Visiting Canberra was not on my bucket list when I went to Australia. So, when I first visited the city, I didn’t have many expectations. It’s not exactly known as one of Australia’s must-see cities. Most people are encouraged to visit Melbourne, Sydney, or the Great Barrier Reef instead.

So when I arrived, I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The city was far more interesting than I expected. Its peaceful atmosphere offered a refreshing break from my busy life in Melbourne.

Let me show you why visiting Canberra should be on your travel list!

1. It’s a Culture Lover’s Dream

National Museum of Australia

The National Museum of Australia surprised me with its deconstructive architecture and bright colors. Even though the design was unexpected, I found it really interesting to explore. And, its location near Lake Burley Griffin made it an even more enjoyable place to walk around.

The museum has a huge collection that covers Australia’s long and complex history. From the First Nations peoples’ culture, all the way to recent events like the Sydney Olympic Games it covers everything.

Some exhibitions also focus on Australia’s unique flora and fauna. For instance, the environmental impacts of introducing non-native species to the ecosystem.

I found the visit fascinating because it felt like a mix between a history museum and a natural history museum. It gave me a much deeper insight into how Australian society has changed over time and really helped me better understand the country’s story.

National Portrait Gallery of Australia

I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I visited the National Portrait Gallery of Australia. I’m not very familiar with many famous Australians. I mostly know a few actors and politicians, so I wasn’t sure how many people I would actually recognize.

Still, this ended up being my favorite museum in Canberra. The gallery doesn’t just focus on Australian-born figures. It also features visitors to Australia, from political leaders to actors, singers, and many others. It includes a beautiful mix of First Nations people, local icons, and even ordinary Australians.

The styles of the portraits vary a lot too. Some are traditional photographs, while others are paintings, sculptures, or creative interpretations. Even when I didn’t know who the person was, I loved seeing how each portrait captured their personality differently.

Parliament House

Canberra is Australia’s capital city, so it’s impossible to miss all the important government buildings.

I was surprised by the building — the architecture was nothing like what I expected for a parliament. It’s actually smaller than I imagined, but the inside is incredibly impressive. From the moment you walk in, the entrance feels grand and elegant, with marble-covered columns and two flights of stairs.

As you explore, you’ll learn more about the building and the key figures who have shaped Australia’s political history. The first floor feels completely different. The walls are lined with wood, and there’s carpet everywhere to reduce noise and create a calmer work environment.

At the top of the building, there’s a lovely viewpoint overlooking the surrounding gardens. They’re simple, mostly open grassy areas, but they offer a beautiful view of Canberra’s landscape.

Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial is a very impressive museum. It was built to honor the memory of all Australian soldiers who died as a result of war. At the center of the building, a courtyard hosts a daily “Last Post” ceremony, with Roll of Honour panels on both sides adorned with poppies. We had the chance to attend the ceremony, which was a very solemn tribute to a soldier who died during the Second World War.We also visited the museum itself, which really helped me better understand how Australia contributed to both World Wars. It was a very moving and insightful experience.

2. Cool Cafés & Nice Bruch places

As I mentioned in my Melbourne article, coffee culture is a big deal in Australia. Almost every coffee shop is passionate about their flavors, and you get a different experience at each one ! Melbourne is known as one of the best places for coffee in Australia, but even in Canberra, I was pleasantly surprised to find the same level of passion and quality.

My favorite spot during my visit was a café called Greenhouse. My friend and I loved it so much that we kept going back every day we were in Canberra. We could choose between different blends, and each had such a unique, amazing flavor. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve had a better coffee experience since then!

The food at Greenhouse was also fantastic, making it the perfect place to enjoy brunch before a long day of sightseeing. That said, the rest of Canberra is full of great coffee shops too,. So if you’re looking for a good breakfast or just a relaxing coffee break, you’ll have no trouble finding a cozy spot somewhere in the city.

3. A City Where Nature and City Life Meet

Compared to Melbourne’s busy central business district, Canberra is much more spread out, with the city divided by the Molonglo River. It takes full advantage of the open space around it. Because of that, many of the avenues are wide. Still, you’ll find lots of parks and green areas everywhere, which really makes Canberra feel special to me.

Even though the city is large, it’s easy to get around. You have access to public transport, and scooters (like Lime) are very convenient. A lot of places are also easily accessible just by walking so you can also enjoy the city’s architecture and parks. Overall, the atmosphere feels really chill and safe for visitors.

One of the best places for a walk is around Lake Burley Griffin, a lake near the National Museum. You can walk or cycle along it, and it’s especially beautiful when the sun is out. The lake creates a peaceful atmosphere and a perfect spot to relax, whether you just want to take a break after a long day or sit down with a good book.

Throughout the city, there are also plenty of small parks and green spaces where you can unwind. That’s why I think Canberra is a great place for a weekend getaway — especially if you’re feeling a bit tired of the busy city life.

4. Perfect for a Relaxing Travel Weekend

I found Canberra really easy and straightforward for a slow travel weekend. As I explained earlier, the city is chill and quiet. If you don’t feel like rushing around to visit every museum, it’s a perfect place to just relax. You can enjoy a nice coffee or brunch, then explore the city at your own pace by visiting Canberra’s many museums.

There’s no need to rush. Everything is within easy walking distance or accessible by renting a scooter and the overall atmosphere feels much calmer and more laid-back. Plus, visiting Canberra isn’t on everyone’s bucket list. Therefore it’s not overcrowded with tourists like bigger cities such as Sydney or Melbourne, which makes it even more enjoyable.

Enjoyed visiting Canberra ? Check out this other post on Melbourne !