Canberra climbs to 10th on nightlife index, but a bar owner is unconvinced
Canberra rose from 12th to 10th on Visa's Night-time Economy Index, which ranks 88 locations.
Visa's card data ranks Canberra as the 10th-best nightlife economy in Australia, up from 12th in 2025. The growth is coming from dining, as spending moves away from drinking and entertainment.
Mr Howe says Canberra is doing better, but still not a great night-time environment. Across all 88 locations, Australians go out an average of 80 nights a year, up from 69 last year.
Canberra's safety at night stood out as significantly above the national average. Visa economist Simon Baptist says Canberra's night-time economy is diverse and consistent, though not very concentrated.
Dr Baptist says public transport access at night is one area for improvement. Mr Howe blames financial pressure, saying people would go out more if they felt less squeezed.
- 10th, up from 12th in 2025
- Canberra ranking
- 88
- Locations ranked
- 80, up from 69 last year
- Average nights out per year
Why it mattersBars that rely on drink sales face a tougher trade as spending moves to food and live music.
AustraliaFor Canberrans, a night out is shifting towards dinner, while late-night venues see little gain.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
