What are the best things to do in Brisbane?
Top picks in Brisbane include South Bank Parklands, Story Bridge, Queensland Museum / GOMA, City Botanic Gardens. See the full list and itinerary on this Brisbane travel guide.
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Oceania · Australia and New Zealand
Brisbane Travel Guide
Things to do in Brisbane — Explore Brisbane
Photo: Chris Olszewski · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit Brisbane
The Greater Brisbane region has a population of about 2.2 million people and is Australia's third-largest city. Brisbane, colloquially known as Brissie (pronounced Briz-ee), gained international exposure through multiple international sporting events and political summits, including the upcoming 2032 Summer Olympics. It is also known as the main setting of the animated kids TV series (Source: Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.)
Brisbane is a stop in Australia, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise South Bank Parklands, Story Bridge, Queensland Museum / GOMA instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 120–260 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The warmer, drier months for the outdoors. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The warmer, drier months for the outdoors
Weather
Mild to tropical, with plenty of sunshine
Experiences
Things to do in Brisbane
1
South Bank Parklands
2
Story Bridge
3
Queensland Museum / GOMA
4
City Botanic Gardens
5
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
6
Mount Coot-tha lookout
7
Howard Smith Wharves
8
Day trip to Moreton Island or Gold Coast
Budget travel
Free things to do in Brisbane
South Bank Parklands
Story Bridge
City Botanic Gardens
Mount Coot-tha lookout
Cathedral of St. Stephen
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Brisbane itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Brisbane City Hall and King George Square
- Visit Brisbane City Hall Clock Tower
- Visit Cathedral of St. Stephen
- Eat at Kadoya
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Commissariat Store Museum
- Visit Jan Powers Farmers Markets
- Visit Explore Brisbane's Moreton Bay and Islands
- Eat at Beach House
Prefer a full 6-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Brisbane itinerary guide.
Budget
Brisbane trip cost
Budget
USD 55–90
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 120–260
per person / day
Luxury
USD 300–495+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Brisbane, Australia. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Brisbane
Estimated total (USD)
$3,265
≈ $1,633 per person · $466 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $195/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Brisbane mid-range ground costs (budget 55–90 · mid 120–260 · luxury 300–495+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Kadoya
A casual Japanese eatery and takeaway dishing up rice bowls, noodle soups and bento boxes. Cooked fresh, tasty, cheap. Popular lunch spot fo
Beach House
Located on the corner of Albert and Elizabeth St, Myer Centre, 2F. Licensed bar, large meals and live entertainment at value for money.
Bar Merlo
Various outlets throughout the city, their first being opened in the QUT Gardens Point campus. Regarded as one of the leaders in the Brisban
Pancake Manor
A Brisbane institution, open 24 hours. Tends to fill up with nightclub revellers on their way home after about 3AM on a Saturday or Sunday m
Le Bon Choix
Near the golden triangle. Great French bakery. Sells a good variety of sandwiches, cakes, tortes, macarons, fresh bread, croquettes, quiches
Alchemy
Located in a little hideaway on Eagle St, this restaurant has one of the most impressive views in Brisbane, looking across the river to the
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $
ibis budget Brisbane Airport
- $
ibis budget Windsor
- $
Kingsford Riverside Inn
Close to the airport. A few minutes’ walk from the Breakfast Creek Hotel. The accommodation can be accessed via door-to-door transport servi
- $
Brisbane City YHA
Shopping
- Queen Street Mall
- Uptown
- The Wintergarden
- QueensPlaza
- Brisbane Arcade
- Queen Adelaide Building
Nightlife
- Regatta
- Royal Exchange (RE) Hotel
- Oxford 152
- Breakfast Creek Hotel
- Stones Corner Hotel
- Brew
Museums & culture
- Cathedral of St. Stephen
- Commissariat Store Museum
In pictures
Brisbane gallery
Photos: Chris Olszewski, -wuppertaler — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Brisbane travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Brisbane?
The warmer, drier months for the outdoors.
How many days do I need in Brisbane?
Plan at least 2 days in Brisbane for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Brisbane?
Popular stays in Brisbane include ibis budget Brisbane Airport, ibis budget Windsor, Kingsford Riverside Inn. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Brisbane cost?
On the ground in Brisbane (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 55–90 per person per day, mid-range about 120–260, and luxury about 300–495+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Brisbane, Australia. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
