Canary Wharf

The basics

This modern district is home to the headquarters of some of the biggest names in banking and media, and a walking tour is the best way to admire the gleaming skyscrapers and glass-fronted high-rises. Notable landmarks include the 771-foot (235-meter) tall One Canada Square, the second-tallest building in the UK after The London Shard.

Canary Wharf isn't just about business—it's also a vibrant destination for the city’s elite. The area offers an impressive selection of bars, restaurants, and a bustling shopping district, making it a true urban playground.

Notable highlights include the striking Traffic Light Tree, an installation by Pierre Vivant, and the Centaur, a modern sculpture by Igor Mitoraj. The Museum of London Docklands is another key attraction, offering insights into the area’s rich history.

To experience Canary Wharf, visitors can take part in a city group or private sightseeing tour, or opt for a Thames River Tour for stunning views of London's iconic skyline.

Things to know before you go

• Shoppers should head for the Canary Wharf Shopping Centre, Cabot Place, or Jubilee Place.

• Canary Wharf has a vast number of café bars and restaurants, most of which are located around Canada Square.

• Many Canary Wharf tours include other iconic London landmarks such as the Tower of London, the London Eye, and Westminster, giving you a chance to explore the contrast between the city's historic roots and its modern business district.

• Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Canary Wharf.

How to get there

The wharf is located in London’s Docklands, on the north bank of the River Thames and just east of the City of London. The closest underground station is Canary Wharf (Jubilee Line). It’s also possible to arrive by boat along the Thames (Canary Wharf Pier).

When to get there

As a working district, Canary Wharf is busiest on weekdays, when the restaurants and bars are packed for lunch and after-work drinks. Explore the streets on the weekend when offices close and workers head home. This is the ideal time to shop, sightsee, or relax in the park.

Seasonal events at Canary Wharf

Canada Square Park hosts events, concerts, and art displays throughout the year. In the summer months, there are music concerts and an open-air cinema offering regular movie nights. The area also boasts a large collection of public art with walking trails between works. Another popular spot, the free Crossrail Place Roof Garden, hosts daily events during its summer Bloom festival.

The wharf is beautifully illuminated at night, especially during the holiday season as Christmas days draw closer. Winter activities include an ice skating rink, light art installations, and carol concerts.

Ways to explore

Canary Wharf isn’t a tourist attraction. But, if you have time and want to see a slice of London’s financial district in action, it’s worth a visit, especially in summer when the gardens offer up sunny nooks, and the dockside restaurants spill onto the pavements. If you’re interested in Canary Wharf’s dockland history, you can download one of several self-guided audio tours to your smartphone. Otherwise, most Thames River sightseeing cruises travel between Westminster and Greenwich Pier by the Cutty Sark, allowing you to see Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers as you pass.

Accessibility

Canary Wharf tube station has step-free access for wheelchair users, and the Canary Wharf shopping malls are considered wheelchair accessible with elevators and accessible restrooms.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Credit cards for shopping, a picnic

What to wear

Something office-smart to look the part

Not allowed

Filming and photography without a permit

Amenities

Shops, restrooms, gardens, picnic areas, free Wi-Fi, outdoor smoking areas, cash machines, taxi ranks, water-refill stations

Address

Canary Wharf is part of the regenerated London Docklands area, which is east of the City of London and other central London neighborhoods.

Driving

From London’s M25 highway loop, take the A13 to Canary Wharf, where plenty of public car parking spaces await. To avoid expensive parking fees, take a taxi instead.

Public transportation

Take an overground train on the DLR (Docklands Light Railway), or a tube via the Elizabeth or Jubilee lines to Canary Wharf station. Alternatively, take a Thames Clipper riverboat to Canary Wharf pier from Waterloo Pier in central London.

Best times to visit

To see the rush hour buzz, time your visit from 8am to 9am or 6pm-7:30pm. For a calmer vibe, visit during office working hours.

Best days to visit

It depends what you want. To see it at its liveliest, visit during the week. For quieter shops and restaurants, visit on the weekend.

Best months to visit

June, July, and August, when the gardens and outdoor seating areas are great for sunbathing and picnics are optimal months to visit.

Special events

In summer, outdoor screens show films and sports events such as Wimbledon tennis matches and host things like video game championships. There’s also a lunchtime street food market on Thursdays from June through September.