First time in the City Centre

Start your day on Lonsdale St, one of Canberra’s most iconic streets. It’s a strip packed with independent boutiques, cafes, and bars. For fashion and unique finds, hop between Canberra Garms, POP, Pom Pom, Hive, and Derek Kollective - all offering a mix of streetwear, homewares, curated vintage, and local designs. When you need a pit stop, grab a coffee at one of the cafés tucked along the street. Local favourites include B-Side or On-Lonsdale, both serving specialty brews, matcha, and brunch options.

Once you’ve shopped up and have some caffeine in your system, wander over to Canberra Museum & Gallery (CMAG). It’s the perfect way to dive into the city’s stories, with exhibitions that range from local art to thought-provoking history.

For lunch, head to Verity Lane Market, just a short walk away. This beautiful heritage building has been reimagined as a food hall, with a range of global flavours under one roof - think steaming ramen, spicy Malaysian, or handmade Italian.

No Canberra visit is complete without a taste of the city’s quirky cultural scene. Pop into Smith’s Alternative, a live music and arts space where there’s always something happening - whether it’s an acoustic gig, poetry slam, or just a laid-back afternoon session.

Afterwards, treat yourself to Messina. It’s a local favourite and perfect for a mid-arvo pick-me-up, and a chance to head back to Lonsdale St if something caught your eye.

As the sun sets, get ready for Canberra’s nightlife that isn’t talked about enough. Start with dinner at Bar Rochford, a super cool wine and cocktail bar tucked upstairs in the Melbourne Building. Think moody interiors, natural wines, vinyl spinning, and a seasonal menu that never disappoints.

Keep the night rolling at Bar Beirut, an energetic spot with a Middle Eastern flair, late-night bites, belly dancers, and cocktails that know how to set the tone.