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Canary Wharf isn't all suits and skyscrapers; it's also modern art, museums, shopping and top-notch restaurants. Here's how to spend a day in London's famous business district.
10am
You’ve got three easy ways to reach London’s Docklands. If the weather’s good, hop on the Clipper, which runs between Putney and Woolwich and grab a coffee (or something a little stronger) at the on-board bar. Try for an outdoor seat if you like the feeling of wind through your hair. The DLR is your best bet for a smooth, scenic route through London’s East End. Don’t forget about the tube: Canary Wharf station is a swift nine-minute journey from Waterloo on the Jubilee line.
10.30am
Safe on dry land, take a wander through the area’s labyrinth of over 200 designer and high street shops. It’s not all Paul Smith and Orlebar Brown though – you’ll also find Zara, Whistles, and French Connection.
12.30pm
You’ve shopped, so now it’s time to drop. You’re in safe hands at ROKA, with their eclectic robata grill dishes and exotic desserts that’ll bring you back to full strength. There’s even outdoor seating so you can dine al fresco with a view of the Thames.
2pm
Grab a home-roasted coffee to go from the new Notes store in the Crossrail Station and take it to Canada Square Park for a sup and a sit down. Take in the outdoor sculptures – Canary Wharf is home to one of the largest collections of public art in the whole of the UK.
3pm
Sort your culture fix by taking a 10-minute stroll over the footbridge to the Museum of London Docklands. Filled to the brim with fascinating permanent exhibitions and temporary galleries, this space chronicles the impact of the Thames on London’s history.
5pm
Feeling flooded with knowledge? You’ve earned that pre-dinner cocktail. Head to One Canada Square and treat your taste buds – try a vodka-based Sleeping Beauty or the house special, a Cucumber Press, made with gin and Chartreuse. Then, when you’re feeling peckish, grab a table in the elegant restaurant for some high-quality feasting. Insider tip: the fish dishes are locally sourced from nearby Billingsgate Market, no less.
8.30pm
Placed directly above Canary Wharf station is Jubilee Park, which is a treat to wander at night as its paths, trees and waterfalls come to light. Take a stroll before finishing off the night at Boisdale of Canary Wharf for jazz, scotch and cigars (if that’s your kind of thing).