10 Things To Do In Canary Wharf
It’s been 9 months since I made the move to London, and exactly 4 years since I promised myself I would live in the illustrious Canary Wharf.
Despite loving it here, I’ve noticed the ‘City Within A City’ comes with a little bit of a reputation: one where people seem to think it's soulless’ or simply overwhelmed with corporate greed and expensive rooftop bars.
While some of that is true (think £14 for an alcohol-free prosecco spritz), it’s a truly wonderful place to live, and there's more and more cropping up every month.
So, with that in mind, I wanted to show off my little corner of the world and who knows, maybe it’ll inspire you to take a trip out here some time and see its awe for yourself…
10 Things To Do In Canary Wharf
1. Get the Uber Boat
One thing we have loved doing with our friends when they have visited recently is taking a quick trip on the Thames Uber Boat.
I know this strictly isn’t Canary Wharf, given that the boats stop at multiple locations up and down the river, but if you are looking to visit the area, what better way to arrive than in style?
It’s such a unique way to see the city and for a crazy affordable price. You can simply tap in-and-out with your Oyster or contactless card, and for less than £10 from central London, you’re off!
The boat is rather spacious and very reminiscent of a much nicer airplane, which makes the whole thing seem way more exciting than the packed, obnoxiously loud Jubilee line.
Oh, and did I mention it had a bar? Of course, it does! You won’t find that on your regular old tube line.
2. The most colourful mini-golf that’s completely free
I love walking past such a vibrant area on the way home, usually, one that is bustling with businessmen battling it out against the local children on Canary Wharf’s own temporary mini-golf park.
You’ll find it right outside of the Jubilee line exit on Montgomery Square, and the course is free for anyone to have a go at.
It was designed by artists Craig Redman & Karl Maier, famous for their fun, bold, and colourful designs, and includes joyful novelty features with a design-orientated approach making it a truly one-of-a-kind course!
You don’t need to book, just rock up (weather-permitting) and I dare you to ask a random patron at the bar and coffee stall next door. I promise we are all very friendly over here, and who knows, you may even make a new chum!
3. Window shop to your heart’s content
Living in Canary Wharf has done wonders for my self-restraint when it comes to shopping.
Living next to one of the biggest, boujee-est shopping malls has its perks (which we will come to!) including an array of beautiful designer shops.
At first, it was tough to fight off their temptations, but over time I’ve found the stores are more inspiring than even Instagram when it comes to changing fashion trends, and I love to watch displays constantly changing throughout the year.
If you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day, then the malls provide the perfect indoor cover for all of your shopping whims, with a few high street stores such as Zara, Mac, and Mango so you don’t need to come away emptyhanded.
4. Try out the intimate Everyman
I’m a bit of a cinema snob, I will admit.
Personally, I’d rather watch a film at home where I can chat about it, and not have to deal with someone’s wotsit-smelling feet being rubbed all over my recliner chair at an Odean. Yes, that did actually happen, and it was more terrifying than the film we went to see: Steven King’s IT.
But, since discovering the Everyman, my feeling have changed substantially.
It’s not about the comfortable sofas or the pizzas they bring out to your seats. It’s not even about the fact that they give out actually wine glasses instead of plastic cups (looking at you Odean). It’s about the smaller, intimate feel, and the fact there are fewer people to ruin your evening.
The Canary Wharf Everyman is one of the smaller ones that I have been in, and I love it dearly, though it doesn’t come cheap: £20 for an adult ticket.
But, if you fancy a slightly fancier movie-and-a-meal date, then I’d suggest you give it a try. Order their delicious bottle of Roija and a marg to share, right to your cosy sofa seats.
5. Test out your favourite cuisines as one of numerous street food kitchens
When I first moved to Canary Wharf, I was working from home the majority of the time, which gave me plenty of opportunities to try out a few of their street food kitchens.
My favourite so far is the greek mezze joint in Canary Wharf kitchen, which serves up the largest gyros I’ve seen in my life.
Alternatively, the sushi bar in the brand new Market Hall at Crossrail, over by the Elizabeth Line, offers a hilarious sushi roll that is to die for.
And for a spot of coffee while you wander around the docks, why not stop by one of the many food trucks just over the water in South Quay.
With over 40 street-food spots to choose from, I promise you’ll not be left wanting for much.
6. Street art done differently
Another reason why I love Canary Wharf is that it’s a lot more vibrant than the distant skyline would lead you to believe.
In fact, I haven’t lived anywhere so colourful and full of art before, while still offering impressive skyscrapers and endless amenities.
If you wanted a nice day out exploring, I’d have a go at art spotting around the centre of Canary Wharf. You’ll find a number of interesting sculptures, brightly painted tunnels and numerous pop-up exhibitions around the area.
As busy as it is, I love Six Public Clocks by Konstantin Grcic, which you can find by One Canada Square or Helaine Blumenfeld’s Fortuna, the elaborate bronze sculpture in Jubilee Park.
There are over 60 art installations around the area, so all you need is a pair of decent walking shoes, and a download of the CW map to get started on a fun day pottering about!
7. Stop at the pop-up bar in Jubilee Park
This was a very exciting find I had one warm evening on the way home from work.
The tiny, but impeccably kept Jubilee Park is situated right above the Canary Wharf Tube stop and is the perfect little sun trap if you’re looking for a pause from the hustle and bustle.
The quaint green space, complete with soothing water features and a plethora of pups is sure to help settle your soul once you’ve tackled the busy shopping centre below.
Tucked into the centre of the park is also a summer-special, pop-up Peroni bar, ready for a cheeky pint in the warm sunlight before you catch your train home.
8. Crossrail & Roof Garden
Ever fancied a trip to the sky garden, but didn’t want to pay top-dollar for it? Then the Crossrail Gardens are perfect for you.
You may not have the same view, but this indoor jungle gives you all the best foliage and none of the rain.
The garden is situated over the brand new Elizabeth line, which is well worth a trip on if it’s on your route home.
Make sure you walk through the brightly coloured Crossrail Bridge to get there and take in the colourful sites of the district's modernity.
9. Museum of London Docklands
I keep telling myself that I will get out and about more to museums like the VA or the Natural History Museum, but they are honestly so busy and a pain to get to.
Thankfully, Canary Wharf is steeped in its own rich, industrial history and even comes with its own museum!
The 200-year-old warehouse found in West India Quay offers insight into the lives of central Londoners from Roman settlements to the modern-day industrial port it once was.
The museum used to be a storehouse for a number of previously luxury, now everyday essentials from the West Indies (hence the name) housing anything from coffee to tea, and sugar to rum.
It’s also a perfect spot for kids, with treasure hunting exhibits and interactive displays that will get anyone hooked on the rich history of the docks.
Also, did I mention it was free?
10. Secret Songs with Sofar Sounds
If music is more your scene and you are up for a bit of a surprise adventure, why not check out Sofar Sounds?
Canary Wharf is host to a number of pop-up secret music shows this summer, which aim to bring together a mix of local and diverse artists to one-of-a-kind locations.
Each set of artists is handpicked by the Sofar team, and the locations for the gigs aren’t announced until just hours before your show.
They are running on alternate Wednesdays for £22 a ticket, offering you a weeknight treat, and a chance to do something incredibly unique that you’ll never see again.
If you see me hanging around, be sure to say hi!
