The city of roundabouts and politicians now has another dot-point on its resume: third place in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel Top 10 Cities 2018.

Lonely Planet's Top 10 Cities 2018: 1. Seville, Spain 2. Detroit, USA 3. Canberra, Australia 4. Hamburg, Germany 5. Kaohsiung, Taiwan 6. Antwerp, Belgium 7. Matera, Italy 8. San Juan, Puerto Rico 9. Guanajuato, Mexico 10. Oslo, Norway

And no, the national capital did not pay for it.

Canberra snuck in behind Seville in Spain and Detroit in the United States to claim bronze in the annual list of places to travel to next year.

"Criminally overlooked, Canberra packs a big punch for such a small city," spokesman Chris Zeiher said.

"National treasures are found around almost every corner and exciting new boutique precincts have emerged, bulging with gastronomic highlights and cultural must-dos."

Yep - high praise for the city you visited for a school excursion.

While the city's emerging cafes, bars and restaurants appear to have helped it secure a spot on the list, seemingly pushing Canberra across the line is Manuka Oval's first international test cricket match next year and the 100th anniversary of the WWI Armistice at the Australian War Memorial.

Braddon in Canberra's north is the hipster capital of the city, with many cafes and restaurants to choose from. ( Supplied )

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the ranking was "long-overdue" recognition of Canberra's growth as a tourist attraction.

"The city really is one good thing after another," he said.

"It's fantastic to see that Canberra's finally getting the attention that it deserves."

'Blame it on the pollies and the cold'

Tackling Canberra's roundabouts on a Segway is no mean feat. ( Supplied )

Mr Barr believes the city has been overlooked by some because of its role as the home of federal politics and its freezing temperatures (-8.7 degrees Celsius on the first day of July).

"Over time Canberra has suffered a little reputation-wise from the antics of federal politicians and our sometimes cold winters," he said.

"It's long overdue recognition of years and years of hard work.

"Within two hours from our city you can experience almost every Australian tourism experience — from skiing in the mountains, surfing at the beaches and enjoying the rural hinterlands around the ACT region."

Judged on 'wow factor'

The National Zoo and Aquarium is a must visit on a family holiday. ( Supplied )

The ACT Government said the process for the city selection was independent, involving staff, experts and an international panel.

Mr Barr said one of the categories the city was judged on was "wow factor".

"We can be very clear this in no way involves jurisdictions bidding to be in the list," he said.

And he believes the listing will help boost tourism in the nation's capital.

Though it is not the first time an Australian city has made the top 10 — in fact, it is not even close.

Canberra follows Fremantle (in 2016), Adelaide (in 2014), Hobart (in 2013) and Darwin (in 2012) to make the list.

It is, however, the highest placing of any Australian city since the list began seven years ago.