Here’s How To Hit Brisbane City Like A Local

If you're feeling the winter blues, a sunny escape to Brisbane City might just be the perfect antidote. While much of the country is reaching for puffer jackets, Brisbane locals are soaking up bright blue skies with riverside long lunches, rooftop cocktails and mornings spent wandering open-air markets.

But there's more to the city than good weather. Beyond the postcard views, you'll find buzzy dining precincts, world-class cultural attractions and neighbourhood favourites worth seeking out. 

Whether you're visiting for a weekend or sticking around a little longer, here's how to hit Brisbane City like a local in 2026.

The Best Place To Stay In Brisbane City

Four Points By Sheraton Brisbane

A central base is non-negotiable for any city staycay, and Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane puts you right in the heart of the action. Just steps from the city's best dining, shopping and cultural attractions, it's an easy choice for your next Brisbane getaway. 

The stylish hotel ticks all the essentials. Spacious rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows (hello, sparkling city and river views), a 24-hour gym and a generous buffet breakfast at The Eatery, plus Best Brews on level one tapped with the best pints from around Brisbane. 

The real draw? Exclusive access to the facilities next door at The Westin Brisbane, starring the only swim-up pool bar in the city, complete with private cabanas and daybeds for ultimate relaxation. 

Where To Explore In Brisbane City

Story Bridge Adventure Climb

20-Minute Walk From Four Points By Sheraton Brisbane

If your idea of sightseeing involves a bit of adrenaline, put the Story Bridge Adventure Climb at the top of your Brisbane itinerary. As one of only three bridge climbs in the world, it offers a unique chance to scale one of the city's most recognisable landmarks and enjoy 360-degree views across the city, the river and beyond. Whether you opt for a daytime climb, sunset session or twilight adventure, the views are worth every step. 

Elizabeth Picture Theatre

6-Minute Walk From Four Points By Sheraton Brisbane

There’s something about a trip to the movies in winter that just hits differently. Especially when the cinema is tucked inside a heritage-listed former ballroom, a la the Elizabeth Picture Theatre. Here, old-world charm meets modern comforts with stained-glass windows, a grand spiral staircase and an original timber bar that feels straight out of another era.

The program spans arthouse faves, indie releases and blockbuster hits, while the bar serves cocktails inspired by Hollywood icons. Sip on a Marilyn Monroe vodka cranberry or an Audrey Hepburn amaretto sour before settling in for the show.

Insider Intel

• Upgrade to premium seating and you can order food and drinks straight to your chair. Think karaage chicken and toasted sandwiches to salt and pepper squid delivered mid-film.

CityCat Ride

12-Minute Walk From Four Points By Sheraton Brisbane

Want to see Brisbane like a local? Hop aboard a CityCat. For just 50 cents (yes, really), the city's ferry network doubles as one of the best sightseeing experiences in town, gliding past riverside parks and historic landmarks. 

From Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane, it's an easy walk to North Quay Ferry Terminal. From there, we’d recommend jumping on a CityCat heading east towards New Farm Park. The journey takes around 35 minutes and offers a unique perspective of the glittering city skyline from the water. 

Insider Intel

• Hop off at New Farm Park Ferry Terminal and spend a few hours exploring one of Brisbane's most-loved green spaces.
• If you're visiting on a Saturday morning, don't miss the Jan Powers Farmers Markets for live music, local arts, and some of the city's best market eats (the bagels are a non-negotiable). 

Botanic Gardens

6-Minute Walk From Four Points By Sheraton Brisbane

Need a break from the city buzz? The Botanic Gardens is a peaceful riverside oasis right in the heart of the CBD. Established in 1855, it's Queensland's oldest heritage garden and spans 18 hectares of lush lawns, towering trees and beautifully maintained gardens.

Take your time strolling past lily ponds, through the bamboo grove and rainforest walks, and among collections of native and exotic plant species. If you’ve got kids in tow, you’ll want to make a beeline to the children’s playground.

Insider Intel

• Swing by The Gardens Club for a coffee or leisurely brunch. Housed inside the heritage-listed Curator's Cottage, it's one of Brisbane's prettiest cafe settings. 

Riverstage

15-Minute Walk From Four Points By Sheraton Brisbane

Tucked into a bend of the Brisbane River, Riverstage is one of the city's most iconic live music venues. This open-air amphitheatre hosts everything from major international tours and local acts to festivals and community events throughout the year.

There's something pretty special about watching live music under the stars, especially during Brisbane's mild winter evenings. 

Insider Intel

• Check the upcoming program before your trip to book tickets, as big-name artists regularly stop through.

Museum Of Brisbane

10-Minute Walk From Four Points By Sheraton Brisbane

The Museum of Brisbane (MoB, as the locals call it) is one of the city's most underrated cultural gems. Hidden on the top floor of Brisbane City Hall, the gallery hosts a rotating program of free exhibitions celebrating Queensland’s people, places and creative talent, making every visit a little different. Right now, you can see a Brisbane-exclusive Magpie Goose display, showcasing First Peoples cultural stories and designs.  

It's an easy stop while exploring the CBD. But if you're craving more art, you can easily walk across the Kurilpa Bridge Footbridge to QAGOMA and make a day of it.

Insider Intel

• Don’t forget to check out the museum gift shop. It’s packed with fine art prints from emerging artists and locally-made souvenirs, such as ceramics, tote bags and even bumper stickers.

Inner City Markets

10-Minute Walk From Four Points By Sheraton Brisbane

With South East Queensland producing some of Australia's best seasonal fruit, vegetables and artisan produce, no Brisbane itinerary is complete without a visit to a farmers' market. Luckily, the Brisbane City Markets bring together local makers, gourmet food stalls and artisan goods across three iconic inner-city locations. 

This is the perfect excuse to slow down on your city break. The stalls are set up every Wednesday at Reddacliff Place and every Thursday at Cathedral Square and Queens Wharf.

Insider Intel

• At Cathedral Square Markets, bring a picnic blanket and claim a sunny spot on the grass. It’s a great way to soak up the live music with a coffee and something tasty from the food stalls (potato slinky, anyone?). 

Where To Eat And Drink In Brisbane City

Fish Lane

20-Minute Walk From Four Points By Sheraton Brisbane

Tucked beneath the city skyline in South Brisbane, Fish Lane is a vibrant restaurant, hidden bar and street art precinct.

Start with a round of martinis and fresh oysters at the NYC-inspired 40-seater, Midtown, before settling in for dinner at local favourites like Julius Pizzeria, Southside or ESSA, where seasonal produce and inventive menus take centre stage.

Insider Intel

• Whether you're chasing a long lunch, a pre-show dinner before QPAC show, or an evening bar hopping, Fish Lane is also just a convenient 20-minute stroll from your room at Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane.
• The CBD is a walking bridge away with some of our top picks for an espresso hit including, Coffee Anthology, The Maillard Project, John Mills Himself, The Hideout Specialty Coffee and Felix For Goodness. 

Howard Smith Wharves

20-Minute Walk From Four Points By Sheraton Brisbane

Set beneath the iconic Story Bridge, Howard Smith Wharves is one of the city’s best dining and entertainment precincts, packed with riverside restaurants, bars and unbeatable views. 

Start with a cold beer and woodfired pizza at Felons Brewing Co, where locals gather at the picnic tables on the lawn for sundowners. 

As for the restaurants, you can’t go wrong at waterside venues GRECA, Yoko Dining, Stanley Restaurant or Ciao. 

For a nightcap, make your way to Mr Percival's, the Anna Spiro-designed overwater bar known for its spritzes, spinning disco ball, and that one time Margot Robbie swung by and bought everyone a round of drinks. 

Make Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane your home base when planning a Brisbane City holiday. Get booking here. 

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Four Points by Sheraton Brisbane and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.

Images: Supplied.