Canary Wharf Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Canary Wharf showing a city, a bridge and a river or creek
Canary Wharf featuring a city, a high-rise building and modern architecture
Canary Wharf which includes a city and a fountain
Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf featuring a bridge, a city and a river or creek

Wander around London’s financial district in the scenic docklands with the tallest skyscrapers in the city. They are home to some of the world’s biggest companies.

Canary Wharf is the main business district in London. It features skyscrapers housing some of the largest companies in the world dotted around the picturesque docks of the River Thames. The area comprises about 14 million square feet (1.3 million square meters) of office space in the towers where more than 105,000 people work. The buildings cater for the needs of workers with shopping centers full of restaurants, cafés and stores.

Gaze up at One Canada Square, one of the tallest buildings in Europe. It stands at 771 feet (235 meters) tall and was completed in 1991. At that time, it was the highest skyscraper in the United Kingdom. Banks, newspapers and many other companies have offices here. Browse the shops and restaurants at the base of the building.

Walk around the main plaza, where there are cafés with outdoor seating spilling out into the square. Dine at one of the restaurants in Cabot Square. Admire the elegant water fountain in the center.

Have a picnic by the docklands. Although the area is renowned for its urban and commercial atmosphere, there are green plazas and charming canals.

The wharf was one of the busiest docks in the world at the turn of the 19th century. After the decline of the port industry in the 1980s, it was closed. Today’s business district was built in the 1990s.

Canary Wharf is situated in the West India Docks region of Tower Hamlets in east London. Due to its economic importance, there are transportation links from all over the city to the financial district. Take the London Underground to Canary Wharf Station, a giant transportation hub on the Jubilee Line. You can also catch the Docklands Light Railway system. For a more scenic route, take a boat to the Canary Wharf Pier along the River Thames.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Canary Wharf Hotel Deals

The International Hotel

The International Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Marsh Wall, London, England
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall value in ...
6.4/10 (1,990 reviews)
"Good environment"

Reviewed on 25 Jul. 2025

The International Hotel
ARK Canary Wharf

ARK Canary Wharf

4 out of 5
20 Crossharbour Plaza, London, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$143 per night from 31 July to 1 Aug
NZ$143
31 July - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,368 reviews)
"Really cool place, especially all the common areas, like den, study, gallery and pool with amazing views. Unfortunately, we were there during a heat wave, and while the common areas were air conditioned, the room was not. Thank God for the fan provided, but it was still a lil rough. Room was compact ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jul. 2025

ARK Canary Wharf
Point A Hotel - London, Canary Wharf

Point A Hotel - London, Canary Wharf

3 out of 5
1B Hertsmere Road West, London, England
The price is NZ$205 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$205
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and climate control. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,186 reviews)
"Quiet location, comfy bed and good shower . Lovely little bar and reception too. Very clean , would definitely stay again when in Canary Wharf"

Reviewed on 28 Jul. 2025

Point A Hotel - London, Canary Wharf
Vertus Edit Canary Wharf

Vertus Edit Canary Wharf

4 out of 5
3 & 15 West Lane, London, England
The price is NZ$279 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
NZ$279
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions O2 Arena and ExCeL Exhibition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (339 reviews)
"Only negative is no air con!"

Reviewed on 25 Jul. 2025

Vertus Edit Canary Wharf
Limehouse Library Hotel

Limehouse Library Hotel

4.5 out of 5
638 Commercial Rd, London, England
The price is NZ$263 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$263
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (772 reviews)
"This boutique hotel has a lot of cute trinkets, unique paintings, and thoughtful design touches that gave it a lot of character. It definitely has a warm, artistic vibe that stands out from typical chain hotels. My room was located on the 4th floor, but be aware that the elevator only goes up to ..."

Reviewed on 25 Jul. 2025

Limehouse Library Hotel
Tribe London Canary Wharf

Tribe London Canary Wharf

4 out of 5
15 Water Street, London, England
The price is NZ$209 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$209
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,300 reviews)
"Stayed here several times, often for concerts, rugby, and shows at the West End. Easy and convenient tube connections, and lots of great places to eat and drink. Excellent vibe."

Reviewed on 28 Jul. 2025

Tribe London Canary Wharf
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Canary Wharf

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Stratford

Stratford is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Aspers Casino and Westfield Stratford City. See more of London by jumping on the metro at Pudding Mill Lane Station or Leyton Underground Station.

Stratford
London showing street scenes and markets as well as a family

Shoreditch

Shoreditch High St and Brick Lane are top sights in Shoreditch, and you should be sure to explore the fantastic nightlife. Hop aboard the metro at Shoreditch High Street Overground Station or Old Street Underground Station to see more sights in the area.

Shoreditch
The City of London showing heritage architecture, a city and modern architecture

The City of London

The City of London is highly notable for its stunning cathedral, and you might want to visit top sights like St. Paul's Cathedral and London Guildhall. See more of London by jumping on the metro at Bank Underground Station or St. Paul's Underground Station.

The City of London
London showing boating, a river or creek and a city

Waterloo

Known for its stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Waterloo. Check out top attractions like London Eye and Southbank Centre, and jump on the metro at Waterloo Underground Station or Lambeth North Underground Station to see more of the city.

Waterloo
London which includes markets, heritage elements and signage

Covent Garden

The lively bars and colourful gardens are just a few top-rate features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Covent Garden Market or Royal Opera House while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Covent Garden Underground Station to get around town.

Covent Garden
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London City Centre

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning river views and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in London City Centre. Top attractions like Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus are major draws. Catch the metro at Charing Cross Underground Station or Leicester Square Underground Station to see more of the city.

London City Centre


Canary Wharf Travel Guide

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