Joining a line up of chic hotels across Sydney, Adelaide, and Melbourne all geared towards highlighting the creative energy of each city, Hotel Indigo's latest installment in Brisbane's North Quay is the perfect basecamp for exploring the best of the city.
Hotel Indigo’s commitment to highlighting Brissie’s artistic flair can be felt throughout the entire space, with larger-than-life hand-painted artworks, sculptures, and suspended overhead installations blurring the lines between hotel and art gallery. This grand entrance leads to over 200 guestrooms, each fitted out with a moody colour palette and brass fixtures for the ultimate treat-yo-self experience. The joint is also pet friendly so no one has to miss out when you’re on vacay.
While we wouldn’t blame you for spending the entirety of your stay lounging around the hotel in your robe, we’ve created a shortlist of the best neighrbouhoods in Brisbane worth exploring.
Woolloongabba
Woolloonggabba is most famous for being home to the much loved Brisbane Cricket Ground, or the Gabba. But the area is also home to some of the best eats and drinks in the inner-city. Swing by Brisbane brekky staple Pawpaw Asian Kitchen for South East Asian dishes in a light, leary setting. Here, the menu evolves with the seasons, but you can always expect to see an abundance of Queensland's best tropical produce on your plate. If a long lunch with a glass of wine is more your thing, then be sure to stop by Sasso Italiano for Italian classics built to share, or check our South City Wine for an endless selection of sips. There are also a number of Brisbane institutions that call the Gabba home, such as 1889 enoteca, C’est Bon and Detour, which each offer their own unique take on modern dining—all great options to fuel up before a match at the Gab.
Albion
Sitting just a couple suburbs north of the city is Albion, which has quickly become a must-visit in recent years thanks to the flood of new restaurants, bars, and shops in the area. There are plenty of options when it comes to finding a feed—cafes such as Camp, Artie & Mai, and Neighbourhood Coffee Roasters are local favourites worth stopping by. Head over to Adela Wine Bar for a Euro-inspired feast with an extensive drinks menu for the perfect dinner option to end your day. Looking to add some movement into the day? Then catch a class at Dance Barre or Raw Power Yoga to keep you energised for a day of exploring.
Fortitude Valley
For better or for worse, the Valley is one of the most famous areas of Brisbane. It’s also home to some of the best shopping and dining in the inner-city area. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to retail therapy across James Street, which includes both big brand names and independent local stores. If fine dining is your thing, then head over to either Hôntô, SK Steak And Oyster, or Agnes for some of the best bites that Brisbane has to offer. If the sun is shining and the weather is warm (which it almost always is) then snagging a table at Hellenika or Maya is a must. You’d be hard pressed to not find a bar when you’re in the Valley, but if you’re unsure of which direction to head in, seek out a whiskey at the moody Saville Row or cocktail at Suzie Wongs Goodtime Bar before hitting up the endless clubs on Brunswick Street.
West End
West End is well known as the bleeding heart of Brisbane, with a sense of community that’s hard to ignore as soon as you’re in the area—it’s one of the reasons it’s a must-visit when you’re in town. Start off strong with the West End Farmers Market on Saturday morning, a one-stop shop for not only local produce, but a seriously wide range of artisan goods and eats that will keep you fueled up for a full day. There are also plenty of places to explore across West End, from the famous Jet Black Cat Music record store (and occasional live venue), to a tonne of independent and vintage clothing stores scattered around Boundary Street. When it comes to food, it’s worth checking out Kafenio for some traditional Greek dishes, or Bird’s Nest if you’re craving some smokey yakitori. There are also plenty of cafes to hop between, including The Burrow and The Gunshop Cafe, both institutions in the area.
Newstead
Another one of Brisbane’s up and coming neighbourhoods is Newstead, perched just north of the Valley and right along the river. Once an industrial area, it’s since been turned into a bustling hub of shops and restaurants that you could easily spend a few days exploring. Mrs Brown's is a must-see if you’re after food to share. Check out E’cco Bistro for something a little swankier, but absolutely worth a visit. It’s also worth sussing out which gigs are on at the Triffid, an old aeroplane hangar which has since turned into one of Brisbane’s favourite live music venues.
So the next time you’re looking for somewhere to introduce or reintroduce yourself to with our beloved Brissie, be sure to hit up Hotel Indigo for an accommodation experience that’s just as great as the bustling city you're in.
Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with Hotel Indigo. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
Image credits: South City Wine, Adela Wine Bar, Hellenika, West End Markets and E'cco Bistro