Arts & Culture in Canberra
In Canberra, visitors can find an artistic scene around every street corner. To help you out, we've got a few fun things to do in Canberra for art lovers.
National Gallery of Australia
If you're looking for art, it doesn't get any better than the National Gallery. This incredible attraction houses over 100,000 pieces from all over the globe, along with an outstanding collection of Australian and Indigenous art. The exhibitions are constantly changing, as new, curated collections visit the gallery. Be sure to check out their website to see what's on when you're in town, and don't forget to enjoy a wander through the Sculpture Garden with views over Lake Burley Griffin before you leave.
Street Art
Stroll through any street in Canberra and be dazzled by unexpected art. The artistic community thrives in the most unexpected places, from sidewalks to buildings to quiet alleyways. Head over to Tocumwal Lane to stumble upon some of the city's most fun and selfie-worthy murals.
Old Bus Depot Markets
On Sundays, the old bus depot along Lake Burley Griffin comes alive as locals and tourists mingle in an open-air market. Over 200 stalls sell everything from food, crafts, vintage pieces, fashion, and drinks. Grab a coffee and a snack before strolling along the lake shore, spend hours perusing the stalls, and find the perfect souvenirs.
Canberra Restaurants & Cafés
Canberra is quickly becoming a foodie haven, and new restaurants are popping up each day. Here are a few tried and true favourites, but we wouldn't be surprised if you stumble into an incredible location on your own!
The Front
If you're looking for a latté with a side of artistic inspiration, you'll find it at The Front. A café and art gallery, The Front serves up delicious brekkie and artisanal coffee and drinks all day long. Stay until the evening hours, and the menu opens up: charcuterie boards and other delectable snacks, along with live entertainment.
Highroad
Famous for its sustainable coffee roasting practices, Highroad is an all-day eatery with refreshing natural light and quality drinks. Come for the rich coffee. Stay for the locally sourced, fresh Australian cuisine.
Silo Bakery and Café
If you've ever wanted to try scrambled eggs with a side of truffles, this is your place. This Parisian bakery offers all the sweets (croissants, tarts, jams, French toast), plus the sweetest café au lait in town. Or, if you're looking for a bit of the hair of the dog, you'll also find the best Bloody Marys at Silo.
Baby Su
This adorable fast-food restaurant is quickly becoming a Canberra staple. While serving Korean fried foods and classic waffle fries, Baby Su is the perfect stop when you want fast food with a side of culture. Don't miss the kimchi-spiked mac-n-cheese!
Močan and Green Grout
If the conditions are right for alfresco dining (and they usually are), Močan and Green Grout is the place to be. Enjoy a simple menu of light, veggie-heavy fare in a peaceful garden atmosphere.
Raku
If you're looking for Japanese food in a beautiful setting, look no further than Raku. This sophisticated restaurant offers the most elegant Japanese cuisines, with an added focus on seafood. Most dishes are a work of art, and it'll be challenging to remember to snap a pic before diving in.
Corella Restaurant and Bar
To try authentic Australian cuisine, visit Corella. It was named one of Australia's best new restaurants by Gourmet Traveller magazine, and each item on the menu incorporates native Australian ingredients. An excellently curated wine list and handcrafted cocktails set the scene for an exquisite dining experience.
Fun things to do in Canberra at night
If you find yourself wondering, does Canberra have good nightlife? You're in luck because a whole other side of Canberra comes alive at night. From sophisticated pubs to eclectic dance halls, here are a few places you can't miss.
Hippo Co.
If you're looking for a good whiskey bar, you'd be hard-pressed to find one better than Hippo Co. One of Australia's longest-running nightclubs, Hippo Co. boasts a collection of over 200 whiskeys in one of the most atmospheric bars in town. Sip on a handcrafted whiskey cocktail while listening to live jazz music (Wednesday nights). An evening at Hippo Co. is peak sophistication.
The Basement
Check out a variety of live music and DJ sets at The Basement, a Canberra nightclub staple for more than three decades. A huge dance floor and generous pours will keep you in the groove all night long. For a more laid-back vibe, head up to the beer garden and unwind with a game of pool.
Mooseheads Pub and Nightclub
You'll find a little bit of everything at Mooseheads Pub and Nightclub. Four stories of dance floors, each with its own bar (and vibe!) keep the party going through the night. Bar food is available, but this place is all about the quality drinks and nonstop tunes.
Reload Bar and Games
If your idea of a good night is a juicy burger, a themed cocktail, and a few video games, then Reload Bar is your kind of place. Couches, board games, arcade games, dance floors, and a resident DJ pumping out the tunes make this establishment truly one of a kind.
Parlour Wine Room
For a touch of elegance, visit Parlour Wine Room. A quilted leather bar, velvet chairs, and upholstered couches give a vibe of casual sophistication. One look at the wine list, and it's obvious the appeal is not just in the atmosphere alone. Innovative food options are also on offer, and you can ask the on-staff sommelier to recommend the best wine pairings.
Canberra Ghost and History Tour
If bars and nightclubs aren't your scene, consider one of the many nightly tours through Canberra. Spooky ghost tours are among the favourites, where you'll visit the sites of gruesome crimes and old wives' tales, but there are options for nature lovers too!
Free things to do in Canberra
Canberra takes great pride in its history and heritage, and therefore many activities remain free and open to the public. Along with the many parks and outdoor recreations, here are a few extra freebies.
National Museum of Australia
Filled to the brim with Australian history—and free—the National Museum is a Canberra gem. Visitors could spend hours marvelling at the collections with interactive exhibits and authentic Aboriginal pieces. The building itself is an architectural wonder, and its location along the water makes it a perfect place to take in the view.
The Pink Lake
Stroll along Eardley Street in the Bruce Precinct, and soon enough, you'll encounter the pink lake. This natural wonder is one of many pink lagoons throughout Australia, and it's the perfect place for an aesthetically pleasing selfie, thanks to the native Australian fern whose leaves decorate the top of the water.
Royal Australian Mint
If you often find yourself fascinated by how things are made, then a visit to the Royal Australian Mint should be high on your list. Watch robots produce Australian coins, from those destined for circulation to rare collector's coins. You may even be able to take one home as a souvenir.
Mount Ainslie
To view Canberra in its best light, trek the 4-kilometre walk up to Mount Ainslie. Although the journey is tough, the reward is definitely worth it. The whole city (and beyond) will be laid about before you. But if hiking is not your thing, don't worry—you can always drive up.
Canberra Glassworks
Watching professional glass artists do their thing can be quite mesmerizing, and a visit to the glassworks gives you up-front access. Guests can even try their hand at creating their own works of art. Located in the historic Kingston Power House, the glassworks is home to a deep heritage of Australian workers and artisans. The building alone is worth the visit.
The Australian National Botanic Gardens
Pack a picnic and step into an unmissable environment, filled with some of the most mesmerising flora on the planet. Enjoy a cool breeze and some sunshine on the Eucalypt Lawn, then enjoy a walk through the Rainforest Gully or on the Bushland Nature Walk. Then you can finish up the day with a cup of coffee from the award-winning Pollen Cafe (open 8:30am to 5pm every day except Christmas day) and a trip to the Gardens' bookshop for an educational and/or beautiful memento of your day in the Gardens.
Between its cultural and recreational offerings, there are limitless options for fun and entertainment in Canberra, and the intimacy of the city encourages visitors to explore them all! Plan your trip to this shining city and consider a stay at one of Accor's many Canberra accommodation options. With hotels spread throughout the city, you'll never be far from inspiration.
