A local’s guide to the best things to do in Canary Wharf, East London, including hidden gems, landmarks, food spots and cafes – must-haves on your bucket list!
One of the prettiest neighborhoods in London, Canary Wharf offers the poshness of a financial district, pretty views of the Thames river, and an agglomeration of really cool shops, cafes and restaurants.
There are so many unique things to do in Canary Wharf that I’m excited to share them all with you!
I’ve told you about some of the best hidden gems in East London as well as other parts of the city.
And, for someone who loves quiet and elegance, Canary Wharf is definitely a place to visit.
From free activities to Christmas decorations and outlet shopping, keep reading and you’ll find here everything you can do in this pretty area!
London’s Canary Wharf: The Best Things to Do and Hidden Gems
In this guide, I’ve chosen to tell you about some of the best things to do in Canary Wharf, as well as hidden gems, restaurants and places to see beautiful views of London.
However, at the end of this post, I’ve decided to go beyond.
A step further, let’s say, with some other gorgeous East London neighborhoods.
You’ll read here about the beautiful Canary Wharf skyscrapers, shopping spots, cute cafes and more…
But you’ll also learn a tad more about the rich maritime history of East London.
After all this time (? always), and after having lived in East London, West Hampstead, North Finchley, Tottenham and other parts of the city, I always go back to those pretty neighborhoods on the shores of the Thames river.
As should you, if you’re impatient to discover new hidden gems and secret places around Canary Wharf!
Free Things to Do in Canary Wharf London: Check Out the Skyscrapers
First up, one of the best free things to do in Canary Wharf is obviously to admire the impressive skyscrapers, modern and beautiful during the sunset.
West India Quay, Crossrail Place, Canada Square and Cabot Square are all amazing places to see skyscrapers in Canary Wharf, and completely free.
The financial district offers some of the prettiest views of London, and whichever the angle, you will end up with gorgeous pictures.
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in West London
Free Things to Do in Canary Wharf London: Visit Crossrail Place Roof Garden
Crossrail Place isn’t just a great place to visit to admire Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers, though – you’ll also find one of the most secret gardens of London there.
Crossrail Place Roof Garden offers cute paths lines with exotic plants, flowers and trees surrounded with beautiful architecture.
Unlike SkyGarden and the Garden at 120, the Crossrail Place Roof Garden is not a rooftop terrace – this means that you can still visit it even when it’s raining in London.
You can still spot through the glass roof the skyscrapers’ beauty, and sit on one of the benches to relax or read for a bit.
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in North London
Free Things to Do in Canary Wharf London: Discover Public Art and Sculptures
I am more used to the Art in the City installations near Liverpool Street and Bishopsgate than I am with the public art at Canary Wharf, since I spend more time in Central London than East London these days.
Yet, you’ll find plenty of sculptures and public art scattered all around Canary Wharf, namely around Canada Square, Cabot Square (my favorite!) and West India Quay.
All these can be accessed within a few minutes’ walk, and make for one of the most unique things to do in Canary Wharf as you never really know which sculptures you’re going to find.
Indeed, many of them have been added over the years and depict huge faces, hugging couples, and many more unbelievable art pieces.
One of them, the Traffic Light Tree (pictured above) at Billingsgate Market, by French artist Pierre Vivant, is one of London’s best hidden gems and very much worth a visit.
Since 2014, this 8-meter tall Traffic Light Tree installation has decorated the London fish market’s roundabout, and looks as incredible during the day as it does at nighttime.
Read: The Most Unusual Places in London
Free Things to Do in Canary Wharf London: Walk to Limehouse Basin, One of London’s Hidden Gems
Limehouse Basin is one of the best hidden gems in London, and provides an incredible feeling of peace, especially during the spring.
If you’re looking for free things to do in Canary Wharf, a short walk to the Limehouse Basin via the Thames path will allow you to enjoy historical sites and ultra-modern buildings.
There are a few really cute cafes near Limehouse Basin, as well as restaurants and pubs to get proper British food such as, of course, delicious fish and chips.
But I have to say that as soon as I see the boats and waterfowl in Limehouse, I forget about food – all I want to do is enjoy this incredible gem of nature in London for hours and hours.
Read: The Most Beautiful Castles and Palaces in London
Free Things to Do in Canary Wharf London: Hang Out at Jubilee Park
Another one of the most unique things to do in Canary Wharf is also free – checking out the beautiful Jubilee Park.
Located really close to Canary Wharf Station, this beautiful place would almost remind you of a quaint Japanese garden.
With landscaped lawns, benches and lots of public art around, Jubilee Park is one of the spots I love to pop by when I want to read in peace for a while.
One really exciting thing to know is that you have another one of the most secret gardens in London just a few minutes away: Harbour Quay Gardens.
Harbour Quay and Harbour Quay Gardens, with all its beautiful residential buildings and pedestrian path right by the water, is a great area to walk around solo, with friends or with kids.
It’s no secret that Canary Wharf is one of the best places to see the sunset in London, and it’s always very fiery, pink, orange and red in that specific zone of the city.
Harbour Quay Gardens is the very spot where you’ll be able to enjoy that piece of beauty once you’re done chilling or having a picnic at Jubilee Park!
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Free Things to Do in Canary Wharf London: Discover Westferry Circus
One of the best hidden gems in Canary Wharf, Westferry Circus is my absolute favorite place to visit when I’m in the area.
From Cabot Square, walk between the skyscrapers towards the River Thames, and you’ll find here a couple more public art installations as well as benches to sit, relax, and enjoy views of the river.
In my opinion, Westferry Circus is one of the most scenic places in London, and while you do have the river really close, Big Ben and the London Eye are too far to be spotted.
However, the circular square offers plenty of different angles to snap a few shots, and makes for a perfect place to read in peace or have a romantic moment.
A great spot to see the sunset too, as well as admire the odd airplane flying low.
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Free Things to Do in Canary Wharf London: Visit the Museum of London Docklands
I told you earlier in this guide that East London has a rich maritime history, which you can learn more about at the Museum of London Docklands.
It’s one of the most unusual and free museums London offers, with permanent exhibitions, workshops, events and stunning architecture.
A visit at the Museum of London Docklands will teach you about the growth and trade and commerce in London, the Thames Sugar and Slavery Trail, and more about how crucial the docks were in terms of immigration.
Simply one of the most unique things to do in Canary Wharf, both because the museum is free to enter, and because of how interesting it is.
One experience you can’t miss out on is the immersive recreation of Victorian Wapping, one of the East London areas close to Canary Wharf, which used to bear the melodic name of Sailortown.
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in Soho and Carnaby Street
Unique Things to Do in Canary Wharf London: Visit Nearby St Anne’s Limehouse Church
St Anne’s Limehouse Church is located in Limehouse, really close to Canary Wharf and once you’re done visiting the shopping center, that’s another really cool hidden gem you can’t overlook.
St Anne’s Limehouse Church was designed in the 18th century by famous architect Nicholas Hawksmoor, and everything from its grounds to the stunning pyramid is worth a glance.
Art lovers, you’ll very much enjoy the neoclassical and Baroque architecture that characterizes St Anne’s Limehouse Church, as well as its rich maritime history.
Limehouse is indeed one of the most famous maritime neighborhoods of London, and from its basin to public bookswaps that allow you to leave and take books for free, it’s very much worth a visit.
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in Oxford Street
Best Things to Do in Canary Wharf: Go Shopping at Jubilee Place
I love shopping in London – from budget shops to high-end shops in Mayfair, coming across unique items is a moment I always enjoy very much.
Well, it’s not a completely free thing to do in Canary Wharf, since you’ll have to cash out if you find something to your taste, but popping by Jubilee Place will allow you to shop till you drop.
Luxury makeup brands, designer clothing, high-end jewelry…
The shops in Canary Wharf do tend to offer more upscale items, whether you’re looking for greeting cards or homeware and home decor.
However, if you just want to find some cheap eats or street food, you’ll also find them in the shopping center – perfect for a snack before heading back to Central London!
Read: The Best Shops on Oxford Street
Unique Things to Do in Canary Wharf London: Visit Mudchute Park & Farm
One of the best things to do in London with kids is visiting farms, and many of them, including Hackney Farm, are actually completely free.
Mudchute Park & Farm in Canary Wharf might be an enjoyable experience if you are an animal and nature lover.
Especially because it’s not that easy to have your own pet when you live in London.
To get closer to nature, Mudchute Park & Farm will allow you to spend time close to ducks, goats, sheep, cows and many more animals.
Doesn’t it feel oh-so-strange to find a farm with direct views on Canary Wharf?
A perfect spot to escape the bustling city life, the farm hosts various workshops and events throughout the year too, if you’re willing to learn about agriculture, horticulture and farm life!
Read: The Best British Shops in London for UK Brands
Best Things to Do in Canary Wharf: Taste Incredible Cinnamon Buns at Buns from Home
If I had to write about the best hidden gems in Canary Wharf, I would definitely not forget to include pastry shops and bakeries, such as Buns from Home.
I’ve talked about Buns from Home a couple of times here before, and the freshness of their cinnamon buns is unlike any other in London.
A sweet, buttery taste with a touch of cinnamon – the cinnamon buns at Buns from Home are enough to put a healthy smile on your face.
And if you’re ever looking for bakeries in Covent Garden, this spot also has a branch on Long Acre which attracts sweet-toothed peeps every single day.
It’s also located really close to one of the biggest TK Maxx in London, further down Long Acre, and of course, the Apple Market and my beloved MAC Cosmetics.
Read: The Best French Patisseries in London
Unique Things to Do in Canary Wharf London: Take the Boat to Southbank
The first time I took the Uber Boat from Canary Wharf to Southbank was one of the best days of my life – it doesn’t take much for me to feel incredibly happy.
Especially when I’m around water, in places like secret gardens with waterfalls, or simply sitting on the secret beaches around Southbank.
As such, one of the best things to do in Canary Wharf, once you’re done having breakfast or brunch, is to hop on an Uber Boat or a Thames Clipper and gliding on the water towards Central London.
The boats’ service is regular and costs a little under £10, making a ride one of the most unusual romantic date ideas in London.
From the boat, you can see incredible views of the London Eye, the Globe Theatre, the Shard, and even Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
If you stop at Big Ben, don’t forget to check out the Jewel Tower, which is one of the most beautiful, still-standing medieval buildings in London and allow yourself to be transported back in time!
Read: The Best Things to Do in London Bridge
Best Things to Do in Canary Wharf: Go Ice Skating at Canada Square Park
There are a few really good spots to go ice-skating in London, especially around Christmas time, but Canada Square Park is probably one of the most beautiful places to do so.
From live music to themed nights and kid-friendly activities, ice skating there proves to be one of the most unique things to do in Canary Wharf, especially when you feel like you’ve seen it all.
You’ll find a few secret and not-to-secret gardens and park right outside Canary Wharf station, with Canada Square Park being one of the coolest to relax, journal, or organize your thoughts when the weather is still nice.
Canary Wharf offers some of the most beautiful Christmas decorations in London, too.
And since you can rent your skates on spot, you don’t really have to worry about anything other than staying on your feet and having fun!
Read: The Best Things to Do in Camden Town
Unique Things to Do in Canary Wharf London: Pop By Fairgame for Arcade Games
Fairgame is one of the newest places to enjoy arcade games in London, and its located in the heart of Canary Wharf makes it not only fun, but somewhat elevated.
From racing games to retro video games to pinball machines, you can have a great time with friends or on a laidback romantic date there.
It feels nostalgic, it feels great, and one of the most interesting highlights of Fairgame is their ticket redemption system.
Based on your performance, you can earn tickets and redeem them for prizes – a great way to bring home souvenirs of a great night out!
Read: The Best Non Touristy Things to Do in London
Unique Things to Do in Canary Wharf London: Take Pictures at the South Dock Footbridge & Adams Plaza Bridge
South Dock Footbridge makes for one of London’s best photo spots, especially at night when the lights reflect on the water.
The architectural beauty of the bridge already makes it interesting to observe, with its modern materials and sleek, elegant design.
South Dock Footbridge is in my opinion one of the most beautiful bridges in London, and it’s where you’ll be able to witness the clearest views of the surrounding skyscrapers.
One must-see in Canary Wharf is the Adams Plaza Bridge close to Canada Square – this multicolor pathway is the work of artist Camille Walala, and a perfect photo spot.
One of the most colorful places in London, if I may, and completed with LED lights that can make any picture that much more interesting.
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Best Things to Do in Canary Wharf: Take a Ride on the Emirates Air Line
The O2 Arena is one of the most interesting buildings in London, and one way to reach it is by taking a short ride on the Emirates Air Line.
That’s another way to see London from above, and another way to reach Greenwich from Canary Wharf without taking the DLR.
Needless to say, taking the Emirates Air Line is one of the most unique things to do in Canary Wharf, and while it’s not free (just a little over £4 for a single trip), you can still have loads of fun when riding it on a date.
It’s interesting to note that the O2 is also one of the best places to go cheap shopping in London, since it offers plenty of outlets.
From The Body Shop to Tommy Hilfiger, you’ll find many brands to shop from, making it that much more enjoyable to spend a day in Greenwich!
Read: The Most Beautiful Bookshops in London
Unique Things to Do in Canary Wharf London: Visit Bokan for the Ultimate Rooftop Experience
The Bokan restaurant is one of the it-places for fine dining in Canary Wharf – with panoramic views of London’s skyline.
The restaurant is established in no fewer than three floors, from the 37th to the 39th floors, all open on the city.
As such, you will be able to see the Shard, the Gherkin and the Walkie Talkie, three of London’s most famous buildings from the restaurant’s gorgeous seats.
Bokan serves modern European cuisine from brunch to dinner, and their outdoor terrace is a great place to unwind with friends in London whether it’s spring or the start of fall.
Since this is one of the best rooftop restaurants in town, I’d definitely recommend booking – dry aged Hereford beef fillet, scallops ceviche, flamed Scottish salmon…
You’ll have a hard time picking your favorite dish.
Read: The Best Free Rooftops in London
Best Things to Do in Canary Wharf: Discover Historical Maritime Places
We’ve been talking about all the best things to do in Canary Wharf, and well, as a conclusion, I’d say a great thing to do is to actually leave Canary Wharf.
Counterintuitive?
Maybe – but not really, considering that Canary Wharf is located really close to some of London’s historic neighborhoods.
From Isle of Dogs and its independent restaurants to Limehouse and its tiny port, or Poplar and its Victorian houses, there’s lots to do near Canary Wharf.
Wapping, Bow and Stratford are also other beautiful areas in East London where you’ll find lots of shops, pretty streets and free views on the Thames river.
My favorite is actually Greenwich, one of the poshest areas of London, which strongly feels like a tiny village.
You can take the DLR straight from Canary Wharf to Greenwich, in South East London, and you’ll understand exactly what I mean.
My favorite things to do in Greenwich include the Painted Hall as well as, uh-uh, walking to Cutty Sark to see… beautiful views of Canary Wharf at night.
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London’s Canary Wharf: The Best Things to Do and Hidden Gems
There you have them, all the best free, cheap, and unique things to do in Canary Wharf, East London!
It’s always been one of my favorite places to walk around in London, ever since I moved to Mile End and Bethnal Green back in 2019.
This place offers some of the best free views of London, with Westferry Circus and West India Quay exhibiting skyscrapers in all their beauty.
There, you can also enjoy incredible rooftop restaurants, a way to travel to Southbank on the Thames Clipper and Uber Boat, and, of course, Fairgame to have fun like never before!