Ranked #3 best city to visit in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2018, Canberra is a hot destination with so much to do, with many of the main attractions within easy proximity to one another. To help you truly experience one good thing after another, and to catch a glimpse of what the Lonely Planet judges saw in Canberra, we've put together our top 10 experiences for your visit to Australia's capital city.

Visit the icons

Make sure you visit all the national attractions that call Canberra home. A rite of passage for all visitors, you can learn and discover the Australian story. Start off at the National Museum of Australia to get a snapshot of Australia, from its Indigenous beginnings to current day. See the Australia's national art collection at the National Gallery of Australia and be moved by the stories at the Australian War Memorial. See Australia's Parliament in action on a tour of Parliament House and take time out to explore the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House and the National Library of Australia.

See one of Canberra's blockbuster events or exhibitions

Being Australia's capital city, Canberra is home to many of the nation's biggest and most exciting events and exhibitions. The Enlighten Festival in March each year is a feast for the senses, with stunning architectural projections illuminating many of the iconic attractions, and the Canberra Balloon Spectacular bringing a rainbow of colour and vibrancy to Canberra's autumnal skies. Or time your visit with one of the blockbuster exhibitions at the national attractions like Cartier: The Exhibition, currently showing at the National Gallery of Australia – where over 300 spectacular jewels are showcased, with loans from royal families, celebrities and the astonishing Cartier collection itself.

Explore Canberra's centrepiece, Lake Burley Griffin

Located in the heart of Canberra, Lake Burley Griffin provides a stunning centrepiece and a water playground for visitors to Canberra. Why not try pedal kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or Go-boating atop the Lake, or cycling or walking around the 40km shoreline? Canberra Urban Adventures offers pedal kayaking and electric bike tours on and around the Lake, and are a fun way to explore the centre of Canberra while hearing about some of the stories that have shaped Canberra. Or join a SegGlideRide tour and zoom past many of the national attractions that are scattered along the Lake's foreshore.

Wander through wineries and breweries

Visit more than 30 boutique cellar doors within 35 minutes' drive of the city in Canberra's premium wine growing region and be sure to taste a local Shiraz Viognier or Riesling. Many of the boutique cellar doors offer the opportunity to meet the vignerons, share a story and taste the local creations.

If beer is more your thing, Canberra boasts a niche microbrewery scene with Bentspoke Brewing Co and Capital Brewing Co among the favourites.

Explore Canberra's hipster 'hoods

Wander through the hip precincts of Braddon and NewActon for an eclectic mix of cafes, bars, pop-up stores, galleries and people watching. You'll easily get caught up in the sheer urban cool of it all.

While exploring NewActon, head to the sophisticated Ovolo Nishi to dine at Australian Hotel Guide's best bar, Monster Kitchen + Bar. Be sure to snap a selfie on the extremely photogenic grand staircase in the Nishi building while you are there.

Or explore Canberra's urban waterside precinct, the Kingston Foreshore for a delectable selection of cafes, bars and restaurants along the edge of the Lake. Grab an instagram-worthy (and healthy) meal from Local Press Café, or kick back at Walt & Burley for a bar with a view overlooking the Foreshore's expansive dock.

Indulge in sweetness

You can't buy happiness, but you can buy ice-cream, and the ice-cream at Frugii Dessert Laboratory in the hip suburb of Braddon has to be tasted to be believed. Ice-cream alchemist John Marshall has made quite the name for himself with his ice creams, sorbets and gelatos.

Tempt your tastebuds with the famous Freakshakes that created worldwide insta-intrigue and envy at Patissez Cafe in Manuka. These desserts-in-a-glass are designed to make you want go viral on social media before you indulge.

If sweet is your thing, you're also going to want to try the caramel popcorn sundae at eightysix in Braddon. It's so spectacular that it has graced the cover of Gourmet Traveller magazine. It's almost too pretty to eat. Resistance is futile. 

Explore Australia's spectacular nature and wildlife

Canberra's beautifully planned city showcases Australia's incredible nature and wildlife, both within the city and its surrounds. More than half the Australian Capital Territory is protected as nature reserve, so the beauty on offer is right on its doorstep. You'll discover waterfalls, gorges, rivers, lookouts and snow-capped mountains. Australian native animals and scenic flora are frequently encountered in our natural surrounds.

Look out from atop Mount Ainslie

Walk up Mount Ainslie on a fresh autumn evening and watch the sun set in spectacular fashion, then see the city lights slowly come up as you descend. You'll catch a glimpse of the planned city right down Anzac Parade and across to Parliament House…..and usually a few furry marsupial friends like kangaroos on the way. 

Take the ultimate overnight safari and meet a cheetah

Embark on the ultimate animal encounter at the National Zoo & Aquarium's luxury accommodation, Jamala Wildlife Lodge where you can take part in behind-the-scenes tours and even share a jungle bungalow with wild animals as your neighbours. While you're there, make the most of the animal encounters offered at the National Zoo & Aquarium and have hands-on contact, pat, stroke and play with a cheetah – if you're lucky you might even meet Solo, the Zoo's latest addition, a cheetah cub born at the Zoo about five months ago.

Find your inner child

Bring your family to Canberra and have a blast at some of the country's best attractions for kids including Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre, the National Museum of Australia and the National Dinosaur Museum.

For more information or some travel inspiration head to visitcanberra.com.au, or follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.