'Has Lonely Planet ever been to Canberra?': Australians mock the capital after it's named world's third-best city

Australians are shocked Lonely Planet has included Canberra on their list of Best in Travel Top 10 Cities 2018.

Source: AAP

Australians have taken to social media to mock travel guide Lonely Planet's decision to name Canberra the third-best city in the world to visit. 

The announcement has prompted a barrage of responses on Twitter and most have ridiculed the decision.

The nation's capital has been praised for its museums, art galleries, vineyards and parks, as well as its cafe-lined, leafy boulevards, microbreweries and leading restaurants.

Lonely Planet also lauded the city's unconventional hotels and challenging exhibitions.

While Canberra is finally being recognised for more than politicians and roundabouts, many are still skepitcal about whether it is a match for the other cities that made the list.

Feeling sorry for the poor tourists who read @lonelyplanet and end up in Canberra pic.twitter.com/h5GuglnkiE

But Lonely Planet is standing by decision.

"The whole town has transformed in the last 18 months," Lonely Planet's Chris Zeiher told AAP.

Meanwhile others are standing by the city.

While some are not impressed by how Australians are responding to the news.