Canary Wharf may well conjure up images offaceless businessmen and women in suits lining the tube carriages and escalators around the station, but it’s actually an incredibly exciting neighbourhood to visit or even to live in if you are considering moving into London. Intrigued? Then keep on reading.
If you know anything about London, you’ll know that Canary Wharf is its key financial centre. However, it’s also begun to attract tourists too, who are flocking to the area’s chic hotels, modern holiday apartments, breathtaking skyline view and amazing local amenities. You’ll also be pleasantly surprised just how much there is to do there!
Canary Wharf - getting there
If you are flying, the best option is London City Airport, which has convenient links with Canary Wharf.
Sitting on the Jubilees line a little South East of town and in London’s Docklands area, travelling to Canary Wharf from Bank is also amazingly simple thanks to the DLR.
If you don’t fancy the driverless light rail line above, then you could also indulge yourself and take the riverboat service to Canary Wharf Pier from London Bridge, Chelsea and Greenwich. It’s surprisingly inexpensive. Plus there are plenty of bus lines to choose from, too.
The upcoming Elizabeth Line will also have a Canary Wharf stop, too, putting you in Farringdon in just eight minutes. Now, doesn’t that sound like a commuter’s dream?
Things to do and see in Canary Wharf, attractions and places of interest
The iconic Museum of London has a Canary Wharf branch that will give you a colourful insight into the Docklands - it’s free entry, too!
The area also has one of the UK’s largest collections of public art, putting everything from installations to sculptures in easy walking distance of each other. Simply stroll where your feet take you, or take a peek at this little Art Map.
Crossrail Place is already beginning to prep itself for the brand new line that will be opening in the area. It boasts an impressive roof garden that is free entry, with enormous windows and packed full of plants. It is also a performance space, playing host to Giant Robot; a street food fiesta that’s guaranteed to excite the senses.
Things to eat, where to eat in Canary Wharf
Catering to a variety of clients, Canary Wharf has a lot on offer when it comes to dining. Of course, you’ll find plenty of chains here, but also a few delectable gems.
Havez sits right on the water and is famed for Eastern Mediterranean cuisine. Here, you can sample classics like kofta, moussaka, spicy seafood, borek and more at a price that’s extremely forgiving.
The slick and sophisticated Plateau serves classical French cuisine with a wine list which seemingly goes on forever. It also boasts wonderful views of Canary Wharf through its floor-to-ceiling windows.
At Chai Ki you’ll be able to indulge in some Indian soul food like coconut and turmeric prawns. And if it’s a sharing platter that you fancy, Iberica offers phenomenal tapas like chorizo lollipops and squid spread. Perfect for getting your evening started.
If you’d like somewhere for a proper night’s food and fun, Boisdale serves contemporary Scottish cuisine alongside live music, drinks and one hell of a view of the city as the sun goes down.
Things to drink in Canary Wharf
You won’t find much in the way of nightclubs in the area, but there are plenty of bars to choose from. Why not go all out at Rum and Sugar? This Caribbean bar serves over 200 different types of rum and its certain to leave you more than a little blurry-eyed when heading for your next stop on a Friday night.
For something a little more refined, Davy’s offers a curated wine selection in an intimate setting. There’s plenty on offer here to excite even the most jaded of wine lovers as well as those on a budget. You can even book a private tasting room, too.
If you’d like to float high about the city for an evening, then Bokan is the place to go. Their rooftop terrace offers incredible views and an even more impressive drinks list as well as cozy chairs for long, summer nights.
Are you looking for staycation in Canary Wharf area? Plan your visit with us - we compare hundreds of fares and hotel deals from all the top travel websites.