Civic Square
1 / 10

Civic Square

4.2
·853 reviews·Canberra, Australia

Canberra's Civic Square: a vibrant hub for community events, cultural exploration, and diverse dining, nestled in the heart of the CBD.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Friday evenings

Shops open late

CrowdMedium
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Civic Square

Civic Square

Best Time

Friday evenings

Shops open late

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Canberra's Civic Square: a vibrant hub for community events, cultural exploration, and diverse dining, nestled in the heart of the CBD.

4.2
(853 reviews)

"A pleasant place to unwind during weekends and a central meeting point for community events."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Smart Parking Hacks

Park outside the city center and cycle/scooter in to save on parking fees. :electric_plug:

📅 Check Event Schedules

Look out for festive celebrations and community gatherings for a vibrant experience. :calendar:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Community Gathering Hub

Community Gathering Hub

Civic Square

A central meeting point for community events, protests, and festive celebrations. Experience the heart of local gatherings.

Reddit
Cultural Institutions

Cultural Institutions

Adjacent to Civic Square

Home to museums, the arts theatre, and the ACT Legislative Assembly. Immerse yourself in culture and governance.

Reddit
Diverse Dining Options

Diverse Dining Options

Surrounding Civic Square

Explore a variety of restaurants, from Asian to continental cuisine, offering a culinary journey.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Civic Square Parking

Parking in Civic Square can be pricey, with daily rates around $15. Consider parking further out and cycling or scooting in to save money, or utilize park-and-ride options with the light rail for a budget-friendly commute. Reddit

Timing Your Visit for Events

Civic Square hosts various events, from festive celebrations to protests. Check local listings for parades, markets, or community gatherings to experience the square at its most vibrant. Reddit

Best Times

When
Friday evenings
Why
Shops open late
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Pleasant unwinding spot
Crowd
Medium
When
During festive seasons
Why
Beautiful celebrations
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Civic - parking

🚗 Smart Parking Hacks

Park outside the city center and cycle/scooter in to save on parking fees. Reddit :electric_plug:

📅 Check Event Schedules

Look out for festive celebrations and community gatherings for a vibrant experience. Reddit :calendar:

reddit.com

All day parking in Civic - tips and advice

reddit.com

Civic parking?

🍽️ Explore Local Eateries

Discover a range of Asian and continental restaurants around the square. Reddit :forkandknife:

🚶‍♀️ Stroll and Unwind

Enjoy a pleasant atmosphere for relaxing during your weekend visits. Reddit :walking:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Smart Parking Hacks

Park outside the city center and cycle/scooter in to save on parking fees. Reddit :electric_plug:

📅 Check Event Schedules

Look out for festive celebrations and community gatherings for a vibrant experience. Reddit :calendar:

🍽️ Explore Local Eateries

Discover a range of Asian and continental restaurants around the square. Reddit :forkandknife:

🚶‍♀️ Stroll and Unwind

Enjoy a pleasant atmosphere for relaxing during your weekend visits. Reddit :walking:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(853 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Civic Square is appreciated as a central meeting point for community events and a pleasant spot to unwind. Visitors enjoy the diverse dining options and the convenience of shops staying open late on Fridays. Some find the square a bit dated compared to other major city squares, but acknowledge its cultural proximity and ongoing renovations. Reddit+4

"This is where people meet nowadays to support Justice and human rights and reject the genocide and the Israeli crimes against humanity that have been going on for too long in Gaza."

Hassan El Zein

"Pleasant place to unwind during weekends.

Various restaurants from Asian to continental!

Shops are literally open to 9PM every Friday."

Poly Liong

"Feels a bit outdated, I think the city council here are slowly renovating the square, it’s got museums and arts theatre, plenty of space to hang out, it doesn’t feel quite like a city square centre compare to the cities of Adelaide, Brisbane etc…"

WB Adventures

What People Like

Community gathering hub
Diverse dining options
Late Friday shopping

What People Dislike

Feels outdated
Smaller than expected

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Civic Square is centrally located in Canberra's CBD. You can reach it by car, with parking available nearby, or by using the light rail and connecting bus services. Reddit

Yes, the light rail and various bus routes service the area around Civic Square, making it easily accessible via public transport. Reddit

Parking is available in nearby multi-story car parks, such as the Canberra Centre rooftop, but can be expensive. Consider alternative parking strategies to save money. Reddit

Absolutely! Many visitors opt to cycle or use scooters, parking their vehicles further out and enjoying the last leg of their journey on two wheels. Reddit

While specific accessibility details may vary, as a central public space, Civic Square is generally designed to be accessible. It's advisable to check with local authorities for detailed information.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Civic Square is a public space and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to access and enjoy. Reddit

Civic Square is generally open 24/7 as it's an outdoor public area. However, surrounding businesses and attractions have their own operating hours. Reddit

There are no entry fees to access Civic Square itself. Any costs would be associated with parking or visiting specific attractions within or around the square. Reddit

For specific events held at Civic Square, booking details will vary depending on the organizer. Check local event listings or the Canberra Theatre Centre website for information. Reddit

Civic Square is a public space and generally safe, but as with any urban area, it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Civic Square is a hub for community gatherings, protests, and festive celebrations. It's also adjacent to cultural institutions like museums and theatres. Reddit+1

The square offers opportunities for photos, especially during events or with the backdrop of the ACT Legislative Assembly and Canberra Theatre. Reddit

The atmosphere can vary from a pleasant place to unwind on weekends to a vibrant hub during festive celebrations or a site for important community discussions. Reddit+1

While it's a public space, families might enjoy it more during specific events like Christmas celebrations. It's not a dedicated playground but offers space to walk around. Reddit

Civic Square is located near the Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG), and the ACT Legislative Assembly. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You'll find a diverse range of dining options, from Asian to continental cuisine, in the restaurants surrounding Civic Square. Reddit

While Civic Square itself might not have dedicated cafes, numerous cafes and eateries are located within easy walking distance in the surrounding CBD area. Reddit

Yes, the CBD area offers a variety of dining establishments, including options that cater to different budgets. Exploring the side streets can reveal hidden gems. Reddit

Most restaurants in the CBD area operate typical lunch and dinner hours. Some shops and eateries stay open until 9 PM on Fridays. Reddit

The Canberra Centre, located nearby, features a large food court offering a wide selection of fast-food and casual dining options. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the architecture of the ACT Legislative Assembly, the Canberra Theatre, and the general ambiance of the square, especially during events. Reddit

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can offer beautiful lighting. Evenings are also great, especially when the square is lit up for events. Reddit

Drone usage in urban areas like Civic Square is subject to strict regulations. Always check with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and local council bylaws before flying a drone. Reddit

Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Reddit

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for capturing both wide shots of the square and details of the surrounding buildings. A wide-angle lens can be great for architectural shots. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Civic Square offers a central space for families to explore, especially during community events. While not a dedicated playground, its open areas are suitable for a stroll. Reddit Consider visiting during festive seasons like Christmas for a more engaging atmosphere with decorations and activities. Reddit The proximity to the Canberra Museum and Gallery also provides an educational outing option for families. Reddit

For dining, the nearby Canberra Centre food court offers a variety of kid-friendly options, making it easy to find something to please picky eaters. Reddit Remember to check local event listings for family-oriented activities that might be happening in or around the square. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

To save on costs, take advantage of the 'park and ride' option using the light rail or park your car further out and cycle/scooter into Civic Square. Reddit This significantly cuts down on expensive CBD parking fees. Reddit

Civic Square itself is a free public space, perfect for enjoying the atmosphere without spending money. Reddit For affordable eats, explore the diverse range of restaurants in the CBD, looking for lunch specials or casual eateries. The Canberra Centre food court also offers budget-friendly choices. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Day-Trippers

Civic Square is an ideal starting point for a day trip in Canberra's CBD. Easily accessible by public transport or with smart parking strategies, it places you at the heart of the city's cultural and civic activities. Reddit+1

Spend your day exploring the adjacent Canberra Museum and Gallery, catching a show at the Canberra Theatre, or simply enjoying the urban ambiance. Reddit The variety of dining options ensures you can easily find a spot for lunch or dinner before heading home. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding Civic Square's Role

Civic Square in Canberra serves as a significant public space, often acting as a focal point for community engagement and civic expression. It's a place where residents gather for everything from peaceful protests advocating for justice and human rights to vibrant festive celebrations during holidays. Reddit+1 The square's proximity to key institutions like the ACT Legislative Assembly and the Canberra Theatre Centre underscores its importance as a civic heart. Reddit

While some visitors feel it's less grand than squares in larger Australian cities, its understated nature allows for a more intimate connection with the local community. Reddit The ongoing renovations suggest a commitment to enhancing its appeal and functionality, aiming to make it a more dynamic urban center. Reddit

For visitors, understanding Civic Square's multifaceted role—from a place of quiet reflection to a stage for public discourse—enhances the appreciation of its significance in Canberra's urban landscape. Reddit

Navigating Parking and Transportation

Parking in Canberra's CBD, particularly around Civic Square, can be a significant consideration for visitors. Daily rates can reach around $15, prompting many to seek more economical solutions. Reddit A popular strategy shared by locals involves parking outside the immediate city center and completing the journey via bicycle or scooter, effectively bypassing parking fees altogether. Reddit

For those relying on public transport, the light rail system offers a convenient park-and-ride option. This allows commuters to drive to a station outside the city, park their car, and then take the light rail the rest of the way into the CBD, significantly reducing costs and traffic stress. Reddit

These tips highlight a community-driven approach to urban mobility, emphasizing smart planning and alternative transport methods to make visiting Civic Square more accessible and affordable. Reddit

Culinary Delights Around the Square

The area surrounding Civic Square is a haven for food lovers, boasting a diverse culinary scene that caters to a wide array of tastes. Visitors can embark on a global gastronomic journey, with numerous restaurants offering everything from authentic Asian flavors to classic continental dishes. Reddit

Beyond the sit-down restaurants, the nearby Canberra Centre provides a bustling food court, perfect for those seeking quick and varied meal options. This accessibility to different dining experiences makes Civic Square a convenient spot for lunch breaks or evening meals. Reddit

Whether you're looking for a fine dining experience or a casual bite, the eateries around Civic Square ensure that every palate is satisfied, adding another layer of appeal to this central Canberra location. Reddit

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