Canary Wharf has an international reputation as London’s financial district, blending sleek skyscrapers with shopping, dining and entertainment. With cultural events, modern amenities and lively bars, Canary Wharf offers a great location for work and play.

About Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf is one of the main financial districts of the capital. It's renowned for its iconic skyline and status as one of the world’s leading economic hubs. It's home to global banks, tech and media companies, attracting startups, business professionals and entrepreneurs from all over the world.

Beyond business and finance, Canary Wharf is also known for its high-end shops, stylish bars and award-winning restaurants that are ideal for after-work drinks or a weekend indulgence.

The neighbourhood is also a cultural hotspot, hosting year-round art installations, music events and open-air film screenings. Nature lovers can enjoy tranquil riverside walks and green spaces like Jubilee Park.

The area also boasts convenient transport links, including the Elizabeth line, Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and Thames Clipper services.

Things to do in Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf serves up a range of activities for all types of visitors. Explore high-end boutiques in Canada Place, enjoy rooftop dining with skyline views, or unwind in Jubilee Park. The area also features public art installations, regular local markets and the Museum of London Docklands, offering a glimpse into the city's rich maritime history.

Event venues

Excel London

Excel London is a £500m international venue with 100,000 sq m (1m sq ft) of event space including ICC London Excel, featuring the UK’s largest auditorium and banqueting hall. Excel London is synonymous with conferences, conventions and large-scale business events, and offers business travellers plenty of networking opportunities.

It also has seven hotels, excellent transport links and sits in London’s vibrant events district just three minutes away from Canary Wharf on the Elizabeth line, and minutes away from The O2 and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. In 2025, Excel is adding a further 25,000 sq m (270,000 sq ft) of state-of-the-art event space, making it the largest fully integrated events venue in Europe.

Centred at Excel London

Centred at Excel London offers 29 flexible training rooms, accommodating up to 400 delegates, with a private entrance and dedicated reception. Enjoy dining with waterfront views, a lounge with bespoke catering and a dockside balcony. Rooms feature ceiling projectors, free wifi, climate control and sound proofing. There's also on-site parking – a luxurious benefit in London.

London Museum Docklands

Red-brick facade of the Museum of London Docklands with tourists walking past the entrance.

London Museum Docklands is located in a former sugar warehouse by the quayside. It offers flexible event spaces across three floors for meetings, conferences, receptions and weddings. With capacity for up to 400 guests, rooms like the Quayside Room, Riverside Room and Muscovado Hall make perfect settings for any occasion. Enjoy great views, private terraces and state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities.

The Sandbox at Level39

The Sandbox at Level39 in Canary Wharf is a versatile event space accommodating up to 200 guests. It's an ideal choice for product launches, conferences, brand meetings and panel discussions, with a modular stage and advanced audio-visual technology to ensure top presentations. With catering, registration and venue hire managed seamlessly, this venue transforms any event into an unforgettable experience.

Experiences

Fairgame

Brightly coloured old-school arcade games with yellow, purple and green lights.

Fairgame in Canary Wharf offers an immersive, adults-only fairground experience with a modern twist. Go back to your childhood roots and enjoy high-tech versions of classic fairground games, street food from top vendors like Burger & Beyond and Rudy’s Pizza, and three bars serving craft cocktails and beer. It's a great spot for team days or post-conference relaxation, with capacity for groups of up to 500.

Clays

Clays Canary Wharf offers a unique clay target shooting experience with high-tech, interactive games on large screens. Enjoy signature cocktails, sharing plates and private spaces for exclusive hire for groups of up to 500, suitable for various events, from corporate gatherings to celebrations. With a sleek design and stunning terrace, Clays provides an unforgettable experience in the heart of London.

K1 Speed

Two racers dressed in black enjoying an indoor go-karting track.

For adrenaline junkies and speed lovers, K1 Speed in Canary Wharf offers an eco-friendly go-karting experience with high-performance electric karts. Race through indoor tracks, enjoy competitive leagues and track your lap times. Perfect for all skill levels including beginners, K1 Speed is great for team building, corporate events, leisure and parties of up to 200.

Illusionaries

Illusionaries offers London’s first story-based immersive art experience, blending art and technology. Step into a world of vivid imagery, emotive soundscapes and mind-bending visuals. This immersive journey allows you to explore a departed bard's memories, offering a feast for the senses. It can be hired for events including corporate groups.

Restaurants

Boisdale Canary Wharf

Boisdale is a two-floor venue overlooking Cabot Square and the city skyline. It's also a members' club with a focus on enjoying Cuban cigars, wine, Scottish malt whisky and live music. It's a great place for an after-work wind-down, a business lunch or a special occasion. Menus serve meat, seafood, burgers, steaks and side plates. There's also a garden terrace with comfy furnishings, a whisky bar with more than 1,000 bottles on offer and a Cuban cigar library and shop.

The Ivy in the Park, Canary Wharf

For a chic and welcoming dining experience in Canary Wharf, The Ivy in the Park is a must-visit. Set across two stylish floors in one of the area’s most sustainable buildings, this restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring modern British classics, Asian-inspired dishes and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. It’s an ideal spot for business meetups, after-work cocktails or a leisurely weekend meal.

The Parlour

Escape from the buzz and bustle of the city and step into this botanical-inspired bar and restaurant. The Parlour serves up seasonal menus, cocktails and fine wines in a laid-back and relaxing setting. With a secret garden-inspired lounge and a stunning alfresco terrace, it’s the perfect place to escape and unwind after work or on a lunch break, and it’s located just moments from Canary Wharf Station.

The Sipping Room

Located in a charming Grade II-listed building just moments from West India Quay Station, The Sipping Room is a stylish restaurant and bar overlooking the docks. There's also a spacious alfresco terrace, perfect for all-day dining, after-work drinks or a leisurely weekend brunch. With seasonal menus, creative cocktails and an impressive wine selection, it’s a go-to spot for business lunches, leisurely evenings out and laid-back gatherings with colleagues.

Hotels

Hilton London Canary Wharf

Hilton London Canary Wharf is positioned in a great location within Canary Wharf, with easy access to transport links and major London attractions. Enjoy 282 bedroom, from spacious suites to family-friendly rooms, a fitness centre, event spaces for up to 400 guests, sauna and cocktail bar, with pet-friendly options and secure parking.

London Marriott Canary Wharf

London Marriott Hotel Canary Wharf offers travellers a blend of work and leisure with 347 spacious rooms, stunning waterfront views and modern facilities. Business visitors have 19 versatile event spaces for meetings and gatherings for up to 300 attendees. After work, enjoy dining at Manhattan Grill, sip on craft cocktails at G&Tea Lounge, or have a workout at the 24-hour fitness centre.

Dorsett Hotel Canary Wharf (opening summer 2025)

Dorsett Hotel Canary Wharf is opening in the summer of 2025. This hotel is set to have a full range of offerings, with 236 rooms, a sky bar and terrace on level 20, a gym, conference spaces and specialist retail on the ground floor.

Cove – Landmark Pinnacle, Canary Wharf

Cove Landmark Pinnacle offers 162 luxury serviced apartments in the heart of Canary Wharf, blending comfort and style. Guests can unwind in spacious rooms, connect in co-working spaces or recharge in the gym and yoga studio. Located in Europe’s tallest residential tower, the hotel also offers breathtaking views, dining, shopping and easy access to public transport.

Radisson Blu Hotel, London Canary Wharf East

Sleek Radisson Blu Hotel lobby in Canary Wharf, east London, complete with glass doors and windows, grey seats and black tables with white flowers.

Radisson Blu Hotel, London Canary Wharf East offers a tranquil riverside stay. Enjoy European cuisine at Scoff & Banter, unwind at the East River Spa and host events for up to 250 in one of seven meeting rooms. With 169 stylish rooms, waterfront views and great links to public transport, it’s the ideal base for exploring London or attending business events at nearby hotspots like The O2 and Excel.

Travel information

How to get to Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf is one of London’s most dynamic and thriving districts, offering a blend of modern architecture, world-class shopping and excellent transport links for leisure and business travellers. The area is easily accessible from all parts of London by bus, rail, DLR, Tube, boat and the new Elizabeth line.

By Tube and DLR

Canary Wharf is easily accessible via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), providing direct links from central London. The nearest DLR stations include Canary Wharf, Heron Quays and South Quay, connecting visitors to key areas across London.

By rail

National Rail services run from London Bridge, Liverpool Street and Fenchurch Street, with direct connections to Canary Wharf via the DLR at the nearest stations.

By bus

Several London bus routes, including the 135, 277 and D3, connect Canary Wharf to key locations such as Stratford, Greenwich and Limehouse.

By boat

Take the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers for a scenic route from central London to Canary Wharf Pier in under 30 minutes.

By cable car

For panoramic views, use the IFS Cloud Cable Car connecting North Greenwich to the Royal Docks in just a few minutes.

Train and Underground stations

Canary Wharf is well served by the Jubilee line on the London Underground, providing fast access to the City and central London. The nearby DLR stations, including Canary Wharf and South Quay, offer additional connections.

National Rail services from London Bridge, Liverpool Street and Fenchurch Street provide direct links to Canary Wharf via the DLR.

Travel times to and from Canary Wharf

  • Heathrow Airport: 55 minutes via the Elizabeth line and DLR (one change).
  • City of London: 10 minutes via the Jubilee line (direct).
  • Westminster: 20 minutes via the Jubilee line (direct).
  • Greenwich: 10 minutes via the DLR (direct).
  • London Bridge: 10 minutes via National Rail from London Bridge (direct).
  • London Stansted Airport: 65 minutes via National Rail and Liverpool Street (one change).
  • London Luton Airport: 50 minutes via National Rail and Thameslink (one change).

Find more information about how to get around London as a business traveller in our business travel in London guide.

How we can help

As London’s official convention bureau, we help event professionals, meeting organisers and incentive planners unlock the city and create events to remember.

We can help you by providing:

  • Free assistance: as a not-for-profit company, we don't charge for our services. Our experts share their entire wealth of knowledge and contacts with you for free.
  • Impartial advice: we are independent and know London inside out. Our experts can help you discover venues, event agencies, unique experiences and activities for your event.
  • Expert knowledge: we've supported thousands of delegates and helped them build world-class events. We've supported international congresses, conventions and conference teams to deliver inspiring events at scale.

Get in touch

Contact us

Our team offers free, expert, impartial advice and we’re here to help you.