In this article, I present the district of Canary Wharfthe 2nde London's business hub with its ultra-modern urban planning!
Here you'll find
- An introduction to the Canary Wharf district
- Things to see and do at Canary Wharf
- How to reach the zone easily
- Practical information: opening hours, tour tips
- Things to see and do in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Canary Wharf, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Canary Wharf: article summary
Canary Wharf: 2nde London's business district, located on the Isle of Dogs!
When you think of business district from London, we think of The City. But it's not the only business district in the British capitalas you'll discover when you visit Canary Wharf.
Located on Isle of Dogs (Isle of DogsA former island surrounded by the River Thames, Canary Wharf has evolved from a derelict port into one of the capital's liveliest financial districts.
It is now home to the headquarters of many prestigious banks (such as Crédit Suisse and HSBC), law firms and one of the UK's leading media companies, Trinity Mirror.
I present to you Canary Wharf and explains whether it's worth the visit!
Introduction to Canary Wharf
Located in East LondonCanary Wharf was one of the city's major port areas - with its docks - and therefore a very popular district in the original sense of the word. However, in the second half of the 20th century, as port activity declined, the docks one after the other, and the neighborhood is left to rot.
A state agency, the London Docklands Development Corporationwas created in an attempt to revitalize activity in the area. It's a time of financial development, and banks are looking to set up in the area. out of the Citywhere new construction is very complicated.
A Canadian company (Olympia and York) acquires the space. Construction begins, with the One Canada Square then the tallest building in the UK at 235 meters. It has since been surpassed by the The Shard and its 309.7 metres!
In the space of just 3 hours, we show you the the best of the historic center of London (must-sees + secret spots) with a French-speaking guide just for you.
Although an economic crisis slowed Canary Wharf's expansion in the 90s, the ensuing recovery enabled the area to grow and take on the face it presents today: a "city of lights". modern urban area and almost futuristic in places.
Facts and figures about this district
- Three of the tallest skyscrapers in the UK can be found at Canary Wharf: One Canada Square, 8 Canada Square, 25 Canada Square.
- The name Canary Wharf probably comes from the Spanish Puerto Canario as many goods were destined for in the Canary Islands ;Â the Isle of Dogs is said to have been so named because it was here that King Edward III kept his hunting dogs.
- Since 2015, Canary Wharf has been owned by an investment fund qatari
What can you see and do at Canary Wharf?
Clearly, during your stay in the capital, there are other London districts to visit first. Canary Wharf doesn't have the appeal of its neighbors to the west, which are packed with monuments.
However, it is a place that can worth a lookwith several points of interest that I'll outline below.
London Docklands Museum
The history of a city's docks is often quite fascinating, as these areas were of paramount importance when ships were the most widely used means of transporting goods.
You can relive this history with a free visit to London Docklands Museum. Through period documents, videos and permanent or temporary exhibitions, you'll travel through the past of this much-changed area.
Open daily from 10am to 5pm.
Address: No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL
Admire the skyscrapers
As you stroll through this district, all you have to do is look up to observe the immense buildings that make it up. Some of the country's most imposing skyscrapers and the headquarters of numerous financial institutions, which you're sure to recognize.
Taking a coffee/beer break amid the hustle and bustle
Suited businessmen are everywhere in Canary Wharf. You'll see them bustling about on the stoops of their companies or in the cafés / adsat the end of the day.
By asking on the terrace You'll catch snippets of 100 % London conversations, for a slice of life shared even if you're not from this world!
Do some shopping at Jubilee Place Shopping
There is a large shopping center at Canary Wharf, called the Jubilee Place Shopping. It boasts over 120 boutiques selling clothes, accessories and designer labels, as well as places to grab a bite to eat during your visit to the neighborhood.
Address: 1 Canada Square, London E14 5AB
Open Monday to Friday 10am to 7pm, Saturday 11am to 6pm and Sunday 12pm to 6pm.
Street art at Canary Wharf
Proof of the area's very modern urban development, Canary Wharf is home to numerous works of street art scattered across the 4 corners of the district.
There are 100 works to discover and you can consult this card so you don't get lost!
How do I get to Canary Wharf?
Canary Wharf lies to the east of central London, in the district of Tower Hamletson the banks of the Thames.
It's easy to get there, by taking one of the following means of transport:
- Visit metrovia the Jubilee Line, Canary Wharf stop
- With the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), stop at Canary Wharf, Heron Quays or West India Quays
- By River Bus, the river shuttle that serves the Canary Wharf Pier stop in particular.
Canary Wharf: opening hours and practical information
Here's some additional information. All you need to know to make the most of your visit to Canary Wharf, if you decide to explore this London business center.
Opening hours
While some of the stores close early in the area (6pm), there are plenty of restaurants to enjoy the evening.
Some are located in the heightsYou can choose from two different types of apartments: some are located in the center of the city, to take advantage of the sensational views they offer over the neighborhood, while others are on the banks of the Thames, if you want to enjoy the view over the water.
Tips and practical information
In summer, the area is very quietemptied of its businessmen and women. If you're in London during the summer season, it can be fun to visit Canary Wharf then. It's a complete contrast to central London at the same time!
What to see and do in the area?
The area around Canary Wharf is not very attractive. But it is possible to along the Thames westwards by boat to two of the capital's major attractions:
- Visit Tower of Londona magnificent medieval fortress not to be missed!
- Visit London BridgeLondon's oldest bridge, with Tower Bridge just around the corner!
What to do in London in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special London guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special London guide!
Leave a Reply