At first glance, Canary Wharf is all business—a skyline of towering glass and steel. But beyond the corporate exterior lies a modern neighbourhood that’s extremely liveable, full of both character and unexpected charm. Whilst newcomers will notice the wharf is a hub of activity during the week, as thousands of workers make their way to the towering offices of the country’s largest banks, the weekends are noticeably much quieter.
The area has an undeniable appeal for those looking to live away from the crowds of tourists that roam Central London and seek a tenable balance between working and living in one of the world’s most popular cities. For those relocating to be closer to the office, Canary Wharf is a place where work meets home and allows residents to quietly enjoy their unique surroundings.
The Best Areas to Live In Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf is known for its ultra-modern residential developments, such as One Park Drive, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, featuring striking architecture and high-spec residences with incredible views of the city skyline. These apartments include open-plan layouts, floor-to-ceiling windows, and full concierge services for residents. Pan Peninsula is another sought-after address, offering homes with private balconies and exclusive amenities such as a fitness suite, spa facilities, and cinema rooms within the building.
For families or those looking for a quieter place to retreat, the nearby Isle of Dogs offers charming Edwardian period properties that make for ideal homes along the tree-lined streets while still being within walking distance of Canary Wharf’s bustling centre. Across the river in Limehouse, converted warehouses and riverside townhouses provide a mix of old London charm and modernity, easily accessible via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and Thames Clippers boat service.
Amenities
Canary Wharf boasts a wide range of amenities that offer its residents every convenience within a short walk of their homes. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate Third Space, a three-floor gym equipped with a pool, climbing wall, spa facilities, and excellent personal training services. Residents of developments like One Park Drive also benefit from private wellness areas, including hydro pools and saunas.
The interconnected malls of Cabot, Canada Place, and Jubilee Place offer residents a selection of premium retailers and high-end boutiques such as Tiffany & Co and Zadig & Voltaire. Crossrail Place is a standout destination for the area, featuring a botanical roof garden, which complements the indoor-outdoor dining experience of Pergola, one of London’s most popular pop-up food courts. The Everyman Cinema, meanwhile, is home to plush, reclining armchairs, and sofas that make for a fantastic viewing experience.
Residents who prefer pastures greener can enjoy the wharf’s landscaped gardens and riverside walks, such as Jubilee Park, with its fountains and picnic areas, which are ideal for families and professionals taking a well-earned break for lunch. Speaking of which, there is an impressive collection of restaurants to dine at around the wharf.
Notable establishments include Roka in Park Pavilion, renowned for its Japanese robata grill, and Six by Nico, where diners can experience themed tasting menus that change every six weeks. Dishoom serves up classic Bombay-style cuisine, while Hawksmoor and Blacklock are go-to venues for deliciously seared steak and indulgent Sunday lunch roasts.
Local Attractions
Canary Wharf’s social calendar is packed with events throughout the year. During the coldest months, the Winter Lights festival transforms the area with bright and beautiful illuminations that bring the spirit of Christmas to the wharf. In the summer, Canada Park Square hosts Wimbledon tennis and international football matches on big screens, which brings residents outside to enjoy the spectacle together. The square hosts a sizeable ice rink that can be enjoyed throughout the winter months.
Art enthusiasts will find plenty to explore. Prominent local landmarks include exhibits like Henry Moore’s Draped Seated Woman in Cabot Square, known locally as “Old Flo,” whilst the Museum of London Docklands has fascinating exhibitions exploring the area’s maritime and trading history. The Crossrail Place Roof Garden regularly features art and music performances, offering a variety of displays throughout the year that cater to a universal audience.
For more active residents, options around the wharf for outdoor exercise include paddleboarding at Millwall Outer Dock, whilst there are multiple cycle routes to follow in the area that will lead intrepid cyclists all over the historic East End of London. Skuna Boats, which can be found dotted around various locations, offer a much more laid-back experience, with hot tub and barbecue boat rentals to enjoy sunny days on the water.
In case of adverse, outstanding venues like Electric Shuffle and Game On offer fun-filled, interactive gaming experiences, which are great for groups looking to socialise and bond over some friendly competition. Notable establishments for grabbing drinks at any time of the day include Bavarian Cricket Club and The Parlour.
Transport Connections
Transport in Canary Wharf is one of its greatest strengths, providing excellent connectivity for both work and leisure. The Jubilee Line links residents to south and central London, while the Elizabeth Line makes travel across the city exceptionally quick – reaching Bond Street in under 15 minutes. The DLR connects Canary Wharf to the City of London, Stratford, and beyond. Alternatively, Thames Clippers offer scenic river travel for the more eco-friendly individuals, allowing you to speed along the river instead of opting for subterranean travel.
For international travel, London City Airport is less than 30 minutes away via the DLR, and Heathrow Airport can be reached in under 45 minutes on the Elizabeth Line. There is also quick access to Stanstead airport via Bank and the Stanstead Express. Major railway stations, such as London Waterloo, London Paddington King’s Cross, and the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras, are all reachable within 20 minutes. Living in Canary Wharf allows residents to enjoy seamless travel in one of the best connected parts of the city.
Canary Wharf represents the best of both worlds for living in London. The wharf has a unique heritage, much like the rest of the city, but it has arguably evolved far more than many other areas. Thankfully, with the wharf now better connected to the city centre than ever before, residents can move freely while still feeling a strong connection to Old London, all while enjoying the tranquility the wharf extends away from the busy streets of Central London.
