London Guide: Ten Things To Do In Canary Wharf London, E14. If you love skyscrapers, designer shopping malls and fine dining, this busy financial district is your place. Located by the River Thames and built around several historic docks, you’ll find an impressive collection of public art and a lush tropical roof garden to explore. Read on to discover my list of Ten Things To Do In Canary Wharf London.
I Love This Cool Traffic Light Sculpture
Ten Things To Do In Canary Wharf London List
1. Visit the Museum of London Docklands
2. See fish being traded at Billingsgate Fish Market
3. Instagram the Public Art
4. Enjoy the Crossrail Place Roof Garden
5. Eat street food at Cargo Market Hall or Giant Robot
6. Dine at a classy restaurant
7. Shop in the underground malls
8. Look up at the skyscraper buildings
9. Relax by the water
10. Travel via the Thames Clipper
Ten Things To Do In Canary Wharf London Details
Museum of London Docklands: Find out about the history of the River Thames and the Docklands. They also have a model of modern-day Canary Wharf to view. The museum is located at 1 Warehouse, Hertsmere Road, Canary Wharf, London E14 4AL. Admission is free; you can visit daily from 10 am until 6 pm.
Museum of London Docklands
Billingsgate Fish Market: The UK’s largest inland fish market is at Trafalgar Way, Poplar, London E14 5ST. The market comprises 98 stands, 30 shops, two cafes and a Seafood Training School. Trading hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 4 am until 8 am, and the public can visit, don’t forget to set your alarm clock!
Billingsgate Fish Market
Public Art: An extensive collection of outdoor sculptures dotted around Canary Wharf. Look out for the Draped Seated Woman by Henry Moore and Couple on Seat by Lynn Chadwick at Cabot Square. It Takes Two Bronze by Bob Allen in Canada Square Park. Two Men on a Bench by Giles Penny at Wren Landing. Centurione I by Igor Mitoraj at Columbus Courtyard. I particularly love the Traffic Light Tree by Pierre Vivant located at Trafalgar Way. You can download an art map from the Canary Wharf Website.
Two Men on a Bench by Giles Penny
Crossrail Place Roof Garden: Canary Wharf isn’t all skyscraper buildings! You’ll find a tranquil 300m tropical garden on top of the Crossrail building with a timber latticed roof. Planting has been selected to reflect the trading history of the ships from the historic West India Dock Company. There are benches to sit down and eat lunch and winding paths taking you through the planting. Check out the events by ‘Bloom’ in this magical space.
Crossrail Place Roof Garden
Cargo Market Hall and Giant Robot: Cargo Market Hall, part of the Market Halls group of street food venues, has opened up at 25 North Colonnade opposite the Elizabeth Line Station. Read my Market Hall Canary Wharf Review. Giant Robot is another place for street food, cocktails and music. You’ll find it perched on Crossrail Place, London E14 5AR.
Giant Robot
Classy Restaurants: This is a financial district, so there are some great restaurants to enjoy, especially if you can bill the meal to expenses! Try Roka for sushi and Japanese, Royal China for dim sum, Plateau for French cuisine, One Canada Square for Modern European or the Ivy for British classics. Read my Royal China Restaurant Review.
Royal China Dim Sum
Underground Shopping Malls: Canary Wharf is a great place to shop for designer fashion, beauty products and gifts. There are over 120 stores spread across five underground malls, which reminds me of being in Tokyo. Explore shopping malls at Jubilee Place, Canada Place, Churchill Place, Cabot Place and Crossrail Place.
Skyscrapers
Skyscraper Buildings: If you’re a fan of modern architecture, you’ll feel giddy gazing up at the tall buildings. One Canada Square, with a distinct pyramid roof, is the iconic tower with 50 storeys, the second tallest building in the UK.
Fountain
Thames, Docks and Fountains: Walk to Westferry Circus (near Royal China restaurant and the Thames Clipper), and you can enjoy a view of the River Thames. Canary Wharf has water running through the estate thanks to the North, South and Middle Docks which gives you a feeling of calm amidst the busy business district. You can always sit by a water feature or fountain to feel relaxed.
Views from Giant Robot
Thames Clipper: The river bus service takes you from Battersea Power Station to Woolwich on the River Thames. Canary Wharf is on the route at Westferry Circus.
Helpful Information About Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf is a commercial estate located in the Isle of Dogs, London, E14. For more information, take a look at the Canary Wharf Website. You can download maps for shopping malls, restaurants and estate art. You can also find out about the events taking place in the vicinity. In the winter they have an ice-skating rink, in the summer there are concerts.
The nearest stations are Canary Wharf (Jubilee line underground), South Quay, Heron Quay and West India Quay (DLR). If you want to see Canary Wharf buzzing with workers, visit during the week. If you want to go when it is quieter, visit at the weekend.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. Thanks: Homeboy, for visiting with me.
