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 best brews in Brisbane. We recommend The Maillard Project, Two Sons Coffee Co., Coffee Anthology or Industry Beans. If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast to pair, here are a few of our favourite spots.

Shop up a storm

The City is a fashion lover's dream destination with more than 500 stores ranging from local boutiques to international, high street and luxury brands. Start in the centre at Brisbane’s largest open air shopping precinct, the famous Queen Street Mall where hundreds of stores await. If you're looking for something specific, we’ve pulled together a guide to shopping in the heart of Brisbane City.

Explore Brisbane City Markets

Pick up some fresh goodies ahead of the weekend or grab some lunch at one of the tasty food stalls for a mid-week treat. The Brisbane City Marketspop 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 pop up about once every two months offering 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 power through a spot of karaoke in The City. We recommend Music City, Strike Bowling and Fat Louie’s to belt out your power ballads and ‘90s throwbacks.

Eat at an award-winning restaurant

The City is home to some of the best fine diningin Brisbane. From exquisite plates to riverside views and curated wine lists, there is always something new and delicious to try. Find Stilts Dining, Donna Chang, Walter’s Steakhouse, Naldham House or Alchemy Restaurant and Bar along with many others in Brisbane City.

Relax in the botanic gardens

Gather the family, pack a picnic rug and spend a lazy afternoon in the sunshine or pop on your walking shoes and stroll along the river on your lunch break. As Brisbane’s original botanic gardens, it offers a relaxing green space where you can chill on the lawn or wander the many pathways and themed gardens.

Go on a laneway crawl

Raw and 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. Have a read of the 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 culture and history of The City. The QUT museum, home to more than 3000 pieces from staff and students as well as touring exhibitions and The gift shop is a must-visit for Brisbane-made and Brisbane-designed treasures by local artisans.

Live and local music

Hear the sounds of The City like you haven’t before. City Soundsis 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. Find Brisbane Phoenix for contemporary yumcha, Persone brings homely yet elegant Italian along with many other eateries to enjoy. 

Sink your teeth into a steak

As the capital of a beef-producing state, it’s not surprising that Brisbane City is stacked with amazing steak restaurants. Between Black Hide Steakhouse, Walter’s Steakhouse, Moo Moo, Rothwell’s and more, you’ll be spoilt for choice in satisfying a red meat craving.

Hunt for fairies in The City centre

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

Organise the perfect picnic

There’s an abundant sprawl of green space in The City. Lunch on the lawn at Post Office Square or take a quick break at Queens Gardens. Pick up pastries on the way from Le Bon Choix, Inter/Section featuring handcrafted croissants from The Whisk or Doughcraft

Go on a craft beer crawl

Put aside an afternoon to tackle this craft beer trail, hopping between breweries, bars and bottle shops in The City. A delightful array of bars and pubs have turned our love of craft beer into an obsession, so wander through The City and 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 market. It’s also a great place to nab 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 sweet shops. If your sweet tooth needs satiating, pay a visit to Chocolate Moments on Albert Street, treat yourself to an indulgent brownie from Dello Mano in Wintergarden or Noosa Chocolate Factory’s 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 teachers. For a more vertical experience, head to The Pole Gym where fun, dance and fitness combine for a surprisingly challenging full-body workout.

Feast on the finest Asian food

From street eats to fine dining, The City’s Asian food outlets pack a punch. Treat yourself to Thai at Kinn Imm, fan fave Pochana or award-winning Jumbo Restaurant and Bar. Enjoy modern Asian with a view at Madame Wu, fusion street eats at Mr Wabi or some of Harajuku’s famous gyoza.

Celebrate “la dolce vita”

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

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 to 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 and kick back 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 and the Wet Deck at the W Brisbane.

Shop locally made fashion

In a world of fast fashion, the idea of having something timeless made by someone local is the definition of luxury. Discover Brisbane’s local fashion designers inside the boutiques of Brisbane Arcade, the 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 help you hunt out all the art spots with included descriptions of what each artwork means and how it came about so you are able to fully appreciate and understand the history.

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.

Take a little staycation

If you've caught the wanderlust bug but don't have funds or annual leave for a huge vacation, 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 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 or treating yourself to celebrate a promotion or birthday, your perfect match is waiting in The City.

Play tabletop games

Put down your phone and embrace offline board games. Head to Vault Games where they let you play hundreds of games for free (just buy a drink) or pick up some unusual titles to take home. Keen board gamers will also adore a trip to Mind Games in Uptown.

Feel fancy at high teas

The old-world glamour of putting on your best frock and sitting down for high tea can be found in The City. From ritzy hotels to heritage venues, The City is home to an elegant variety of high tea settings.

Go bowling

Grab a group of mates and test your skills at Strike Bowling in Wintergarden. You can also try your hand at laser tag, escape rooms, karaoke and more.

Have a tipple at a cocktail bar in The City

From cosy laneway lounging, alfresco riverside bars and underground hidden gems, The City is home to expert mixers ready to curate a drink tailored to your taste. Uncover a potential new favourite ‘go-to’ spot from our list of favourites.

Explore Old Government House

You can tour Queensland’s first public and heritage-listed building, Old Government House, and enjoy the restored grandeur of 1860s architecture. There are often art exhibitions at the William Robinson Gallery or join the one-hour guided tour.

Get your mouth around a burger

The classic can’t be beaten. Try Betty’s Burgers, Hellcat Maggie, Wendy’s, Grill’d and Miel Container for the very best burgers in The City.

Tummy rumbling past 9pm?

It’s true, Brisbane-ites tend to wake up early and eat dinner early but don't worry, you're not destined for greasy fast food or sad servo snacks after 9pm. We've sourced the best late-night eats in The City that you won't regret the next morning, including the 24 hour Pancake Manor.

Explore Queens Wharf Brisbane

Step into Brisbane’s newest 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 breathtaking 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.