Where to Stay in Brisbane: Best Areas for Your Visit
The best area to stay in Brisbane is the CBD if you want to be central to everything, South Bank for riverside parks and cultural attractions, or Fortitude Valley for nightlife and dining. Brisbane’s compact size means you’re never far from the action, but choosing the right neighbourhood makes a difference to your daily travel time and overall experience.
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The capital of Queensland, Brisbane is a city that lots of people decide to skip. It’s does not have Sydney’s harbour or Melbourne’s night lift and at first glance, but we love it and we can totally see why so many people from the southern states make the move north.
We believe a few days here allows international visitors to soak up a more relaxed Australian lifestyle. It’s the perfect spot to kick back, relax, and enjoy a couple of beers under the Aussie sun.
How to choose where to stay in Brisbane
Brisbane is a river city with many of the best places to stay laying along its banks. But there are also some inner suburbs with cool cafes and vibrant nightlife. Each of the six areas we have outlined below have something unique to offer. These are some of our favourite places to stay in Brisbane for a short visit.
Southbank
Just across the river from the CBD, and right next to the West End, Brisbane’s South Bank is a great catch-all destination for getting a taste of everything the city offers. With an eclectic dining and nightlife scene, South Bank is a great destination for all types of travellers, with transport to the rest of the city minutes away.
Why should you stay in South Bank?
Known as the cultural precinct with its art galleries and museums, and also home to the famous beach and parklands, South Bank has a lot to offer. It’s a great place for walkers with a morning stroll along the river, a lovely way to start your day.
As far as sites are concerned, staying in Southbank puts Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), Queensland Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Performing Arts Centre on your doorstep. Snap a selfie with the famous Brisbane sign, take a swim at city beach or check out one of the dozen restaurants that line Southbank Parklands.
Local tip: Check out Boom Boom Room or Chu the Phat for some great Asian dining.
What should you consider?
South Bank is an excellent neighbourhood for visitors wanting a taste of the city, so we can’t really fault it. You are walking distance to the city’s best attractions and restaurants, including the popular Fish Lane. There are not a lot of budget options in Southbank, but if you’re looking to splurge a little, it’s totally worth it.
Southbank transport options
South Bank train station connects to the CBD, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane Airport, and many suburban areas. Join the city cat at South Bank ferry wharf for all points along the river or if you are happy walking, there are three bridges crossing the river for easy strolling into town.
Our Recommendations for where to stay in Southbank
- Mantra South Bank – studios and apartments with a kitchen or kitchenette, the property offers an outdoor heated pool, a spa pool and a fitness centre.
- Rydges South Bank – with views over Brisbane River, Mount Cootha or the cosmopolitan West End, Rydges has 24 hour room service and some balcony rooms
- Emporium Hotel South Bank – the infinity pool at Emporium is one of the city’s best and most rooms have superb river views.
Fortitude Valley
Just north of the CBD, Fortitude Valley is a major shopping destination in Brisbane – especially for those looking for alternative vendors and local boutiques. It’s also home to Chinatown, which boasts some delicious restaurants.
Why should you stay in Fortitude Valley?
Shopping aside, Fortitude Valley is another fantastic area for nightlife. This is where you’ll discover some of the city’s hottest nightclubs and most exciting DJ sets. There are also some great alternative venues for a more grungy atmosphere.
What should you consider?
Fortitude Valley is certainly an eclectic neighbourhood, but it can feel a little all over the place. Chinatown is budget-friendly, but you’ll need to research your accommodation for some extra peace of mind. If you want a weekend of indulgence and high end shopping, look no further.
Our recommendations in Fortitude Valley
- Ovolo The Valley – Winner of QHA 2019, Best Deluxe Hotels Award with a rooftop pool and 24 hour room service
- The Constance Fortitude Valley – Brisbane’s boutique street art hotel is quirky with tons of colour and rooftop bar (Dirty Sultan)
- Calile Hotel – Stylish property perfect for a splurge with a lovely bar and on site Greek restaurant. Grab a cabana by the pool or book a wellness session at the spa.
Related: Check out our thoughts on where to stay when you visit the Great Barrier Reef
Central Business District
In the heart of the city, the CBD is easily the best neighbourhood for navigating Brisbane’s main attractions, if you are in town to see the sites, this is a brilliant choice. The largest shopping malls in town are in the Central Business District, as well as some impressive viewpoints of the city.
Why should you stay in the Central Business District?
The Central Business District is the historic starting point of Brisbane, so this is where you’ll discover some great museums and monuments. It’s also packed with fine dining restaurants that serve the city’s business crowd. You can even walk to many of the sites, including the river, from this location which can save on transport and time.
Local tip: Book a Brisbane Clock Tower Tour – this free 15 minute tour lets you see the city from above and you get to ride in an old cage elevator!
What should you consider?
There are lots of hotels in the CBD that service business travellers who usually disappear on the weekends. Many properties offer reduced rates at these times. We recently stayed in a modern a 2 bedroom apartment for $80 a night. You can walk to most of the city’s sights easily and there are plenty of bars and restaurants on your doorstep.
Our recommended hotels in the Brisbane CBD
- Arise Brisbane Skytower – 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments just a 2 minute to from the Botanic Gardens. Indoor pool and great gym. I recently stayed here and would happily stay again.
- Oaks Brisbane – 1-2-bedroom apartments opposite Treasury Casino with excellent views and a rooftop pool.
- Ibis Styles – Colourful budget digs right in the centre of town. King, queen and twin rooms, some with river views.
Kangaroo Point
Kangaroo Point is on the other side of the Story Bridge from Fortitude Valley and is one of the most densely populated neighbourhoods in the city. This makes it an excellent destination for live music, with a constantly changing roster of acts performing at the various bars.
Why should you stay in Kangaroo Point?
Despite the high population, there are plenty of gorgeous green spaces in Kangaroo Point. These come with some of the best city-centre views; taking a walk along the bridge is a must-do for getting the ultimate Instagram shot! The Storey Bridge Hotel is a great spot for a drink.
What should you consider?
It can take some time to get from Kangaroo Point to the Central Business District and South Bank; if you want to hit all the major attractions, it can be quite inconvenient. Kangaroo Point is definitely more for the live-like-a-local crowd.
Our Recommendations In Kangaroo Point
- The Point Brisbane – fabulous views and a rooftop bar
New Farm
New Farm isn’t included in many guidebooks, but it is undoubtedly a firm favourite with locals in Brisbane. This is the perfect spot in the city for enjoying some outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling around the vast green spaces.
Why should you stay in New Farm?
New Farm Park is the real crowning jewel of this neighbourhood, with plenty of picnics and barbecue spots and gorgeous views of the city centre. It’s also home to The Powerhouse, Brisbane’s premier entertainment venue, great upmarket shopping destinations, and fabulous restaurants.
What should you consider?
New Farm is known as an upmarket destination, so it’s definitely a little on the pricey side. It is also further from the city centre than other neighbourhoods mentioned in this guide. If you are staying a week or longer, this is an area to consider for soaking up local Brissy life.
Our Recommendations In New Farm
- Spicers Balfour Hotel – Stylish boutique hotel with excellent service and a great onsite restaurant. We stayed recently and loved it.
- Heal House– 3 suite guest house in a classic Queenslander
Newstead
Just north of New Farm, Newstead attracts a younger crowd, making it an excellent choice for young couples heading to the city! Packed with craft breweries, innovative restaurants, and laid-back cafes, this is as close as Brisbane gets to a hipster neighbourhood.
Why should you stay in Newstead?
Newstead epitomises the laid-back attitude Australians are known for. If you have just arrived in the country, this is the perfect spot to chill out for a few days to get over the jetlag.
What should you consider?
Newstead is the furthest destination from the city centre in this guide, so if you want to hit the main attractions, it might not be the best spot. While there are some good live music venues, the nightlife is more relaxed – not ideal if you want to party the night away.
What is the best area to stay in Brisbane for tourists?
Brisbane CBD is the best area for first-time tourists. You’ll be within walking distance of Queen Street Mall, the riverside Botanic Gardens, and the CityCat ferry terminal. The area has the most accommodation options and puts you at the centre of Brisbane’s public transport network, making day trips to the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast straightforward.
Where should I stay in Brisbane for a weekend?
South Bank is ideal for a weekend visit. You’re right next to the South Bank Parklands, the Queensland Museum, and GOMA art gallery. The area feels more relaxed than the CBD but you’re still only a 10-minute walk across the river to the city centre. Weekend markets and riverside dining make it feel more like a proper break than a business district.
Is it better to stay in Brisbane CBD or South Bank?
Brisbane CBD suits you if you want maximum transport connections and the widest choice of restaurants and shops. South Bank is better if you prefer green spaces, cultural attractions, and a more laid-back atmosphere. The two areas are connected by a pedestrian bridge, so you’re only 10 minutes walk between them – your choice depends on whether you prioritise convenience or ambience.
What is the best area to stay in Brisbane for first-timers?
Brisbane CBD is the safest bet for first-timers. You won’t need to work out bus routes or worry about being far from attractions. Everything is walkable, and if you do need transport, all train, bus and ferry services run through the CBD. It’s also where you’ll find the most tour pickup points if you’re planning day trips to nearby regions.
We hope this has helped you to get a bit of a feel for inner Brisbane’s main areas. If you have any questions pop over to our FB group and we would be happy to help.
Got a question? Head over to our Australia Travel Tips Facebook Group and ask a local.