The 7 Best Areas Where To Stay in Brisbane on your visit
If you visit Brisbane on a day trip or on a getaway to the Gold Coast in Queensland or for a long weekend, finding the perfect place to stay in Brisbane requires lots of time. That’s why I have created this guide with the best hotels for 7 main areas and neighbourhoods, to help you quickly locate the best place where to stay.
Brisbane CBD: Where to stay for first-timers
The CBD (Central Business District) of Brisbane is located on the north bank of the Brisbane River and covers an area of approximately 2.2 square kilometres. You can explore the city centre on foot or by free city loop bus.
Visiting Brisbane‘s city centre is ideal for first-time visitors. The centre offers more relaxed vibes than most metropolitan areas, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shopping outlets nearby, making staying in the city centre a great idea.
The city centre is filled with exciting and unique attractions, from the historic City Hall of Brisbane, and the peaceful Botanic Gardens, to the high-end Queen Street Mall and the fascinating Museum of Brisbane. After a long day, satisfy your cravings at Malt Dining.
Where To Stay in Brisbane CBD
Budget Hotel:
Meriton Suites- Adelaide Street, Brisbane– Heated swimming pool. Hot tub & sauna. Fitness centre. Private Parking. Full kitchen. 10 min. Walk from Central Station to Queen Street Shopping Mall and the City.
Mid-Range Hotel:
Royal Albert Hotel– Wide corridors. 12-foot-high ceilings and an extensive collection of original oil paintings. Airport Shuttle Service. Restaurant. Free wifi. Private Parking. Room minibar and fridge. Kitchenette facilities. Breakfast included. Short walk to the city centre. 10-min. Walk to South Bank Parklands—17 min. Ride from the Brisbane Central Station.
Luxury Hotel:
W Brisbane– Stylish guestroom and suite. Outdoor swimming pool. Fitness & Spa. Restaurant & Bar. Brisbane River view. Private parking. Close to Brisbane Central Station. 16 min. Walk to the City centre and 4 min. Walk to Queens Gardens.
THINGS TO DO IN BRISBANE CBD
1. Climb the 80-meter height of the iconic Story Bridge.
2. Cruise Down The Brisbane River.
3. Explore the Brisbane City Markets.
South Brisbane & South Bank: The best area for entertainment, museums, and outdoor fun (city beach)
South Brisbane and South Bank are neighbouring areas located on the southern bank of the Brisbane River, just across the city centre. You can catch the CityCat Ferry (BRE) or bus line (#66), which takes only 1 minute to get to the city centre. And you can explore the area on foot or by the free City Loop bus.
South Bank is a vibrant and popular area to stay in South Brisbane, especially for those who enjoy entertainment, museums, and outdoor activities. Here you’ll find a variety of artworks, world-class entertainment venues, and outdoor spaces.
South Bank is home to some of Brisbane’s most beloved attractions, including the scenic South Bank Parklands, Wheel of Brisbane, the relaxing Southbank Beach and the Brisbane Riverwalk. Visit the Collective markets and The Queensland Art Gallery, known for its Indigenous Australian art collections.
For eating out, head over to OKAN South Bank for the best authentic Japanese dishes.
Where To Stay in Southbank & South Brisbane
Budget Hotel:
Best Western Plus Hotel Diana– Free Wifi and Parking. Minibar. Laundry. Breakfast included. 24-hour front desk. 9 min. walk to Queensland Maritime Museum and 12 min. Walk from Southbank Station.
Mid-Range Hotel:
Hillcrest Apartment Hotel– Free WiFi and Parking. Outdoor Swimming Pool.Spa & Sauna. BBQ area. Tennis Court. Balcony. Close to Brisbane River. 9 min. Walk from Southbank station. 11 min. Walk from the heart of Southbank District.
Courtyard by Marriott Brisbane South Bank– Stylish rooms. Swimming pool. Restaurant. Private parking. Fitness Centre. Free WiFi. 24/7 Front Desk. Close to South Bank Parklands. 5 min. Walk from South Bank Train Station and 6 min. Walk from the heart of the South Brisbane District.
Luxury Hotel:
Emporium Hotel– Outdoor swimming pool. Spa & Fitness. Restaurant & Bar. Free WiFi. Breakfast included. Rooms with Balcony and River View. 24-hour Reception Desk. Close to City Botanical Gardens. 3 min. Walk from Southbank Station and the heart of South Brisbane District.
THINGS TO DO IN SOUTH BRISBANE & SOUTH BANK
1. Take a stroll along the Southbank Promenade.
2. Check out the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre.
3. Visit the Streets Beach.
4. Take a selfie at the iconic Brisbane Sign.
5. Get some fresh air on the Rainforest walk.
Fortitude Valley: Best neighbourhood for nightlife.
Fortitude Valley is located in the inner north of Brisbane, just 2 kilometres from the centre. The fastest way to get here from the centre is by train, which takes about 2 minutes. You can explore Fortitude Valley on foot since the area is compact. Having visited Fortitude Valley as a solo traveller, I can say this place is full of energy. This area has the most vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and shops.
One of the highlights when visiting Fortitude is the Chinatown Mall. It has beautiful Chinese lanterns and archways, the shops sell Chinese items, and restaurants serve the best Asian cuisine. For fashion enthusiasts, head to James Street or grab something to eat and shop at Winn Lane and Bakery Lane.
I recommend Rosmarino Restaurant if you’re looking for a great Italian restaurant.
Where To Stay in Fortitude Valley
Budget Hotel:
Amelia Boutique Hotel– Free WiFi. Private parking. Flat-screen TV. Bar & Restaurants. Close to Bedford Park. 3 min. Walk to Fortitude Valley Station—8 min. Walk from the heart of Fortitude District.
Mid-Range Hotel:
Sage Hotel James Street– All rooms with desks and coffee machines. On-site Restaurant. Free WiFi. 24-hour front desk. Close to Teneriffe Park. 15-minute walk to Fortitude Valley Station—10 min. Walk from the heart of Fortitude District.
The Constance Fortitude Valley– Rooms with Unique Street Art Interiors. Minibar. Free WiFi. Fitness. Restaurant & Bar. Parking. 24-hour front desk. Close to Centenary Place and 5-min. Walk from Fortitude Valley Station and the heart of Fortitude District.
Luxury Hotel:
Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Vly, Vignette Collection– Outdoor swimming pool. Fitness centre. Private Parking. Breakfast Included—restaurant & Bar. Free WiFi. 24-hour front desk. Shuttle Service. Close to New Farm Riverwalk. 7- min. Walk from Fortitude Valley Station. 10 min. Walk from the heart of Fortitude District.
THINGS TO DO IN FORTITUDE VALLEY
1. Catch some live performances at the Tivoli Theatre and Ric’s Bar.
2. Explore arts at the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts.
3. Check out The Brunswick Street Mall.
4. Watch Local and International performances at The Zoo.
5. Enjoy the aesthetic view at California Lane.
Spring Hill: Best residential area with a history.
Spring Hill is located just north of Brisbane’s central business district (CBD), a 12 minutes walk or a 1-minute bus ride from the centre.
If you are an art lover, Spring Hill has much to offer! It’s home to the best art galleries in the city, and it’s one of the oldest residential areas of Brisbane. It’s also known for being close to the centre and having easy public transportation access.
Start your day exploring the oldest surviving building in Brisbane, the Old Windmill, and learn about its role in the development of Brisbane and Queensland. If you want a peaceful escape from the city, stroll through the 16-hectare oasis Roma Street Parkland, a popular spot for picnics and relaxation. It has a BBQ area and café on-site, with a scenic lake view. When you’re done exploring for the day, take some time to relax! Dine and grab some wine at La Cache à Vin.
Where to Stay in Spring Hill
Budget Hotel:
Kookaburra Inn– Rooms with Fridge. Free WiFi. Parking. Laundry. BBQ facilities. Terrace. Kitchen and Lounge Areas. Bathroom Facilities, Close to Kings George Square. 9-minute walk to Brisbane Central Station and 3 min. Walk From the Heart of Spring Hill District.
Mid-range Hotel:
Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane– Parking on site. Restaurant & Bar. City views. Rooftop Swimming Pool. Fitness. Balcony. Breakfast Included. Close to Roma Street Parklands. 10-min. Walk from Roma Street Station—6 min. Walk from the heart of Spring Hill District.
Luxury Hotel:
The Inchcolm by Ovolo– Stylish Rooms. Fitness. Free WiFi. Parking. Restaurant & Bar. Breakfast Included—10 min. Walk from Queen Street Mall. 6 min. Walk to Brisbane Central Station and from the heart of Spring Hill District.
THINGS TO DO IN SPRING HILL
1. Watch an opera in the Caves at Underground Opera.
2. Check out Mayfield Chocolates for local Australian Chocolate.
3. Rent a bike and explore the Victoria Park.
4. Swim at Centenary Aquatic Centre.
5. Join The Escape room at Arcadium Adventures.
West End: The best area for a relaxing local vibe.
West End is located in the inner south of Brisbane—approximately 2.5 kilometres from the centre. You can take the train (BDVL) or the bus (# 199) for about 8 minutes to reach the centre.
Many travellers visit West End because of its convenient location. The neighbourhood is highly walkable and bike-friendly. It has a unique charm and relaxing local vibes, and the locals here are friendly and very welcoming, too!
Don’t forget to explore Orleigh Park during your visit to West End. During weekends, you can also visit the Boundary Street Markets and grab a bite at the food stalls while enjoying live music.
Dine at Billykart West End for modern Australian cuisine.
Where to Stay in West End
Budget Hotel:
Hill Haven– Outdoor Swimming pool. Free Wifi. Garden View. Close to Lyons Playground. 27 min. Ride to Southbank Station—12 min. Walk from the heart of the West End District.
Somewhere To Stay Backpackers– Resort Style Queenslander house with Gardens. Outdoor Swimming Pool. Free Wifi. Private parking. Terrace. Laundry. BBQ Facilities. Close to Bunyapa Park and 14 min. Walk to Southbank Station. 4 min. Walk from the heart of West End.
Mid-Range:
West End Central Apartments– Free Parking. Kitchenette. Laundry Facilities. Private Balcony. Outdoor Swimming Pool. BBQ facilities. Fitness. Free Wifi. Close to the Wheel of Brisbane. 9 min. Walk to South Brisbane Station and 6 min. Walk from the heart of West End.
THINGS TO DO IN WEST END
1. Visit the West End Markets.
2. Visit the colourful West End’s, Street Art.
3. Grab some beer at Archive Beer Boutique.
4. Read books at the Avid Readers.
5. Enjoy some visual arts at Metro Arts.
Kangaroo Point: The best area for outdoor adventures and city views.
Kangaroo Point is located just across the Brisbane River. You can easily reach the centre by bus (#234,235) in 6 minutes or by CityCat ferry (BBC) in about 5-10 minutes. Once you arrive at Kangaroo Point, you can easily explore the area on foot.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Kangaroo Point features many walking trails with lush rainforests, panoramic views of the city and its surrounding landscape, and easy access to its attractions.
Kangaroo Point has many attractions and activities, including the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, which allows you to climb and enjoy the panoramic view of the city. The Kangaroo Point Cliffs are famous for hiking, rock climbing, and abseiling. It’s also a perfect place to enjoy a picnic or walk along while enjoying the view of the river.
After the tiring adventure, visit the Medley Kangaroo Point Restaurant for delicious international cuisine that will satisfy you.
Where to Stay in Kangaroo Point
Budget Hotel:
The Wellington Apartment Hotel– Swimming pool. Free WiFi. Free parking. Laundry. Balcony. Kitchenette. En suite bathroom. Close to Raymond Park. 8 min. walk from CityCat ferry service. 13 min. Walk from the heart of the Kangaroo Point District.
Mid-Range Hotel:
Il Mondo Boutique Hotel– Outdoor Swimming Pool. Free Parking. Restaurant & Bar. Fridge. Breakfast included Free bike rental services. Library. River view. Close to Maloney Park. 14 min. Walk from CityCat ferry service—11 min. Walk from Kangaroo Point Centre.
Luxury Hotel:
The Point Brisbane Hotel– Outdoor swimming pool, Fitness centre, Free Wifi and parking, Bar, Breakfast Included, 24-hour front desk. Close to Maloney Park. 14 min. Walk to the CityCat ferry service—8 min. Walk from Kangaroo point centre.
THINGS TO DO IN KANGAROO POINT
1. Watch Performances at the Queensland Multicultural Centre.
2. Take a walk or bike along the Riverwalk.
3. Dine with a perfect view at the Joey’s.
4. Enjoy Cocktails and sunsets at the rooftop bar Eagle’s Nest.
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More Where To Stay Guides in Australia
Here are more Accommodation Guides for Australia:
Gold Coast – Best Areas and Hotels Where To Stay
Melbourne – Best Areas and Hotels Where To Stay
Sydney – Best Areas and Hotels Where To Stay
Perth WA – Best Areas and Hostels Where To Stay
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A Guide To Visiting The Gold Coast Solo
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