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 real difference to your daily travel time and overall experience.

Brisbane doesn’t have Sydney’s harbour or Melbourne’s laneway culture, but it has its own appeal, a river city with a warm climate, good food, and a pace that suits people who want to actually enjoy a place rather than race through it. A few days here gives international visitors a feel for a more relaxed side of Australian city life.

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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
• Novotel Brisbane Southbank – puts you within walking distance of the parklands, Gallery of Modern Art, and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, with a pool and river views at a more accessible price point than the boutique options nearby.
• 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, particularly for those looking for independent boutiques and local designers. It’s also home to Chinatown, with a good range of affordable restaurants.

Why should you stay in Fortitude Valley?

Shopping aside, Fortitude Valley has the most active nightlife of any neighbourhood in this guide. This is where you’ll find the city’s best live music venues, nightclubs, and late-night bars. There are also smaller, more low-key venues if that’s more your style.

What should you consider?

Fortitude Valley is an eclectic neighbourhood and that’s part of its appeal, but it’s worth researching your specific accommodation carefully. Noise levels vary considerably depending on where you’re positioned. If you want a weekend of indulgence and high-end shopping, it’s a strong choice.

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. We have a full guide to the best day trips from Brisbane if you want to plan ahead.

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

• Brisbane Skytower by Cllix – 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.

For the best vantage points across the city, see our guide to Brisbane’s best lookouts.

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 doesn’t feature heavily in most guidebooks, but it’s consistently popular with Brisbane residents. The neighbourhood has good green space, quality restaurants, and a relaxed pace that suits visitors who want something quieter than the CBD.

Why should you stay in New Farm?

New Farm Park is the centrepiece of the neighbourhood, with picnic areas, river views, and easy walking and cycling paths. The Powerhouse is Brisbane’s most interesting live performance venue and worth checking for events during your visit. Shopping and dining along Brunswick Street skew independent and local.

What should you consider?

New Farm sits further from the city centre than South Bank or the CBD, and accommodation here tends to be priced accordingly. It suits visitors staying a week or longer who want a genuine feel for how Brisbane residents actually live.

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 has developed into one of Brisbane’s most interesting eating and drinking neighbourhoods over the past decade. Craft breweries, small-bar wine lists, and independent restaurants have filled out what was previously an industrial area, and it shows. This is where Brisbane residents actually go on a Friday night.

Why should you stay in Newstead?

If you’ve just arrived in Australia and want to ease into things gently, Newstead’s pace suits that well. There’s enough going on to keep you busy without the intensity of the CBD or Fortitude Valley. Breakfast options are particularly good here.

What should you consider?

Newstead sits further from the main tourist attractions than any other neighbourhood in this guide. Getting to South Bank or the CBD requires either a bus or a decent walk. It suits visitors staying five nights or more who want to spend at least some of their time living like a resident rather than ticking off sightseeing lists.

Where to Stay in Brisbane: Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Where should I stay in Brisbane near the airport? Brisbane Airport is in the northern suburbs, around 25 minutes by train from the CBD. There’s no reason to stay near the airport itself unless you have a very early departure — the Airtrain runs from 5am and connects directly to Central and Roma Street stations. For an early flight, Fortitude Valley is your best option for a final night, as it’s the closest inner-city neighbourhood to the airport train line and has good hotel options at different price points.

Where can I find budget accommodation in Brisbane? The CBD is your best bet for budget accommodation, particularly at weekends when business hotels drop their rates significantly. Ibis Styles on Elizabeth Street is one of the most central budget options, with rooms from around $100 a night. The Oaks Casino Towers offers good value for groups or families wanting a self-contained apartment with a kitchen. If you’re flexible on dates, midweek rates across all Brisbane neighbourhoods tend to be noticeably lower than weekend prices. For more ideas on keeping costs down, see our guide to a fun weekend in Brisbane on a budget.

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.