Where is the best area to stay in Brisbane?
By Felicity Purvis. July 04, 2024
Brisbane, gracing the banks of the scenic Brisbane River, shines as one of Australia’s hidden gems, brimming with underrated beauty and charm. With its subtropical climate, Brisbane is known for having glorious weather all year round. So, why not grab a coffee at one of the many boutique cafes and take a leisurely Sunday stroll through the many parklands across the city? Or take yourself on a self-guided tour of South Bank and West End on one of the bikes or e-scooters available to hire? Acting as the cultural hub of Queensland, you won’t be lost for choice when looking for places to explore.
Stay in Brisbane’s CBD, or Central Business District, to be at the heart of the action. It is here that you will find Brisbane’s best dining and drinking experiences. Your choice of riverside restaurants and bistros will be seemingly endless, with plenty of hole-in-the-wall joints for those wanting an off-the-beaten-path experience. Queen Street Mall is on your doorstep, boasting everything from high-end fashion to small, trendy boutiques. Both Roma Street and Central Station are only a hop, skip, and a jump away - making the CBD the transport hub of Brisbane. The city ferries also make a great family day to take you along the river.If you are interested in where to stay in Brisbane, you may also be interested in where to stay in Gold Coast, where to stay in Sydney, where to stay in Melbourne and where to stay in Perth.
CBD, the best area to stay in Brisbane
Shopping | Food | Culture
Brisbane CBD is the electric hub of this up-and-coming city. The city centre is every urban-lovers’ playground with trendy restaurants, never-ending shopping, and attractions fit for every person’s interests.
The CBD has an open layout with parklands and the river surrounding it on every side. The walkability of the CBD also makes it ideal for anyone who loves to explore on foot or from the back of a bicycle.
Start your day with a coffee in Roma Street Parklands and fuel yourself with a hearty breakfast for your morning of shopping ahead. After your retail therapy session, meander across the bridge to South Bank where you can treat yourself to lunch in one of the many riverside restaurants. Take an afternoon stroll down to Captain Cook Bridge and through the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. Finish your day with a sunset drink at Felons Brewing Co. and watch the boats pass by on the river.
Other neighbourhoods to stay in Brisbane
Spring Hill
Heritage | Cafes | Sightseeing
If you like to be in the thick of the action, but as a fly on the wall, then Spring Hill is the place for you. Laying just on the outskirts of Brisbane’s city centre, Spring Hill is just a short walk from everything that the CBD has to offer.
Spring Hill is one of Brisbane’s oldest suburbs. Its streets are lined with heritage cottages and terrace houses - many of which date back to the nineteenth century. If you love architecture, there are plenty of free walking tours online that you will love.
You will not be short of choice for wine and dining opportunities in Spring Hill. Trendy little coffee shops are dotted around the neighbourhood - each with its unique charm. There are also plenty of historic pubs for the evenings, where you can enjoy a drink or three with an unbeatable view of Brisbane’s city skyline.
Kangaroo Point
Outdoors | Waterfront | Story Bridge
Kangaroo Point is the place to be for any outdoor-loving urbanite. Sitting atop some of Brisbane’s oldest cliff faces, Kangaroo Point is known for its sunrises and its uninterrupted views of Brisbane’s skyline.
Kangaroo Point is ideal for any outdoor adventures on a city escape. The cliffs at Kangaroo Point are bolted for any outdoor climbers or abseilers. You can even climb at night as the cliff is illuminated by powerful floodlights from the ground. Or, try your hand at kayaking and spend a hot day floating along the mighty Brisbane River.
The Story Bridge also lies in wait for all enthusiasts to climb. Built in 1935, the Story Bridge Adventure Climb tour is filled with history and adventure. You can climb the Story Bridge with a tour at any time of day. Climb at dawn for an unbeatable sunrise, or at dusk to watch the Brisbane lights come to life.
South Brisbane
Culture | Food | Arts
South Brisbane is known for being one of Brisbane’s trendiest neighbourhoods. Just a short walk or ferry ride from Brisbane’s CBD, South Brisbane is the place for anyone who loves all things arts and culture. The streets are a maze of tiny laneways filled to the brim with hole-in-the-wall restaurants.
South Brisbane is the cultural heart of the city. It’s the home of Queensland Performing Arts Centre, the Queensland Museum, the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, and much more. Any art enthusiast will never be bored here.
Spend your day getting lost in the intricacies of one of the many galleries or museums. Laze in the sun at one of the artificial beaches before heading to Fish Lane, a street filled with some of the best eats and drinks in Brisbane. Dive in head first to one of Brisbane’s most historical laneways that now houses hip restaurants, cool bars, and incredible street art.
Fortitude Valley
Nightlife | Music | Entertainment
Fortitude Valley is at the heart of Brisbane’s nightlife. Known to locals as ‘The Valley’, this neighbourhood is filled with quirky bars, electric clubs, and contemporary music halls. The Valley is every nocturnal traveller’s delight, with the streets bustling at all hours of the day. Also home to Brisbane’s famous Chinatown, you won’t be starved for a choice of places to eat in this trendy pocket of the city.
The streets are lined with luxury boutique stores, fine dining restaurants, and rooftop bars for all travellers wanting a sophisticated experience. There are also plenty of opportunities for those wanting a more local experience, with stylish - but budget-friendly - eats and drinks throughout the area.
Fortitude Valley is a music-lover’s dream. Spend the day crawling through vintage vinyl stores. Wander around on the lookout for local street art or street musicians before settling down in the evening for a cocktail at one of the à la mode music bars.
Hamilton
Food | Family | Airport
Ideally located on the banks of the Brisbane River, Hamilton is ideal for anyone coming to Brisbane on a layover. Close to the airport and brimming with restaurants, Hamilton is a foodie’s dream. There is an array of dining options, with everything from luxury dining to bustling food markets.
The biggest attraction in Hamilton is its iconic food market, Eat Street. Eat Street is a converted cargo wharf, with over 180 restaurants and food stands built out of old packing containers. The venue has food from all over the world, as well as live music, and an unbeatable energy.
The city centre is also very easily accessed by ferry. The ride is about 20 minutes with stunning views for the entire journey. Hamilton is also located very near to the Brisbane airport. This neighbourhood is a quieter alternative to staying in the city.
Woolloongabba
Sports | Vintage Shopping
Woolloongabba is known nationwide for being the home of the iconic sports arena, ‘The Gabba’. Situated just a ten-minute bus ride from the CBD, Woolloongabba is one of the best places to stay for travellers who love sports and entertainment. You will be spoiled for choice of accommodation, with options to suit any budget.
You will find luxury penthouses and budget hotels. On game day, the streets of this neighbourhood are overflowing with enthusiastic sports fans. The bars and pubs will be full of cricket aficionados preparing or debriefing for a game.
But the charm of Woolloongabba is not reserved for sports fans alone. This up-and-coming suburb also has a thriving vintage scene. With everything from vintage vinyl stores to retro clothing to antique furniture - the shopper in you who loves ageless and quality finds will thrive in Woolloongabba.
Bowen Hills
Food | Entertainment
Bowen Hills used to be one of the oldest agricultural areas in Brisbane but is now an up-and-coming neighbourhood known for its hipster eateries and markets. It is well connected to the city centre, with many train and bus stations around the suburb.
Check out King Street for a plethora of vibrant eateries. Laying in the centre of Bowen Hills, King Street is always full of energy. It is a short walk from the river, so why not grab a takeaway burger and watch the sunset over the opposite bank? Bowen Hills is also home to Brisbane’s showground.
The showground hosts a myriad of different events but is most well known for being the home of ‘the Ekka’ every year. The Ekka is Queensland’s biggest agricultural show and is infamous in every Brisbanite household. Families bring animals from all over the country for competition and showcasing, as well as there are rides and activities for the whole family.
New Farm
Food | Culture | Outdoors
New Farm is a contemporary suburb known for its food and culture scene. The neighbourhood is built around a 37-acre park which attracts almost twenty-thousand visitors each week. Consequently, New Farm locals lead a very outdoor lifestyle. You will always find people picnicking in the park during the day or jogging in the evenings along the river.
New restaurants are always popping up around New Farm, making the suburb a delight to explore.
The Brisbane Powerhouse sits on the border of the park. The building is an old factory that has been beautifully converted into an edgy arts centre. The Powerhouse has a constant rotation of independent theatre, comedy, and music shows. It also lies directly next to the Brisbane River. Start your evening with a drink by the river, a show playing in the Powerhouse, and a night walk along the magnificent river.
Our recommended hotels in Brisbane
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in BrisbaneNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
