Visiting London and looking to explore some vibrant, modern neighborhoods that are loved by locals but overlooked by most tourists? Canary Wharf is the perfect spot! Best known as a financial district with an iconic skyline, this dynamic area also offers a mix of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences and gives you a good taste of everyday life in London.
Canary Wharf is bursting with energy and is rapidly transforming into one of London’s most exciting neighborhoods. With new bars, restaurants, green spaces, and activities constantly popping up, it’s a fantastic spot to explore.
From the waterside charm of Wood Wharf to the serene Jubilee Park and the iconic skyline of Canada Square, there’s plenty to discover – whether you have a few hours or a few days.
In this guide, you’ll find the best things to do in Canary Wharf, top bars and restaurants, as well as some practical information for your visit.
We hope that this insider’s guide will give you a better idea of what to expect at Canary Wharf and inspire you to get to explore a different side of London, beyond its most popular tourist attractions.
Good to know: This article is published with the help and tips of Helen & Andrew of Travel And Squeak. They have lived in London for more than 6 years, and have visited Canary Wharf many times.
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Here are the best things to do in Canary Wharf:
1. Enjoy Sweeping Views from a Rooftop Bar
With its stunning waterfront location surrounded by the River Thames and towering high-rise buildings, one of the top things to do in Canary Wharf is to enjoy the stunning views from its incredible rooftop bars.
At the top of the list is Bōkan Restaurant, Bar, and Roof Terrace, located on the 38th floor of the Novotel. This sky-high, three-story restaurant with a chic interior and an alfresco dining terrace, offers jaw-dropping views of London’s ever-expanding skyline. Even the bathrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, so the views never stop!
TIP: If you are looking for a nice place to stay, the Canary Wharf Novotel Hotel is a very popular choice in this part of London. Staying here, you can enjoy those stunning rooftop views every day!
In addition, there are more great rooftop bars in Canary Wharf. Here are some additional suggestions:
- Oasis Bar & Terrace: with views across Canada Square Park to the outdoor cinema; perfect for a summer afternoon drink.
- Pergola on the Wharf: set in the beautiful gardens of Crossrail Place Roof Garden (more on that later).
- The Cocktail Club: with a large outdoor terrace overlooking the water to the historical West India Quay.
Good to know: Some of the rooftop bars and restaurants can get really busy, so you may want to check their websites and reserve in advance.
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2. Explore Canary Wharf on Foot
Exploring Canary Wharf on foot is one of the best ways to experience the area, discover its hidden gems, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and take in some of the best views in London!
Whether you’re in the mood for a peaceful stroll through lush parks, a historic walk that reveals the area’s rich past, or a waterside promenade along scenic pathways, Canary Wharf has something for everyone.
Here are some of the best spots for a leisurely walk in Canary Wharf:
- Wood Wharf: A stunning waterside promenade framed by modern skyscrapers, with benches perfect for soaking up the views.
- Jubilee Park: A serene green space with calming water features, offering a moment of peace amid the city’s bustle.
- The Thames Path: With breathtaking views across the river to the O2 Arena, plus several art installations along the way.
- Narrow Street: Cobblestone roads, historic buildings, and cozy pubs give you a glimpse into the area’s charming past.
- West India Quay: A captivating blend of old and new, where gleaming skyscrapers rise behind beautifully restored warehouses.
Further below, you can find additional information about some of these areas.
3. Escape the Hustle at the Crossrail Place Roof Garden
The Crossrail Place Roof Garden is one of locals’ favorite spots to visit in Canary Wharf.
Located in the heart of London’s bustling Financial District, this roof garden is somewhat comparable to Sky Garden which used to be one of the best hidden gems of London, but is not so secret anymore… The Crossrail Place Roof Garden is incomparably quieter and is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy streets below.
Canary Wharf is located just north of Greenwich and this roof garden sits almost on the Prime Meridan Line. So all the plants here are arranged based on the hemisphere they’re from. Ferns and other plants from the Americas are to the west and bamboo and other plants from Asia are to the east.
You can walk around and admire exotic plants and greenery or simply relax on one of the many benches scattered among the plants.
Good to know: The Crossrail Place Roof Garden is free to visit and is one of the best free viewpoints in London. It’s open daily until 9 PM (or sunset in the summer). There’s also a performance space hosting various performances. See the official website for more info if you want to see if there are any events at the time of your visit.
READ ALSO: Best Views & Viewpoints in London
4. Walk Through the Crossrail Place Footbridge
Officially called the Adams Plaza Bridge, this long tunnel-like footbridge is located underneath the Crossrail Place Roof Garden. It’s one of the quirkiest and most Instagrammable places to visit in Canary Wharf.
The East London-based artist Camille Walala gave this bridge a complete makeover a few years ago and it now looks like a real artwork. With vibrant bold colors and geometric shapes, the bridge’s appearance changes a bit depending on the light and between day and night. But no matter when you visit, it’s really nice to see!
Good to know: The Crossrail Place Footbridge connects One Canada Square to the Elizabeth Line of London’s subway system, aka The Tube. So if you are arriving in Canary Wharf by metro, you’ll likely pass this bridge anyway. And otherwise, definitely look it up!
5. Unwind at the Jubilee Park
Jubilee Park is a serene green escape in the heart of Canary Wharf, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the towering glass skyscrapers. This beautifully landscaped park features a stunning 23-pool cascading water feature, creating a tranquil atmosphere perfect for unwinding.
Whether you’re grabbing a book or just looking for a quiet spot to relax, Jubilee Park provides a refreshing break from the busy financial district. The park’s design, with its arches and bold shapes, stands in deliberate contrast to the sleek, geometric high-rises around it, adding to its charm.
TIP: Jubilee Park is a great spot for a midday escape, especially if you’re spending a busy day exploring Canary Wharf!
6. Explore West India Quay
Exploring West India Quay is a must when visiting Canary Wharf, offering a glimpse into the area’s rich history. This part of Canary Wharf is very different and feels worlds away from the shiny glass skyscrapers, with its beautiful Grade I listed buildings and converted warehouses.
Once home to the West India Docks, the first cargo docks in the Port of London where goods like coffee, rum, and sugar were unloaded, this area is steeped in history. Despite surviving bombings during the Blitz, the old warehouses have been beautifully restored and now house vibrant bars, restaurants, shops, and apartments.
West India Quay offers a perfect mix of history and modern culture, making it one of the most unique spots to visit in the area!
TIP: A must-see highlight here is the Museum of London Docklands, where you can dive into 400 years of Docklands history. This is one of the best – and free – things to do in Canary Wharf.
7. Be a Kid Again at Fairgame or Play Minigolf
If you are looking for something fun to do in Canary Wharf, check out Fairgame, a fun entertainment venue that combines fairground-style games with a contemporary, social atmosphere, and simple good food.
From skee ball to roll-a-ball Derby to Whack-a-mole and more, all hooked up to the latest tech, a visit here is like a trip back in time to play your favorite fairground games, but with a modern twist.
In addition, you can find some great street food and their bar serves delicious cocktails, craft beer, and even prosecco candy floss and boozy sweets; the ultimate sugar rush you would experience at the fairground as a kid.
Good to know: While their slogan is ‘eat, drink, and be a kid again’, Fairgame is an adult-only venue (18+). You can find more practical information on their website.
Alternatively, check out the Minigolf by Craig and Karl. In the summer season, Artists Craig Redman and Karl Maier help transform Montgomery Square into a vibrant colorful minigolf course. It’s free to play, just turn up, grab a putt, and enjoy an hour or so with colleagues, friends, or kids.
TIP: If you are visiting London with a family, check out our favorite activities and places to go via the links below!
READ ALSO: London with Kids & Free Things to Do in London with Kids & London with Teens
8. Shop Till You Drop at Canary Wharf Shopping Centre
Canary Wharf Shopping Centre is a shopper’s paradise, made up of five malls: Jubilee Place, Cabot Place, Canada Square, Crossrail Place, and Churchill Place. Except for Crossrail Place, these malls are conveniently connected underground, allowing you to explore them all without stepping outside.
With over 300 shops and dining establishments, a visit here is a must. Whether you’re browsing luxury brands or high-street favorites, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye.
Good to know: Canary Wharf’s shopping experience is not just about the stores. It’s a really nice spot to relax, unwind, and enjoy the vibrant surroundings. So don’t miss it!
9. Enjoy Street Food at Market Halls Cargo Canary Wharf
With stunning views across the canal, Market Halls Cargo is the go-to spot for enjoying some of London’s best street food in Canary Wharf. It’s the perfect place for lunch or dinner, offering a variety of incredible food options.
With 8 different eateries and 3 bars to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for tacos, Malaysian cuisine, buttermilk fried chicken, juicy burgers, Thai dishes, or fresh sushi, you’re sure to find something delicious.
To top it all off, you can enjoy live music, sports screenings, and special events, making it a lively spot to hang out.
Good to know: Market Halls Cargo offers both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can savor your meal while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of Canary Wharf! For more info, see their website.
That wraps up our recommendations for the very best things to do in Canary Wharf. Now, let’s take a look at some practical tips and useful info for your visit.
Where is Canary Wharf & How to Get There
Canary Wharf is located in East London, embraced by a sweeping curve of the River Thames, just 6 miles (10 kilometers) east of central London and just north of Greenwich. It’s very well connected with various transport options including metro, DLR, and various buses.
TIP: The quickest way to get here is by tube to Canary Wharf Station. The most scenic way is by boat. Thames Clippers offers river bus services between London Waterloo and Woolwich. Journey time is around 30 minutes.
Where to Stay
If you consider staying at Canary Wharf, here are some of the best-rated hotels in this area for different budgets:
- Budget: Point A Hotel.
- Mid-budget: Novotel Canary Wharf.
- Luxury: Canary Riverside Plaza Hotel.
Good to know: The best places to see and main attractions of Canary Wharf are all within walking distance of each other. So all of these accommodations are convenient for exploring the area, but also the rest of London.
Restaurants in Canary Wharf
There are so many amazing restaurants in Canary Wharf and new ones are continually popping up as the area becomes more residential. So you’ll have no trouble finding something to suit your taste and budget.
Here are some of the best restaurants we recommend in Canary Wharf:
- Dishoom. This is an upscale Indian restaurant serving delicious Bombay comfort food overlooking the water in Wood Wharf.
- Hawksmoor. This eco-friendly floating pavilion serves high-quality British produce with grass-fed, dry-aged ethically reared beef and sustainable seafood from the South Coast of England.
- Big Easy. This is a casual laid-back restaurant that draws inspiration from the 19th-century rib shacks and BBQ joints of the American Gulf Coast. It’s a great place for lobster and seafood as well as BBQ. You’ll also find live music 7 nights a week.
- MMY Wood Wharf is a sustainable community market on the waterside promenade. They serve a range of food including Chinese street food, pasta, pizza, Mexican, and Indian. There’s even a grocery store selling products from organic and local producers.
- Roka. This is one of the top restaurants in Canary Wharf! A gorgeous place serving modern Japanese robatayaki cuisine and premium sushi against a backdrop of the Canary Wharf skyline.
Bars in Canary Wharf
With rooftops, outdoor terraces and waterside drinking establishments, Canary Wharf is one of the best places in London to enjoy some drinks. Here are some of the best bars in Canary Wharf:
- Bokan. As already mentioned, this is one of the best rooftop bars in Canary Wharf with incredible views over the city.
- Oasis Bar & Terrace offers great views of Canada Square Park, home to an outdoor cinema in the summer and a festive ice rink in the winter.
- The Alchemist is one of the best spots for cocktails in Canary Wharf with interactive drinks served in vessels that will dazzle you.
- Munich Cricket Club is a German beer bar with Bavarian-imported beers and typical foods. On some nights, they also have live Oom-pah music.
- No. 35 Mackenzie Walk. Enjoy delicious cocktails on the outdoor terrace with beautiful waterside views. If you’re hungry, there’s some delightful light bites as well as bigger meals
- The Gun. Housed in a Grade-II listed building, this bar offers spectacular views across The Thames from its large outdoor terrace. You can enjoy both a laidback pub atmosphere for a casual drink or a more upmarket meal in the restaurant
So, this is our guide to Canary Wharf. As you can see, this vibrant business district has so much more to offer than it looks at first sight!
From beautiful green parks and iconic modern skyscrapers to historic warehouses and many fun activities, there are so many reasons to visit Canary Wharf, whether for a day or just a few hours.
TIP: If you are looking for more inspiration for places to visit in London, we have tons of similar guides and travel itineraries. From the most popular tourist attractions to hidden gems and quirky neighborhoods, discover the very best that London has to offer. See a small selection of our articles via the links below or go straight to our UK page for a complete overview!
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