Think Canary Wharf is just banks and skyscrapers? Look again. This riverside neighbourhood has roof gardens, public art, waterside walks and some of London’s best shopping and dining.
It may be London’s second financial district, but there is far more to it than glass towers. From green spaces and unique experiences to fascinating history, Canary Wharf deserves more attention. I might be a little biased, as my family come from this part of London and I have spent a lot of time here, but I think it is one of the city’s most underrated neighbourhoods.
Here is how to spend a few hours or a full day exploring it.
At a glance
Not got time to read the whole post? Here’s the quick rundown on the best things to do in Canary Wharf:
- Learn about Docklands at the Museum of London Docklands
- Spot skyline landmarks like One Canada Square
- Relax in Canada Square Park or wander the Crossrail Place Roof Garden
- Walk the Thames Path or ride the riverboat
- Shop five interconnected malls with 120+ stores
- Eat and drink at Market Halls or Big Easy
- Try a GoBoat or hot-tub boat for something different
- Visit seasonal highlights like the Ice Rink or Winter Lights Festival
- Explore nearby: West India Quay, Mudchute Farm, Billingsgate Market, The Gun, the Sunborn Hotel, the Thames Barrier
A little bit about Canary Wharf
It is hard to believe now, but London was once the busiest port in the world. Ships often had to wait weeks to unload, with goods spoiling or sometimes being stolen. To solve the problem, Parliament approved new docks on the Isle of Dogs in 1799, which opened in 1802 and were named after the countries their cargo came from.
By the 1970s, things had shifted. Modern container ships were too large for the shallow docks and trade moved elsewhere. The docks finally closed in 1980. Over the following years, the area was completely reshaped. London City Airport opened, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) arrived, and developers built the skyscrapers that now define Canary Wharf’s skyline.
At first glance, the district can seem a little cut off from central London, and it is easy to think there is no reason to go unless you work there. But look closer and you will find an area that has steadily grown into a lively mix of offices, shops, restaurants, green spaces and cultural attractions.
Exploring Canary Wharf
Museums and iconic buildings
Museum of London Docklands
The Museum of London Docklands is a brilliant way to discover the area’s history and makes an excellent stop while exploring Canary Wharf.
While the main Museum of London is currently closed ahead of its move to West Smithfield (reopening as The London Museum in 2026), the Docklands branch remains open and just as fascinating.
While the main Museum of London is currently closed ahead of its move to West Smithfield (reopening as The London Museum in 2026), the Docklands branch is very much open and just as fascinating.
Housed in a historic warehouse on West India Quay, only a short walk from Canary Wharf, the museum tells the story of the River Thames and the city’s docklands. From the rise of trade and the bustling docks to the area’s modern transformation, it brings London’s past to life in an accessible way.
Entry is free, so it’s an easy addition to any Canary Wharf day out.
One Canada Square
If there is one building that sums up Canary Wharf, it is One Canada Square. Even if the name does not ring a bell, you will almost certainly recognise the tower with its pyramid-shaped roof. It is one of the most striking parts of London’s skyline.
The skyscraper has 50 floors and stands 235 metres tall. For years it held the title of the UK’s tallest building, until The Shard came along and overtook it. It is packed with offices, so you cannot wander inside, but it is impressive up close.
If you are in the area at night, glance up and you will see the red light flashing at the very top. It is there as an aircraft warning light, but it adds a distinctive touch to the tower after dark.
Parks and roof gardens
You wouldn’t expect much greenery among the skyscrapers, but Canary Wharf has over 20 landscaped parks and squares.
Canada Square Park
Right in the heart of Canary Wharf, Canada Square Park is buzzing year-round. In summer, it hosts concerts, dance shows, and big-screen sports and film screenings, while in winter it transforms into a pop-up ice rink where you can skate beneath the skyline. Even on quieter days, it’s a great spot to grab a drink and soak up the atmosphere.
Crossrail Place Roof Garden
Mention Crossrail to most Londoners and you’ll probably get an eye roll. The project to link East and West London felt like it took forever, and it definitely made some of my journeys around the city trickier at times.
In the end it was worth the wait, not only for the quicker travel but also for one of its hidden gems: the Crossrail Place Roof Garden.
Perched above the Elizabeth line station at Canary Wharf, it feels a world away from the busy streets below. The planting reflects the area’s maritime history, with species from around the world. There is also a 60-seat performance space with regular summer shows.
Best of all, the gardens are open every day and completely free to visit.
Jubilee Park
Jubilee Park might look like a regular green space at first, but it is actually a roof garden built above an underground station and shopping centre.
The three-acre park is lined with trees and has a long water feature running through the middle, which gives it a calm, almost hidden-away feel. Nestled among the surrounding skyscrapers, it is a popular spot for office workers to take a break and enjoy some peace and quiet.
It is a real oasis in the middle of Canary Wharf and a lovely place to pause before carrying on with your day.
Westferry Circus
On the western edge of Canary Wharf, right by the River Thames, you will find Westferry Circus. This circular landscaped garden is a little quieter than the other parks in the area, which makes it a nice spot to step away from the busy streets.
It is often the first part of the Canary Wharf estate you see if you are arriving by road from the west, and it feels like a gateway into the area. With its neat layout and greenery surrounded by the skyline, it offers a calm place to pause before exploring further.
Other parks and green spaces around Canary Wharf include
- Bank Street Park – located near Middle Dock and often home to pop-ups including a mini golf course
- Cabot Square – a huge fountain takes centre stage in this square
- Columbus Courtyard – located on the west side of the Canary Wharf area. Look out for pieces of public art dotted around
- Harbour Quay – an area by the River Thames with a boardwalk and fitness equipment
- Montgomery Square – an area opposite the station, you’ll often find events going on here along with a street food market
Riverside Walks and Boat Rides
Stroll along the River Thames
One of the simple pleasures of London life is walking the Thames, and Canary Wharf is no exception. The Thames Path runs right past the estate. Head east towards the Woolwich Foot Tunnel and the England Coast Path, or west back towards central London.
Tip | If you are walking in the evening, time it for sunset. The light reflecting off the river and glass towers makes for some brilliant photos.
Take a boat ride along the River Thames
If walking feels a bit too energetic, hop on a boat instead. Canary Wharf has its own pier where the UberBoat by Thames Clippers stops, linking the area with the City of London and further along the river.
I did a simple round trip last summer and it was a cheap, easy way to see the riverside. There’s no commentary and you share with commuters, but the views are lovely.
Tip | Head for the open deck if the weather is decent. You will get the best views and photo opportunities as you sail past London’s landmarks.
Shopping in Canary Wharf
When Canary Wharf first opened, it felt like one of London’s best-kept secrets. Hardly anyone seemed to know you could shop there, and it was blissfully quiet compared to Oxford Street. I’d head over at the weekend or pop in on my way home from work and feel like I was in on a secret.
Those days are long gone, but it is still a brilliant place to shop. The area has grown massively, and now more than 120 stores fill five interconnected malls: Cabot Place, Canada Place, Churchill Place, Crossrail Place and Jubilee Place. You’ll find plenty of big-name brands and household favourites.
The malls are linked together, but don’t be surprised if you get a bit lost while exploring. I’ve been visiting for more than 20 years (and even ran through the estate twice during the London Marathon) and I still sometimes get lost.
The best bit? Most of the shopping is indoors, so you can browse without worrying about the rain.
Where to eat and drink
Whatever your taste, Canary Wharf has plenty of options when it comes to food and drink. You can go fancy with fine dining, keep it casual with chain restaurants inside the shopping malls, or try something different at the many independent spots, bars and street food stalls dotted around the estate.
Market Halls Canary Wharf
Market Halls is an indoor street food market that’s perfect if you want variety. From pasta to burgers to dim sum, there’s something for everyone, plus two bars, a coffee stand and plenty of seating. My top tip is the pasta from Pasta Evangelist, it is delicious.
Big Easy
Big Easy is hard to miss. Sitting on top of the Elizabeth line station in one of the most eye-catching buildings on the estate, it offers great views as well as hearty food. It is a lively spot that’s perfect for a meal out with friends.
Unique things to do on the water
Hire a GoBoat
From spring through to autumn, you can take to the water yourself by hiring a GoBoat. No boating experience is needed, the team gives you a quick lesson before you set off and provides route maps so you know where to go.
The boats are family-friendly and easy to handle, and you can hire them for one, two or three hours. That gives you plenty of time to cruise around the docks at your own pace and see Canary Wharf from a different angle.
Skuna Hot-Tub and BBQ Boats
If you are after something a bit different to do in Canary Wharf, this has to be it. Skuna lets you hire a boat with either a built-in hot tub or a BBQ on board.
The hot tub boats are filled with fresh water and heated to a lovely 38 degrees, so you can sit back and relax as you cruise around the docks, whatever the weather. The BBQ boats are just as fun. You can grill your own food while floating past the skyline, either bringing your own supplies or booking one of their food packages.
It is a quirky, memorable way to explore the area and definitely one for the list if you want to try something new in London.
Seasonal Events
Canary Wharf Ice Rink
London is full of pop-up ice rinks in winter, and the Canary Wharf Ice Rink is one of the best. Open from October to February, it lets you skate with the glittering skyscrapers as your backdrop.
Whether you are gliding confidently or clinging to the side, it is a fun way to spend a winter’s evening. Afterwards, you can warm up with a drink in one of the nearby bars.
It is a classic seasonal outing and a lovely excuse to see Canary Wharf lit up at night.
Winter Lights Festival
Every winter, Canary Wharf is lit up by the Winter Lights Festival, a dazzling trail of more than 20 illuminated artworks and installations. Some of the permanent light pieces in the area are included too, so you get a mix of temporary and long-term displays.
It is a great way to see Canary Wharf in a completely different light (literally) and also doubles as a tour of the area, since the trail weaves you through parks, squares and dockside paths.
Wrap up warm and wear comfortable shoes though, as it does involve a fair bit of walking. When I visited on the very last night it was absolutely packed, so I would recommend going earlier in the run if you can.
Nearby Docklands attractions
West India Quay
Just north of Canary Wharf sits West India Quay, once the busy heart of London’s trade with the West Indies. This is where ships unloaded cargo like tea and sugar into the grand brick warehouses that lined the waterfront.
Fast forward to today and the historic warehouses are still standing, now Grade II listed, but with a very different role. Instead of goods, they are filled with bars, restaurants and places to relax, making the quay a lively spot to eat, drink and soak up the atmosphere by the water.
IFS Cloud Cable Car
For a different perspective on London, take a ride on the IFS Cloud Cable Car. Floating 90 metres above the River Thames, it connects the Greenwich Peninsula with the Royal Docks and has been carrying passengers for over a decade.
The short trip gives you sweeping views across the city, and on a clear day you can spot landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It is a fun way to see London from above and adds a little adventure to your visit.
Read more: The cable car brings you right next to The O2, making it easy to combine with a visit. Here are some of the best things to do at The O2
Mudchute Farm
Tucked just a short walk from Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers is something you might not expect at all — London’s largest city farm.
Mudchute Farm is a working farm with over 200 animals, from cows and horses to sheep, pigs and rabbits. It is a brilliant contrast to the glass towers nearby and a great spot if you fancy something a little different during your visit.
I once volunteered here as part of a community project, painting fences and tidying up, and it turned out to be a really fun and inspiring day. Whether you pop in for a quick wander or stay longer to explore, the farm is well worth a visit.
Billingsgate Market
Billingsgate is the UK’s largest inland fish market, located in Poplar just a short distance from Canary Wharf. Covering 13 acres, it is home to cold rooms, freezers, stalls, shops and cafés, and it has been a key part of London’s food scene for decades.
More than 250,000 tonnes of fish pass through here each year, heading to fishmongers, restaurants and locals stocking up for the weekend. The market is busiest in the early hours, when deliveries arrive from coastal ports across the UK, so if you want to see it in full swing, you’ll need an early start.
The Gun Pub
The Gun is a historic riverside pub just a short walk from Canary Wharf. Dating back to the 18th century, it takes its name from a cannon fired to celebrate the opening of the West India Docks in 1802.
Inside, it is full of cosy character, while outside you can enjoy spectacular river views, including one of the best vantage points of The O2 across the Thames. Whether you stop in for a drink or a hearty meal, it is a great spot to refuel after exploring the area.
Stay at the Sunborn Hotel
If you have ever wanted to stay on a luxury yacht, you can do just that not far from Canary Wharf. Permanently moored in Royal Victoria Dock, the Sunborn Hotel is a stylish floating hotel with elegant rooms, chic restaurants and great views of the water.
It is a unique place to spend a night in London and a fun way to experience a little bit of the high life without ever leaving the dock. If you do not stay overnight, you can still visit the bar or restaurant and enjoy the views.
Visit the Thames Barrier
The Thames Barrier is one of the world’s largest moveable flood defences and plays a vital role in protecting London from flooding. Stretching 520 metres across the river, its ten steel gates can be raised whenever high tides or storm surges threaten the city.
Since it first became operational in 1982, the barrier has been closed more than 200 times. It is an impressive piece of engineering and worth seeing if you are exploring East London.
There is also a small information centre where you can learn more about how the barrier works, complete with a working model and a virtual technical tour. Visits must be booked in advance as it is not open for walk-ins.
Even if you do not go inside, the barrier is striking to view from the riverside and makes for a good photo stop.
Suggested itineraries
- 2 hours: Crossrail Place Roof Garden → Canada Square Park → quick Thames Path stroll.
- Half day: Museum of London Docklands → West India Quay → lunch at Market Halls → Jubilee Park.
- Full day: Morning at the museum → lunch at Big Easy → GoBoat hire → rooftop drink or evening screening in Canada Square Park.
Read more: If you are extending your day, hop on a boat west to Tower Bridge and check out my post on things to do near Tower Bridge
Getting to Canary Wharf
- Elizabeth line: 15 minutes from Tottenham Court Road, around an hour from Heathrow.
- Jubilee line: Canary Wharf station.
- DLR: Canary Wharf, Heron Quays, and West India Quay
- Thames Clippers: River bus services stop at Canary Wharf Pier. I once discovered that doing a round trip is a surprisingly cheap way to see London from the river.
The last word
Canary Wharf may not be the first place you think of for a day out in London, but it should be. Between roof gardens, museums, riverside walks and great food, there is so much more to it than offices. I have been visiting for years and still discover something new each time.
If you are planning a London itinerary, set aside a few hours to explore Canary Wharf. You might be surprised at just how much this part of the city has to offer.