Often thought of as the financial centre of London, Canary Wharf is often avoided by tourists, leaving the area heavily populated by London locals.
However, between the mass of grey skyscrapers, which would not look out of place in New York City, under the shadow of the towers, is a part of the city that should not be missed.
Watch a film in style at the Everyman Cinema
Gone are the days of watching the latest blockbuster in a cramped cinema.
The Everyman Cinema invites guests to watch the newest release from the comfort of a sofa while having a waiter on hand to bring drinks and hot food.
Visit Billingsgate Fish Market
Billingsgate Fish Market is the United Kingdom’s largest inland fish market and an average of 25 000 tons of fish is sold there every single year.
While the fish market is most popular with restaurants and catering companies, it has now become a place for the public as well.
Early visiting is recommended (around 6.30 am) and you can even book into the Billingsgate Seafood School
Take the kids to Mudchute Park and Farm
It is hard to believe you can find 32 acres of farm in East London, but you can and it is home to a whole host of farm animals. Situated on the Isle of Dogs, Mudchute Farm is a community charity project with the aim of education.
Due to the vast open space, over the years a plethora of wildlife has also begun to call this area home, meaning it is a great place to see wild animals not normally seen in the city. At present entry is free but donations are encouraged to keep the farm running.
Relax in Jubilee Park
Placed above the underground station, Jubilee Park has a serpentine water channel with a rough stone wall as its main feature, the grass area of the park is a hotspot with lunchtime sunbathers, who want to catch some much-needed vitamin D during their lunch hour.
Enjoy cocktails at Smollensky’s
If you are looking for a laid-back haunt in the middle of a business centre then you will want to head to Smollensky’s.
Smollensky’s is an American-themed bar that was awarded with ‘The Best Happy Hour in Canary Wharf’ award in 2018 and serves a wide range of both classic and contemporary cocktails.
Throughout summer they also have a large outdoor seating area, perfect for enjoying summer in the city.
Visit the Crossrail Place Roof Garden
Many people have heard of the Sky Garden, but not so many have heard of the Crossrail Place roof garden.
A 300 metre enclosed garden with an abundance of plants and trees which have been carefully selected to reference the history and geography of Canary Wharf.
Visitors can relax on a bench nestled between the plants or take in one of the many free shows or performances that are scheduled daily.
Learn about the docks at the Museum of London Docklands
The warehouse museum located in the North Dock reveals the long history of London as a port, through stories of trade, migration, and commerce.
Through a combination of permanent and changing exhibitions, visitors are encouraged to discover artifacts and learn about London’s involvement with the transatlantic slave trade plus other areas of interest.
At present entrance to the Museum of the London Docklands is free.
Indulge in some Luxury Shopping at the Canary Wharf Shopping Arcades
For upmarket purchases head to Canary Wharf where you will find three arcades of shops; Cabot, Canada, and Jubilee Place.
The three arcades encirculate Canary Wharf tube station and have over 200 shops combined.
Due to its financial background, the stores are targeted to an upmarket audience, making it the perfect place to head to for some luxury indulgence.
Go on an art trail
Visitors are encouraged to download an art map from the official website and then spend time following the trail. At present, the trail has seventy stops making Canary Wharf one of the United Kingdom’s largest collections of Public Art.
My favourite stop is 48, located in the west winter garden. Stop 48 is a photographic lightbox named the ‘Spirit of East London’ and uses a collection of images to encompass this area of urban London.
Get your skates on at Canada Square Park Ice Rink! (November to February)
For 15 magical weeks of the year, part of Canary Wharf is transformed into an icy wonderland.
Visitors are invited to put on some skates beneath a sea of twinkling lights to indulge in a winter tradition – ice skating.
Between November and February, a 1200-metre square ice rink is constructed in Canada Square Park and the whole area is transformed into a winter wonderland.