Your Ultimate Guide for Things to do in Canary Wharf
Welcome to Canary Wharf: the Wall Street of the Thames. Where skyscrapers tower above you and people in suits strut with that stereotypical London purpose. While there might not be a Leonardo DiCaprio in sight, we’ve collated some other things for you to fall in love with in our ultimate guide to the area (although spoiler alert: one of the best places to eat in Canary Wharf is obviously our Humble Grape wine bar!).
You’d be forgiven for thinking that this thriving part of East London is just focused on making the big bucks, but there are actually lots of fun things to do in Canary Wharf, with over 300 shops, bars, and restaurants that are just waiting for you to explore. For those craving a star-studded experience, the O2 arena is just a tube stop away, hosting blockbuster concerts and events, so you really do have everything at your fingertips.
Canary Wharf’s infamous skyscrapers also mean it’s a signature part of the London skyline. It’s host to five of the top ten tallest buildings in the UK, so it’s a must-visit purely to look up and goggle at their majesty – we promise, it’s worth craning your neck for!
Getting to Canary Wharf is a breeze too: with six bus routes weaving through the streets, the Uber boat making a stylish stop at the pier, and the DLR, Jubilee line and Elizabeth line rolling in straight at Canary Wharf underground station, you’ll be spoilt for choice in how you want to travel.
Humble Grape Wine Bar in Canary Wharf
First things first, for restaurants in Canary Wharf, look no further than our Humble Grape Canary Wharf wine bar, which can be found just above the Isle of Dogs. Its relaxed atmosphere is exactly what you need after a long day at the office or exploring the area. Picture a beautiful spot along the water at Mackenzie Walk, where you can sip a glass of our best wine and soak in the buzzing vibes of the city.
We’re different from other London wine bars as you’ll have the choice of over 450 sustainable wines from small, family-run vineyards, with many being imported exclusively to us at Humble Grape. We can pair these with delicious dishes prepared by our talented chefs and are always happy to welcome dogs in too!
We have a private dining room that seats up to 24, with its own portal to the bar; the perfect venue for working lunches, business meetings, or a fun and celebratory bash. We’re also open on weekends, so you can pop in and experience a long wine lunch or try our infamous Sunday roast. For more information on our Canary Wharf wine bar and to book a table, click here.
If you want even more of a reason to visit our Humble Grape Canary Wharf wine bar, here are our favourites:
Our top picks for your visit to Canary Wharf
Uncover some history by visiting the Museum of London Docklands, a great free thing to do in Canary Wharf. It tells the story of the capital, from its first settlers to modern times. A brilliant way to spend an hour or two before your dinner reservation at our Humble Grape wine bar.
Electric Shuffle is one of the best bars in Canary Wharf, with an incredible array of cocktails available, you also get to have your own classic shuffleboard experience until late, making it the perfect post-dinner social. With automatic scoring, you can focus on winning (or gracefully losing).
3. Open swimming in the Middle Dock
Looking for a more refreshing activity? During the summer months you can take a splash in the Middle Dock for one of the rare outdoor swimming spots in London. Situated right outside our Humble Grape Canary Wharf wine bar, they have a 200m loop that you can swim around, and afterwards there’ll be no better feeling than wrapping up and heading to Humble Grape for some warming food and wine.
4. Jubilee Park
With amazing water features and bountiful numbers of trees and greenery, Jubilee Park is a serene escape from the corporate hub of Canary Wharf. Take the family for a stroll or indulge in nature alone for the ultimate self-care moment.
5. Visit one of the movie theatres - Everyman or Cineworld Canary Wharf:
With two cinemas to choose from, the luxurious Everyman or the huge 10-screen Cineworld, you’ll easily be able to catch one of the latest films during your visit. It’s the perfect activity before heading to one of the many restaurants or bars Canary Wharf has to offer.
6. Fairgame
Nostalgia meets cutting-edge tech at Fairgame, where they’ve taken fairground games to the next level. It’s one of the unmissable things to do in Canary Wharf, whether you need a plan for your next double date or just some fun with friends – it’s time to bring out your competitive side!
7. Take a walk along Canary Wharf’s public Art Trail
Canary Wharf is home to London’s largest collection of outdoor public art. You’ll find more than 100 pieces, from stand-alone sculptures to integrated architectural works. Keep an eye out when your wandering around to see if you can spot them, or walk the trail using the art map here.
8. Go for a ride along the Thames with a Skuna boat
Looking for unique, fun things to do in Canary Wharf? Float down the river in style on one of Skuna’s hot tub or BBQ boats and really relish in the jealous looks of the pedestrians beside you. How about grabbing a bottle from the Humble Grape wine shop on your way to bring with you and take the fun up a notch?!
9. Ice skating in Canary Wharf
Glide (or wobble) at London’s longest running seasonal ice skating rink and bar in Canary Wharf. It opens in October until the end of February, so is a must-do if you’re visiting during the winter season and a great activity with friends or the kids!
10. Visit One Canada Square
If you’re in Canary Wharf, you must visit one of their most famous landmarks, One Canada Square. It achieved a 21-year record for being the tallest building in the UK until 2012, which is quite a reign! While the inside is not open to the public, it’s a sight to behold when you’re standing underneath. Add it as a necessary detour when you’re heading to one of the many food places in Canary Wharf.
