Visit London's guide on the 20 best things to do in Canary Wharf

Make your way past the Georgian facades of West India Quay to an imposing former sugar warehouse. This atmospheric building now houses the London Museum Docklands, high on our list of cultural attractions in the area.

The free permanent galleries trace 2,000 years of London's trading history from Roman times through to the docklands’ remarkable regeneration today. Set across multiple levels, explore artefact-packed displays, reconstructed Victorian streets and hands-on audiovisual exhibits. Delve into powerful stories of the transatlantic slave trade, the decimation of London’s East End during the Blitz and the area’s post-war redevelopment. Marvel at all kinds of objects, from Roman pottery and coins dug up from the Thames to intricate maps, ship models, and the table on which the Slavery Abolition Act was drafted.

The museum is fantastic for families with hands-on exhibits for younger visitors, play areas, a child-friendly cafe and a wealth of activity programmes for half-terms and summer holidays.

Best for: History buffs and families.
Good to know: Visit mid-morning or late afternoon to avoid school groups and enjoy quieter galleries.

Set sail on a one-of-a-kind London experience with Skuna Boats, where Canary Wharf’s glass skyline becomes the backdrop to a floating water playground.

Hop aboard one of their signature vessels and choose your own way to unwind or celebrate with a group. Choose from sinking into your own private wood-fired hot tub boat as you drift, firing up a barbecue boat for a laidback cruise, or getting cosy in an igloo boat in the winter months, complete with a fondue set. For a more restorative session, we recommend checking out the Nordic-inspired sauna village with superb dockside views. Be sure to brave the rooftop cold plunge at a chilling 6°C; there is no feeling like it!

Best for: Unusual things to do with groups.
Good to know: Sunset sessions are the most popular; aim for early evening for the best atmosphere.

Once one of the world’s busiest trading ports, the Royal Docks area is undergoing major regeneration. It is slowly being transformed into an exciting waterfront destination blending striking modern architecture, waterside walkways and pockets of green space with a growing mix of cafes, bars and cultural venues.

Stroll along the dockside paths dotted with public art installations and eco-friendly landscaping to pause for a drink with a view at Good Hotel's Living Room rooftop bar or The Windjammer. Watersport fans should check out the programming at WakeUp Docklands, which offers cable wakeboarding for all levels alongside stand-up paddleboarding, hydrofoiling and e-foiling.

We loved taking a riverside wander to Thames Barrier Park, known for its dramatic sunken gardens and uninterrupted views of the Thames Barrier, a monumental structure engineered to protect the capital from tidal surges. Wellness lovers should not miss a recovery session at Sweheat Sauna, an outdoor sauna complex where you can alternate between the wood-fired sauna and an invigorating cold plunge.

Best for: Free activities and relaxed waterfront walks to discover a different side of London.
Good to know: On warmer days, the waterfront comes alive with open-water swimming events, a summer lido and urban beach, DJ sets, art trails and various other seasonal pop-ups. Check the Royal Docks website and plan ahead, as many activities are free but can be time-limited or weather-dependent.

Glide high above the city on one of east London’s most scenic experiences: the London Cable Car. Connecting the Royal Docks with the southern shore of the Thames, this aerial journey not only offers sweeping views but is a nifty way to hop across to The O2 and Greenwich.

Whether you ride by day or after dark, the experience is equally memorable. By daylight, you’ll enjoy striking views over Canary Wharf, the Thames and London’s skyline from a magical perspective; in the evening, the city sparkles beneath you in a sea of lights. The smooth 10-minute journey is packed with photo opportunities, and for something extra special, we particularly enjoyed booking a private cabin at sunset when the city is bathed in golden hues.

Best for: Couples, photography and evening activities.
Good to know: Bicycles are welcome on board, making it handy to continue exploring London on two wheels. Both terminals offer step-free access, and you can pay with an Oyster or contactless card.

Cool off at one of east London’s most distinctive new waterfront experiences. Sea Lanes brings an open-air lido to Canary Wharf, with a 50-metre (164ft) swimming pool set within the dock, complemented by dockside saunas and wellness facilities.

Whether you're swimming laps or easing in for a quick dip, the setting is hard to beat, with wide-open views of the skyline and a relaxed, open-air atmosphere. Afterwards, warm up in the glass-fronted saunas or unwind with a drink at the clubhouse.

Best for: Open-water swimming and wellness with the city skyline in the background.
Good to know: The six-lane pool is unheated, with hot showers and accessible on-site changing facilities. Sessions last one hour and should be booked in advance, especially during peak summer periods.

Step into a nostalgic playground reimagined for adults at Fairgame, an immersive activity bar that puts a modern spin on classic fairground games. Expect skee-ball, roll-a-ball derby and clown-shoot challenges, all enhanced with tech-driven scoring and live leaderboards.

Alongside the games, you’ll find some of London’s best street-food traders and a strong cocktail offering, making it just as much about socialising as it is competing with friends.

Best for: Retro date nights and competitive social gaming.
Good to know: This is an adults-only venue, and booking ahead is recommended for weekend evenings.

Get your adrenaline fix at K1 Speed, one of London’s premier indoor karting venues. Featuring high-performance electric karts and a professionally designed circuit, it’s a slick, fast-paced experience suitable for beginners and seasoned racers alike.

Race against friends to clock the fastest lap or level up your visit with racing simulators and post-race drinks at the on-site lounge.

Best for: Thrill-seekers looking for a fun group activity.
Good to know: The indoor setting means racing runs year-round in all weather conditions.

From high-end dining to casual bites, Canary Wharf’s restaurants are among the most diverse in east London. Take, for instance, Dishoom, which brings a slice of Bombay to Wood Wharf, serving comforting Indian dishes in a setting inspired by the city’s vibrant 1970s cafe culture.

Start the day with one of its cult breakfast naan rolls, or drop in later for rich curries, small plates and expertly mixed cocktails. Vintage-style interiors (think marble countertops, dark-wood furniture and sepia-toned photography) add to the atmosphere, with plenty of cosy booths and corner tables for intimate dining.

Arrive early to grab a cocktail at the retro bar before your table is ready; the India Gimlet and Permit Room Old Fashioned are our standout picks.

Best for: Leisurely evening banquets or quick breakfast catch‑ups over a chai.
Good to know: Walk-ins are welcome, though you may need to wait for a table at the bar during peak times.

A short walk towards Limehouse brings you to some of London's most characterful riverside pubs. The Grapes, a 500-year-old tavern co-owned by Sir Ian McKellen, sits right on the Thames along Narrow Street.

With roots dating back to 1583, it’s one of the city’s oldest pubs, once serving dockworkers and sailors, and later becoming a haunt for writers, including Charles Dickens. Today, its cosy interiors, creaky floorboards and over-the-water heated terrace make it an atmospheric spot to watch the lapping waves from the passing boats.

Best for: A hearty fish and chips lunch with a pint.
Good to know: The Grapes sits along the Thames Path, a scenic riverside route linking Canary Wharf with Greenwich and central London. Head west to The Prospect of Whitby, one of London’s oldest riverside pubs with creaky interiors and sweeping views, or east towards The Gun, a relaxed gastropub known for its waterside terrace and classic British dishes.

Hawksmoor is one of London’s most celebrated steakhouses. Set over the water with wraparound views, the Canary Wharf location is not to be missed. The striking floating pavilion in Wood Wharf offers an impressive spot for everything from long lunches to special-occasion dinners.

The menu focuses on sustainably sourced British beef, alongside seafood and indulgent sides, complemented by a carefully curated wine and cocktail list. One of the most popular ways to order is to share a portion of Chateaubriand or prime rib steak with sides such as their famous mac and cheese or beef‑dripping chips. Save room for a slice of sticky toffee pudding to finish.

Best for: Memorable dinners, date nights and special occasions.
Good to know: The waterside terrace is particularly popular in warmer months, so booking ahead is recommended.

Excel London is a vast events venue at Royal Victoria Dock, offering a constantly changing lineup of large-scale public events and attractions. Expect everything from lively fan conventions like Comic Con and gaming shows to interactive exhibitions, lifestyle festivals and themed pop-up experiences.

One visit might see you exploring immersive installations or browsing creative stalls; another could involve live demonstrations, talks or hands-on workshops. The scale is impressive, with multiple halls often hosting different events at once.

Whether you’re into pop culture, design or unique experiences, Excel offers an ever-changing, high-energy day out just minutes from Canary Wharf.

Best for: Exhibitions, live events and large-scale experiences.
Good to know: Check listings in advance as events vary widely throughout the year.

Enter the world of Panam with this immersive stage adaptation inspired by the hit film series. The Hunger Games: On Stage brings the story to life through stunts, striking staging, rotating sets and cinematic special effects in a state-of-the-art venue, which was specifically built to host this show.

The performance is truly a gripping live experience from start to finish. Whether you’re a fan of the franchise or new to the story, expect a high-energy production that blends theatre and spectacle in a powerful reimagining of the dystopian world known from the book and films.

Best for: Fans of immersive theatre and cinematic stage adaptations.
Good to know: The performance is recommended for ages 12 and above. Children under three are not permitted. Those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Canary Wharf’s bars range from sleek cocktail spots to unique floating venues. Tucked beneath the DLR on North Dock, SOMA is one of Canary Wharf’s most stylish and in-the-know cocktail bars.

The menu and service here are exceptional, with world-class bartenders shaking up signature drinks and all of the classics. Known for its moody interiors and expertly crafted drinks inspired by the Indian subcontinent, the bar has a speakeasy feel and offers a more intimate alternative to many of the Wharf’s larger venues.

Best for: Date nights or after-work drinks.
Good to know: Walk-ins are welcome, but queues can form at peak times.

For something a little different, head to The Boathouse, a floating cocktail bar moored at Wood Wharf with a charming retro feel. Set gently on the water, it offers a welcome break from the surrounding towers, with a rooftop terrace ideal for soaking up skyline views as the city shifts from day into evening.

By day, it’s a bright, open spot for waterside drinks; by night, the space below deck becomes softer and more intimate, with warm lighting and a relaxed buzz.

Best for: Scenic drinks and laidback evenings by the water.
Good to know: The boat is also available for private hire, making it a great option for small celebrations.

Just a short distance from Canary Wharf, Billingsgate Market is London’s historic wholesale seafood hub. It’s been operating in various forms for centuries and remains a working fish market where traders, chefs and buyers come to source everything from crab and lobster to oysters, monkfish and huge tuna.

For visitors, the experience is all about soaking up the atmosphere. Arrive early to witness the market at full speed, with traders calling out deals and mountains of fresh seafood being loaded into vans for restaurants across the country. Remember, this is a wholesale market, so if you're looking to buy, you'll need to purchase by the kilo, and the traders won't gut or prepare the fish for you.

Some stalls also offer cooked breakfasts or seafood snacks; our favourite is the legendary Billingsgate Cafe, best known for its kipper breakfasts and the greasy yet delicious scallop-and-bacon roll.

Best for: Early risers and food lovers looking for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into a working London institution.
Good to know: The market floor can be busy, wet and cold, so wear warm clothing and sturdy shoes. Be respectful of traders, as this is a working wholesale environment rather than a standard visitor attraction. The market officially opens at 4am, and the early rush of professional buyers is usually finished by around 5.30am, often even earlier. If you arrive before 5am, expect to join a queue as entry can be busy at opening time. For the best experience, aim to arrive after the initial rush at around 5.30am.

There’s a wide range of things to do in Canary Wharf, from free outdoor experiences to premium dining, making it one of the most versatile areas in east London for visitors. One of those highlights is surprisingly located above the Elizabeth line station at Canary Wharf. Here, you'll find Crossrail Place Roof Garden, which offers a surprisingly tranquil escape from the surrounding glass-and-steel skyline.

This elevated botanical garden (free to enter) is the perfect place to slow down and explore winding paths beneath a canopy of exotic foliage and a striking wooden-and-glass lattice roof. Beyond its thoughtfully arranged planting, the garden also functions as a cultural space. An 80-seat amphitheatre sits at its centre, hosting a year-round programme of free performances including theatre, music and dance.

Best for: A peaceful green escape or lunch break in the heart of Canary Wharf.
Good to know: For more culture in a green setting, nearby Canada Square Park hosts free outdoor cinema screenings and live sports each summer. Visitors can relax on the grass with blankets while watching films and major sporting events throughout the warmer months.

The Line is a contemporary art trail linking east London’s waterways and parks through large-scale works by internationally recognised artists. Running between Stratford and Greenwich, a key stretch runs through the Royal Docks. Highlights include portrait photography by Hélène Amouzou, an immersive sound work by Larry Achiampong, designed for journeys on the London Cable Car, and Bird Boy (without a tail) by Laura Ford, a surreal figure in the dockside landscape.

Beyond the Royal Docks, Canary Wharf itself hosts more than 100 public artworks across its waterfront, including the striking Whale on the Wharf at Wood Wharf and various free-standing sculptures dotted among the neighbourhood's green spaces.

Best for: Riverside walks combining contemporary art, dockside views and urban exploration.
Good to know: The Children’s Art Trail guides young visitors around 12 pieces of art dotted around Canary Wharf, from interactive sculptures you can sit on to colourful chimney stacks and geometric murals.

Good Hotel combines stylish design with a strong social mission and a unique backstory. Housed on a repurposed floating platform, the hotel was originally developed in Amsterdam, then towed across the North Sea and permanently moored in the Royal Docks in 2017.

Built as a social enterprise, the organisation reinvests profits in community projects, including training programmes for local residents and education initiatives abroad. The hotel features a vegan and vegetarian restaurant, alongside sleek, sociable spaces. The thoughtfully designed rooms are crafted from repurposed materials, each with an en-suite rain shower.

Best for: Conscious travellers and design-led stays.
Good to know: The rooftop terrace is open in warmer months and offers excellent sunset views over Royal Victoria Dock. We found it to be the perfect spot for an early-evening drink before watching the sun go down.

For a unique overnight stay, book a room aboard Sunborn London, a superyacht hotel moored at the Royal Docks.

Set across multiple decks, the hotel’s sleek interiors include many cabins offering floor-to-ceiling windows and uninterrupted views across the water. Onboard, you’ll find a range of dining and leisure spaces, from an elegant restaurant and lounge bar to an open-air deck where you can enjoy drinks with views of the dock.

Despite the vessel's size, the thoughtfully designed rooms have a boutique feel, with modern furnishings, plush bedding and en-suite bathrooms. Generally, the atmosphere is calm yet polished, making it equally suited to a relaxed city break or a special occasion.

Best for: A memorable, waterside hotel stay.
Good to know: Located next to Excel London, Sunborn is ideal for event attendees or those exploring the Royal Docks.

A reliable and well-located option just south of the main Tube station, Hilton London Canary Wharf offers modern, comfortable rooms alongside a gym, restaurant and bar, making it a convenient base for both business and leisure stays. Positioned a short walk from the main Wharf, it puts shops, restaurants and waterfront walks within easy reach, while offering a slightly quieter setting away from the busiest areas.

Rooms are designed with practicality in mind, and the on-site restaurant and bar provide an easy option for relaxed dining or evening drinks.

Best for: Convenient, well-connected stays close to the Wharf.
Good to know: The hotel has pet-friendly and family-friendly connected rooms.