Now proud residents of the capital have an answer - or 13,741 answers, according to the Like Canberra campaign being run in conjunction with Canberra's Centenary celebrations.

From the sports teams and the cafes and restaurants, to the owl statue in Belconnen, and even the "odd mix of establishments in Fyshwick", Canberrans have nominated a fair slather of things to like about the capital.

But to make the list more travel friendly, Centenary of Canberra executive director Jeremy Lasek and his team are asking people to vote for their favourite 100.

“It gives Canberrans a little check list, when we're all travelling interstate and people say 'oh Canberra, what's to like about Canberra?' we've got a hundred things readily at hand," Mr Lasek told Fairfax.

The Like Canberra campaign began in October, and Mr Lasek said he was blown away at the sheer volume of nominations.

"We were hoping we might get a couple of thousand, so it just totally knocked our socks off getting as many as we did," he said.

And it wasn't just the number of nominations that surprised - a few of the things Canberrans said they liked about the city also raised a few eyebrows.

“Someone said Canberra is never dull, there's always something going on - which is contrary to the perception, mainly from outsiders, that Canberra is a bit dull and boring," Mr Lasek said.

Some of the other, more surprising, nominations included the "special vibe" when politics in town heats up, Parliament's question time, the "romantic" feel of Canberra at night, dress-up parties, and swimmers taking a wrong turn at Kambah Pools and copping an "eye-full".

The usual suspects also received plenty of attention - from the natural surroundings and fresh air of the bush capital, to the national institutions, local attractions, and the annual special events like Australia Day, and the Anzac Day dawn service.

All the "likes" have been grouped into categories to help people find their favourite.

A total of 69 restaurants and cafes were nominated (including Hungry Jacks and McDonalds), along with 66 "outdoor adventures", and 25 suburbs.

Mr Lasek said all the nominations received have been grouped together and are available to vote on, so if punters notice their favourite "like" isn't there, they only have themselves to blame.

“I think everyone knew the vote was on, and I think the lists are absolutely amazing," he said.

“If people feel they're missing out, the probably need to think about why they didn't vote."

Voting is open until February 14. The top 100 nominations will be announced in March.