35 Fun & Unique Things to Do in Canary Wharf, London [2026 GUIDE]
Looking for unique things to do in Canary Wharf? Look no further! Here’s the best things to do in the area — from a Londoner!
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Canary Wharf London is one of those neighbourhoods that’s always on a mission to surprise you.
Its endless skyscrapers and hoards of busy 9-5 Londoners may have you fooled into believing there’s not much more to do here than look at shiny buildings and briefly feel like you’re in New York’s financial district.
But, if you’re willing to give it a chance, you’ll soon find this East London district has much to offer beyond its office space.
In this post, I’ll be sharing my personal Canary Wharf guide with the best and most unique things to do in the neighbourhood—including Canary Wharf secret places, Canary Wharf places to eat for foodies, the coolest outdoor activities in Canary Wharf, Canary Wharf bars and so much more!
About the Author
Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.
On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.
P.S. – For more trip inspiration, travel videos, and behind-the-scenes adventures, be sure to follow along (and say hello, if you fancy) on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.
🗞️📺As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.
Unique Things to Do in Canary Wharf
P.S. – Explore London like a local with my London Explorer Guides 🇬🇧
Custom itineraries designed to help you discover London neighbourhoods and areas to the fullest
TOP HOTEL IN CANARY WHARF
Looking to stay in the area? The best hotel in Canary Wharf is Hilton London Canary Wharf.
✔️ 5 minutes’ walk from Canary Wharf station
✔️ Sauna, steam room, and all-day business centre
✔️ Modern international cuisine, drinks and cocktails
My second favourite is TRIBE Canary Wharf.
Canary Wharf History (& Why You Should Visit)
Once a docklands area blitzed during the Second World war, Canary Wharf was completely transformed into the buzzing business hub it is today (since 1995 when it was bought up by the wealthy Canary Wharf Group plc).
As a neighbourhood 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 in Canary Wharf. However long you choose to visit!
1. Stroll along the Crossrail Place Roof Garden
When it comes to bringing the outdoors to the city, London overwhelmingly takes the cake, especially at the Crossrail Place Roof Garden (it’s 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.
Plus, depending on the time of year, it also doubles as an amphitheatre with free events on year-round. Win-win!
On the floors underneath this hidden oasis is the not so hidden Crossrail Place, yet another shopping centre in London giving you an al fresco experience with some unmissable spots to eat and shop like Pergola on the Wharf.
2. 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 and the backdrop for the magical Canary Wharf Winter Lights.
Walking through this gem of asymmetrical eye candy will make you feel like you’re stepping through time.
3. Visit the Museum of London Docklands
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.
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.
Tickets are free and it’s a great way to learn about stories of London and how the docks came to be!
4. 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!
5. 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’ve been year after year with friends and couldn’t believe how fun (and free) looking at light installations 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.
6. Take in the Canary Wharf Public Art
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.
One of the most popular pieces is the Traffic Light Tree statue created by Pierre Vivant, and without giving anything away, it depicts exactly how I think people who drive in Central London feel with all the craziness, lol!
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.
7. 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 in Canary Wharf.
Inspired by the iconic film, the cafe’s filled with disco balls, retro booths and a very snazzy breakfast menu to match (you’ll be full all day!).
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.
P.S. – I recommend the Big Stack Pancakes! See menu.
8-15. Take Up Canary Wharf’s Brunch Scene
A boozy weekend brunch at Big Easy in Canary Wharf!
Fun things to do anywhere in London almost always include starting with brunch, and in Canary Wharf – it’s no different.
Tuck into an absolutely delicious morning bite at some of my favourites like:
8. Big Easy Canary Wharf: They serve a mean weekend BBQ bottomless brunch
9. Pergola on the Wharf: Yummy nature-inspired brunch with airy vibes!
10. Caravan Canary Wharf Restaurant: Industrial all-day breakfast spot great for a casual cafe bite before hitting the neighbourhood up
11. The Ivy Canary Wharf: Delicious modern British brunch finds in a classic posh setting
12. Dishoom Canary Wharf: Iconic Indian restaurant with a fantastic Bombay-style brunch
13. Joe Blake’s Canary Wharf: A no-fuss cafe from Hackney to Canary Wharf with excellent flat whites and pastries
14. Neama: A chilled coffeehouse with cosy neighbourhood vibes and a simple brunch menu
15. Grateful Kitchen: A simple Canary Wharf brunch spot right near Jubilee Park, great for coffee and pastries!
Related Posts: The BEST Brunch Spots in Canary Wharf (from a Londoner)
16. Market Halls Cargo Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf’s newest place to be in undoubtedly Market Halls Cargo Canary Wharf.
Fit with 3 bars and 8 delicious market stalls from sexy buns to gourmet kebabs it’s quickly become a local staple since its opening in 2022, and is a great place to end a day in the neighbourhood.
17. Gorge on Godiva at Jubilee Place
True to 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.
It’s an underground haven of sorts, filled with all the shopping and food staples you could ask for, but if 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.
P.S. – My personal favourite is the Hazelnut Praline Hot Chocolate with coconut milk. It’s delectable 3000!
Read more: 7 Best Canary Wharf Coffee Shops & Cafes (from a local!)
18 – 24. Canary Wharf Bar Scene
If there’s one thing that’s true of London it’s that where there are office workers, there will be bars – and fantastic ones at that.
Canary Wharf has loads of fab bars to have a tipple in, including:
18. The Boathouse London – Lovely boathouse bar with river views
19. The Cocktail Club Canary Wharf – Fab cocktails in a fun vibrant setting
20. Bōkan 38 Bar – Chic bar and rooftop with expensive drinks that impress
21. The Alchemist Canary Wharf – a quirky cocktail bar known for their creative cocktails!
22. Nicolas Wine Bar – A cosy wine shop & bar in Canada Square
23. Clays Bar – Clay shooting and cocktails in a lush Canary Wharf setting
24. The Henry Addington – Classic British pub fare with a Canary Wharf twist
25. Ride a Hot Tub Through Canary Wharf with Skuna Boats
It’d be hard to find a more unique and cool thing to do in Canary Wharf (or in London really) than riding a hot tub through the city.
The floating boats play off the Scandinavian tradition of keeping warm no matter the weather. Fitting up to 7 people at a tasty 38°C you’ll pass by Canary Wharf locals and get a sightseeing experience of the area like no other.
26. Do the Electric Shuffle
If you’re looking to unwind in Canary Wharf, Electric Shuffle might be calling your name.
The live shuffleboard experience is great for big groups (up to 32 people!) with delicious food & drinks to match. So perfect for adults ready to have fun!
I’d highly recommend it for a birthday or any other celebration with friends.
27. Relax at Everyman Cinema
Fair warning. If you go to Canary’s Wharf Everyman Cinema…your standards for movie theatres may never be the same.
I had heard of lifestyle movie theatres 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.
With a new approach to cinema, the food and drink selections are top notch and the customer service really makes it feel like your own personal theatre.
Out of all the things to do in Canary Wharf, this is definitely one of the most unique things to do in the area for a night out.
28. Get Your Canary Wharf Sweat on at Bikram Yoga
One fateful Groupon led me to a free class at Bikram Yoga in Canary Wharf, and I haven’t regretted it since.
Get your sweat on at one of their hot yoga classes (apparently London’s original hot yoga class). 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.
Interested in Hot Yoga? Read The Best Hot Yoga Spots in London — from a local
The staff and members are super kind and helpful and out of all the places to go in Canary Wharf, this would definitely give you a reason to keep coming back to the neighbourhood time and time again.
29. Skate at Ice Rink Canary Wharf
Although there’s no shortage of things to do in London for the holiday season, ice skating at the Canary Wharf Ice Rink is definitely up there.
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!
Book your tickets in advance or at the door!
30. Explore Crossharbour, Isle of Dogs & Mudchute
Of course, out of all the places to go in Canary Wharf, I couldn’t not say a thing or two about Crossharbour, the Isle of Dogs and Mudchute. In fact, this is where I used to live right after uni in London!
A hidden island dockside only a stone’s throw away from Canary Wharf, the area is a quiet oasis from the city, and easy to see in a couple of hours.
From grabbing a bite along the river to wandering Mudchute Farm, it’s a lovely local gem.
31. Wander Canada Square Park
Photo courtesy: Canada Square Park
Smack in the centre of Canary Wharf you’ll find Canada Square Park.
Year round it’s bustling with fun events and activities, like open air movies, dance, and music performances.
Not to mention summertime, where it’ll become a hub full of young (and old) professionals looking to grab a little sun and perhaps a London picnic on their lunch breaks.
32. Ride the DLR
I know what you’re thinking: ‘Um I already took transport to get down here, why would I ride it for fun?’ And, you’re totally right to say that… anywhere else. But down here at Canary Wharf, you can’t miss it!
The DLR or Dockland Light Railway provides a refreshing view for commuters and visitors by having one of the best views of Canary Wharf.
By hopping on at Heron Quay, and riding it through Canary Wharf to West India Quay, you’ll catch a glimpse of the iconic TikTok famous (and London famous) video spot of the Wharf when riding between stations.
33. Check Out the Art & Culture at the Trinity Buoy Wharf
Basically a two for one, this is both another stunning part of the Canary Wharf in and of itself, and separately a centre for arts & culture.
No bit of London would be a bit of London without art, and Trinity Buoy Wharf is full of it – with spillings of gallery rooms and studios, making it its own little creative little corner to the neighbourhood.
Pay a visit and see what’s on before you go!
34. Be an Early Bird at Billingsgate Market
Early birds get the…fish?
Even if you aren’t going to Billingsgate Market for a stock collection of fresh fish for your business, it’s definitely still worth the trip if you’re looking for a unique thing to do in the area. And if you can handle the smell, don’t miss it!
This historical inland fish market is the biggest fish market in the UK, and it’s highly likely that if you’ve ordered a fish dish at any restaurant in London, it was from here. Small world!
Make sure you set your alarm early if you plan to go, though, as it’s only open from 4am to half past eight in the morning.
P.S. – Just remember to embrace your inner tourist while being respectful during the peak hours of trading.
35. Take a Canary Wharf Walk
And lastly a fabulous way to see London and the Canary Wharf neighbourhood will always be through walking.
Grab my custom Tower Hill to Canary Wharf walk for a lovely journey to the neighbourhood before exploring it on your own!
Canary Wharf FAQ
How to Get to Canary Wharf
Getting to Canary Wharf is truly as easy as hopping on the Jubilee line going Eastbound or the Elizabeth Line. Otherwise if you’re coming from East already you can nab a seat on a fun DLR ride over or take a bus route that passes through Canary Wharf including bus D3, D8, 135 and 277.
➡️ What is the secret place in Canary Wharf?
Canary Wharf’s most ‘secret’ place is The Crossrail Place Roof Garden. It’s a lush escape with an amphitheatre that’s a whisper of the tropics amidst London’s concrete jungle!
➡️ Why is Canary Wharf so famous?
Canary Wharf’s famous for making a name for itself as our very own mini Manhattan just a tube ride away! It’s also one of London’s newest neighbourhood as it was only built up to how we know it today in the 90’s, quite a feat…
➡️ What was filmed at Canary Wharf?
Canary Wharf turned into a futuristic battlefield in ‘Star Wars: Rogue One‘ and had Londoners do a double-take when they spotted stormtroopers on their lunch break.
➡️ Is Canary Wharf worth visiting?
There’s so much to do in Canary Wharf it’d be impossible not to make a great day of exploring the neighbourhood. Whether it’s for the rooftop bars, swanky restaurants, the art scene, or simply taking a stroll through the area.
Thanks for reading my Things to Do in Canary Wharf Guide. If you enjoyed it, let me know on Instagram!
CHECK OUT MORE LONDON GUIDES:
- Your Ultimate Area Guide to Canary Wharf, London
- Hotels in Canary Wharf: 5 Best Places Worth Your Stay
- The BEST Brunch Spots in Canary Wharf (from a Londoner)
- 7 Best Canary Wharf Coffee Shops & Cafes (from a local!)
- The Best Halal Restaurants in Canary Wharf (from a local)
- The Best Things to Do in Wapping — from a Londoner
- Tower Hill to Canary Wharf Walk: London Walk Series (Episode #2)
Happy Londoning,
