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Top things to do in Canberra this weekend: a guide for university students
Thinking about studying in Canberra as a student at the Australian National University (ANU)? You might be wondering what weekends here actually look like. Is there much going on? Where do students go? What do people do?
The short answer: a lot more than you’d expect.
Canberra weekends are relaxed— but that doesn’t mean they’re quiet. There are markets, galleries, hikes, food trucks, live gigs and slow brunches. Whether you’re visiting for ANU Open Day or just picturing your life here as a university student, here’s how a weekend in Canberra could look.
You’ll never run out of fun things to do during a weekend in Canberra. Image credit: Supercurious
Start outside
If you want to get moving, even just a little, Canberra is full of easy places to start. Nature is never far from the city and many of the best weekend spots double as study breaks.
Mount Ainslie is one of the most well-known walking trails in the city. The track leads from behind the Australian War Memorial to a lookout with sweeping views over the lake and Parliament House. It’s popular with locals and students, especially early in the day.
Other good weekend walking trail options for short hikes loops:
- The Bridge-to-Bridge Loop around Lake Burley Griffin
- Red Hill for quiet bush tracks and a good sunset
- Black Mountain trails for something slightly less travelled
You’ll also see plenty of Canberra wildlife, including kangaroos, especially if you’re near bushland in the early morning.
You’ll quickly reach your 10,000 daily steps! Image Credit: Richard Poulton for VisitCanberra
Refuel with something local
After a walk or ride, most students tend to head toward food and in Canberra, there’s plenty to choose from.
Braddon is one of the city’s busiest food hubs and is just a short walk from ANU. There’s everything from food vans, plant-based cafés and bakeries to burger joints and late-night ramen spots. Grease Monkey, Assembly and Sweet Bones are popular, but part of the fun is finding your local go-to.
If you’re curious about weekend markets in Canberra, Haig Park Village Markets is a good place to start. It’s close to campus and has a mix of coffee, food stalls, vintage clothing and local crafts. It’s relaxed, friendly and open year-round.
Further afield, the Capital Region Farmers Market in Mitchell is one of the biggest Canberra food markets — a great excuse to head out and buy fresh produce and have breakfast on the go with friends.
Canberra’s local makers always provide the goods at the weekend markets. Image credit: Jalima Gatica Vargas
Visit a gallery, or two
One of the perks of studying in Canberra is the easy access to national galleries, museums and cultural spaces. Many are free and open on weekends and they're close enough to visit even if you've only got an hour.
If you've never been, the National Gallery of Australia is a good place to begin. There's a permanent collection, seasonal exhibitions and works by international and First Nations artists.
Other student favourites:
- ANU Drill Hall Gallery
- Grainger Gallery
- National Portrait Gallery
If you're visiting during the week, the ANU Classics Museum is another unique option — a small but fascinating collection of ancient artefacts on campus. It's one of those quiet places to visit in Canberra that students often discover by chance.
Drill Hall Gallery is a hidden gem on campus and hosts leading national and international exhibitions.
Find a sunset spot, or stay out for the night
As the day winds down, Canberra shifts pace. Evenings here can be slow and social or energetic and unpredictable, depending on what you're looking for.
Dear Prudence and Bar Rochford are relaxed spots in the city for a drink and catch-up. High Jinks in Acton adds a little more atmosphere with live events, themed nights and a friendly crowd. Prefer something casual? There are plenty of pubs in Canberra where you'll find trivia nights, outdoor seating and music on weekends.
And if you're heading out later, the best clubs in Canberra are in and around the city. One22 has a reputation for its inclusive dance floor and curated DJ sets, while Mooseheads and Fiction cover everything from student parties to big-ticket gigs.
Being a university student in Canberra is full of opportunities. Image credit: Supercurious
Into sport? Canberra gets loud
You won't miss out if you're more into live sport than live music. Canberra's home to several professional teams and game days can bring the city to life.
The Canberra Raiders (NRL) and Brumbies (Super Rugby) play at GIO Stadium and match days often come with big crowds, loud cheers and an intense local atmosphere. You don't need to be a lifelong fan to join in. It's a great way to spend an evening with friends, especially if you're new to the city.
There's also:
- Canberra United (A-League Women) — fast-paced and well-supported
- UC Capitals (WNBL) — one of the most successful basketball teams in the league
- AFL and cricket at Manuka Oval
If you're wondering what's on in Canberra this weekend, checking the local sports schedule is always a good place to start, especially during the uni semester when the city feels full.
Canberrans take their sport very seriously. Image credit: Martin Ollman for VisitCanberra
Sundays are for slowing down
By the end of the weekend, most students take Sunday a little slower. It’s a day for rest, errands or catching up with friends before the week begins again.
You might:
- visit the National Arboretum for views and quiet walks
- wander through the suburbs — Cook, Ainslie and Dickson all have great cafés and second-hand stores
- head to the National Zoo & Aquarium.
There’s no pressure to do it all. If you’re looking for things to do on a Sunday, or just something fun this weekend, Canberra’s calm pace makes it easy to pick and choose.
A weekend in Canberra is a weekend well spent. Image credit: Collections from Him
Canberra weekends shaped by you
Not every weekend will look the same — and that’s the point. Some will be full of plans, others will be spontaneous. Some will be quiet.
When you study here, you’ll find your rhythm. You’ll learn where to go for live music, how to spot the best markets, which trails are best at golden hour and how to make a weekend feel like your own.
So, if you’re still wondering about things to do in Canberra or looking for fun things in the city, you can be confident that you’ll find them, one weekend at a time.
Wanting to find out more about Canberra? Find out why Canberra is the ultimate student town.
