Canberra often flies under the radar, but this capital city is full of surprises, especially if you love a mix of culture, history, food, and nature. I recently spent three days in Canberra, based at the elegant Burbury Hotel in Barton, and I’ve crafted this itinerary to help you make the most of your own stay. From world-class museums to mouth-watering cuisine, here’s how our trip unfolded.

Where We Stayed: Burbury Hotel, Barton

Located in the Parliamentary Triangle, the Burbury Hotel combines modern design with comfort. It’s part of a larger precinct that includes restaurants, cafes, and wellness facilities. Our room was sleek and well-equipped, and the location made it easy to get around without spending too much time in transit. A perfect base for exploring Canberra’s top sights.

Day 1: Culture and Comfort Food

National Library of Australia

We kicked off the trip with a peaceful morning at the National Library of Australia. This beautiful building is more than just a book lover’s dream, it also hosts impressive exhibitions, artworks, and reading rooms filled with history and calm. We explored the Treasures Gallery, which holds everything from Captain Cook’s journal to vintage Australian posters. If you’re someone who loves heritage and quiet moments of reflection, this spot is an ideal start to your Canberra experience.

Dinner at Lolo and Lola

After some cultural nourishment, we treated ourselves to a hearty dinner at Lolo and Lola, a Filipino restaurant that’s become a favourite among locals. The dish that completely stole the show? Their famous crispy pork belly. The skin was ultra-crackly, the meat was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and every bite was pure satisfaction. It’s the kind of dish that makes conversation stop for a second while you just savor it.

Right next to it on the flavour podium was the Pork Sisig. It had that perfect combo of crispy pork bits, sautéed garlic, onions, and chili, finished with a splash of citrus to cut through the richness. It’s bold, it’s punchy, and honestly, it could be a meal on its own.

We also shared an order of Fried Whiting, delicately battered and fried until golden brown. It was flaky and light, with a dipping sauce that added a refreshing zing.

And holding everything together? A generous helping of their Garlic Fried Rice. Fluffy, fragrant, and just greasy enough in the best way, it’s the ultimate sidekick to all that savoury, crispy goodness. We might’ve gone back for seconds.

It’s a small space with big heart. Highly recommended if you’re craving a warm, soulful meal.

Day 2: Science, Sights, and Street Food Vibes

Questacon – National Science and Technology Centre

Day two began with a visit to Questacon, a hands-on science museum that’s both educational and incredibly fun (even for adults!). Interactive exhibits like the Earthquake House and the Free Fall slide made this visit a standout. It’s designed for families, but trust me, anyone with a curious mind will find something fascinating here.

Lunch at Akiba

Next, we headed to Akiba, a modern Asian eatery in the city centre. It’s got an electric atmosphere and a menu that blends flavors from Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. We shared their signature bao buns, crispy fried chicken, and fried rice. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to linger, great for a midday energy boost.

Lake Burley Griffin Walk

After lunch, we needed a bit of fresh air. So we strolled along Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra’s iconic man-made lake. The path around the lake is flat and scenic, with views of Parliament House, Commonwealth Bridge, and various public art pieces. You can also rent bikes or paddle boats, but we were content with a leisurely walk and some time on a bench just taking in the view.

National Museum of Australia – Pompeii Exhibition

That afternoon, we visited the National Museum of Australia, which was hosting a temporary Pompeii exhibition. It was incredibly well-curated, with over 90 artifacts from the ancient Roman city. Multimedia installations and 3D recreations brought the tragic story of Pompeii to life. Even if you’re not a history buff, the immersive storytelling here is deeply moving and worth experiencing.

The Royal Australian Mint

From there, we made a quick trip to the Royal Australian Mint, a surprisingly interesting stop! We learned how Australian coins are made, watched a live coin pressing, and even minted our own souvenir coin. There’s also a small museum area that dives into the history of money in Australia, which was more fascinating than we expected.

Dinner at Tiger Lane

We ended the day at Tiger Lane, a modern Asian dining precinct inspired by hawker markets. With multiple dining outlets offering everything from ramen to dumplings to bubble tea, we turned dinner into a mini food crawl. The lighting, decor, and open-air feel made this a vibrant and delicious way to wrap up our busiest day.

Day 3: Sweet Treats and Scenic Views

Afternoon Tea at Space Kitchen

On our final day, we opted for a slower pace. We began with morning tea at Space Kitchen, known for its whimsical and Instagram worthy desserts. From galaxy-glazed domes to oversized pastries shaped like fruit, every treat was a visual delight and just as tasty. Their coffee was excellent too, making this a great place to wind down and indulge.

National Arboretum Canberra

Next up was the National Arboretum, a vast, beautifully landscaped area featuring rare and endangered tree species from around the world. We visited the Bonsai Collection, explored a few walking trails, and took in panoramic views of Canberra from the lookout. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and an excellent spot for nature lovers.

Lunch at Grease Monkey

Before hitting the road, we made one last stop at Grease Monkey, a funky burger joint with street-style vibes. Between us, we shared burger, pizza, fried chicken, nuggets with fries, loaded onion rings, and thick shakes, classic comfort food done right. It was the perfect final meal: laid-back, indulgent, and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

Three days in Canberra might sound short, but with the right planning, you can experience so much of what this charming city has to offer. From cultural institutions to fun science centres, foodie hotspots to lakeside walks. It’s the perfect getaway for curious minds and relaxed explorers.

If you’re considering a short trip to Canberra, I hope this itinerary helps you plan a memorable and well-balanced experience. Let me know in the comments if you’ve visited any of these places or have your own Canberra favourites to add!