If you’ve spent any time in London travel groups, you’ll have seen the same question pop up again and again:
“Is Canary Wharf a good place to stay with a family?”
“We’ve found a good deal in Isle of Dogs – is it a bad location?”
The short answer? Yes, it can be a brilliant base — if you understand what the area is good at and what it isn’t.
This guide walks through what it’s really like to stay around Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs, and who this area suits best.
Canary Wharf & Isle of Dogs in a nutshell
Think of Canary Wharf & the Isle of Dogs as:- Modern, safe and well-organised
- Packed with glass towers, riverside walks and cafés
- Extremely well connected via the Elizabeth Line, Jubilee Line, DLR and Thames Clippers
- Lively on weekdays, calmer at weekends
- More “mini-city” than “historic London postcard”
Is it a good area for families?
For many families, the answer is yes. Pros for families:- Wide pavements and traffic-calmed zones
- Plenty of play areas, green spaces and waterfront walks
- Modern apartments with lifts and good security
- Easy access to supermarkets, casual dining, chain restaurants
- Simple Tube/DLR journeys to most major attractions
- It’s quieter at night and at weekends than the West End – which some families love, but older teens might find it a bit too calm.
- You’ll be using public transport to reach the big sights – you’re not walking out of the door straight into Westminster or Soho.
Is it a good area for business travellers?
For anyone working in Canary Wharf, the City, or London Bridge, staying in E14 or nearby East London areas is often the most efficient choice. You can:- Walk to offices in Canary Wharf
- Use the Elizabeth Line or Jubilee Line into the City in minutes
- Have a modern apartment to work from in the evenings
- Consultants on projects
- Relocation staff in their first 1–3 months
- Financial services professionals in for a week or two of meetings
Is it a good area for tourists?
It depends on your travel style. Canary Wharf & Isle of Dogs work well for people who:- Want a quieter base to retreat to at night
- Prefer new build apartments over tiny hotel rooms
- Don’t mind taking the Tube or Elizabeth Line to the main sights
- Enjoy riverside walks, skyline views and a “modern London” feel
Safety: is Canary Wharf / Isle of Dogs safe?
Broadly, yes. Most of Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs is:- Well-lit
- Busy with office workers during the day
- Covered by CCTV
- Patrolled and managed as part of a corporate estate
- Keep valuables out of sight
- Use licensed taxis or well-lit routes at night
- Stick to the main streets after dark
How easy is it to get around from E14?
Very. From Canary Wharf station, you can typically reach:- Bond Street / Oxford Street – ~15 mins (Elizabeth Line)
- Tottenham Court Road / Soho – ~16–18 mins
- Liverpool Street / the City – ~7 mins
- London Bridge – ~10 mins (Jubilee + change)
- Greenwich – short DLR or boat hop
Who Canary Wharf & Isle of Dogs are ideal for
- Families who want somewhere clean, calm and easy
- Guests working in Canary Wharf, the City or London Bridge
- Digital nomads who want a quiet, modern base
- Relocation guests moving to London for work
- Return visitors who’ve “done” the West End and want to try a different side of the city
Summary
Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs are not the stereotypical London of postcards and royal pageantry — but they’re a fantastic choice if you value:- Safety and order
- Modern apartments
- Easy transport
- A calmer atmosphere after busy days in central London
