Brisbane City:
Free things to do
Did you know some of Brisbane City’s most memorable experiences are completely free to enjoy? Take in the view from above, step inside historic landmarks, admire public art or unwind in one of the green spaces with these free experiences found in The City.
01. Step back in time at Museum of Brisbane
Few places tell Brisbane’s story quite like the Museum of Brisbane! From The City’s earliest days to how it’s known today, the museum’s ever-changing exhibitions shine light on the people, places and moments that have shaped it. You can join a free Museum Highlights Tour or step behind the scenes on a free Brisbane City Hall Tour.
02. Head to new heights at The Clock Tower
While you are at City Hall, don’t miss your chance to venture even higher. One of The City’s most recognisable landmarks, the Clock Tower, has been watching over Brisbane for generations. Join a free guided tour, step about the heritage lift and make your way to the top for a ‘top-of-the-town’ view of the bustling Brisbane City below.
03. Turn The City into your gallery
Brisbane City doubles as an open-air gallery, with creativity woven into some of its most familiar streets and laneways. Enjoy the best of both worlds as you soak up the sunshine and follow Brisbane City’s Art Trail, uncovering colourful murals, sculptures and installations like no other. Why not turn it into a treasure hunt with friends and see who can spot them all first? Don’t forget to snap photos as you go!
04. Stroll up and down the Brisbane Riverwalk
Stretching above the Brisbane River, The Brisbane Riverwalk offers a front-row seat to Brisbane’s beauty. Run, cycle, walk or skate from the City Botanic Gardens to Howard Smith Wharves and watch The City unfold beside you.
05. See Brisbane from above
Think you’ve seen Brisbane? Not like this! Head up to Sky Deck at Queen’s Wharf and watch the river weave through The City from 100m above the ground. It’s the perfect place to play ‘spot the landmark’ or ‘spot your suburb’!
06. Who said playgrounds are just for kids
Nestled along the river at Queen’s Wharf, Waterline Park brings a playful energy to the heart of the The City. Designed around Brisbane's connection to the river, this waterfront play space features climbing towers, winding pathways and plenty of opportunities for little imaginations to run wild. Once Waterline Park has been explored, continue along The Landing and turn playtime into an afternoon by the water.
07. Admire Brisbane’s architectural gems
Amid the glass towers and busy streets of the The City stand two of Brisbane’s most striking architectural landmarks. Start at Albert Street Uniting Church on the edge of King George Square, where a soaring Gothic Revival spire has been standing since the 1800s, before making your way along The City streets to the Cathedral of St Stephen. Step inside to admire the stained-glass windows, intricate stonework and grand interiors.
08. Find Brisbane City’s outdoor living room
When the weather is this good, why stay indoors? Roll out a picnic rug under the sprawling trees of the City Botanic Gardens, where joggers and the occasional wildlife share the winding paths, or find a sunny spot in Queens Gardens and spend some time watching the world go by amongst some of Brisbane’s most historic buildings.
09. Get a slanted view from Brisbane Square Library
Books aren’t the only thing worth checking out at Brisbane Square Library. Housed in the distinctive blue-and-yellow cube, the library offers slanted views across The City and a quiet nook to read a book. There’s also a great interactive kids’ corner if your little ones are in tow!
10. Enjoy free music with City Sounds
You never know when tunes will fill The City! City Sounds brings free live music to Brisbane’s City streets from talented local musicians performing alternative, folk, jazz, electro, and everything in between – with a gig for every music lover.
11. Dance the night away at Friday Latin Nights
Dance into the weekend with the vibrant rhythms of Latin Friday Nights at Reddacliff Place. From 5pm every Friday, the heart of The City transforms into a dancefloor as dancers of all skill levels come together to celebrate Latin culture. Join the fun, learn a few new moves and let the music carry you into the weekend.
12. Discover Brisbane through a Brisbane Greeters Tour
The best City stories often come from the people who call it home. Join a free Brisbane Greeters Tour and explore The City alongside a passionate local, uncovering favourite spots and a side of Brisbane you may have never noticed.
13. View an exhibition at QUT’s Art Museum
Feeling creative? A visit to Queensland University of Technology Art Museum might do the trick! With free contemporary exhibitions changing throughout the years, every visit is different – from pieces that spark inspiration or simply make you smile.
14. Find fairy lights as the sun sets
In The City, the magic begins when the sun goes down. Scattered through the streets, thousands of fairy lights transform beautiful flora. See how many illuminated trees you can spot on your after dark City stroll from Eagle Street to QUT’s Gardens Point Campus. Find the map of The City's light installations here.
15. Never miss a thing
One visit to The City is never quite enough! Brisbane City is always buzzing with free experiences and new events throughout the year. Keep an eye on What’s On in The City to never miss a beat.
