Travellers’ Bible, Lonely Planet has shocked all but the residents of Australia’s capital in declaring it the third most desirable city to visit in 2018… in the world.
In its ‘Best in Travel 2018′ list announced on Wednesday, Lonely Planet ranked the Aussie bureaucratic hub above its more illustrious compatriots Sydney and Melbourne to be the highest ever listing of a city Down Under.
According to the travellers’ guide, Canberra is only beaten globally by Seville in Spain at number 1 (fair enough) and Detroit USA at number 2 (also surprising) in terms of where it’s at city-wise for intrepid travellers in the know.
According to Lonely Planet spokesman Chris Zeiher, the usually unheralded Canberra offers something for every traveller and is rich in history, culture and entertainment.
“Recent revitalisation efforts has 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,” he told Canberra Times.
Lonely Planet’s top 5 cities to visit in 2018
1. Seville, Spain 
2. Detroit, USA 
3. Canberra, Australia 
4. Hamburg, Germany 
5. Kaohsiung, Taiwan 
Lonely Planet also ranked their best countries and regions for 2018 travel. Apparently Chile is the top country worth a visit, followed by South Korea (keep those missiles on the ground, Mr Kim) and Portugal, while Belfast and the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland wins out as best region ahead of Alaska and the Slovenian Alps.
VIDEO: Lonely Planet’s best destinations to visit in 2018
TOP IMAGE: Parliament House, Canberra. (Helen35 via Pixabay)
