sarnies, make sure to plan ahead, as they regularly sell out. The sandwiches are made using bread baked fresh every morning, with the fillings changing each week, so there’s always something new to try.

Best for: Foodies and anyone on the hunt for a bakery doing something a little different and experimenting with flavours.
Good to know: The sarnies are extremely popular and can sell out quickly. Head to the Chatsworth Bakehouse website on Mondays to pre-order and see what sandwiches are on the menu that week.

Westow House is one of Crystal Palace best pubs, with a menu that changes seasonally, as does the pub’s selection of beers, which are sourced from independent London brewers. Head chef Stephen uses fresh, seasonal ingredients to create a menu that puts a modern twist on British pub classics, with starters including a take on Japanese karaage, swapping chicken for cauliflower and serving it with wasabi and miso mayonnaise, alongside creamy burrata with crispy artichokes, grilled nectarines, basil and pistachio pesto.

We’d particularly recommend visiting on a Sunday to try the roast, served with garlic and thyme roast potatoes, braised red cabbage, maple-roasted carrots and parsnips, a giant Yorkshire pudding and lashings of gravy. If you’re struggling to choose, the trio of roasts gives you the chance to try dry-aged British beef, Dingley Dell roast porchetta and quarter roast chicken all on one plate.

Best for: Foodies looking for a cosy gastropub serving British classics with a delicious upgrade, and anyone after a great Sunday roast.
Good to know: Sign up to the Portobello Pub Club on the pub’s website and you can get a free drink on your next visit.

Located in the heart of Crystal Palace’s bustling Westow Street, Urban Orient is a south London culinary hidden gem serving modern fusion food inspired by Vietnamese staples in a cosy and vibrant atmosphere. Part of the Viet Fusion group of three restaurants, it was brought to life by chef Kian, who competed on MasterChef Vietnam and made it to the top six. The restaurant focuses on fresh produce and vibrant flavours, quickly becoming a local favourite.

Top picks include the crunchy spring rolls, filled with a variety of vegetables and vermicelli, as well as a selection of steamed and crispy dumplings. For mains, we’d definitely recommend ordering the pho, with a wide variety of flavours and toppings to choose from.

Best for: Anyone looking to sample Vietnamese food or try something different from their usual Chinese takeaway.
Good to know: If you’re extra hungry, order the special egg noodles, served with fresh noodles, roast duck, char siu pork and vegetables, alongside a side of prawn wonton soup.

Crystal Palace Park is no ordinary park, with its famous dinosaur statues hidden among the trees and greenery in the southern part of the park. Dating back to Victorian times, these gigantic sculptures are one of the most fascinating sights in this part of south London and make for a great day out with the family. Standing around the lake, the dinosaurs appear to creep out from the murky waters, and they have recently undergone a major clean-up, helping to restore them to their former glory.

While the dinosaurs are not scientifically accurate by today's standards, this only adds to their charm and makes spotting them a fun and educational trail for children. As you wander around the lake and get up close to the statues, you’ll find information boards beside each creature packed with fun facts about the dinosaurs and the world they once inhabited.

There are plenty of other things to  do in Crystal Palace Park besides seeing its prehistoric residents. Head to the northern part of the park to see the Giant Sphinxes along the Grand Terrace, which were originally created as part of the Crystal Palace and its displays inspired by Ancient Egypt. Nearby, the Italian Terraces are adorned with sculptures and offer sweeping views across the London skyline.

Best for: Nature lovers, families and anyone looking to spend a day outdoors exploring one of South London’s most unusual parks.
Good to know: The park has a dinosaur-themed playground near Penge Gate and the Brown & Green Life Café, making it a great pit stop for families with young children.

Crystal Palace Park is home to one of the largest maze in the country, with a diameter of 49 metres and a winding network of pathways lined with towering hedgerows. The maze first opened to visitors in the 1870s and was completely redesigned and renovated in 2009 to mark the launch of Girlguiding’s Centenary celebrations. As part of the refurbishment, landscape artists introduced artwork and interactive elements throughout the maze.

New artwork makes for an educational treasure hunt, with 10 granite plaques dotted around the maze, each featuring a different symbol inspired by the park’s flora and fauna. Challenge friends and family to see who can make it to the centre and find their way out again in the fastest time navigating the towering hedgerows.

Best for: A fun challenge for all ages, whether you’re curious to see if you can find your way through the maze or fancy racing friends and family to the finish.
Good to know: The maze is located in the northern section of the park, near the Bowl. It is signposted by an arch with “The Maze” written in large golden letters.

As spring arrives and the days become brighter and warmer, the Boating Lake near the dinosaur statues comes alive with couples and families taking to the water in pedalos and rowing boats. Open from April through to October, it’s a lovely way to slow down and enjoy the park, with plenty of time to relax as you navigate the lake and spot the occasional swan and duck passing by.

And if you’re feeling peckish after all that pedalling, you’ll find a good choice of snacks, including freshly baked pastries, at Brown & Green Life, the local café tucked away near the boating lake.

Best for: Couples looking for a romantic ride on the water or families after a relaxing activity in the park.
Good to know: There’s no need to book in advance, but boats don’t operate on rainy days, so it’s worth checking the weather before you visit.

Sitting beside a small lake in the north-eastern part of Crystal Palace Park, the Crystal Palace Bowl is a historic outdoor concert venue with an impressive musical legacy. Bob Marley & The Wailers played their last and biggest London gig here in 1980, while other big names to have taken to the stage include Pink Floyd, Elton John, The Beach Boys and many more.

Loved for its fantastic acoustics and laid-back outdoor atmosphere, the venue has been brought back to its former glory in recent years, with a performance platform installed helping to revive the park’s musical scene. Palace Bowl Presents takes over the Bowl for two weeks in August as part of a summer festival series. The 2026 line-up included Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Tom Jones, Bastille, The Wombats, Lenny Kravitz and many more.

Best for: Music fans and anyone looking to enjoy a summer festival atmosphere in the heart of South London.
Good to know: We’d recommend checking when tickets for next summer’s concerts go on sale so you don’t miss out. If you’re visiting at another time of year, make sure to stop by the Bowl and look out for the plaque commemorating Bob Marley & The Wailers’ historic 1980 gig.

Located within the grounds of Crystal Palace Park and part of Capel Manor College, the Crystal Palace Park Farm is a working farm and one of the best free things to do in Crystal Palace. It is home to Shetland ponies, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens and rabbits. There’s also a reptile house where you can see snakes, lizards and a variety of insects. It’s a great day out for families, giving younger children the chance to get up close to the animals while learning more about how a farm works and what goes on behind the scenes.

Best for: Animal lovers and anyone looking for things to do in Crystal Palace with kids.
Good to know: This is a small farm, so you can see everything in around an hour. We’d recommend combining your visit with some of the other attractions in Crystal Palace Park, with the famous dinosaur statues located nearby.

Crystal Palace’s independent bookshop, Bookseller Crow on the Hill, is well worth a visit, delighting locals and visitors with its wide selection of books since 1997. The front window alone is enough to make you stop in your tracks, with the latest releases displayed in creative and eye-catching ways.

Inside, you’ll find a carefully curated space, including a section dedicated to Crystal Palace, with books exploring the area’s fascinating history as well as postcards for those looking for a souvenir. Other sections cover everything from newly released titles and fiction to crime, autobiographies as well as a foodie section, where we nearly bought Crunch: The History of Crisps.

Best for: Book lovers and anyone looking for books about Crystal Palace, as well as plenty of other topics.
Good to know: The bookshop also hosts regular events, including writing courses covering everything from TV writing to poetry and creative writing. Make sure to check their website for the latest events and information.

Make sure to wander along the quaint alleyway leading to Haynes Lane Market. Spread across two floors, the market is packed with stalls selling all things vintage, making it feel a little like a shopping maze. It’s a haven for treasure hunters, with everything from retro clothes and vinyl records to books, antiques, furniture, homeware and plenty more.

While you’re browsing, make sure to stop by Marcelo’s in the Haynes Lane Courtyard for a scoop of handmade ice cream. The team works with flavoursome produce and makes small batches each week, introducing regulars to new and unusual flavours. Made with extra-creamy oat milk, with favourite flavours including strawberry and Thai basil, pecan crumble pie and charred corn vanilla miso. 

Best for: Vintage and retro shopping, and anyone looking to hunt down hidden gems, antiques and collectibles.
Good to know: You never know what you’ll find among the many stalls at Haynes Lane Market, so make sure to bring a large bag for any treasures you pick up along the way.

If you’re on the hunt for more vintage goods, make sure to time your visit to Crystal Palace around the weekly Crystal Palace Boot. Located on the edge of Crystal Palace Park, this retro car boot sale brings together sellers offering all kinds of bric-a-brac, from vintage and pre-loved clothing and jewellery to art, prints, home décor and plenty more.

Like any good old-fashioned car boot sale, you never quite know what you’ll find among the eclectic mix of stalls. Take your time to have a rummage and you might just come across the perfect vintage gem or a bargain you weren’t expecting.

Best for: Bargain hunters and anyone looking for second-hand goods, vintage finds and quirky treasures.
Good to know: There’s no need to book, with the entry fee paid on arrival, so it’s worth bringing some cash. Entry costs £4 for early access from 7.30am, dropping to just £1 from 10am to 11.45am.

Located conveniently in the Crystal Palace Triangle and just an eight-minute walk from Crystal Palace Park, Westow House is a 22-room boutique hotel combining modern comfort with beautiful interiors inspired by the flora and fauna of Crystal Palace Park. Rooms range from Cosy Doubles to Standard Doubles or Twins and Superior Doubles, with each room featuring an en-suite bathroom, boutique toiletries and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Westow House is also home to a gastropub on the ground floor, serving fresh and seasonal food throughout the day. Breakfast and brunch favourites include avocado on sourdough with a poached egg and pickled chilli, while the house breakfast comes complete with slow-roasted tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans, bacon, eggs and sausages. There’s also a plant-based option available.

Best for: Anyone looking to stay at the heart of Crystal Palace, particularly those after a laid-back stay.
Good to know: The hotel has a luggage storage room, so make sure to ask about leaving your bags if you arrive before the 4pm check-in. This means you can head out and explore the neighbourhood while you wait for your room.

Located just a few minutes’ walk from Tulse Hill Station, the Tulse Hill Hotel is a convenient base for visiting Crystal Palace, with the neighbourhood just three stops away on the Crystal Palace train line. The hotel features nine boutique en-suite bedrooms and is also home to a gastropub serving seasonal British food, as well as a beer garden. The bedrooms range from Single and Double rooms to Superior and Family rooms, all featuring stylish modern décor, en-suite bathrooms and tea and coffee-making facilities.

The restaurant serves a gastronomic take on pub classics, including crisp battered fish and chips, alongside innovative dishes such as Black Bream and king prawn Malabar curry and Winterdale Cheddar, smoked ham hock and chicken truffle pie. Desserts are just as tempting, with highlights including a dark chocolate mousse bombe with dulce de leche and sticky toffee pudding served with maple pecans and clotted cream ice cream.

Best for: Anyone looking for small-scale accommodation with the perks of an on-site restaurant and the amenities of a boutique hotel.
Good to know: Travelling with a four-legged friend? The Tulse Hill Hotel is dog-friendly, with dogs welcome to stay in selected rooms for an additional £20.

With Croydon just 16 minutes from London Victoria by train and only one stop away from Crystal Palace, Hilton London Croydon makes a convenient base for exploring the area. This four-star hotel combines quiet luxury with modern, spacious bedrooms, free access to an on-site fitness centre and 24-hour room service serving a tempting selection of dishes. You can also upgrade your stay with access to the exclusive Hilton Private Wellness Area, featuring spa facilities including a sauna, steam room and relaxation beds.

The Hilton hotel offers a wide choice of rooms and suites, including Standard and Deluxe options, with breakfast served every morning at The Larder Restaurant. The breakfast buffet also features wellness stations with superfoods and the option to make your own smoothie.

Best for: Those looking for a luxury stay with plenty of amenities, as well as visitors keen to enjoy wellness and spa facilities.
Good to know: After relaxing at the spa, treat yourself to the Wellness Afternoon Tea, a healthier take on the traditional afternoon tea featuring fresh sandwiches, sweet treats, nutritious snacks and an immunity-boosting smoothie shot.