Where to Stay in Brisbane
I lived in Brisbane for many years and I met Sommer here for the first of many dates before we married. We’ve explored many parts of Brissy, from the hidden laneways of Fortitude Valley to riverside strolls through South Bank. We know lots of cool places to visit and where to stay in Brisbane.
Choosing where to base yourself can shape your entire experience. Whether you’re here for a short city break, a family getaway, or planning to explore areas beyond Brisbane, I’ll help you figure out what fits best.
Think about your travel style, budget, and who you’re travelling with. Do you want to walk to top sights, or stay somewhere quieter and just hop on public transport? This guide gives you the local tips on Brisbane’s best areas with practical advice and real experience.
Download my 3 Day Brisbane Itinerary for your must-do activities while in Brisbane.
Key Takeaways
- The Brisbane CBD, South Bank, and Fortitude Valley are all great places to stay for all types of traveler to explore Brisbane.
- New Farm and Fortitude Valley are great options for couples seeking a more intimate experience and access to fantastic entertainment and cafes.
- South Bank is a terrific choice for families, first timers, and tourists with a central location, gardens, arts & entertainment right on the river location.
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Check prices for the most recommended hotel in South Bank, Brisbane – Emporium Hotel
Where to Stay in Brisbane for First Timers
If it’s your first visit, I always suggest staying in the Brisbane CBD (Central Business District aka Downtown) or South Bank. Both are super central, well-connected, and close to many attractions. You’ve got public transport, river ferries, and easy access from the airport via the Airtrain.
South Bank has a relaxed, artsy vibe. It’s packed with museums, parklands, and the famous Streets Beach. The CBD is busier, but it puts you right in the heart of Brisbane with shopping, nightlife, and easy river access.
Read more from us when you visit South Bank Brisbane.
- Budget: YHA, Brisbane CBD
YHA offers both dorms and private rooms with a rooftop pool and city views. It’s social, clean, and great for budget-conscious travelers. - Mid-Range: Rydges, South Bank
Rydges sits right on Grey Street, steps from the river and restaurants. It’s comfy, well-rated, and family-friendly positioned in the heart of South Bank. - Luxury: Emporium Hotel, South Bank
Emporium has rooftop views, a pool, luxe rooms, and top-tier service. A perfect option if you want comfort and elegance in a central location. Families enjoy their stay here too. - Boutique: The Inchcolm by Ovolo, Spring Hill
This boutique hotel blends vintage charm with modern comfort. Close to the CBD, it’s perfect for those who want character and convenience.
Where to Stay in Brisbane for Tourists
Brisbane is a great base to explore the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, and hinterland. Many day trips leave from the CBD and Fortitude Valley, and you’re close to train lines and highway access.
Tourists looking to experience the local feel outside the CBD and South Bank should consider the central suburbs like Fortitude Valley, New Farm, and West End. These areas offer culture, great food, and a local feel and they’re still close to the action.
Fortitude Valley is known for nightlife, music, and quirky shopping. New Farm and West End have river walks, cafes, and a laid-back feel. These spots give you the best of local and tourist life.
Try a vacation rental in New Farm, Newstead, Teneriffe, or West End, and check out some of the other listings for couples, first-timers, and families in South Bank and Brisbane CBD.
- Budget: Roamer, Brisbane CBD
Roamer is modern and clean, with excellent facilities and strong transport connections. It’s affordable and ideal for young travelers or those packing light. - Mid-Range: The Constance, Fortitude Valley
Art-filled rooms, a rooftop bar, and easy access to nightlife. The Constance offers fun and comfort in one spot. - Luxury: The Calile Hotel, Fortitude Valley
The Calile is designer-focused and stylish with an outdoor pool, spa, and prime location on James Street. Perfect for a luxe city escape. I also recommend the steakhouse in the hotel SK Steak & Oyster. - Boutique: Ovolo The Valley, Fortitude Valley
Funky and vibrant, Ovolo brings art and personality into every room. It’s a cool stay for travellers wanting something different.
Where to Stay in Brisbane for Couples
Couples love Fortitude Valley and New Farm. These suburbs feel intimate yet exciting. You’ll find hidden wine bars, riverside walks, and plenty of date-night spots. We love the cosy suburban feel of New Farm right next to the river. Sommer would launch her stand-up paddle board in the river, just a block down from where she lived.
New Farm has beautiful heritage buildings and great brunch spots including adjacent Teneriffe and Newstead. Fortitude Valley is lively and full of surprises. Both have quick transport to the city and river access. Sommer lived in New Farm while we were dating and loved the neighborhood and surrounding areas!
- Budget: Amelia Boutique Hotel, Fortitude Valley
Amelia is charming and tucked away just enough for peace while still being near the action. Great value and ideal for couples. - Mid-Range: Spicers Balfour Hotel, New Farm
Romantic, quiet, and full of charm. The Balfour is perfect if you want somewhere peaceful but still close to restaurants and the river. It even has a rooftop bar with calming views. - Luxury: Crystalbrook Vincent, Howard Smith Wharves
This hotel blends art, river views, and sleek design in a prime riverside location adjacent the Story Bridge. A short walk from the Valley and New Farm Park. Ask for room away from the lifts (elevators) and preferably a higher room with river views. - Boutique: Heal House, New Farm
Heal House offers a luxury B&B experience in a beautifully restored Queenslander. It’s quiet, elegant, and just steps from New Farm’s best spots.
Where to Stay in Brisbane with Family
Families will feel right at home in South Bank. This area is safe, easy to navigate, and close to kid-friendly attractions. There is an IGA supermarket nearby for groceries, as well as many cafes and restaurants. The gelato at Messina nearby is a must for families!
South Brisbane has parklands, museums, and the free public lagoon.
- Budget: Courtyard by Marriott, South Bank
Reliable and affordable with interconnecting rooms. It’s near South Bank’s playgrounds and museums. Sommer and I enjoyed a ‘staycation’ here with easy walking to restaurants in South Bank. - Mid-Range: The Capitol Apartments, South Brisbane
Spacious serviced apartments with kitchens and laundry. Ideal for families needing flexibility and convenience. - Luxury: Mantra Apartments, South Bank
Spacious one bedroom and two bedroom apartments ideal for families who need room to spread out. It’s centrally located in South Bank with easy access to transport, shops, and Streets Beach. - Boutique: Emporium Hotel, South Bank
A standout for families who want upscale service and family-friendly amenities like a rooftop pool and on-site dining. There are connecting rooms and babysitting services available.
While the areas east and north of the Convention Centre and along Melbourne St are generally safe, we recommend avoiding Musgrave Park south west of the Convention Centre at night.
Best Areas Map
Where to Stay in Brisbane: FAQs
Got questions? Here’s what most travellers ask us.
What’s the best month to visit Brisbane?
The best months to visit Brisbane are May and September. During these times, you’ll enjoy sunny days, comfortable temperatures, and fewer crowds. Summer can get humid and hot, while winter is mild but can bring chilly evenings. These shoulder seasons strike a nice balance between good weather and lower accommodation costs.
I love September because the Brisbane Festival is during September with so many interesting events and experiences.
How many days do you need in Brisbane?
I reckon 3 to 5 days gives you enough time to explore the city and enjoy a few nearby day trips. In that time, you can stroll through South Bank, take a river cruise, visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, and still have room to check out a rooftop bar or two. If you plan to explore places like Moreton Island or head to the hinterland, give yourself an extra day or two.
Download our 3 Day Brisbane Itinerary to pack many attractions and experiences into a short stay.
What are the things to do in Brisbane?
Brisbane offers a mix of outdoor and cultural attractions. You can wander through the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, hop on a CityCat ferry down the river, meet the wildlife at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, or explore Mt Coot-tha for views and a hike.
Families love South Bank for the man-made beach and playgrounds. Food lovers enjoy the food in Brisbane particularly the diverse dining scenes in West End and James Street. Sport lovers gravitate to Brisbane for events at Suncorp Stadium and the Gabba, and the entertainment precincts are always popular with concerts and touring theatre shows at QPAC.
We have tips to visit South Bank, and Brisbane beaches.
What is the coolest neighborhood in Brisbane?
Fortitude Valley, New Farm, Teneriffe, and West End are easily the coolest spots. Fortitude Valley is full of bars, clubs, and live music. I especially like The Tivoli historic theatre for an intimate feel, and Cloudland for drinks and dancing (soul’sa).
Sommer and I love New Farm and Teneriffe for the leafy streets, river views, and trendy cafes like Samson & Sophie. West End mixes artsy vibes with global eats and is a favourite of ours (read more about food in Brisbane). These suburbs bring colour, character, and loads of personality.
Is Brisbane a walkable city?
The CBD and South Bank are very walkable with dedicated pedestrian streets, malls, bridges, and walkways. You can also stroll along dedicated paths on or by the river from Toowong in west of CBD, through the City Botanical Gardens, to New Farm on the east of CBD. South Bank and West End are mostly flat but the CBD has a downward slope from the “top” (Wickham Tce to George St and down to Riverside/Eagle St) and then farther down into Fortitude Valley.
Once you get out of inner suburbs you’ll want to rely on public transport to get you closer to your destination. Sommer says the heat and humidity during day can make walking a challenge so keep the weather in mind when you plan.
Just be warned that some suburbs, like Chapel Hill, Carina Heights, and Mount Gravatt live up to their name! I had a visiting friend attempt to cycle from Arana Hills to Brisbane CBD and discovered there are lots of hills in Arana Hills. Next time she took the train haha.
Where to Stay in Brisbane: The Wrap Up
Brisbane is a city that’s easy to love. Whether you’re a couple chasing a cosy weekend or entertainment, a family needing space, or a solo traveller on a budget, you can’t go wrong with so many options easily accessible to much of Brisbane’s centre.
We’ve lived in and explored this city. Choose the area that fits your vibe, and your trip plans and discover all that Brisbane offers.
About the Author
G’day, I’m Paul, an Aussie, and I love to travel. I want to experience the wonder of this amazing world, and foster the curiosity of others to discover their own wonder.
My favourite places to travel are somewhere new. I’ve attempted to learn Spanish but still working on it.
Check out more posts on Australia for local insight
