What do you think about first when you imagine a trip to London? It’s usually the most obvious places like Westminster, Covent Garden, the West End, or perhaps Shoreditch and Notting Hill, and that all makes a lot of sense, but London’s interesting because it has so many different areas, and sadly not all of those areas end up on most people’s schedules. 

Canary Wharf tends to be one of those places, and that might be because at first glance it’s known to be London’s financial district with loads of tall buildings and glass towers and commuters all over the place. However, if you look a little closer, there’s a lot more to it than that. 

It Feels Different From Central London 

One of the reasons Canary Wharf is worth adding to your itinerary is because it doesn’t feel like the rest of the city – it’s cleaner, more open, and set right on the water. And the docks actually make it feel like you’re almost in the countryside, which makes wandering around feel a lot less stressful than some of the busier tourist spots tend to be. 

You can walk along the waterfront, sit with a coffee, or just take in the skyline from a different angle. And it’s still definitely London, of course, but it has its own kind of atmosphere which is really exciting. 

It’s Surprisingly Good For Food 

There’s something else to know about Canary Wharf, and it might surprise you – the food is really good. 

Because it’s packed with office workers during the week, the food scene has become fantastic, and there’s everything from casual spots to more formal restaurants, and the best part is you’re not fighting through huge crowds of tourists just to get to a table. 

If you’re in the mood for something flavourful and comforting after a long day exploring, finding a good Indian restaurant Canary Wharf can be a highlight in itself, and sitting down to a proper meal with the lights reflecting on the water outside feels like a great escape. 

It’s Easy To Reach

Another bonus is how accessible it is. The Jubilee line gets you there quickly, and the Elizabeth line makes it even simpler. And you don’t have to plan an entire day around it either – it can just be an afternoon stop or an evening addition to your schedule because you’ll be able to get to and from wherever your base is relatively simply. 

It’s so flexible that it just makes sense to slot it into your plans whenever you’ve got a gap, and it won’t feel like you’re making things harder for yourself. 

Final Thoughts 

London doesn’t have to be experienced one way, and adding Canary Wharf gives you a different perspective on the city, showing you more open space, amazing food options, and it all feels a little slower and calmer as well, at least compared to central London. 

And of course, sometimes it’s the places you didn’t originally plan to visit that become your favourite memories, so it’s got to be worth giving it a go.