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

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 AU$148 per night from 22 June to 23 June
AU$148
22 June - 23 June
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! (1,104 reviews)
"Great for a short stay. Clean, friendly staff."

Reviewed on 16 Jun. 2025

Point A Hotel - London, Canary Wharf
The International Hotel
The International Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Marsh Wall, London, England
The price is AU$120 per night from 22 June to 23 June
AU$120
22 June - 23 June
includes taxes & fees
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 (1,953 reviews)
"the location is convenient for canary wharf and excel. The entrance and downstairs rooms are impressive. However upstairs the bedroom I stayed in on level 4 was very tired, As were the corridors. But the room was clean and well equip and the staff in the restaurants and front desk were very ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jun. 2025

The International Hotel
Vertus Edit Canary Wharf
Vertus Edit Canary Wharf
4 out of 5
3 & 15 West Lane, London, England
The price is AU$261 per night from 6 July to 7 July
AU$261
6 July - 7 July
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (249 reviews)
"I honestly have no idea why anyone is complaining about this hotel, the hotel does have two buildings so make sure you know which building you need! I went to the wrong building but the staff were more than welcoming to guide me to where I needed to be which was a stone throw away just opposite the ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jun. 2025

Vertus Edit Canary Wharf
ARK Canary Wharf
ARK Canary Wharf
4 out of 5
20 Crossharbour Plaza, London, England
The price is AU$148 per night from 22 June to 23 June
AU$148
22 June - 23 June
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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,297 reviews)
"Comfortable beds- good night sleep, lots of utilities, bathroom was on the small side but very clean, pool was clean and spacious with a nice view :)"

Reviewed on 15 Jun. 2025

ARK Canary Wharf
Tribe London Canary Wharf
Tribe London Canary Wharf
4 out of 5
15 Water Street, London, England
The price is AU$228 per night from 20 July to 21 July
AU$228
20 July - 21 July
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! (2,229 reviews)
"Our stay was awesome! The room was clean and had all the amenities we needed, the cleaning was always done well too. The staff was really nice and helpful. I loved the location and how close it was to everything such as the tube, dining options, water area, etc. It was just really nice and so walkable. ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jun. 2025

Tribe London Canary Wharf
Novotel London Canary Wharf Hotel
Novotel London Canary Wharf Hotel
4 out of 5
40 Marsh Wall, London, England
The price is AU$342 per night from 20 July to 21 July
AU$342
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"We were welcomed by all the staff who saw us which was lovely. We were given information and tips on where to eat and drink as well as clear instructions on room services. All the staff we bumped into from managers to cleaning crew were professional and very polite. We will definitely stay and recommend ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jun. 2025

Novotel London Canary Wharf Hotel
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

London showing street scenes and markets as well as a family

Shoreditch

5/5(10 area reviews)

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 which includes a skyscraper, a city and modern architecture

The City of London

4.5/5(80 area reviews)

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 Liverpool Street. See more of London by jumping on the metro at Bank Underground Station or St. Paul's Underground Station.

The City of London
Southwark showing modern architecture and night scenes

Southwark

4/5(57 area reviews)

The Shard and London City Hall are top sights in Southwark, and you should be sure to explore the stunning river views. Hop aboard the metro at Kennington Underground Station or Bermondsey Station to see more sights in the area.

Southwark
London showing a bridge, a city and heritage architecture

Waterloo

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

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 showing heritage elements, markets 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
Default Image

London City Centre

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

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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