Places in Canberra that feel like New York City
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Canberra might be a little quieter than the city that never sleeps, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a taste of New York without leaving the ACT.
From shopping the streets of SoHo to eating your way through K-town, here are the Canberra spots that give us a little taste of the Big Apple.
Lonsdale Street (Braddon)
If you love the idea of wandering through SoHo, popping into boutiques and seeing what you can find; Lonsdale Street in Braddon might be the closest thing Canberra has to it. With its mix of fashion, independent stores, cafés and street art, spend an afternoon wandering around this street, and you might almost forget you’re in Canberra.
Lonsdale Street, Braddon | visitcanberra.com.au
Sliceria (City)
What’s a day in New York without pizza? After a big day out – with their New York-style pizza – Sliceria is the place to go when you’re craving that classic grab-a-slice-and-keep-going moment. Because sometimes all you need after a day of exploring the Big Apple is a very good slice of pizza.
Unit 5/115 Marcus Clarke Street, City | sliceria.bitebusiness.com
Tiger Lane (City)
Bright lights, good food and plenty happening around you? Tiger Lane is giving us a little Times Square energy. With its colourful atmosphere and buzzing food scene, it’s the kind of place that feels especially lively once the sun goes down.
FG16 Canberra Centre, Bunda Street, City | tigerlane.com.au
Garmes (Braddon)
For a little Brooklyn energy, head to Garmes and go thrifting. There’s something very New York about spending an afternoon digging through racks, looking for that one random piece you didn’t know you needed.
G16/27 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | garmes.com.au
Space Kitchen (Woden)
New York is practically synonymous with beautiful bakeries and pastries, and Space Kitchen is perfect for recreating that perfect pastry and dessert stop. Grab a coffee, pick your pastry, and make an afternoon of it.
12 Furzer Street, Phillip | space-kitchen.com.au
Grease Monkey (Various locations)
Burgers, fries and edgy interior? Grease Monkey brings a little New York burger-joint energy to Canberra. It’s casual, it’s indulgent, and it’s exactly the kind of place you want to end up after a long day exploring the city.
Various Locations | greasys.com.au
Canberra Theatre Centre (City)
You can’t talk about New York without talking about Broadway. While Canberra Theatre Centre isn’t quite in Times Square, catching a show here can give you that same excuse to dress up, head into the city and make a whole night out of theatre.
Civic Square, London Circuit, City | canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Telstra Tower (Acton)
Okay, it’s not the Statue of Liberty… but it’s closest thing we’ve got. Our iconic 195.2-metre tower might not be holding a torch over New York Harbour, but it’s definitely one of Canberra’s most recognisable landmarks. It basically follows you everywhere you go! So, if Lady Liberty is a little too far away, Canberra’s Telstra Tower will have to do it.
100 Black Mountain Drive, Acton | telstra.com.au/telstra-tower
Squeaky Clean (City)
For a little Queens dive bar energy, head upstairs into Squeaky Clean in Verity Lane. Think vintage band posters, a spinning disco ball, pool competitions and a retro arcade game – all with a distinctly grungy, slightly nostalgic vibe. Grab a cold beer, challenge your mates to a game and order a Death Pasito (think hard Solo, but passionfruit) for good measure. It feels miles away from Canberra city.
Level 1, 45 Verity Lane, City | squeakycleanbar.com
Yumko (City)
New York’s Koreatown is a must-visit for food lovers, and Yumko can give you a little taste of that experience without the flight. Get your friends together, order plenty to share, and settle in for a Korean feast.
15 Garema Place, City | yumko.here-restaurants.com
Jarochos (Braddon)
For your final stop, we’re heading to Queens for a taco. Jarochos has the kind of Mexican food energy we’re looking for when you want a proper, flavour-packed taco night with friends. The most authentic you’ll get in Canberra.
Unit 60/30 Lonsdale Street, Braddon | jarochos.com.au
So, maybe Canberra doesn’t have yellow taxis, skyscrapers stretching into the clouds or the subway running all night. But with a little imagination, you can spend the day shopping in SoHo, grabbing pizza, thrifting in Brooklyn, catching a Broadway show, playing pool in Queens and finishing the night in K-town, all without leaving Canberra.
New York? We’ll see you soon. For now, Canberra will do.
