Best things to do in Brisbane in 2026
Brisbane in Queensland is a warm and vibrant city with over 2.6 million residents, surrounded by beautiful riverside scenery and lush subtropical nature. The city is known for its relaxed outdoor lifestyle, cultural highlights, and lively dining scene. From world-class museums and scenic lookouts to trendy restaurants. Brisbane offers something for everyone. On this page, you’ll discover the best things to see and do in Brisbane and its surroundings. You’ll also find great tours and activities you won’t want to miss during your visit to this sunny Queensland city.
South Bank
South Bank is one of the most enjoyable places and the vibrant heart of Brisbane along the river. At South Bank, you’ll find lush parks, pleasant walking paths, great restaurants and cafés, an inner-city beach called Streets Beach, and plenty of art and culture thanks to several museums. South Bank is the perfect spot to relax, sunbathe, or take a stroll along the river while enjoying views of the Brisbane skyline. We love coming here ourselves and can definitely recommend this place.
Brisbane Botanic Gardens
How wonderful is it to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the peace of nature and wildlife? The Brisbane Botanic Gardens are the perfect place to do just that. Stroll along the green pathways, enjoy the scent of flowers and the sound of birds, and leave the chaos of city life behind for a moment. Keep your eyes open during your walk: you’ll often spot lizards among the plants and shrubs, and with a bit of luck you might even see a snake. Whether you’re here for a relaxing walk, a picnic, or simply to unwind, these gardens offer a beautiful escape right in the heart of the city.
Streets beach
Anyone wanting to visit a beach in Brisbane will have to travel a little, as the real beaches aren’t close to the city centre. Luckily, Brisbane has come up with a clever solution: Streets Beach. This man-made beach is located right in the middle of South Bank, directly on the river, and offers a tropical paradise in the heart of the city. With white sand, crystal-clear water and views of the skyline, it’s the perfect place to cool off on warm summer days. Families, locals and tourists all love to relax here. And let’s be honest, it truly is a stunning place for a swim. Don’t you think?
Sky deck
One of Brisbane’s newest attractions is the impressive Sky Deck. At 100 metres high, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city here, from the iconic skyline all the way to Moreton Bay and Mount Coot-tha. This 250-metre-long rooftop, located in the heart of Queen’s Wharf, is Brisbane’s latest showstopper. Settle into one of the three stylish restaurants or bars for a drink or a bite to eat, or dare to walk across the spectacular glass floor for a view you won’t soon forget. And best of all: visiting the Sky Deck is completely free.
Take the free ferry
One of the best ways to explore Brisbane is by taking a trip on the water and the best part is: it’s completely free! For years, travellers have been able to use the CityHopper, a free ferry that crosses the Brisbane River and offers an ideal sightseeing cruise to admire the city from a unique perspective. As you glide past iconic landmarks and the lively cityscape, you’ll feel the relaxed atmosphere of the river.
Glass House Mountains
If you love hiking and exploring nature just as much as we do, then a visit to the Glass House Mountains is an absolute must. These impressive rock formations are one of Queensland’s most iconic landscapes and offer beautiful walking trails for all levels. Just like us, you can easily take the train from Central Station towards Nambour Station and get off at Beerburrum Station. From there, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the starting point of your hike through the Glass House Mountains National Park.
Bakery Lane
One of our absolute favourite places to dine in Brisbane is Bakery Lane. You reach this charming spot through a small alley decorated with atmospheric lights that instantly create a cosy vibe. Behind the alley, a small courtyard opens up where several restaurants come together. We chose Korean cuisine and enjoyed a delicious meal at Nom Nom Korean Eatery, a place where flavour and a warm atmosphere blend perfectly. But Bakery Lane has much more to offer: from the trendy The New Black, to the relaxed Kiosk Beer Garden, and the flavourful Gung Ho! Dumpling Ramen Bar.
West End
If you love vibrant weekend markets, artisanal products and atmospheric microbreweries, then you definitely shouldn’t skip the West End neighbourhood in Brisbane. This lively area is located just 2 kilometres from the city centre (CBD) and is easy to reach by public transport or simply on foot. West End is known for its diverse food scene, with restaurants offering Vietnamese, Greek, Mexican and many other cuisines.
Peters Lane in West Village also adds to West End’s unique charm. This modern, green precinct blends historic character with trendy cafés, boutiques and great dining spots. It’s a favourite place for both locals and travellers looking for a relaxed, creative and culinary district in Brisbane.
Roma Street Parkland
Roma Street Parklands is one of the most beautiful green oases in Brisbane, known for its colourful gardens, waterfalls and winding walking paths. The park feels like a tropical paradise in the middle of the city and is perfect for picnics, leisurely strolls or photography. With its gentle ponds, lush plants and plenty of seating areas, it’s a wonderful place to unwind. Located right next to Roma Street Station, it’s also easy to reach and ideal for a relaxing day out. In and around the park you’ll find several cosy cafés, with The Garden Room being our favourite.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb
The Story Bridge is without a doubt the most iconic bridge in Brisbane, and perhaps even in all of Queensland. This impressive steel structure connects the northern and southern parts of the city and is a true eye-catcher in Brisbane’s skyline. You can explore the bridge at your own pace by walking along the pedestrian path, enjoying views of the Brisbane River and the surrounding neighbourhoods.
For those seeking a bit more excitement, there’s the Story Bridge Adventure Climb, a unique experience that quite literally takes you to new heights. Together with a guide and a small group, you climb the bridge all the way to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view over the city, the river and, on a clear day, even the Glass House Mountains and Moreton Bay.
Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha
For those who find the City Botanic Gardens a bit too small, a walk through the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha is highly recommended. In this spacious, beautifully landscaped park, you’ll discover various themed gardens and a range of walking trails that lead you past unique flora and fauna. Along the way, you can spot colourful bird species and often see lizards darting across the paths. It’s a stunning and diverse area where you can easily spend hours without ever getting bored.
Eat Street Northshore
Food lovers and live music fans absolutely shouldn’t skip a visit to Eat Street Northshore. Just a 19-minute drive from Brisbane CBD, you’ll find this lively, permanent food festival along the river, built from colourful stacked shipping containers. With countless food stalls offering dishes from all over the world, choosing what to eat is almost impossible. The venue is beautifully decorated with lights and creative touches, making it a place you can happily wander around for hours. And with plenty of live performances, you’ll probably never want to leave.
Moreton Island
From the city, you can join several great tours that take you to some of the most beautiful places in the region. One of the absolute highlights we experienced was the day tour to Moreton Island. This paradise-like island is only a 1.5-hour ferry ride from the Port of Brisbane and feels like a completely different world. The moment you arrive, you’re surrounded by crystal-blue water, white sandy beaches and a laid-back island vibe. Moreton Island is especially famous for its spectacular snorkelling area around the Tangalooma Wrecks. Here, around fifteen shipwrecks lie beneath the surface, now taken over by colourful coral and countless tropical fish.
Brisbane Arcade
Brisbane Arcade is one of the most charming and characterful shopping arcades in Brisbane. This historic shopping centre, built in 1923, exudes elegance with its beautiful Art Deco architecture, glossy mosaic floors, and charming boutiques. It’s a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and wander along unique shops, jewellers, and small boutiques you won’t find anywhere else. During the Christmas season, Brisbane Arcade becomes truly magical, decorated with twinkling lights, festive ornaments, and a warm, celebratory atmosphere.
Friends & Flowers cafe
Fans of the TV series Friends will be in their element at the Friends & Flowers Café in Deagon, just outside Brisbane. Friends & Flowers Café is a cosy and colourful spot where the atmosphere immediately reminds you of the iconic series Friends. Just like in the show, the café features comfortable sofas similar to Central Perk, a guitar, and even the logo is inspired by the American series. A visit to this café pairs perfectly with a trip to Sandgate, where you can enjoy a beautiful coastal walk.
Staying in Brisbane
Just like we did, make sure to stay a few nights in Brisbane to really get to know the city. Staying overnight in Brisbane is ideal when you choose a centrally located hotel such as Adina Apartment Hotel or Meriton Suites. From here, you can reach the vibrant city centre in just a few minutes, while beautiful spots outside the city, like South Bank or the Brisbane River, are easily accessible. For us, Adina Apartment Hotel was perfect: the location is ideal, the room was comfortable, and the city views from the balcony were a lovely bonus. Of course, there are plenty of other great hotels in the heart of Brisbane. Use the map to easily compare and find your perfect place to stay in Brisbane.
