On Wednesday, Canberra locals were thrilled to find out that their beloved hometown had been named the third best city in the world by Lonely Planet.
The humble Australian capital sat below Seville, Spain and Detroit, United States on the esteemed top cities list for 2018 beating popular travel destinations Sydney and Melbourne for a spot on the list.
So for those who wish to ditch their beach holiday for the clean streets of Canberra this summer, Airbnb and OpenTable have rounded up the best (and budget-friendly) places to wine, dine and stay during your trip.
On Wednesday, Canberra locals were thrilled to find out that their beloved hometown had been named the third best city in the world by Lonely Planet
ACCOMMODATION
KINGSTON FORESHORE PENTHOUSE APARTMENT
This two bedroom escape costs just $261 per night and houses four guests.
The chic space boasts penthouse views of the Kingston Foreshore and features a large living area with polished concrete floors, a modern kitchen with stone bench tops and European appliances.
It also has two secure car spaces, air conditioning and intercom and is close to all the popular restaurants, shops and cafes.
This two bedroom escape costs just $261 per night and houses four guests
The chic space boasts penthouse views of the Kingston Foreshore and features a large living area with polished concrete floors and a modern kitchen with stone bench tops
NEW ACTON APARTMENT
This modern apartment in the prestigious Nishi building costs $190 per night and sleeps two guests.
It is a place to see Canberra at its best with ‘panoramic views across the landscape of the national capital’.
‘Located in the city, in the New Acton cultural precinct, abuzz with restaurants, bars, cinema, and cutting edge art and design, this spacious home-in-the-sky is good for couples, solo adventurers, and business travellers,’ the owners write.
Those who stay can enjoy free parking, close proximity to popular spots and bike hire.
This modern apartment in the prestigious Nishi building costs $190 per night and sleeps two guests
It is a place to see Canberra at its best with ‘panoramic views across the landscape of the national capital’
LAKE VIEWS IN BELCONNEN
This two bedroom apartment sleeps four and costs $159 per night.
The north facing apartment is in the heart of Belconnen CBD and is situated on an upper level so you can enjoy plentiful natural light, warmth and lake views.
The apartment is located in the Sentinel building, ‘Belconnen’s premier residence’, and is close to parks, art and culture, and restaurants.
It also boasts spectacular views of Lake Ginninderra and offers all amenities, including Foxtel, WIFI internet, Netflix, youtube on a large flat screen smart TV, stunning resort style lap pool and sundeck, gym, communal bbq and play area.
This two bedroom apartment sleeps four and costs $159 per night
The north facing apartment is in the heart of Belconnen CBD and is situated on an upper level so you can enjoy plentiful natural light, warmth and lake views
LINDEN APARTMENT
This light-filled $350 per night apartment sleeps four guests.
The spacious 15th floor sub-penthouse apartment is situated in the middle of the New Acton Art and Culture precinct and offers amazing views over Lake Burley Griffin, New Acton and the Australian National University.
‘You’ll find amazing restaurants, cafes and bars also lot’s of family-friendly activities. You’ll love Linden Apartment because of the ambiance, the neighbourhood, and the light,’ the owners write.
‘Linden Apartment is perfect for couples, solo adventurers, business travellers and families.’
This light-filled $350 per night apartment sleeps four guests
The spacious 15th floor sub-penthouse apartment is situated in the middle of the New Acton Art and Culture precinct and offers amazing views over Lake Burley Griffin, New Acton and the Australian National University
Linden Apartment is perfect for couples, solo adventurers, business travellers and families
BARTON APARTMENT
This modern, comfortable and spacious top floor apartment costs $227 per night and sleeps four guests.
The apartment is in a great location next to the Parliamentary Triangle and close to national institutions, galleries, museums, government agencies, parks and the city centre.
Guests can also enjoy a short walk to Canberra’s vibrant food, shopping and arts precincts at Kingston, Manuka and Kingston Foreshore.
‘Our modern, clean and comfortable apartment has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious living and dining room with double height ceiling and windows, a gallery kitchen with quality appliances and a laundry,’ the owners write.
‘A generous north west facing balcony is accessible from the living room and master bedroom. There is secure underground car parking with internal access to the apartment.’
This modern, comfortable and spacious top floor apartment costs $227 per night and sleeps four guests
The apartment is in a great location next to the Parliamentary Triangle and close to national institutions, galleries, museums, government agencies, parks and the city centre
DINING
LAZY SU
Lazy Su is described as being ‘distinctly asian’ and ‘fast, loud, rebellious, upbeat and confident’.
The quirky spot is inspired from a mashup of retro 80’s American-Japanese-Korean pop culture, Asian eating houses and hawker vendors and food and drink are served up and designed to be shared.
Menu offerings include dumplings, nori tacos, chicken pot stickers, oysters and barramundi.
Lazy Su is described as being ‘distinctly asian’ and ‘fast, loud, rebellious, upbeat and confident’
Pictured left is their poké bowl and right is one of their tasty nori tacos
MONSTER KITCHEN & BAR
This little spot is located on the ground floor of Hotel Hotel and is all about local and seasonal produce prepared for sharing.
‘The kitchen and bar team guide her through her multiple personalities as she shifts from lucidity to debauchery between 6.30AM and 1AM every day,’ they write.
‘She spreads across four separate spaces. The lounge is a series of nested spaces made of woven rough formed concrete structural lintels.
‘The Mosaic room houses giant original artworks. The Salon and Dining rooms tell a story of Australian immigration.’
Menu items include a $34 grilled flank steak, pulled lamb shoulder, pippies, duck parfait and other tasty share plate options.
This little spot is located on the ground floor of Hotel Hotel and is all about local and seasonal produce prepared for sharing
Pictured is the pork belly with a fried egg, green mango and chilli jam
EIGHTYSIX
This night spot is all about sharing food while listening to a range of hip hop beats.
Although at the upper end of the scale price wise, the food has been praised by diners since the moment it opened.
Menu items include a $79 whole lamb shoulder with sides, cured salmon, kangaroo, barramundi, fried chicken and spiced cauliflower.
This night spot is all about sharing food while listening to a range of hip hop beats
Pictured left is fig, peach and parma ham and right is the choc mint fudge sundae
MARBLE & GRAIN
This popular restaurant is described as a ‘polished marble bar with dark timber panelling and exposed concrete walls that create a contrast to the soft leather seating’.
‘This stylish, warm space houses Marble & Grain – Canberra’s European steakhouse inspired Gastro-Pub delivering the classic elements of a European Steakhouse in the modern form, working with seasonal local and Australian produce to deliver a paddock-to-plate menu,’ they explain on their website.
‘With great craft beers on tap from boutique producers like Murrays, Hayward and Monteith’s, an extensive wine list of over 80 Australian and international wines, and a cheeky cocktail list, there is something to match whatever your food choice.’
Menu options include Moreton Bay bugs, pumpkin tortellini and duck legs as well as share plates including oysters, arancini, steak tartare and fried calamari.
This popular restaurant is described as a ‘polished marble bar with dark timber panelling and exposed concrete walls that create a contrast to the soft leather seating’
This stylish, warm space houses Marble & Grain – Canberra’s European steakhouse inspired Gastro-Pub delivering the classic elements of a European Steakhouse
AUBERGINE
Aubergine is described as an ‘intimate space, with high ceilings, beautiful lights and simple, elegant decor which allows the product of creative and interesting food to shine’.
The food style is contemporary and the kitchen is supplied by local farmers and benchmark suppliers.
In turn that means their menu is updated daily.
Menu items include silver dory with prawn mousseline, duck breast, lamp rump and barramundi.
Aubergine is described as an ‘intimate space, with high ceilings, beautiful lights and simple, elegant decor which allows the product of creative and interesting food to shine’
Pictured is the duck breast with black garlic, eggplant braised with seaweed and fermented daikon
A.BAKER
Short for Acton Baker, this spot opened in 2013 with a restaurant and in-house bakery.
‘The name was born from the historical term “Baker” given to bakeries throughout the Middle Ages,’ they explain on their website.
‘Back then, these Bakers or communal ovens were built in the centre of the community and the townsfolk would wander down with their dough to be baked off.
‘The menu and wine, like sniffing for truffles, is obtained from local growers and producers in the Canberra district and evolves weekly.’
Menu items include Dutton park duck breast, smoked suckling pork belly, kingfish, salmon tataki and a 30 day aged Lost River sirloin.
Short for Acton Baker, this spot opened in 2013 with a restaurant and in-house bakery
Pictured is the olive oil cake, sesame and persimmon dessert – a recipe from the head chef’s mother
VINCENT
This new restaurant is hidden amongst the government departments in the leafy suburb of Barton.
‘Specialising in pairing exquisite food with unconventional, specifically sourced wines from around the world, Vincent brings an exciting vibe to the Canberra dining experience,’ their website reads.
‘Make a selection from a variety of small plate delicacies or for something to fill the belly, choose one of our satisfying main meals. There is something to service the appetites of the after-work crowd or for those looking for an exciting dining experience.’
The menu includes small plates like tiger prawns and scallops and mouthwatering large plates like barramundi, confit duck, gnocchi and pork belly.
This new restaurant is hidden amongst the government departments in the leafy suburb of Barton
This dish is roasted red roots, golden roots blanched in sherry vinegar and herbs and fine slices of target beetroot pickled in vanilla – it is called the Medley of beetroot and also has horseradish, goats curd, cherries and pistachio crumb