Top things to do in Brisbane
Attractions, tours, and activities in Brisbane
Brisbane: the city's best neighborhoods
Find a great area to stay in Brisbane
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Kangaroo Point
1 miles from downtown
River views a go-go. Kangaroo Point is a thin peninsula gently skirted by the Brisbane River. Take your pick from The Cliffs Café and Riverbar for waterside munching, or go DIY-style with a barbecue on Kangaroo Point Cliffs. If you prefer adrenaline to caffeine, take the Story Bridge Adventure Climb to see the city from a different angle.
Places to stay from $14 a night
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Brisbane Central Business District
In downtown
Brizzie’s busy business district. This cluster of shiny skyscrapers is where suited and booted professionals earn their corn. Shopaholics flock to the Myer Centre, while plant lovers flee the crowds for the Botanic Gardens. Come dinnertime, you’re spoiled for choice – burger fiends head to Red Hook and seafood lovers flock to Jellyfish.
Places to stay from $9 a night
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Fortitude Valley
1.2 miles from downtown
The life and soul. This buzzing district comes alive after dark, with more bars and clubs than you can shake a stick at. Ric’s Bar serves up live tunes from local indie bands, while The Bowery’s chic Yankee vibe will put you in a New York state of mind. If you’re after a touch of class, glam up among the glitz and glamour of Cloud Land.
Places to stay from $12 a night
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New Farm
1.4 miles from downtown
There’s nothing bumpkin-like about this farm. New Farm’s tree-lined streets and old Queenslander-style houses are home to Brisbane’s movers-and-shakers. The Powerhouse has transformed from power station to edgy arts venue, and it’s now the hottest ticket in town. Soak up the sophistication over lunch in Vue Lounge or Blurred Coffee Lounge.
Places to stay from $118 a night
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South Brisbane
0.6 miles from downtown
Brisbane’s heart of art. Spend an enriching morning among the artwork of QAGOMA Museum, then snap up local designs at funky South Bank Markets. The park that surrounds it is a prime strolling spot, where buskers’ melodies will put a spring in your step. Dash to Max Brenner for a gourmet sugar rush, or for craft beer nirvana head to Tomahawk.
Places to stay from $12 a night
About Brisbane
Including tips for the best time to visit Brisbane
With over 280 days of sunshine a year, Brisbane’s subtropical climate has instilled the city with a youthful spirit and a love of all things outdoors.
To take in the city sights from on high, you can take a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane for panoramic views from 60 metres up. Other popular viewpoints include the clifftop park of Wilson Outlook Reserve and Mount Coot-Tha, home to a hilltop restaurant, mountain bike trails and Queensland’s largest planetarium. There are plenty of things to do for free in the culture-filled South Bank neighbourhood, including markets, picnic areas for barbecuing and an artificial beach with a swimming lagoon. If you’re feeling energised, head to Kangaroo Point to go rock climbing, abseiling or bouldering.
Brisbane’s Contemporary Art and Architecture Public Art Trail will take you on a leisurely two-hour stroll past some of the best pieces of art in the Central Business District. There’s also the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art to explore, jointly known as QAGOMA. The striking neoclassical building of City Hall is where you’ll find the Museum of Brisbane, housing exhibitions of Australian art and social history.
Getting around Brisbane is a breeze, thanks to its efficient public transport network of bus, metro, rail and ferry services. Electronic smartcards called ‘go cards’ are the best way to get about, and they work on all types of public transport.
Tonight
From $158 per night
Next weekend
From $259 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | AUD 10 = $6.45 |
| Language | English |
| Average weekend price | $151 per night |
| Average weekday price | $151 per night |
| Average stay | 2 nights |
Points of interest in Brisbane
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Brisbane
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Suncorp Stadium
0.9 miles from downtown
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Queen Street Mall
0.4 miles from downtown
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The Tower Mill
0.3 miles from downtown
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Story Bridge
0.9 miles from downtown
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Queensland Performing Arts Complex (QPAC)
0.4 miles from downtown
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Brisbane Powerhouse
1.9 miles from downtown
Brisbane reviews
What other travelers say about Brisbane
Brisbane is easy to get around.
October 1, 2023
Brisbane is easy to get around. The train network is efficient as are the buses. The CBD is walkable and the ferries on the Brisbane River are fun. If travelling with children, check out the Street Beach on South Bank and also the museum. Loads of child friendly places to eat and an excellent playground
The GO-card for bus transports is exasperating and you...
September 28, 2023
The GO-card for bus transports is exasperating and you can't use buses without it. Getting information about accessing a card was almost impossible. The official site said they'd send us one in a few days and we'd phoned them on the advice of the Information Office - quite unhelpful. Luckily the checkout operator in a supermarket explained that we just needed to go to a newsagent to purchase one - which we did - then we got a refund on unspent funds. Not good enough for a city that hopes to attract a number of visitors - and we live in the same state.
friendly people (poms and Scots descendants),, great...
September 26, 2023
friendly people (poms and Scots descendants),, great transport links, plenty of various types of eateries to suit all pockets a week is just long enough to view most highlights, the city has problems with the less desirables just like any other city but felt safe enough,, drinking venues very boisterous but quieten down at night a bit for eating out, Southpark (a small man-made beach resort just on the south side of river excellent for kiddies and safe from alligators!!!!
Pretty boring city overall, mostly an administrative place...
September 26, 2023
Pretty boring city overall, mostly an administrative place for the rest of Queensland. People are friendly in general but some can also be quite rude, lots of "trash" people who act like rednecks. Honestly I wouldn't recommend visiting Brisbane as it's mostly a waste of time and pretty expensive too. 15 dollars for a beer is common. Don't waste your time in Australia here, instead go to Sydney, Melbourne or any of the many amazing natural beauty spots available in the country!
Loved the use of being able to hire scooters to get around...
September 25, 2023
Loved the use of being able to hire scooters to get around the city much better then walking and at your own pace for great price ( first time rider ) and honestly was so easy to use. Really surprised myself on how much I enjoyed riding them. Except watch out for people just stepping out in front of your high speeds! Great way to see city can jump off almost anywhere or get back onto one once ready again.
Our 3 night stay at Kangaroo Point was just right to explore...
September 24, 2023
Our 3 night stay at Kangaroo Point was just right to explore Brisbane. Definitely, take a guided river cruise to learn more about the city's history and view some amazing homes. Easy to catch the City Hopper for free travel. Good place to visit if you like walking.
Popular places to stay in Brisbane
Stay in some of the best accommodations Brisbane has to offer
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On the Brook - Private 2 bed + loft and pool Brisbane, Australia
From $174 per night
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Elegance Spring Hill Spring Hill, Brisbane
From $270 per night
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Immaculate 2-Beds Entire House Chermside Brisbane Brisbane, Australia
From $165 per night
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Felix 374 FF Apartment Brisbane Central Business District, Brisbane
From $216 per night
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Apartments on Connor Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
From $128 per night
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Other accommodations in Brisbane
Pick from a wide variety of places to stay in Brisbane
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Apartments
From $40 per night
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Villas
From $87 per night
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Cottages
From $74 per night
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Serviced Apartments
From $64 per night
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Vacation Homes
From $74 per night
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Guest houses
From $48 per night
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Hostels
From $10 per night
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Motels
From $32 per night
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B&Bs
From $44 per night
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Homestays
From $22 per night
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Self-catering Accommodations
From $51 per night
