12 of the BEST things visitors can do in Brisbane

With the Olympic Games right around the corner, Brisbane is getting ready to say hello to visitors and athletes from all over the world. With so many people visiting our fine city, I began to think about what they might need. No doubt, they’ll be looking for amazing food experiences and some fantastic accommodation in Queensland. So, I thought I’d kick things off with 12 of the best things visitors can see and do in Brisbane.

Planning your trip?
•••
Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
Travel eSIM: Simify

I register as an affiliate for anything I use and recommend. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click these links and make a purchase I may earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you, and in some cases, these links may even unlock savings or give you bonuses I’ve negotiated. You can find out more about this here and here.

---

1. Explore local markets

There are numerous wonderful markets scattered throughout and around Brisbane, offering visitors the chance to get hands-on with the freshest produce and delicious food the region has to offer. Foodies will love the Eat Street Northshore. Don’t miss the West End Markets and Northey Street Sunday Organic Farmers Market for great produce and The Collective Markets for art, fashion, jewellery and more.

2. Go fine dining with a side of adrenaline

Imagine tucking into a beautifully crafted three-course meal while dangling four storeys above the ground, the city skyline glittering all around you. Welcome to Vertigo, Australia’s first-ever vertical restaurant, perched dramatically on the edge of the Brisbane Powerhouse. Here, the brilliant Bar Alto chefs whip up mouth-watering dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, perfectly paired with Queensland wines or a cheeky cocktail. As you sip and savour, you’ll feel the thrill of a 17-metre drop beneath your feet, equal parts breathtaking and nerve-tingling. When the plates are cleared, you can channel your inner adventurer and descend the building’s facade via a dropline, or keep things grounded with a stroll back inside. Either way, it’s an unforgettable blend of fine dining and pure adrenaline you’ll be talking about long after the last bite.

Book Vertigo here

3. Get active outdoors

Live la Vida Brisbane and make the most of the incredible weather by getting outdoors and active. Thanks to the guys at River Life, you can go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the Brisbane River, right through the heart of Brisbane. You can also soak in unbeatable views while rock climbing or simply walk or run along the river and explore the waterfront for yourself.

4. Go thrift shopping

If, like me, you love a spot of thrift shoppin,g you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice while exploring some of the beautiful little suburbs surrounding Brisbane city. Head up to Paddington and take a stroll along Given Terrace, where you’ll find Retro Metro and Latrobe Terrace to explore Vinnies Paddington. Wander the streets of West End and Fortitude Valley and you’ll unearth more vintage wonders.

5. Join the Pub Choir

If you love the idea of karaoke but hate getting up in front of people to sing by yourself, Pub Choir is exactly what you’ve been looking for. Head down to The Tivoli in Fortitude Valley, where they kick off a pub choir. Beers are encouraged, of course, and you and your many new Brisbane friends will jam out to awesome tracks. It’s one of those ‘sing like nobody’s listening’ experiences that’s empowering and liberating. It’s a great way to mix with the locals and have a fun night out!

6. Take a day trip

You’ve come all the way to Brisbane, so why not make the most by heading out on a day trip and seeing more of what Queensland has to offer. Visitors can easily explore country Queensland with a foodie tour out to Toowoomba and Stanthorpe. Get your beach break on with an adventure on Fraser Island or Moreton Island or head up to the stunning Sunshine Coast to check out the hinterland or beach spots like Caloundra.

7. Enjoy a free tour of Brisbane

The Brisbane Greeters offer free tours of Brisbane to everybody and anybody! And, you guys, they’re totally free, none of this ‘hidden cost’ business. I’m a local and signed myself up for the art tour and was blown away by how many hidden artworks I’d been walking past my whole life. It gave me a new appreciation for my city and is the perfect way for visitors to get acquainted with Brisbane.

8. Explore a vintage bookstore

If, like me, you love books, head directly to Archive Fine Books in Brisbane’s CBD. Tucked in a lovely old brick building in Charlotte Street, you can enter a seemingly endless world of wonderful books. Escape the outside world for a while and pick up a few good reads then head around the corner to John Mills Himself for a fantastic cup of coffee and some quiet reading time.

9. Peep the best rooftop bar views

There’s something magical about seeing Brisbane from above, drink in hand and a warm breeze on your skin. Start your evening at one of the city’s best rooftop bars — maybe clink glasses at The Eagles Nest or the Hyatt Regency Brisbane, soak up the city lights at Sixteen Antlers, or sip something tropical by the pool at Soleil. When the night feels too good to call it quits, head even higher to Maya, where the views stretch forever and the vibe is pure Brisbane magic.

10. Take a ride on the CityCat

One of my absolute favourite ways to soak up Brisbane is from the deck of a CityCat. These sleek, spacious ferries glide effortlessly along the Brisbane River, giving you a whole new perspective on the city. I love starting in the heart of the city and letting the breeze ruffle your hair as you cruise past glittering skyscrapers, leafy riverbanks, and hidden pockets of suburbia. Ride to New Farm, where you can hop off and wander through the lush, sprawling New Farm Park. Pack a picnic, grab a coffee from a nearby café, or simply sprawl out on the grass under the shade of a giant fig tree. When you’re ready, just jump back aboard for the return trip. It’s the perfect mix of sightseeing and laid-back Brisbane life.

11. Enjoy the flavours of Queensland

For an amazing meal in Brisbane, don’t miss out on The Croft House. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and even grab to go when you’re in a hurry and need that caffeine boost to kick-start your day. Embrace the locally sourced menu, focusing on authentic modern Australian. The best night of the week is a Friday when you can unwind with great food and drink while listening to live music.

12. Catch the sunrise somewhere beautiful

One of my favourite things about Brisbane is the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets it offers. If you’re an early bird, head up to Mt Coot-tha and watch South-East Queensland come alive with the colours of the morning sun. For sunset, I recommend sitting up at the Kangaroo Point Cliffs with some cheese and snacks and watching one of those famous Brisbane sunsets. If you’re lucky, it’ll be one of those ridiculously beautiful ones, where the sky turns brilliant pink and orange.

Where to stay in Brisbane

Booking.com and Agoda.com are fantastic websites for finding accommodation in Brisbane. Below are a few options worth looking into:

Stay	Features
Rydges South Bank Brisbane	Read our review
The Sebel Brisbane	Central location, pool
Art Series – The Johnson	Spacious, great pool
Alex Perry Hotel Apartments	Read our review
Spicers Balfour Hotel	Luxury, fantastic food
Meriton Suites Herschel St	Comfort, CBD location
Mantra Terrace Hotel	Well-priced comfort

---

---