StayAreasCanary Wharf or Greenwich: where should you stay in London?
- Greenwich is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $200 a night, against $220 in Canary Wharf.
- Canary Wharf is closer to 11 of the 12 big sights we timed.
- Greenwich has an easier time with kids.
- Canary Wharf has better transport links.
- From Heathrow, Canary Wharf is quicker: 68 min against 86 min.
Canary WharfOffice towers & weekend dealsPick Canary Wharf if
- Business travellers
- Weekend visitors hunting for hotel deals
- Travellers who want modern, spacious rooms
GreenwichObservatory, river & parkPick Greenwich if
- Families
- Repeat visitors who want a slower pace
- Budget travellers happy with a 30-minute commute
Canary Wharf vs Greenwich, side by side
The better one in each row is in green| What | Canary Wharf | Greenwich |
|---|---|---|
| What a night costs · typical double outside peak events, Sep 2026 | ||
| Budget double | $120 | $115 (better) |
| Mid-range double | $220 | $200 (better) |
| Luxury double | $430 | $350 (better) |
| Door to door · public transport or on foot, weekday morning | ||
| To Leicester Square | 20 min (better) | 35 min |
| Borough Market | 25 min (better) | 31 min |
| Tower of London | 27 min (better) | 36 min |
| London Eye | 28 min (better) | 40 min |
| Big Ben | 30 min (better) | 42 min |
| St Paul's Cathedral | 31 min (better) | 39 min |
| Trafalgar Square | 32 min (better) | 41 min |
| Arriving · weekday afternoon | ||
| From Heathrow | 68 min (better) | 86 min |
| From Gatwick | 58 min (better) | 70 min |
| From Stansted | 91 min (better) | 104 min |
| From Luton | 76 min (better) | 89 min |
| From London City Airport | 24 min (better) | 35 min |
| From Eurostar (St Pancras) | 35 min (better) | 50 min |
| What it's like · crime: data.police.uk; ratings ours | ||
| Street crime | Below the city average | Below the city average |
| Sights on foot | Limited | Very good (better) |
| Nightlife | Limited | Limited |
| Quiet at night | Very good | Excellent (better) |
| Food | Good | Good |
| Families | Good | Excellent (better) |
| Transport | Excellent (better) | Good |
Hotels in Canary Wharf and Greenwich
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Canary Wharf or Greenwich: questions
Is Canary Wharf or Greenwich better to stay in?
Greenwich is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $200 a night, against $220 in Canary Wharf. Canary Wharf is closer to 11 of the 12 big sights we timed. Greenwich has an easier time with kids. Canary Wharf has better transport links. From Heathrow, Canary Wharf is quicker: 68 min against 86 min. Canary Wharf suits business travellers and weekend visitors hunting for hotel deals; Greenwich suits families and repeat visitors who want a slower pace.
Which is cheaper, Canary Wharf or Greenwich?
Typical doubles in Canary Wharf: $120 budget, $220 mid-range, $430 luxury. In Greenwich: $115, $200 and $350. Rates outside peak events, updated Sep 2026.
Is Canary Wharf or Greenwich safer?
Street crime in Canary Wharf is below the city average; in Greenwich it is below the city average. Based on data.police.uk.
Which is closer to the sights, Canary Wharf or Greenwich?
Door to door: Borough Market is 25 min from Canary Wharf and 31 min from Greenwich; Tower of London is 27 min from Canary Wharf and 36 min from Greenwich; London Eye is 28 min from Canary Wharf and 40 min from Greenwich; Big Ben is 30 min from Canary Wharf and 42 min from Greenwich.
How far is Heathrow from Canary Wharf and Greenwich?
68 min to Canary Wharf and 86 min to Greenwich, door to door by public transport.