The City:
Things to do            

But first, coffee.

When it comes to good coffee, The City is ready to greet you with quality and specialty cafes using the latest and greatest brewing methods. Start your day with one of The City’s best brews at The Maillard Project, Two Sons Coffee Co., Coffee Anthology or Industry Beans. If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast to pair with your caffeine hit, here are a few of our favourite spots.

Shop up a storm

The City is a fashion lover's dream destination, home to more than 500 stores spanning local boutiques to high street favourites and luxury labels. Start your shopping spree in the heart of Brisbane City and the largest open air shopping precinct, Queen Street Mall where hundreds of stores await. Looking for something more specific? We’ve pulled together a comprehensive guide to shopping in Brisbane City.

Explore Brisbane City Markets

Sourcing the freshest produce and artisan goods from the markets in Brisbane City is always a treat! Pick up a last-minute gift or grab lunch at one of the tasty food stalls for a mid-week treat. The Brisbane City Markets pop up in Reddacliff Place every Wednesday from 8am to 6pm and in Cathedral Square every Thursday from 8am to 2pm.

It’s the only market that sells 100% locally made products – don’t miss your chance to meet the makers and shop artisan goods in the heart of The City. The Brisbane Twilight Markets  only a few exclusive times towards the end of the year an evening of local creations and live entertainment.

You can also head to the Riverside Gardens Markets, home to dozens of market stalls and street performers at City Botanic Gardens. This market pops up by the river every Sunday from 7am to 3pm

Belt out a tune at karaoke

Dust off those vocal cords and dive into a night of karaoke in The City. From private rooms and lively late-night sessions, Music City and Strike Bowling are the perfect locations to belt out your power ballads and ‘90s throwbacks.

Eat at a fancy restaurant

The City is home to some of the best fine dining in Brisbane. From exquisite plates and curated wine lists to riverside views, there’s always something new and delicious to try. Book in to Stilts Dining, Donna Chang, Walter’s Steakhouse, Naldham House or The French Exit to name a few! 

Relax in the botanic gardens

Gather your friends and family, pack a picnic rug and enjoy a lazy afternoon in the sunshine or pop on your walking shoes and stroll along the riverside. As Brisbane’s original botanic gardens, this relaxing green space is perfect for relaxing on the lawn or wandering the many pathways and themed gardens that surround.

Go on a laneway crawl

The historic Burnett Lane is filled with cool café’s, restaurants and bars while Albert Lane and Gresham Lane are bursting with delicious options for lunch or an evening tipple. Discover all of the laneway hidden gems you can find weaved through the bustling city streets.

Visit the Museum of Brisbane

Be captivated by the stories of Brisbane through the Museum of Brisbane’s curated exhibitions that feature local artists and the deep culture and history of The City. For an even greater learning of Brisbane’s City, embark on a MOB tour. Climb to the top of the Clock Tower, uncover the secrets of the City Hall or be guided through Brisbane by an expert, this is one of the best ways to learn about The City.

Live and local music

Hear the sounds of The City like you never have before. City Sounds is Brisbane’s largest free music program with local and touring artists performing in pop-up locations throughout Queen Street Mall and The City. Sit and enjoy as you discover the up-and-coming voices of Brisbane.

Explore the Brisbane Quarter

Beneath the five-star W Brisbane sits Brisbane Quarter where you’ll find a range of restaurants, bars and retail stores. Book in to Brisbane Phoenix for contemporary yumcha, Persone brings homely yet elegant Italian along with many other eateries to enjoy.

Hunt for fairies in The City centre

Did you know Brisbane is filled with fairies? It's true! From laneways to botanic gardens and the magical collection of places in between, enchanting fairy lights and tiny doors are spread across The City. They make for an atmospheric evening stroll through The City streets or a magical fairy hunt during the day.

Organise the perfect picnic

There’s an abundant sprawl of green space in The City. Enjoy your lunch on the lawn at Post Office Square or take a quick break at Queens Gardens. For a leisurely morning under the trees and by the water, make your way to Brisbane Botanic Gardens, on your way. Be sure to pick up some pastries  on the way from Le Bon Choix,  The Whisk or Doughcraft, or picnic goodies from Mumbleberry.

Go on a craft beer crawl

Put aside an afternoon to tackle this craft beer trail, a guide to some of the best breweries, bars and boutique bottle shops in The City. A wide array of bars and pubs have turned our love of craft beer into an obsession, so wander through The City to experience them all.

Sell your unwanted clothes at Suitcase Rummage

Take action against the pile of clothes shoved at the back of your closet by booking a stall at a Suitcase Rummage in Brisbane. It’s also a great place to grab some bargains and you can barter your way to great brands at a steal. Enjoy these markets on the first and third Sunday of each month.

Satisfy the chocolate craving

Beat that 3pm sugar craving with a stop into one of The City’s sweetest shops. Some of our favourite spots to satiate that sweet tooth is Chocolate Moments on Albert Street for all things chocolate, indulgent brownies can be found at Dello Mano in Wintergarden or Noosa Chocolate Factory’s café with fresh rocky road, chocolate slabs and decadent drinks.

Bust a move

Mad Dance House studio offers a wide range of dance classes including ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, hip hop and more, taught by some of the industry's best. For a more unique experience, head to The Pole Gym where fun, dance and fitness combine for a surprisingly challenging full-body workout in Burnett Lane.

Latin Friday Nights bring Latin rhythm and culture, and delicious food trucks to Redacliff Place every Friday night. These free classes are for anyone looking to have a great time and learn a few new steps.

Celebrate “la dolce vita”

There’s nothing sweeter than the comfort of Brisbane City’s Italian cuisine. Cucina Regina, Olive and Angelo, Massimo and Toscano  are some of our fancy faves, while Corbett and Claude, Marchetti and Scugnizzi are delicious casual options for when those carb cravings kick in.

Feast on the finest Asian food

From street eats to fine dining, The City’s Asian food restaurants pack a punch. Treat yourself to big flavour in a lavish restaurant, from underground haunt Central, laneway gem Hideki and the unexpecting Longwang. Donna Chang, Madame Wu and Luc Lac are also unmissable spots for memorable plates and cocktails.

Kick putt at Holey Moley

Holey Moley has constructed a wild and wacky mini-golf club inside Wintergarden shopping centre on Queen Street Mall. There are nine holes where you can putt your stuff with fun names like ‘Drop it Like It’s Slot’.

Sip sparkling with an epic view

Grab an ice-cold beer, pop champagne or order a cocktail jug as you kick back and relax with picture-perfect panoramas of The City, Story Bridge and Brisbane River. Make sure to drop into one of our fave riverside venues including Babylon, Sixteen Antlers, Aloria, Mulga Bills and the Wet Deck at the W Brisbane.

Shop locally made fashion

If the idea of having something timeless made by someone local is your definition of luxury. Discover Brisbane’s local fashion designers inside the boutiques of Brisbane Arcade, a gorgeous 100+-year-old gallery mall where small fashion houses and couture designers work and play.

Follow this self-guided art trail

The City is filled with incredible public art hidden down laneways, in foyers or on the facades of buildings. This trail will not only help you discover all the sneaky art spots, but there are descriptions of what each artwork means and how it came about so you are able to fully appreciate and understand the history of each piece you find.

Lose track of time with your nose in a book

Embrace your inner bookworm at the Brisbane Square Library or one of The City’s boutique bookstores. Hunt out Archives Fine Books for second-hand treasures, Dymocks for more mainstream titles on every possible topic and Pulp Fiction to satiate your desire for fantasy, crime and science fiction.

Movies

If movies are more your style, then its time to discover some of Brisbane’s best cinemas. From the old-world charm found at Elizabeth Picture Theatre, to the open-air Skyline Cinema at Queen’s Wharf showing some of the biggest blockbusters to date or the modern cinema offering of Event Cinemas in Uptown.

Take a little staycation

If you've caught the wanderlust bug and are craving a quick getaway, treat yourself to an inner-city staycation for some quality rest and relaxation. Enjoy luxury facilities, room service and a place to drop your purchases before heading out for a memorable long lunch.

Find a little sparkle

There are more than 50 jewellers located in The City so if you're looking for that special engagement ring, a celebratory piece or simply wanting to treating yourself, your perfect match is waiting for you in The City.

Feel fancy at high teas

Small yet flavour packed bites, bottomless tea and coffee, specialised cocktails and a morning or afternoon of relaxing and chatting can be experienced with the beloved tradition of a high tea. Slip into your favourite outfit and head to one of The City’s luxurious hotels, heritage venues such as Patina at Customs House or unexpected restaurants serving elegant high tea experiences.

Entertaining activities

From challenging your mates at bowling to working together in an escape room, there are endless activities to keep you entertained in The City. Fox in the Box and Escape Manor are two popular spots for escape rooms, home to different themed rooms, will you be able to crack it the first time? Strike Bowling in Wintergarden also has escape rooms alongside a bowling alley, laser tag and karaoke rooms, keeping you entertained for hours.

Have a tipple at a cocktail bar in The City

Find cosy laneway lounging, alfresco riverside bars and underground hidden gems all throughout The City. Expert mixers are ready to curate a drink tailored to your taste or pour a tipple from a curated list. Uncover a potential new favourite ‘go-to’ spot from our list of favourite bars in The City.

Explore Old Government House

Tour through Brisbane’s two oldest heritage buildings to uncover a whole new world of history and heritage. Old Government House showcases its restored grandeur of 1860s architecture alongside art exhibitions at the William Robinson Gallery or you can join a one-hour guided tour. Commissariat Store Museum also holds deep history from its construction in 1829 and exhibitions highlighting convict and colonial history.

Explore Queens Wharf Brisbane

Step into Brisbane’s luxe riverside precinct where history meets modern luxury – from exploring restored heritage buildings to enjoying world-class dining with a view. Soar 100 metres above The City on the Sky Deck for breath taking panoramas or cross the Neville Bonner Bridge from South Bank for an easy stroll into the heart of the action. Whether you’re here for a leisurely lunch, an evening drink or just to take in the skyline, Queen’s Wharf Brisbane is a must-see addition to The City.