15 Unique Things to do in Canary Wharf, London

Things to do in Canary Wharf: Visit Crossrail Rooftop Garden

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When I think about fun in London, Canary Wharf doesn’t exactly come to mind.

But with its endless skyscrapers and a slight New York City charm I decided to take a chance and explore a new part of the city. Venturing East I found tons of fun things to get up to so I thought I’d compile the best things to do and places to see for a jaunt in this shiny London corner.

Table of Contents

Why Visit Canary Wharf?

A docklands area blitzed during the Second World war, Canary Wharf was completely transformed into a buzzing business hub. Without any major roads, it’s extremely peaceful on the weekends making it the perfect outing to avoid the crowds or a lovely pitstop on your way to Greenwich.

Whether you’re a local or tourist alike, you’re bound to find some fun things to do and places to go for your time Canary Wharf, however brief.

Map of Things to do in Canary Wharf

In order to make the most of your time, I’ve made a Google map to download to your phone to find all the places mentioned in the post quickly. Let’s continue!

1. Roam Jubilee Park

The first thing you’ll notice once you exit Canary Wharf station (which is quite striking on its own) is Jubilee Park. Perched on top of the station its unlikely location makes you feel like you’ve left the city.

The quaint garden has little nooks of benches throughout, which if you’re anything like me you’ll take full advantage of—sitting down and looking up at the skyscrapers through the trees.

Surrounded by sculptures and a waterfall, you’ll instantly be glad you made the trip.

2. Gorge on Godiva at Jubilee Place

Because in Canary Wharf fashion, it wasn’t enough to simply have a tube station. In fact, if you venture through Jubilee Gardens you’ll soon find your way down to Jubilee Place Mall.

An underground haven of sorts, filled with all the shopping and food staples you could ask for (Hello Nandos). But I’ll let you in on a secret.

If you go down on the ground floor you’ll find the absolute best hot chocolate to ever meet the city (or at least Canary Wharf). Pop into Godiva and treat yourself with a hot chocolate or two before carrying on for the day. My personal favorite is the Hazelnut Praline Hot Chocolate with coconut milk. It’s to die for!

3. Visit the Winter Lights

If you time your visit just right you can see Canary Wharf in its full glory at the Winter Lights. With the business district asleep the area is filled with light displays and shows that will make you feel like you’ve walked into a London dystopia.

I went last year with friends and couldn’t believe how fun (and free) looking at Christmas lights could be. Many of the shows are interactive so from stepping into glowing rows of stringed lights or jumping into beaming balls it’s definitely one for the books.

4. Take in the Public Art

Sculpture Art in Canary Wharf: Places to go

Cat and Dog Art in Canary Wharf: Places to go in Canary Wharf

One of the things you’ll effortlessly do in Canary Wharf is take in the amazing public art on offer. The Canary Wharf Group put a lot of effort into adding artistic charm to the financial district, and it shows.

Commissioned from across the world Canary Wharf is dotted with beautiful sculptures, paintings and mosaics in all kinds of unlikely places.

But if I had to choose, stumbling across the Two Men on the Bench had to be my favorite.

If the art buff moves you there’s even a handy map of all the displays throughout the area so you won’t miss a thing.

5. Go Back in Time at the Breakfast Club

If you truly want to feel like you’ve stepped into the 80’s movie, head to the Breakfast club. Inspired by the iconic film the cafe’s filled with disco balls, retro booths and a very snazzy breakfast menu to match.

Slowly but surely it’s become my brunch go-to for Canary Wharf. So if you’re looking for a fun way to start your day in the area don’t forget to pop in.

6. Relax at Everyman Cinema

Things to do in Canary Wharf: Everyman Cinema

Fair warning. If you go to Everyman Cinema your standards for movie theaters may never be the same. I had heard of lifestyle movie theaters before—the kind where you trade your fizzy soda for red wine and enough recline to put airlines to shame. But I didn’t expect how much I’d absolutely swoon over the experience.

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With a new approach to cinema the food and drink selections are top notch, and the customer service makes it feel like your personal theater.

Watching Hustlers while feeling like a literal queen never felt so good and out of all the things to do in Canary Wharf, this is definitely how you’ll want to end your night in the area.

7. Get American at Big Easy

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No matter how many years I live abroad, I’ll never stop craving some good ole American grub. Which is why when I heard of Big Easy, I immediately had to book a table (yep, it gets that full).

A Bar.B.Q & Lobstershack they’ve got everything from home smoked B.B.Q to yummy frozen slushy cocktails with all the Southern interiors to match. I usually get the Home-Smoked B.B.Q Taste-O-Rama leaving the American in me very, very satisfied.

The building itself is massive, overlooking the entire area. So for an added bonus pick the right seat and take in sweeping views over Canary Wharf with your meal.

8. Stroll along the Crossrail Roof Gardens

When it comes to bringing the outdoors to the city, London overwhelmingly takes the cake. An open green space housing plants from around the world Crossrail Roof Gardens is one of those places in Canary Wharf you’ll keep coming back to.

In fact, it’s one of the largest roof gardens in London, meaning you’ve got plenty of room to wander aimlessly along all the exotic plants on offer. Depending on the time of year it also doubles as an amphitheater with free events on year-round. Win-win.

9. Walk the Crossrail Tunnel at One Canada Square

A quick look at the Canary Wharf gram and you’ll see the Crossrail Tunnel pop up more times than you can count. But sometimes the popular sights come with good reason—and if you head to One Canada Square, you’ll see why.

This futuristic tunnel is a Canary Wharf staple and used for everything from light shows to music videos. Walking through this gem of asymmetrical eye candy you’ll feel like you’re stepping through time.

If you go at the right time you can even catch it in color!

10. Get a Taste of Street Food Vans

If you’re anything like me, a bit of wandering is sure to give you the munchies. Cross over the South Quay Footbridge and you’ll find yourself surrounded by Canary Wharf’s best street food.

Don’t let their humble exteriors fool you. Street Food Vans has some of the best filling and well-priced finds I’ve seen in a while. Especially for a business district. But alas, travel blog bias must ensue, and you have to try Munchies Cubano sandwiches.

11. Get Your Sweat on at Bikram Yoga

One fateful Groupon led me to a free class at Bikram Yoga and I haven’t regretted it since. Get your sweat on at Bikram Yoga with one of their hot yoga classes. Now I’ll admit, this may not be for everyone as the heat can get intense, but I’ve never felt so good after a fitness class.

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The staff and members were super kind and helpful (even for a newbie like me) and out of all the places to go in Canary Wharf, this would definitely give you a reason to keep coming back. And of course, get your sweat on.

12. Visit the Museum of London Docklands

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Every now and then the history buff in me needs her fill. So without hesitation I decided to pay a visit to the Museum of London Docklands. Tickets are free and it’s a great way to learn about stories of London and how the docks came to be.

Split between three floors it’s a pleasant walk around and doesn’t shy away from some of its more shameful history, which I appreciate. From the outside you’d think it wasn’t that big, but there’s a ton to see so be sure to take your time roaming the displays.

13. Grab a Pint at Meantime Brewery Tour

Still patiently on my bucketlist is the Meantime Brewery Tour. Not open at the time of writing but if you get a chance you can spend a few lazy hours sipping away on London’s best craft beer. One of the more booze filled things to do near Canary Wharf, you might want to save this for last.

Fueled by liquid passion the tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable, plus they’ve got a rich lunch menu!

14. Skate at the Ice Rink

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Although there’s no shortage of things to do in London for the holiday season, ice skating at Canary Wharf is definitely up there. And I personally believe chilly evenings in London can always be remedied through a winter skate. With twinkling skyscrapers as your backdrop, it’s a must-try if you’re heading to Canary Wharf in winter.

You can beat the crowds with a morning skate, or if you’re feeling romantic, catch the sunset on the ice.

15. Explore Crossharbour

Of course, out of all the places to go in Canary Wharf I couldn’t end this post without talking about Crossharbour. In fact, this is where I used to live not long ago!

A hidden island dockside only a stone’s throw away from Canary Wharf, Crossharbour is a quiet oasis from the city, and easy to see in a day. From grabbing a bite along the river to wandering Mudchute Farm it’s a lovely local gem.

Well, there you have it. All the fun things to do and lovely places to go in Canary Wharf. I hope you make the most of your time on this side of the city!

If you liked this post don’t forget to read up on the best coffee shops and cafes in Canary Wharf!