72 Hours in Canberra: Andy Trieu’s Ultimate Food, Culture & Adventure Guide

"Checking into Ovolo Nishi is honestly one of the coolest hotels I’ve ever experienced. It felt like living inside an art gallery—every detail was curated and creative. Plus, having a cinema below and popcorn in my room was perfection.

To immerse yourself immediately in Canberra, visit the National Arboretum Canberra, which offers incredible open spaces. The National Bonsai and Penjing Collection is calming and beautiful, and the entire setting is perfect for walking, chatting, and slowing things down. The sunset light makes the experience extra special. I enjoy grabbing a coffee, taking a stroll, and rolling down the hill for a nostalgic moment. You know you want to.

My first meal has to start at AKIBA, a restaurant where everything just clicks—food, drinks, and atmosphere. The miso dengaku eggplant with puffed seeds, rice, and nori is full of flavour. The kingfish with coconut nam jim and coriander is fresh, bright, and beautifully balanced, and the pork belly bao is the perfect dish to share. The cocktails are memorable, especially the Lychee Rose Martini, which is light, fluffy, and fun. The service is lively and warm, adding genuine energy to the night.

I woke early for a hot air balloon ride with Balloon Aloft Canberra—and it was worth every second. Floating above the city as the sun came up was peaceful and grounding.

After an early start, it was time to fueI up at Supersweet Café, a bustling spot on Lonsdale Street in Braddon with an enticing menu. While the sweet treats were tempting, the prawn linguine was a standout. The cafe is also an easy stroll to the Haig Park Markets which are on every Sunday. It's an easy weekend activity with a strong local feel. I grabbed German sausages and enjoyed the relaxed pace. Think music market stalls, families, and lots of dogs—the recipe for a great weekend market.

You’ve got to check out Hallyu! The Korean Wave at the National Museum of Australia, which celebrates Korean pop culture in a visually engaging and immersive way. It’s fun, interactive, and appeals to both fans and newcomers. Get up close to the pink suit worn by PSY in the global phenomenon “Gangnam Style,” and see iconic costumes from the hit Netflix series Squid Game. Jump into the K‑pop dance zones, explore film, fashion, music, and more, and you’ll quickly lose track of time as you dive into the irresistible world of Hallyu.

As the evening rolled in, I headed to Spilt Milk Festival, which was one of the best festival experiences I’ve ever had. Canberra seems to always have events on, so it was crazy timing that Spilt Milk was on. The atmosphere is electric, the lineup included Kendrick Lamar, and seeing EPIC transformed into a major festival space is impressive. Fireworks at the end topped off an unforgettable night.

Until next time, Canberra!"