We've all had a ‘what are the best things to do in Brisbane?’ request from a visiting friend or family member and come up with an absolute blank when put on the spot. Or maybe you’re always just feeling like your weekends are incredibly empty, and you need a lengthy list of things to fill them with, free, paid or otherwise.
Well, as the born-and-bred Brisbane editor of Urban List, I've had plenty of time to explore the city and everything it has to offer, from epic dining experiences to boujee day spas—and I've cherry picked the best. So bookmark this site and prepare to start ticking things off (or tell all your friends and take credit for my ideas—I won’t tell), because here are 50 of the absolute best things to do in Brisbane, whether you’re a local or not.
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The Best Things To Do In Brisbane For Food Lovers
Visit Howard Smith Wharves
Ask anyone where to take someone who’s new to Brisbane and they’ll tell you: Howard Smith Wharves. This riverside drinking and dining precinct in the CBD has become a firm favourite spot for lovers of great food, vibrant cocktails, and sunset views of the city from under the Story Bridge. My perfect itinerary? Start with a spritz over the water at Mr Percival's, head to Greca for a Greek feast and finish off with a lychee martini at moody cocktail bar Stan's.
Dine In The Sky At Vertigo
Definitely Brisbane’s most unique dining experience, Vertigo is perched on the edge of the rooftop at Brisbane Powerhouse in New Farm, where you’ll enjoy a three-course meal from Bar Alto with your feet dangling 17 metres above the ground. This one is not for the faint of heart—though jumping off the side of the building after dessert is entirely optional (if I can do it, you can do it).
Tick Off Brisbane’s Best Restaurants
Whether you’re craving Japanese, Greek, Italian or a mix of cuisines, Brisbane has a golden cohort of dreamy restaurants for you to dine in. From Same Same to Agnes and 13-course degustations at Exhibition (my personal favourite), say hello to feeds like no other at the best restaurants in Brisbane.
Grab A Pint At A Local Brewery
Breweries are plentiful in Brisbane so you’ll have a great selection of venues to work your way through—though preferably not all on the same day. With options for personal tours, or self guided experiences across the city, there's something for every type of beer lover—some are even close enough together to make a crawl of it. Quench your thirst at Brisbane's best breweries here.
Enjoy The View From A Rooftop Bar
Image credit: Cielo Rooftop | Facebook
One good thing about Brisbane’s endless summer is that it always accommodates rooftop bar drinking. Get ready to feel like royalty gazing over the city centre with a cocktail in hand, and a spread of delicious snacks in front of you at one of Brisbane's best rooftop bars.
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Eat Your Way Through Eat Street
This riverside containership market is full of all the street food delights you can think of, so wear loose clothing and prepare to feast. I recommend sharing plenty of smaller dishes, so you can eat more—and trust us, you will overindulge no matter what. The souffle pancakes are a must for dessert, trust me.
The Best Things To Do In Brisbane For Date Night
Catch A Movie Under The Stars
Brisbane now has its first permanent outdoor cinema, and it’s about damn time. At Dendy Powerhouse in New Farm Park you can catch blockbusters, old school faves and arthouse flicks on a massive projector screen, with wireless headphones for optimum sound and a bar onsite. Best of all, Sunday nights are dog-friendly, so take your pooch along too.
Catch A Theatre Show
There's always something hitting the stage in Brisbane, whether it's a smash hit Broadway musical at QPAC, a comedy or LGBTQ arts festival at Brisbane Powerhouse, a boundary-pushing play at La Boite or a brand new theatre show at the Queensland Theatre. Head to the individual venues to see what's on the calendars, or you can see the upcoming Brisbane theatre shows worth catching here.
Soak In Luxury At A Rooftop Bathhouse
Image credit: Soak Bathhouse | Facebook
If you’re looking to relax, Soak Bathhouse in West End is the place to do it. This hidden rooftop oasis has multiple spas, a sauna, steam room and cold plunge pools. Casual sessions or multipacks are available with something to suit everyone. Prefer to soak indoors? Brisbane has plenty of other stunning bathhouses to check out—find our full list right here.
Hit A Bar With More Than Just Drinks
B Lucky & Sons and Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq are both adult playgrounds, filled with classic arcade games that you can play with a cocktail in hand, while you can take your pick from 15 vintage pinball machines, 25 arcade games and classic board games from the 70s at Netherworld Arcade Bar. Want to take a walk on the wild side? Try axe throwing at MANIAX and enjoy a beer while you do it. Then there's digital darts at Oche, virtual baseball batting cages at The Ballpark—you're spoilt for options in Brisbane
The Best Things To Do In Brisbane With The Fam
Tackle An Escape Room
Escape rooms are the ultimate bonding experience for the Pink Panthers among us. Look for clues, solve puzzles and enjoy a healthy dose of adrenaline—there’s plenty to choose from, from underground magical realms complete with their own bar to murder mysteries and even a Harry Potter-themed room. Find Brisbane’s best escape rooms here.
Brush Up Your History At A Museum
Brisbane has a whole lot of fascinating museums waiting to be discovered by the budding historians inside us all. Who said education can't be fun? Save them for the next rainy day. If you have to pick just one, make it the Queensland Museum, where you'll currently find a massive ancient Egypt exhibition to explore.
Puzzle Your Way Through A Challenge Hotel
Image credit: Hijinx Hotel | Supplied
Hijinx Hotel may look like a New York-style hotel bar, but inside are 10 challenge rooms to puzzle your way through, from musical moments to colourful ball pits, before you reward yourself with a drink at the bar. Make sure you give it your all, because you'll find out your position on the leaderboard at the end...
Feed Some Roos At Lone Pine
Nestled in Brisbane’s west side is Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where you can get up close and personal with a koala and meet a few other Aussie animals. Feed a kangaroo, pet a snake and enjoy our beautiful wildlife for a day. Their new nocturnal night tours are also worth checking out if you're keen to stay after the sun sets.
Get Competitive At Putt Putt
Whether you want to putt your way through a crazy, indoor course with a sugar-laden cocktail in hand or catch the breeze at a chill (but still licensed) outdoor mini golf arena, Brisbane has it all. Find the best putt putt courses in Brisbane here—catch me missing every shot at the 18-hole Victoria Park course, where you can order drinks to your hole via QR code.
The Best Things To Do In Brisbane Outdoors
Take In The City Lights On A Night Climb
Enjoy the Brisbane views with a twist on this three hour night climb of Kangaroo Point Cliffs overlooking the sparkling city skyline. Everyone is welcome, from beginners to experienced climbers and equipment is provided so just show up and start climbing.
Cruise The River In A Picnic Boat
Image credit: Go Boat | Facebook
With a little help from GoBoat, you can cruise along the river in one of their electric picnic boats. Explore the Brissie river in style, perfect for the sunny summer months. Bonus, they’re dog-friendly, and you can BYO food and drinks (yes, even booze).
Picnic By The River At New Farm Park
Grab a blanket, some snacks and a cheese board and bask in the sunshine on a picnic at New Farm Park—you can even get all your supplies, cheese board and all, at nearby Grape & Grazing if you're feeling lazy. Hot tip: this is one of the few public places you can crack open a drink (Roma Street Parkland is another if you're curious), so pack a six pack too.
Island Hop Over To Tangalooma
It’s paradise on our doorstep—Tangalooma Island Resort is home to breathtaking crystal clear waters, impressive sand dunes and friendly dolphins. Relax on the beach or join the activities on the island which is just over an hour’s ferry ride from Brisbane. If you only have time for one activity, make it a helicopter ride over the wrecks—one of the most iconic views in Brisbane.
Take A Dip In A Stunning Natural Pool
Grab your togs and be swept away by the beauty of the hidden creeks, waterholes, lakes, waterfalls and beaches in and around Brisbane. Nothing beats the serenity of these pockets of natural paradise—find our favourite natural pools here.
See Stars And Bonsai Trees At Mt Coot-tha
Image credit: Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens | Brisbane City Council
Sure everyone has been up to the top of Mt Coot-tha to see the views, but have you checked out the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha at the base of the mountain? Here you'll find star-watching opportunites galore at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium, tiny trees inside the bonsai house and unique plants galore.
Go Chasing Waterfalls
Discover the best waterfalls in Brisbane all while getting your daily steps in at these epic locations. Some of them you can even swim under, so check to see if you should don swimmers as well as hiking boots before you go.
Lace Up Your Boots For A Nature Hike
If you’re looking to shake up your usual exercise routine, go for a hike and explore all the beautiful views, peaks and scenery around Brisbane. Who said you need to spend money to have a good time? Find our favourites hikes in Brisbane here.
The Best Things To Do In Brisbane For Shopaholics
Shop Designer Labels On James Street
Forget the Queen Street Mall, if you’ve got cash to splash, James Street is the best spot for some lavish retail therapy. Shop your way through Sass & Bide, Zimmerman, Mister Zimi, Witchery, Dissh, Seed and more, then stop for a bite at one of the many James Street restaurants or head for a Fortitude Valley bar.
Pretend You’re At Hogwarts At A Harry Potter Store
Image credit: The Store Of Requirement | Tash Sorrenson
Whether you need a new wand or you’re after a sorting hat, The Store of Requirement in Samford has it all. This magical experience will make you feel like you've stepped straight onto the pages of a Harry Potter novel. Make sure you visit the Harry Potter-inspired cafe The Owlery next door for more magical theming.
Shop Up A Storm At Brisbane's Best Markets
Looking for fresh produce, artisan wares or tasty street food? You’ll find all of the above at Brisbane’s plethora of markets, from evening Asian street food hubs to Sunday morning craft strolls. Grab your favourite green bag (and pack your appetite) and find Brisbane's best markets here.
Take A Road Trip To Tamborine Mountain
Tamborine Mountain is only an hour away, making it the perfect destination for a weekend day trip. Head up there to find boutique hot spots like Witches Falls Winery, where you can do a wine tasting for $20 and pair it with an epic cheese board, Cauldron Distillery, Tamborine Cheese and so much more—find more to see and do here, or plan where to eat here.
The Best Things To Do In Brisbane For Arts & Culture
Hit The Dancefloor At A Live Music Venue
Nothing makes you forget your troubles like a couple of drinks at a good gig, and Brisbane has plenty of epic live music venues offering up local talent and massive acts who deserve to be heard and appreciated. Hit up a weekly fave for a regular roster of local artists, or scope out the what's on pages to see which bigger acts are heading our way.
Get Cultured At QAGOMA
Soak up the iconic permanent curation of art in the Queensland Art Gallery or the vibrant, thought-provoking exhibitions at the Gallery of Modern Art, situated next to the State Library and Queensland Museum in South Bank. One of the best things to do in Brisbane, there’s always something on for everyone—right now it's the Asia Pacific Triennial, with incredible installations across both galleries.
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