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Canberra's downtown area, Civic (officially City) is what is now Walter Burley Griffin's design for a Civic Centre. Established in 1927, this is Canberra's central business district (CBD) and one of its oldest centres, surrounded by the rest of North Canberra, Acton and Lake Burley Griffin.
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An Aboriginal art gallery that is sister to the Aboriginal Dreamings Gallery in Nicholls. It's a smaller version of the art gallery in Nicholls, but there are still plenty of Aboriginal artworks and artifacts on display. However, do note this place is not wheelchair accessible.
CMAG
A museum and art gallery featuring works and exhibits of the local region. It includes an interesting permanent gallery on the history of Canberra and several galleries that host temporary exhibitions, generally by local artists and photographers. It also features the Sydney Nolan Collection - the works of Sir Sydney Nolan, a famous Australian artist.
Where's Canberra's Hyde Park, you ask? This small 40-ha park is a remnant of the land allocated in the 1840s to the Anglican church, but today is a pleasant spot to go for a stroll. If you're into photography and want to see some autumn colours, the leaves have strong autumn foliage, making it a fabulous spot for photography.
These two large buildings in the centre of Civic were the first commercially-funded buildings in Canberra, and have been important local landmarks since the 1920s. Both buildings are surrounded by loggias modelled on those of buildings in Florence, Italy. They are occupied by a mix of restaurants (most of which are quite good), nightclubs, pubs and small businesses, but much of the Sydney Building is in a fairly poor state of repair. Plans to revitalise the buildings are regularly proposed, but never go far.
Australian Capital Territory Memorial
A war memorial erected in August 2006 to honour those from the Australian Capital Territory who served in all wars.
A 8.5-m sculpture built to commemorate Canberra's centenary, and unveiled on 11 March 2014. The top of the base is inlaid with glass tiles and has a steel covering etched with images depicting Canberra's 100-year history and was designed by local artist Geoff Farquhar-Still. The design was inspired by the "Commencement Column" that was proposed to have been built when Canberra was founded but was never completed.
The Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly Building, also known as the South Building, which although may first seem like any other "government building", the building does indeed have some educational programs, and you can make a booking if you want to visit the assembly; see the website for more details.
A heritage-listed bank building designed by Howlett and Bailey in 1962 and built from 1963 to 1965 by Civil & Civic which was the old RBA building (the current RBA head office is in Sydney). It was added to the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List on 22 June 2004.
A major multi-screen commercial cinema complex located within the Canberra Centre shopping mall. It screens a mix of mainstream Hollywood blockbusters, independent films, and foreign releases. Facilities include premium dining cinemas, a lounge bar, and a cafe.
An 8-screen independent cinema located within the contemporary NewActon precinct. It specializes in international film festivals, independent cinema, art-house features, and documentaries. Features an on-site espresso cafe and a licensed prosecco bar.
An iconic heritage-listed carousel featuring 52 hand-carved wooden horses and two elephants alongside a traditional mechanical organ. It operated in Melbourne from 1914, but was relocated to its current octagonal pavilion in Petrie Plaza in 1974. Rides are free daily from 1–24 December during the city's Christmas festival.
Canberra Theatre
Canberra’s central performing arts complex, encompassing the main Canberra Theatre, the Playhouse, and the Courtyard Studio. The venue hosts a regular rotation of national and international touring productions, including ballet, musical theatre, live contemporary music, and drama.
A boutique gaming venue featuring classic table configurations such as blackjack, roulette, poker, and baccarat alongside electronic gaming terminals. Property facilities include a central sports bar and an on-site eatery. Under ACT territory law, traditional poker machines (pokies) are not permitted here.
A central public health and aquatic centre featuring an indoor 50-m Olympic lap pool and a fully equipped health club fitness gymnasium. During the summer season, the outdoor complex opens to the public, offering a dedicated toddler splash zone and a diving pool equipped with 1-m and 3-m public springboards.
An indoor pop-culture and novelty mini-golf venue featuring 18 themed holes, alongside an attached arcade challenge space, karaoke rooms, and a licensed cocktail bar.
A large multi-attraction indoor amusement complex. The venue houses upscale tenpin bowling lanes, over 100 modern and retro arcade terminals, virtual reality gaming setups, private karaoke rooms, and on-site escape room challenges. Features a fully licensed cocktail bar and a casual dining menu.
An indoor golfing venue featuring commercial golf simulators equipped with automated tee-up systems, ball-tracking telemetry, and a library of virtual international courses. Features an on-site sports bar serving drinks and light refreshments.
Good laksa and pad thai at reasonable prices (ranging around A$18) in a relaxed atmosphere.
Large and popular Asian restaurant. Specialises in dumplings, but has a good mix of other Asian dishes. The dumpling house also features an open kitchen, meaning you can watch the chef prepare the dumplings on a mass scale!
Civic's second Ethiopian restaurant (and one of three in Canberra) is best known for its curry sauces and samosas, and it's owned by an Ethiopian couple (so it's indeed really authentic). There are plenty of traditionals to choose from with prices no higher than A$20 per person.
A simple Cantonese restaurant that's been in this area for quite a long time. The menu is not very extensive, but nearly all of them are value-for-price. The size of the restaurant is a bit small though.
Though it's called a cafe, it's not really a cafe but just a good place to have some cheap traditional Indonesian eats with takeaway lunch specials priced at A$8.
Has some traditional Turkish adana kebabs, pide and falafel. However, the portions are known to be rather small compared to a typical HSP (halal snack pack).
Ming’s Pantry Malaysian Street Food
There isn't a whole lot to say about this place – except that you can get some really good yet cheap Malaysian food. The signature chicken and many of their other dishes tend to be a bit large, but who doesn't want to share a meal? (unless you're travelling alone).
Ms. Ba Cô
Though it's only a budget restaurant, it's a Vietnamese favourite in Canberra. The Bánh mì rolls are particularly popular. It's a family-owned restaurant, so there are some family recipes too; its name, Ba Cô, translates to "three girls" in English, symbolising the family's three daughters.
A fun and inventive sandwich shop selling unusual, and very tasty, sandwiches. Outdoor seating only.
A Western Chinese restaurant that veers towards the higher end of a budget restaurant, with portions surprisingly, not as large as many other Chinese restaurants. Quality ain't their strong point, their hot noodles and dumplings are.
Discover some "old fashioned" as dubbed by the restaurant themselves with some good classic Southern Italian cuisine. It won Canberra’s Best Italian Restaurant award in 2015, and it's always been Italian-family-owned.
Canberra Labor Club
It's Civic's branch of the Canberra chain Canberra Labor Club with a nice relaxed atmosphere with rather spacious lounges with modern Australian cuisine. The modern Australian restaurant has great cocktails, lunch, gaming machines and Wi-Fi.
A fusion dosa and biriyani restaurant with plenty of other Indian and Sichuan food – but also with the traditional classics, too.
A Turkish grill bar that offers both dine-in and takeaway. Depending on what you order, there is a chance that you can see your meal being made.
A Thai restaurant with street food (or specifically street lunch) with great Thai chicken, seafood and has a great variety of vegetarian options. It's very popular, and can be very noisy.
A classic ordinary typical modern-Australian restaurant, but it has an open-air kitchen. Unfortunately, the menu is very limited and there's a 10 per cent surcharge on weekends and public holidays.
Classic traditional Chinese restaurant with lots of beef and pork options. Do be aware that some items on this menu may seem "exotic", but there are plenty of meals that aren't.
No, you're not going to be licking hills (or hill?) at this restaurant, instead, this is a Korean charcoal barbecue restaurant where you'll be licking some tasty barbecue chicken or wagyu beef (yep, a misleading name). But if you're after traditional Korean food, noodles, or soup, they do have some available; it's just not their main specialty.
A modern Asian BBQ store with some great flavours and cocktails, particularly specialising in Japanese cuisine and barbecue. Do be aware the portions are very large – don't go ordering too much.
Sister restaurant to Aubergine Restaurant, fine dining. And as the name of the restaurant suggests, the restaurant specialises in zucchini-based meals.
A Japanese restaurant with some cosy settings with a mix of Japanese and Western food. The lighting tends to be quite nice, also being a mix of Western and Japanese styles. A particularly popular special of theirs is the Seared Salmon Roll.
A mix of Naples (an Italian city in Campania, Southern Italy) cuisine and Australian cuisine. The name of the restaurant comes from "South of Little Italy", and the range of pasta coming from Canberra may surprise you – because there's quite a lot.
It's one of Canberra's finest steak restaurants and has an excellent selection of wine (they've very nitpicky with the selection; only the finest make it). It's got a bit of a traditional yet modern feel and look. There are two things that this restaurant is known for: its diverse à la carte menu and "aged" steak.
Sister to several Canberran restaurants, this splurge restaurant perhaps has some of the finest seafood and barbecue meat one could find in Canberra. Base banquets are from A$75 per person while baller banquets are A$95 per person.
A cafe and a bar with lots of savoury treats and a wide range of meat and bread. À la carte breakfast and lunch are available and have an excellent, fine-picked wine selection, with a strong local emphasis. Wine is picked and only wines from the Canberra region (i.e., the ACT and the wineries in NSW near the ACT) are served.
Famous for their delicious New York-style sandwiches. Great coffee and breakfast menu, wonderful service.
Just another ordinary, Australian cafe but with a wide selection of toasties.
A traditional cafe with a very long takeaway menu.
It's best known for its specialty coffee (well, it's in its name) with an all-day breakfast and has a decent variety for lunch — halloumi burgers, gnocchi, or barramundi. If you're just popping in for a quick drink on a hot summer day, there are some good smoothies and shakes, but the smoothies and shakes might not be as good as their coffee.
A mid-range cafe mostly known for their $17 weekday lunch specials (varies by day). Otherwise, they have a decent selection of burgers and salads, but those can be a bit more expensive than what you'd find elsewhere.
Another bubble tea store with lots of great fruit and milk tea. They've also got some cakes available.
This energetic venue in the heart of Garema Place is a love letter to the vibrant nightlife of Lebanon. Steered by charismatic owner Soumi, who cut his teeth in the underground club scene of Beirut, it serves up exceptional Middle Eastern mezze alongside some of the capital's most creative cocktails—including their signature cucumber and vanilla-infused Wasabi Martini. The vibe is highly social and feels like a sophisticated house party, topped off with live belly dancers and burlesque performers on Saturday evenings.
Hidden upstairs on the first floor of the iconic 1920s heritage Melbourne Building, this acclaimed venue is a former winner of Gourmet Traveller’s Bar of the Year. Seamlessly blending industrial-chic concrete beams with stately green leather booths, the bar operates with a cool, unpretentious confidence. The exceptionally dynamic wine list focuses heavily on clean lo-fi, organic, and biodynamic producers from around the globe. The open kitchen serves up premium, Euro-leaning bistro dishes, while the bar staff spin vintage vinyl records late into the night.
Upstairs overlooking Garema Place, this opulent lounge transports guests to the mid-century golden age of Frank Sinatra and old-world Hollywood glamour. The bar features a concave red-brick ceiling that creates an intimate, illicit speakeasy atmosphere, complete with glittering chandeliers, plush velvet curtains, and deep leather Chesterfield booths. It is a premier destination for champagne, classic cocktails, and smooth live jazz sets which play on the floor from Wednesday through Saturday nights.
Inside the historic colonnades of the Sydney Building, this intimate wine and aperitif bar brings a slice of European flair to the city centre. Outfitted with beautifully distressed walls, moody candlelit tables, and large arched windows, it mimics a romantic, low-key New York wine lounge. Part of the broader Verity Lane Market food hall precinct, the bar features a highly curated, weekly rotating selection of undiscovered global and local lo-fi wines. It is an excellent, sophisticated sanctuary for dates or quiet conversations over cheese and charcuterie.
formerly High Jinks
Underground in a cozy basement bunker opposite the Nishi Building courtyard in the NewActon precinct, this intimate, luxe cocktail speakeasy opened in early 2026 to replace the old High Jinks. Operated by the award-winning team behind Volstead Repeal, the moody, candlelit lounge features a blood-red and black velvet aesthetic with sleek brass accents. The mixology here is exceptional, focusing on classic cocktails thoughtfully twisted into something entirely new, alongside a rotating menu of delicious bar snacks and cheese boards.
Beneath the historic Sydney Building at 122 Alinga Street, this grungy, high-energy late-night dive bar is Canberra's ultimate rock-and-roll sanctuary. It packs in free pool tables, vintage pinball machines, and a loud, unhinged playlist of punk, indie, and rock. The venue serves as a major live gig space for local bands and touring acts, and serves up delicious New York-style pizza slices late into the night.
formerly Highball Express
Perched prominently on the upper levels above London Circuit, this upgraded, sun-drenched cocktail lounge offers views looking out over City Hill. Escaping the ordinary city pace, the venue completely embraces a tropical Cuban and Caribbean resort vibe, loading the space with lush greenery and white timber accents. Rum culture and high-end Central American spirits are the true heart of Highball, featuring exotic liquors, signature sharing punch bowls, and fresh tiki cocktails.
Upstairs overlooking the bustling pedestrian strip of Garema Place, this intimate cocktail bar is an absolute institution of the Canberra drinking scene. Outfitted in a unique design that beautifully blends taxidermy-adorned lodge aesthetics with cozy "Baroque-meets-student-digs" decor, it boasts a remarkably warm, timber-dominated interior. The bar is celebrated for maintaining a collection of over 200 whiskies from around the globe, and its regular live jazz sets on Wednesday nights are highly popular.
This massive, legendary Irish pub serves as a highly relaxed and welcoming home for all types of travelers. Featuring a maze of cozy wood-paneled snugs, open-air streetfront tables, and historical memorabilia detailing its eccentric namesake politician, it offers a wonderfully casual atmosphere. The kitchen serves up classic, hearty pub-style meals for lunch and dinner, alongside a stellar selection of international stouts, local craft beers, and Irish whiskies.
Inside the landmark heritage Sydney Building on London Circuit, this striking cocktail lounge offers a dramatic yet highly intimate setting. Merging historic 1920s architecture with glamorous modern design, the space is perfect for starting or capping off a night in the city. The bar features an audacious menu of signature cocktails made with premium local and international spirits, while the open kitchen serves up an elevated, share-friendly modern Australian menu with global influences. they host free live acoustic music and DJs on select nights.
Hidden deep within the shadowy corridor of Odgers Lane, this incredible 1920s-style speakeasy is a premier destination for spirits enthusiasts. Unmarked by any signs, finding the secret wooden door using its exact GPS coordinates is half the fun. Once inside, you'll find an opulent throwback to the Prohibition era packed with plush leather booths, candlelight, and Canberra's most extensive selection of world-class whiskies. Talented bartenders mix exquisite cocktails while a dedicated stage hosts smooth live jazz musicians several nights a week.
Across the sprawling ground-floor lobby of the Ovolo Nishi hotel in the NewActon precinct, this highly acclaimed, hatted dining destination boasts one of the city's most incredible architectural fitouts. While famous as a restaurant, the dramatic space features multiple distinct drinking zones, including cozy candlelit libraries, comfortable fireside couches, and a spectacular Mosaic Room. Expert mixologists craft boundary-pushing signature cocktails at the central terrazzo bar, supported by a world-class wine list that focuses on local cool-climate makers and unique European imports.
This multi-level bar on London Circuit near East Row is an absolute institution with deep local history. Rebuilt and beautifully restored after a major fire, Mooseheads is legendary as a favorite weekend hangout for students and the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA). The venue splits its high-energy nightlife across several levels, featuring a casual, sticky-floored pub downstairs playing rock classics and a high-volume nightclub upstairs spinning Top 40 and dance tracks.
Inside the independent Palace Electric Cinema complex within the sustainable Nishi building in NewActon, this striking, contemporary wine bar has the capacity to host up to 200 guests. Far from your average movie-theatre lobby, this highly stylish venue features sleek modern lines and warm lighting. It is a very popular drop-in spot for locals and theatre-goers looking to enjoy a crisp glass of prosecco, a boutique beer, or a premium gin goblet paired with fresh Italian-style antipasto platters before or after their screening.
formerly Parlour Wine Room
Beneath the historic Sydney Building at 122 Alinga Street (accessed in the rear via Verity Lane), this hidden, retro cocktail speakeasy has replaced the old Parlour. Tucked secretly behind the loud, high-energy dive bar "Fun Time Pony", the space offers a moody, intimate escape featuring plush velvet curved booths, leopard-print carpet, and vintage retro-inspired decor. With a dedicated private bartender mixing up specialty, high-end cocktails to a playlist of eclectic tunes, it makes for a highly exclusive late-night retreat.
Inside the historic, colonnaded Melbourne Building on West Row, this lively destination offers a wonderfully casual, Irish-themed gastropub experience. Complete with a vibrant brick beer garden and a warm, timber-lined interior, it has a casual feel that serves as a sister venue to King O'Malley's. The bar boasts a great lineup of Aussie favorites and craft beers on tap, while the stage hosts energetic local live acoustic music on Friday and Saturday nights.
This edgy, one-hat neighbourhood diner and bar features a gorgeous 50-seat room framed by angular beams of recycled timber. While celebrated for its modern Australian dining menu, the venue is an unapologetically cool place to drop in unannounced for a casual afternoon or evening drink. Wine takes a non-conformist, low-fi path here, boasting an extensive list of natural, biodynamic, and minimal-intervention drops from local heroes and quirky international producers.
Inside the historic, colonnaded Melbourne Building along Alinga Street, this beloved local institution operates as a cozy cafe and art gallery by day before morphing into a highly social, bohemian performing arts bar by night. Serving as a warm, safe sanctuary for Canberra’s creative community, the venue hosts live events nearly every single night of the year—spanning local and international jazz jams, folk, poetry readings, stand-up comedy, cabaret, and life drawing classes. The bar serves up fine coffee and in-house baked treats during the day, transitioning to craft beers, boutique wines, and simple toasted sandwiches as the live gigs kick off.
This whimsical cocktail and tapas venue playfully draws design inspiration from Alice in Wonderland. The interior features highly polished floors, sophisticated velvet furniture, and intricate patterned wallpaper. It is an exceptionally popular spot for groups looking to enjoy curated signature cocktails, premium gin goblets, and upscale European-style desserts. They host lively DJ music sets on weekend evenings.
formerly Canberra City YHA
A centrally located city-centre hostel offering shared dormitory beds and private ensuite configurations. Amenities include a communal kitchen, a rooftop terrace with barbecue facilities, a lounge room with billiards, and a guest laundry.
An apartment-style hotel offering self-contained one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Most apartments are equipped with a private balcony, full kitchen, and internal laundry facilities. Property amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, a sauna, gymnasium, and tennis courts.
A multi-storey apartment hotel featuring studios and one- or two-bedroom configurations with integrated kitchens and living areas. On-site facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, a fitness centre, a spa, a sauna, and a tennis court. Secure undercover parking is available for a daily fee.
A mid-scale hotel offering 286 contemporary rooms and suites equipped with work desks, flat-screen televisions, and mini-refrigerators. Located directly above the Canberra city coach terminal, the property features an indoor heated pool, a fitness centre, an on-site restaurant, and extensive conference spaces.
Nishi Boutique Hotel
A boutique design hotel located in the New Acton precinct featuring rooms accented with original artwork and restored furnishings. Facilities include a locally focused restaurant and bar, a fitness centre, and comprehensive meeting spaces.
A boutique hotel housed inside a heritage-listed building featuring designer installations and high-end furnishings. Rooms are equipped with rain showers, micro-refrigerators, and work desks. On-site amenities include an Italian restaurant, a fitness pavilion, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
A boutique aparthotel housed within the historic, heritage-listed Melbourne Building frame. It features 37 classic apartments ranging from studios with basic kitchenettes to spacious one- and two-bedroom layouts with laundry facilities and full kitchens. Off-site and limited on-site parking are accessible via reservations.
A modern serviced apartment development positioned directly across from the Canberra Centre shopping center. Offers highly scannable studio configurations alongside larger multi-room serviced suites equipped with full stove-top cooking facilities, internal laundry sets, and a comprehensive guest gymnasium.
formerly Rydges Lakeside
A design-centric hotel overlooking the northern shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Rooms feature modern styling, private balconies, and workspace desks. Facilities include a high-end cocktail lounge, a commercial bar and grill restaurant, and extensive conference spaces.
A compact hotel offering standard rooms and serviced apartment suites equipped with functional kitchenettes. Amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, an on-site gymnasium, and guest laundry services, with direct access to surrounding city centre dining hubs.
A premium apartment hotel blending upscale residential architecture with luxury hotel services. Suites incorporate large floor-to-ceiling windows, modern workspaces, full amenities kits, and targeted kitchen infrastructure. Property facilities include a 24-hour concierge desk, an automated gym facility, on-site secure parking, and immediate access to city plaza dining.
An upscale hotel located adjacent to Glebe Park and Casino Canberra. Rooms feature contemporary decor and ergonomic workspaces. On-site facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a fully equipped fitness centre, a business lounge, and a specialty bar and restaurant.
An upscale 5-star apartment hotel featuring 280 modern suites ranging from open-plan studios to multi-bedroom layouts and top-floor penthouses. All suites incorporate fully functional kitchens, internal laundry facilities, and flat-screen televisions. Shared amenities include an indoor swimming pool, a spa, and a fitness centre. Secure on-site parking and EV charging stations are available.
Canberra's second largest shopping mall covering a large section of Canberra's shopping district. It includes the usual range of stores you'd find in major Australian malls. These include department stores (large branches of both David Jones and Myer), a food hall and eateries, and specialty shops for adults and kids fashion both upmarket and basic. There are also electronics, books, souvenirs and Australian-made products.
A family-owned gift store that has an extensive range of souvenirs for you to take home. A lot of the souvenirs here are more "Australia specific" rather than Canberra specific and prices tend to be high.
This combined gallery and shop displays and sells Australian-made artworks, jewellery and glassware.
While part of a fairly unexciting national chain, this branch of Dymocks is much better than average as it has well-chosen stock.
By bus
All buses to Civic stop at one interchange, City Interchange; one of few in Canberra to have both bus and light rail services.
By car
Though the standard expression anyone will say when heading to a mid-sized or large city's central business district is "Do not drive", driving in Civic as a visitor is quite tolerable.
By cycle
Despite initiatives from the territorial government to promote travelling to Civic on a bike and ditch the car, it remains a somewhat-uncommon method of entering Civic for visitors.
By light rail
Civic has connections from Gungahlin and North Canberra via Northbourne Avenue (A23).
By interstate coach
Interstate coaches stop at Jolimont Centre – including V/line (Victorian state operator) with coaches from Albury (via A25 Barton Hwy) and Bairnsdale (via B23 Monaro Hwy), and Murrays (private) from…
By e-scooter
As in most of Canberra, Neuron Mobility e-scooters are available in Civic with pricing being the same as in the rest of Canberra.e.
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