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People are scratching their heads over this city's inclusion on a 'Lonely Planet' list

Australia's capital can't be that bad, surely.

Johnny Lieu

on October 25, 2017

People are scratching their heads over this city's inclusion on a 'Lonely Planet' list

Canberra can't be that bad, surely. Credit: Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images

Many would consider being on a top ten Lonely Planet list an honour, but not all are thrilled.

The travel guide released its top ten list of the best cities in the world to visit in 2018 on Wednesday. It tends to feature up-and-coming or overlooked destinations by tourists, scoring each destination on topicality, excitement and so-called "x factor."

The newest list featured Seville, Spain as its top pick, citing that it had transformed itself in the last ten years. Second on the list was long-suffering Detroit, now buoyed by "young creative types" giving new life to the Motor City.

In third place was Australia's capital city, Canberra, and well, the tweets speak for themselves.

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In its description, Lonely Planet described Canberra as "criminally overlooked" and "packs big punch for such a small city."

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As Australia's capital, Canberra is the centre of the country's government, various national institutions, and pleasant natural surroundings. But it's never been an exciting place to visit. Apparently.

"Recent revitalisation efforts have given Canberra a new lease of life, establishing a truly contemporary and unique sense of style, with boutique precincts emerging throughout the city, bursting with cool bars, cafes and restaurants," Lonely Planet's Chris Zeiher said in a statement.

"With endless family friendly and adventurous activities, opportunities to connect with nature or indulge in a range of gastronomic delights, along with a smorgasbord of cultural, artistic and sporting events, Canberra should be on everybody’s 2018 travel wish list."

On the rest of the Lonely Planet list was Hamburg, Germany in fourth place; followed by Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Antwerp, Belgium; Matera, Italy; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Guanajuato, Mexico; and finally Oslo in Norway.

San Juan, a city still reeling from Hurricane Maria, seemed pretty thrilled by the inclusion. Perhaps Australians could take a leaf from their book.