Brisbane
Australia’s third-biggest city is Brisbane. Most visitors stop by the city en route to Cairns or on their way to the Gold Coast. They usually leave quickly because the city lacks the charm that other parts of Australia have.
On the other hand, I believe that people undervalue Brisbane’s abundance of sights and activities.
With a population of slightly more than two million, it’s a very park-filled area that even has an urban beach. The largest koala habitat in the world is located just outside of town, and there’s a trendy restaurant scene and an excellent standard of living.
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It’s also not overly dispersed, so you’re never truly too far from anything.
Here is my ranking of Brisbane’s greatest neighborhoods to help you with travel planning and lodging selection:
Inner City/CBD is the best area to stay in Brisbane for sightseeing.
Brisbane, Australia’s sunny downtown CBD, towering and busy. Keep yourself in the Inner City, also referred to as the CBD (Central Business District), if you want to be right in the middle of everything. Along with a ton of dining options and martini lounges, this area is home to several fantastic sights, including the Queensland Holocaust Museum, the City Botanic Gardens, and the Museum of Brisbane. The Brooklyn Standard is a speakeasy-style bar with great live music and a NYC theme that you shouldn’t miss. There’s also the large Queen Street Mall nearby if you want to go shopping.
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The primary transit hub, from which all long-distance buses and trains depart, is located in the CBD, making it an ideal starting point for visitors planning trips elsewhere in Australia. Furthermore, it’s conveniently close to South Bank and Fortitude Valley, two additional well-known areas.
Top accommodations in Inner City/CBD:
BUDGET: Selina Brisbane – This chic hostel is located next to the major train station and has both private and dorm rooms that are furnished with locally created artwork and painted in warm, inviting colors. Individual reading lights, curtains, plugs, and lockers are featured in the pod-style bunks. A fully furnished kitchen, a library, an outdoor movie deck, and a co-working space are all included. For budget-conscious tourists seeking a peaceful stay, it’s a great choice.
MIDRANGE: Royal on the Park – This hotel, which is directly across from the City Botanic Gardens, exudes a majestic aura with its big rooms, dark wood décor, and carpet. There’s a restaurant with a large breakfast buffet, a lounge, a hot tub, and an outdoor swimming pool. The spacious rooms include floor-to-ceiling windows that let in an abundance of natural light, and they are simply designed. Additionally, each room has an espresso machine, USB ports, and ergonomic work desks.
Luxurious: W Brisbane – This neighborhood is home to several opulent hotels, but this five-star establishment is the best. In addition to having three restaurants and bars, a spa and fitness center, and a pool with a river view, this W property is elegantly furnished. Funky and bright, the large rooms have desks, deep bathtubs, rainfall showerheads, Nespresso machines, and 55-inch flat-screen TVs along with playful flashes of color.
South Bank is a Great Place to Stay in Brisbane for Food and Culture
People unwinding on South Bank’s edge near the sea and gazing across into Brisbane, Australia’s central business district
This lovely neighborhood is situated right over the Brisbane River to the south of the CBD. There are many restaurants, fantastic shopping opportunities, kilometers of parks and pathways lined with trees, and a gorgeous inner-city beach to be found here. There are also plenty of excellent museums, such as the Queensland Cultural Centre, which houses the Gallery of Modern Art and the Queensland Art Gallery. Along the riverbank is also the well-known Wheel of Brisbane, an observation wheel rising to a height of 60 meters.
I genuinely love to people-watch while eating or strolling along the river promenade. There are usually several events and festivals in the summer, and you may frequently see musicians and outdoor dance lessons here.
Top accommodations in South Bank:
BUDGET: This is one of the priciest parts of town, so there aren’t many truly affordable places to stay. It would be preferable if you stayed in the Inner City across the river or in the West End, which is close to the south. Somewhere to Stay Backpackers is the nearest hostel to the location.
MIDRANGE: Novotel Brisbane South Bank – This modern hotel has a restaurant with a delectable breakfast buffet, a fitness facility, and an outdoor pool. The rooms are large and feature a modern style with lots of white space and flashes of color from the pictures on the walls featuring Brisbane. Flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, lounging areas, electric beds, and open-plan bathrooms are features shared by all the rooms.
LUXURY: The five-star Emporium Hotel South Bank, with its stylish furniture, luxurious linens, and carefully chosen artwork, radiates modern elegance. Three restaurants, a spa, a fitness center, and an opulent infinity pool are among the facilities. Luxurious mattresses, Bose sound systems, and marble bathrooms with good pressure for lavish showers are features of the spacious suites, which provide breathtaking vistas. Many also feature spa baths and terraces.
The Valley is a Great Place to Stay in Brisbane for Nightlife
A calm street in Brisbane, Australia’s Fortitude Valley
The area to go if you want to go out on the town is Fortitude Valley, also referred to as “The Valley” locally. It draws a youthful population drawn by the abundance of bars and clubs in the neighborhood. Head to the previously industrial Howard Smith Wharves along the river for a more subdued nightlife. These waterfront areas are now home to some of the best clubs and restaurants the city has to offer. Felon’s Brewing Co. is a must-see for lovers of craft beer. For great cocktails and even greater views, visit Mr. Percival’s overwater bar if you’re like that kind of thing.
Top accommodations in The Valley:
BUDGET: Bunk Brisbane – This hostel is popular with younger visitors, but shockingly has little social life (no bar, few common areas). Because it’s housed in a refurbished warehouse, the space is flooded with natural light thanks to its wide windows and high ceilings. Dorms (including female-only ones) and private rooms with en suite bathrooms are available. Each room has wood furnishings and is reasonably large. There are guest kitchen and laundry facilities, as well as excellent pressure in the showers.
MIDRANGE: The Constance Fortitude Valley – This hip boutique hotel features murals and vibrant street art created by international artists. Every room features a minibar, blackout curtains, a desk, a pod coffee maker, and a walk-in shower; some even include spa baths and private courtyards. A fitness center, a rooftop bar, a breakfast-serving café, and free access to a neighboring gym and pool are all available. You get a lot for your money with this.
LUXURY: Crystalbrook Vincent – This modern five-star hotel is situated on the outskirts of Fortitude Valley and has a resort-like atmosphere. It has a fitness facility, two restaurants, and an infinity pool with breathtaking views. With carefully chosen artwork and striking decorations (such as emerald-green couches and vibrantly colored throw blankets), each of the roomy suites has its own design. Every room features soft beds, tables, walk-in rainfall showers, luxurious bathrobes, flat-screen TVs, blackout shades, and in most cases, a couch. The hotel prioritizes sustainability, as evidenced by its repurposed furniture and waste-free restrooms. It is also completely devoid of single-use plastic.
West End is the Best Area to Stay in Brisbane to Feel Local
A big emblem that was painted on a road in Brisbane, Australia’s West End
Just south of South Bank, the trendy West End is teeming with superb restaurants, independent retailers, bookshops, artisan cocktail bars, and breweries. Due to the strong Greek culture in the neighborhood, there are many Greek restaurants in this area, which makes it a very popular spot for brunch. Beautiful paintings decorate the alleyways, and on weekends, several markets take over the streets. This is the ideal location to experience local life, yet it’s also close to South Bank and Inner City attractions, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Top accommodations in West End:
BUDGET: Somewhere to Stay Backpackers – This hostel has reasonably priced dorm beds in addition to individual rooms. With its expansive, fully equipped kitchen, yard games, hammocks for lounging, and an outdoor pool situated in a verdant interior courtyard, it has the air of a resort. Although the rooms are somewhat simple, common areas are more important in this type of establishment.
MIDRANGE: CLLIX’s Atlas Flats is a condo hotel that offers modern, minimalistic flats with a clean aesthetic. Each features a dining room, walk-in baths, floor-to-ceiling windows, a fully functional kitchen, and a balcony or patio. In addition to laundry facilities, the resort features an outdoor pool, a workout center, a steam room, and a barbeque area. Whether you’re traveling with family or in a group, this is a great spot to stay.
LUXURY: This is more of a residential community than a true hotel destination. Go to the Emporium Hotel in the neighboring South Bank if you’re searching for something upscale.
Brisbane is a lively metropolis whose varied areas, each adding to the city’s identity, represent the city’s cultural diversity. Don’t stress too much about where to stay in Brisbane—the city is quite compact and easy to navigate. Nothing is ever too far away from you. You can’t go wrong as long as you select one of the hotels and neighborhoods listed above.