Blink and you’ll miss it. It’s nearly the end of the year and as 2017 winds down it’s the perfect time to start planning your 2018 adventures and getaways.

Each year Lonely Planet releases their ‘Best in Travel’ Top Cities to whet your appetite about your next passport stamp. The 2018 list is full of beautiful, colourful and vibrant cities from Seville in Spain to Kaohsiung in Taiwan and Oslo in Norway. Perfectly situated amongst these cities is Canberra, Australia taking out third place between Detroit and Hamburg. We know there is so much to love in Canberra and are excited to be showcased by Lonely Planet.

Discover 3 top reasons to visit the no.3 city in Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel’ 2018:

#1 Boutique Precincts

Canberra is full of diverse pockets each with unique flavours and distinctions. For foodie culture, Braddon is the place to visit. Lonsdale Street and the surrounding streets are full of delicious food (have you tried eightysix yet?), an amazing coffee culture (try Barrio Collective Coffee) and the perfect spot for a drink (if beer or cider is your beverage of choice try BentSpoke Brewing Co).

NewActon is another unique area in Canberra and is renowned for its architecture and the pineapple-shaped Nishi building. The Nishi Gallery is a must-visit while you are in the area but you will also find art throughout the precinct.

For a little history, take a trip to the 1920s in the historic Kingston area which is also home to the waterside locale of Kingston Foreshore. In this area you can also visit the Canberra Glassworks and have a hands-on experience in glass blowing. Make sure to time your visit for a Sunday to attend the famous Old Bus Depot Markets.

#2 National Institutions

As Australia’s capital, Canberra is home to many of the country’s national museums, galleries and memorials that honour and celebrate Australia, its people and its stories. With regular exhibitions hosted at these venues throughout the year, each trip to Canberra promises a different experience. Some notable attractions to tick off your list first include:

• Australian War Memorial
• Parliament House
• National Gallery of Australia
• Questacon
• National Library of Australia
• National Portrait Gallery
• Canberra Museum and Gallery
• Museum of Australian Democracy
• National Arboretum

Read more about the diverse range of art, history and culture exhibitions showing in Canberra this summer.

#3 Food and Wine

With the annual truffle festival, the coffee culture and being the home of the FreakShake, Canberra has an unexpectedly delicious food scene. In addition to eating your way through the city’s host of restaurants, why not plan your trip around one of these festivals:

• The Commons Street Feast – 30 November to 10 December 2017 – A food truck festival which is the perfect excuse to be outdoors and eat up a storm!
• Enlighten Canberra – 2 to 8 March 2018 – An iconic light and sound festival accompanied by an equally striking gastronomy display from local eateries.
• Canberra District Wine Harvest Festival – 7 & 8 April 2017 – Held at a variety of wineries throughout the region, come and discover a new favourite drop.
• The Truffle Festival – 1 June to 31 August 2018 – A little fancy, a little earthy, discover why people love truffles.

Is your wanderlust ignited? Let 2018 be the year you discover some of the cities on Lonely Planet’s list and book a Canberra getaway. We look forward to welcoming you to the hotel. View our special accommodation promotions here.