Leading global travel authority Lonely Planet has named Canberra one of the world’s Top 10 Cities for next year in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2018.

The GIANTS are proud to be part of the Canberra community, taking four AFL games and one AFL Women’s fixture to the nation’s capital every season.

Best in Travel 2018 is Lonely Planet’s 13th annual agenda-setting collection of the world’s hottest destinations, experiences and trends for the year ahead.

The best-selling inspirational travel yearbook highlights the top 10 cities, countries and regions that Lonely Planet’s experts recommend travellers experience in 2018.

Canberra is ranked third on the book’s list of Top 10 Cities 2018.

“This is a significant acknowledgement of the evolution of our city in the past few years,” said ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr MLA.

“Our focus on connecting Canberra internationally, through direct international flights and attempts to attract international business to the territory, is clearly working and putting our city on the map.

“Canberra has a lot to offer tourists from around the world – we have Australia’s best national attractions, world-class food and wine and unprecedented access to some of the best natural settings Australia has to offer.”

Author of the Guide’s Canberra chapter, Lonely Planet’s Director of Sales and Marketing (Asia Pacific) Chris Zeiher says Canberra is the perfect choice for such an accolade.

“Canberra is a bit of a hidden gem that has been hiding in plain sight. Rich with history, culture and entertainment, it offers something for every kind of traveller,” he said.

“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.

“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.”

With the NAB AFL Women’s and AFL fixtures to be released in the next week, make sure you book a trip to the nation’s capital to watch the GIANTS and see all Canberra has to offer.

Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Cities 2018 are:

1. Seville, Spain
2. Detroit, USA
3. Canberra
4. Hamburg, Gemany
5. Kaohsiung, Taiwan
6. Antwerp, Belgium
7. Matera, Italy
8. San Juan, Puerto Rico
9. Guanajuato, Mexico
10. Oslo, Norway

The GIANTS look forward to another big season in 2018 with AFL Women’s, pre-season and AFL Premiership season clashes at UNSW Canberra Oval.