Canberra is packed with incredible cultural institutions. So, it’s no wonder Australia’s capital has made some of Australia's biggest creative names, including actress Mia Wasikowska, artist Patricia Piccinini, and chart-topping band Peking Duk.
Whether you’re admiring the whopping 155,000 artworks at the National Gallery of Australia or discovering over 50,000 years of First Nations peoples history at the National Museum Australia, there’s always something amazing to see and do.
Together, this makes Canberra the perfect place for you to experience Australia’s vibrant culture. Here are our top picks!
World-class art
National Gallery of Australia
Australia's premier art gallery, the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) is the place to discover Australian art, including the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. And it’s free!
You’ll also find an incredible collection of modern and classical works by famous international artists here, including Edvard Munch (of The Scream fame!), René Magritte and Chuck Close.
National Portrait Gallery
Want a glimpse into the lives of real Australians, past and present? Look no further than the National Portrait Gallery.
Another free gallery, this place hosts over 500 portraits of important people who shaped Australia’s identity. Discover portraits of Captain Cook, Australian musician Nick Cave, anthropologist and geographer Professor Maricia Langton, and find a new appreciation for these famous (and infamous) people and their real Australian stories.
Canberra Glassworks
Looking for something a bit more novel? Check out the Canberra Glassworks at the Kingston Powerhouse.
With its open workshop and free viewing platform, you can watch glassmaking at work, before browsing a gallery of curated pieces by Australia’s best glass artists.
Check their schedule for hands-on creative sessions and the opportunity to try it yourself.
Australian History
National Museum of Australia
For an interactive way to immerse yourself in Australian history, check out the National Museum of Australia.
With a range of free exhibitions taking you from Australia’s ancient history to modern day, this museum will help you gain a better understanding of this sunburnt country.
We recommend the First Australians exhibition, which explores the shared stories and experiences of Australia’s First Nations peoples across the continent!
Parliament House
Looking for an opportunity to gain a more in-depth understanding of Australia’s democratic process? Don’t miss your chance to see democracy in action at Parliament House.
Here, you can sit in on Question Time, see bills being debated and watch current issues being discussed, all for free!
Old Parliament House
You can also visit Old Parliament House for free, which houses the Museum of Australian Democracy.
Home to Australia’s Parliament from 1927-1988, Old Parliament House is open to everyone who wants to learn about the history of Australian democracy. A must-visit for those studying politics, Australian history or law.
Music and Nightlife
The Baso
Canberra is renowned for its live music scene, with famous bands such as Genesis Owusu, Safia, Peking Duk, and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers all calling the capital home. One of the city’s standout venues is The Baso, a 700 capacity space that hosts over 200 live gigs a year.
The Baso has hosted major acts such as local band Hands Like Houses, Aussie legends Wolfmother, and Ukrainian metal band Jinjer, so if you are a fan of loud rock music, this is the place to be!
Molly Bar
If smooth jazz in an intimate setting is more your taste, then check out Molly Bar.
Featuring live jazz every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and other live music events throughout the year, this hidden speakeasy sets the perfect mood for a special night out.
Fiction
Canberra’s live music scene isn’t just bars and band rooms; it also has a thriving club scene.
Fiction nightclub hosts a range of DJs and live events, with key nights being Fiction Fridays, a showcase for Australia’s best DJs and hip hop artists, and SUGA Saturdays, where R&B takes over, providing “everything from 2000s slow jams to fresh-cut heat.”
Festivals
Spilt Milk
The annual Spilt Milk festival started out in Canberra in 2016 and has now expanded to Ballarat, Perth, and the Gold Coast.
Featuring some of the world’s biggest music artists - such as Kendrick Lamar and Doechii in 2025! - this is one of Australia’s best music festivals to check out.
Canberra Comedy Festival
Australia is well known for its comedy scene, and every March, Canberra showcases some of the best at the Canberra Comedy Festival.
Held over two weeks, this festival gives you the opportunity to see world-famous comedians, including Arj Barker and Jimeoin perform alongside Australia’s up-and-coming comedians, such as Anisa Nandaula and Bron Lewis.
Multicultural Fest
Canberra’s flagship event has to be the annual Multicultural Fest. Held in early February each year, this festival is a celebration of all the different cultures that make Canberra and Australia so special.
Journey into the city centre to enjoy music, cultural events, and some incredible food stalls showcasing treats from around the world.
