Yulia Saf 
Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. With an abundance of attractions and stunning natural surroundings, the city is an excellent destination for an Australian holiday. But before you start planning the trip, the first thing you need to decide is where to stay in Brisbane.
A few years back, I visited Brisbane, and I loved it! So, based on my experience and some additional research, I can tell you about the 6 top areas to stay in Brisbane.
The CBD (the city’s Central Business District) is the best place to stay in Brisbane. If you choose to stay here, the city’s most popular attractions and best museums will be just a stone’s throw away, and you’ll get to stay in some of the best hotels in Brisbane.
Besides highlighting the best Brisbane neighborhoods, I also handpicked the top hotels in each neighborhood and in every price category. However, you need to hurry up and quickly book your accommodation in Brisbane – the city is quite popular and the good places sell out fast.
Let’s get started!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Want to book now? Check out this list of the best hotels in Brisbane, all situated in the CBD:
Which area should you choose?
Here’s a map to help you visualize the 6 areas of Brisbane I’ll be talking about in this post:
Brisbane is an incredible city that caters to all types of different travelers, so deciding where to stay might seem like a tough choice. That’s why I created a list with personalized recommendations that cater to different travel needs – check it out below:
- Where to stay in Brisbane for first-timers: CBD, South Bank
- Best places to stay in Brisbane for nightlife: Fortitude Valley, New Farm
- Where to stay in Brisbane with family: South Bank, West End
- Best place to stay in Brisbane for a relaxing vacation: Kangaroo Point, New farm
- Where to stay in Brisbane on a budget: West End, CBD, Fortitude Valley
1. The CBD – where to stay in Brisbane for the first time
Brisbane’s Central Business District (CBD), as you can imagine, is the big and buzzing city center. The CBD is often referred to as Brisbane City and is bordered by the Brisbane River; this part of the city is buzzing with life, thanks to the many landmarks, museums, stores, and restaurants, making it ideal for first-time visitors.
The best place to start exploring the CBD is the central tip of the area, called Gardens Point. The main attraction here are the beautiful City Botanic Gardens, which flourish with unique exotic plants all year long.
If you love nature and parks, you cannot miss the stunning Roma Street Parkland (map), an oasis of designer gardens and sprawling lawns where you can have picnics and go on relaxing walks. This was my favorite spot I visited in Brisbane – I really wish I could go back and just hang out there all day!
You can’t stay in the CBD without doing some shopping – Uptown (map) and QueensPlaza (map) are the most popular places to shop, featuring a variety of shops and designer stores, as well as cafes and restaurants.
After all that shopping, I’m sure you’ll be in the mood for a cultural immersion, so it’s time to hit the museum! The Museum of Brisbane is situated in City Hall, hosts historic exhibitions, and has an impressive clock tower.
Other important landmarks to check out in Brisbane CBD include Saint John’s Anglican Cathedral (map) and the Cathedral of St Stephen (map), both boasting some very impressive architecture.
Brisbane CBD is relatively quiet compared to other parts of the city in terms of nightlife, but it does offer a good selection of restaurants where you can have lunch or dinner. I just have to warn you – this part of the city gets super crowded during lunch hour, so if you want to get a table somewhere, make a reservation in advance or be sure to get there early.
Finally, one of the top perks of staying in the CBD is that you can walk anywhere! All the attractions are within walking distance, so you won’t have to rent a car or rely on public transport (which is great, by the way). Yet another perk of a CBD stay is the great choice of hotels in each price category – check out my top picks below!
Luxury (US$200 and up)
- W Brisbane – this luxury hotel provides wonderful views of the South Bank, Brisbane River, and the Brisbane Wheel! Guests will enjoy the spacious rooms, dine at one of the 3 restaurants, and unwind at the spa.
- Brisbane Marriott Hotel – overlooking the iconic Story Bridge, this 5-star hotel has modern rooms offering panoramic views of the city. You can also use the indoor pool, fitness center, and private parking provided on the hotel premises.
Mid-range (US$100 – US$200)
- voco Brisbane – each of the rooms at this hotel is artfully designed and features hand-selected artwork, comfortable and sustainable bedding, and modern bathrooms. There’s also a rooftop pool and a 24-hour gym.
- ibis Styles Brisbane – featuring an on-site bar and a 24-hour front desk, this hotel is in an ideal location for exploring some of the city’s top attractions. Wi-Fi is free of charge, while parking is available at an extra cost.
Budget (up to US$100)
- YHA Brisbane City – this hostel is a great choice if you’re traveling on a budget but want to remain centrally located. It has both private rooms and dorms and provides guests with access to a rooftop pool, a bar, and a games room.
- Summer House Brisbane – stay in mixed dormitories at an affordable price, equipped with personal lockers, dedicated power outlets, and fast (and free) Wi-Fi! Enjoy the view from the rooftop terrace and make the most of the BBQ facilities provided there.
2. South Bank – where to stay in Brisbane with family
South Bank is a relaxed neighborhood located in South Brisbane, just a 20-min walk from Brisbane CBD. The neighborhood is characterized by a lengthy riverside boardwalk with lovely cafes, mouth-watering views and its inner-city beach. The laid-back vibe of the area and the many cultural activities it offers make it perfect for a family vacation!
In South Bank, you’ll find attractions for every taste and age, from world-class museums to interesting art galleries, colorful markets and bars, and amazing dining spots.
In particular, South Bank is home to great artistic performances: singing, dancing, art exhibitions… and you can find all of them in the Cultural Centre (map). The center dominates the Brisbane cultural scene, featuring indoor theaters, museums, the library, and outdoor venues.
Some of the things you absolutely have to check out during your visit to the Cultural Centre are the Gallery of Modern Art and the State Library of Queensland, which has its lovely waterfront cafe.
But let’s talk about one of the most important things: food! If, when traveling, you love to try as many typical dishes as possible, there is no better place than Fish Lane (map), which offers the most diverse options in all of Australia, with its bars, cafes, and restaurants!
The Collective Markets (map) is a must if you visit South Bank for a weekend. Open Friday through Sunday, these markets feature everything from clothes and jewelry to home decor and unique handcrafts you can take home as souvenirs.
Of course, if you’re traveling with kids, you absolutely have to visit the South Bank Parklands (map). This huge park offers plenty of opportunities for fun – snap a photo with the Brisbane Sign (map), go for a ride on The Wheel of Brisbane, and definitely spend a few hours swimming and sunbathing at Streets Beach (map)!
TIP: If you have the time, definitely go for an evening walk in the South Bank Parklands! The park is full of people, and everything lights up, creating an amazing atmosphere. This is what I did on one evening in Brisbane, and it’s still one of my favorite memories from the city.
Even though South Bank is a short walk away from the CBD, walking can be a bit strenuous on a family trip (especially with small kids). Luckily, the neighborhood is also super well-connected to the rest of the city via public transport – buses, trains, and ferries; info on routes and schedules is available on the Translink website.
P.S. If you want to walk, just take the Victoria Bridge (map) from South Brisbane; not only will it lead you directly to the CBD, but it’s also a great place to take a walk and soak up the river views.
If you’re already seeing yourself in South Brisbane, check out the hotels below – great options for luxury and mid-range travelers!
NOTE: There are no well-rated budget options in South Bank, so if you’re traveling on a tight budget, I suggest you check out my recommendations for the CBD and Fortitude Valley.
Luxury (US$200 and up)
- Emporium Hotel South Bank – experience a new standard of luxury at this hotel, offering exceptional dining and exquisite events! Bask in the comfort of your suite or soak up spectacular views from the rooftop terrace and infinity pool!
- Rydges South Bank Brisbane – enjoy the hotel’s prime location on Brisbane’s South Bank, wake up in your room with views over the Brisbane River, relax in the sauna or hot tub, and stay active in the fitness center.
Mid-range (US$130 – US$200)
- Ivy & Eve Apartments – enjoy the city views from your private balcony and the amazing outdoor pool. You can also relax indoors in the stylish living area or burn off some calories at the fitness center.
- Quest South Brisbane – the serviced rooms of this aparthotel will offer you a relaxed and comfortable accommodation experience, plus access to a
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3. Fortitude Valley – the best neighborhood for nightlife
If you are looking to party and enjoy the nightlife, I have good news for you! Just a 25-min walk Northeast of the CBD, you’ll find the first dedicated entertainment district in Australia: Fortitude Valley. In this vivacious neighborhood, there are plenty of options for a great night out, from eclectic bars to cozy pubs, rooftop lounges, and world-class clubs.
Fortitude Valley (or just ‘The Valley’) is also home to plenty of good live music, played either by amazing street performers (the type of things I personally love finding in a new city) or famous innovative DJs hosted in the clubs!
Some of the most popular party venues in the area are the Fortitude Music Hall (map), a live music venue that hosts many cool artists, and The Triffid (map), with its cool beer garden and delicious snacks.
This vibrant neighborhood is probably the most diverse area in Brisbane, hosting funky boutique shops, casual eateries, and the huge Chinatown Mall (map), where you can experience a wide variety of Asian cultures, including Korean, Thai, and Vietnamese, and, of course, delicious food!
However, one of the absolute best spots in Fortitude Valley is situated on the outskirts of the neighborhood, overlooking the river. The Howard Smith Wharves (map) is a waterfront development overlooking the Story Bridge and is dotted with nice eateries and bars – it’s also the perfect place to chill out and just enjoy the view.
Since the area has grown a lot over the past years, it’s receiving more and more visitors, which means that accommodation here can be a bit pricy compared to the rest of Brisbane, so you better hurry up to book a spot in advance; you can find some good deals!
Luxury (US$200 and up)
- The Calile Hotel – this stunning hotel will offer you a rooftop outdoor pool from where you can gaze at the best city views, spa facilities, and 4 upscale restaurants on-site. The rooms offer pool and city views, plus modern amenities and individual balconies.
- Ovolo The Valley – this luxurious hotel features a rooftop infinity pool overlooking Fortitude Valley, a sauna, and a well-equipped fitness center! Other perks of staying here include 24-hour room service and self-serve laundry facilities.
Mid-range (US$100- US$200)
- Sage Brisbane – in a central location in the James Street Precinct, this is one of the best hotels in Brisbane for a premier shopping experience. You’ll have easy access to many stylish boutiques, a rooftop bar, and a stunning infinity pool.
- Rambla @ Berwick House – each unit at this aparthotel features a terrace, a private bathroom, and a fully-equipped kitchen, plus a dining area. Guests also get access to a rooftop pool and BBQ facilities.
Budget (up to US$100)
- Bunk Brisbane – this hostel is located in an old factory building and offers private ensuite rooms and spacious dormitories. Guests can also use the shared kitchen and lounge in the lobby and benefit from free Wi-Fi and luggage storage.
- LyLo Brisbane – at this eclectic hostel, you can book a private room or a pod in a shared dormitory, relax in the rooftop lounge, plus get access to clean, communal bathrooms and a 24-hour reception desk.
4. New Farm – the coolest place to stay in Brisbane
Located right next to Fortitude Valley and just 3 km (2 miles) East of Brisbane CBD, you’ll find the central neighborhood of New Farm, one of Brisbane’s oldest suburbs. This district has a particular old-world charm from its decorated, Queenslander-style homes and buildings, leafy trees, and shady streets.
If you love green spaces, New Farm Park (map) is definitely a must for you. This is one of the oldest and largest parks in Brisbane, with enough attractions to keep all the family entertained, and the best place to have a picnic under the trees!
Otherwise, the Brisbane Powerhouse is just next to the park, a cultural arts mecca hosting live arts, weekend farmers markets, and even a seasonal moonlight cinema!
Another cool outdoor space is the Wilson Outlook Reserve (map); this park overlooks the Story Bridge and offers plenty of shade and picnic tables, so don’t forget to pack some snacks. And you should definitely go for a stroll along the New Farm River Walk (map) – it’s the ultimate place for a stroll in New Farm for locals and tourists alike.
There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants scattered around the neighborhood, so I’m sure you’ll come across a great place to eat or drink. However, you’ll also likely want to visit the CBD, and in this case, it’s best to rent a car. New Farm is a bit further away from the center, and there are no direct public transport connections, so it’s a great idea to have a set of wheels.
Now, let’s take a look at the best accommodations in New Farm across all price categories:
Luxury (US$150 and up)
- Spicers Balfour Hotel – this award-winning boutique hotel has luxurious rooms featuring 1940s art-deco style with a separate lounge area. Start your day with breakfast on the veranda and finish it with a cocktail on the rooftop bar!
- Edward Lodge – stay in this elegant and stylish 1912 property, nestled in the heart of New Farm near the beautiful Brisbane River. Each room has a private bathroom stocked with free toiletries, and guests also get access to a shared kitchen.
Mid-range (US$100 – US$150)
- Heal House – stay in elegant suites and enjoy a complimentary breakfast every morning. Some other benefits of staying here include free parking, Wi-Fi, and a free non-alcoholic mini bar.
- Kirribilli Apartments – this apartment complex is in a peaceful setting, and the guests get access to an outdoor pool, a sauna, and a heated spa. There’s also a tennis court and a barbecue area where you can spend some time outdoors.
Budget (up to US$100)
- Bluetongue Backpackers Hostel – offering both private rooms and dormitories, a communal kitchen with basic appliances and utilities, and free Wi-Fi in all public areas.
- Palmeraie Room – this lovely Airbnb has a spacious terrace where you can enjoy a view of the garden, a comfortable double bed, and access to free street parking. Wi-Fi is also available and free of charge.
5. West End – best area to stay in Brisbane on a budget
The West End is a laid-back residential area, just an 8-min drive away West of the CBD. Seeing as this is a residential area, there aren’t that many attractions or even upscale hotels, so it’s the ideal choice for budget travelers, but also those who want to get a sense of the local life.
What better way to see how the locals live than attending a market? The West End Markets (map) take place each Saturday in Davies Park and are lined with stalls selling fresh produce, delicious street food, and even clothing and jewelry.
If you’re on the hunt for more street food, don’t overlook Boundary Street (map) – it’s packed with street food vendors, as well as bars and restaurants.
For some outdoor time, head to Orleigh Park (map), a lovely riverside park with a walking trail and a playground – anyone can have fun! But if you’re a lover of the outdoors and you’ve found yourself in Brisbane, then you absolutely have to hike Mount Coot-Tha (map)!
Mount Coot-Tha towers over the city of Brisbane – in fact, it’s visible from almost anywhere in the city – and it’s just a short ride (10-min) West of the West End. You can easily spend an entire day here – hike up to the Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout (map), discover the J.C. Slaughter Falls (map), or explore the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-Tha.
If you want to hike Mount Coot-Tha, you’ll need to drive a portion of the road from the West End to the mountain, so you should definitely have access to your own vehicle. This will also come in handy if you want to see more of the city!
NOTE: There are no luxury accommodations in the West End, and actually, there are no hotels. But there are some great mid-range apartments and a couple of cool hostels – great for budget travelers.
Mid-range (US$80 – US$140)
- West End Central Apartments – an aparthotel featuring a fitness center, a pool, and BBQ facilities. It also offers accommodation in spacious apartments with a balcony and bathrooms stocked with complimentary toiletries.
- Arena Apartments – these comfortable apartments are air-conditioned and non-smoking and feature flat-screen TVs with digital channels, Wi-Fi, and fully functional kitchens.
Budget (up to US$80)
- Somewhere To Stay Backpackers – this Brisbane accommodation is ideal for budget travelers! The Somewhere to Stay Backpackers Brisbane QLD is situated in a house with gorgeous gardens, a pool, and a veranda where you can unwind and relax.
- Minto Accommodation – this is one of the best budget hotels in Brisbane, offering budget rooms, both single and double, as well as access to a shared kitchen, luggage storage, and free Wi-Fi.
6. Kangaroo Point – best area for outdoor activities
The final recommendation for your stay in Brisbane goes out to Kangaroo Point, a serene suburb that’s situated East of the CBD (a 7-min drive). From almost anywhere in Kangaroo Point, you’ll have stunning views of the city while being far from all the hustle and bustle – perfect for a relaxing holiday.
The main attraction in Kangaroo Point has to be the Story Bridge (map), which connects the area with Fortitude Valley. The bridge is both pedestrian and bicycle-friendly, so you can walk or cycle and, at the same time, enjoy stunning views of the city and the Brisbane River.
When you don’t feel like walking or cycling, you can simply have a picnic in Captain Burke Park (map), located directly beneath the Story Bridge. Nearby, you can enjoy a refreshing drink at Sea Legs Brewing Co (map), a local brewery serving delicious craft beer.
However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can choose to climb the Story Bridge! The Story Bridge Adventure Climb provides a unique experience – this is only one of the 3 bridge climbs in the world! If you sign up for this experience, you get to climb on top of the bridge and see the city from a unique perspective – it seems super fun!
When staying in Kangaroo Point, there’s another thing you should definitely visit – the Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park (map)! You can climb the cliffs to catch some amazing views, admire the art throughout the park, or just have a chill picnic.
And if you’d like to get out on the water, the Riverlife Adventure Centre offers kayak tours on the Brisbane River. You can go during the day, at twilight, and even at sunset to see the city before it awakens.
Kangaroo Point also hosts some of the best Brisbane accommodation – check out my picks down below:
Luxury (US$200 and up)
- The Docks On Goodwin – situated in the heart of Kangaroo Point, this upscale aparthotel offers spacious and comfortable apartments, a heated pool, a sauna, and even a tennis court.
- The Point Brisbane Hotel – overlooking the city and the Brisbane River, this hotel has luxurious rooms, an outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees, and a gym. Guests also benefit from the 24-hour room service, valet parking, and concierge services.
Mid-range (US$130 – US$200)
- Il Mondo Boutique Hotel –this stylish hotel boasts an on-site Japanese restaurant, an outdoor pool, and modern rooms with en suite bathrooms. You can also get free bike rentals or unwind at the comfortable guest lounge, which also features a library.
- Dockside Brisbane – an Art Deco aparthotel with a garden, restaurant, and a pool. Each of the individually decorated apartments on the property is air-conditioned and provides access to Wi-Fi and cable TV.
Budget (up to US$130)
- City Star Lodge – this affordable motel provides plenty of perks, such as free self-parking, pool access, and express check-in (and check-out). Laundry facilities are also available on-site, and Wi-Fi is free of charge.
- Breeze Lodge – a top-rated hostel in a great location in Kangaroo Point, and has spacious and air-conditioned dormitories, each with an en suite bathroom. You can also relax on the large rooftop terrace and meet the other guests.
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$220 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | US$150 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$100 |
| 📍 Best neighborhood: | The CBD |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | W Brisbane |
| 🧳 Mid-range hotel: | voco Brisbane |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | YHA Brisbane City |
BONUS: Best hotels near Brisbane Airport
Located just 30 min away from the city center, Brisbane Airport amounts more than 20 million passengers per year, which makes it the third biggest airport in Australia!
Chances are you’re landing there or maybe you’ll take a flight somewhere else! Therefore, staying close to Brisbane Airport (BNE) is something you might want to do if your flight is at a strange time of the day.
Keep reading and you’ll find out below! Here’s my list of the best hotels near Brisbane Airport:
- Pullman Brisbane Airport ($$$) – situated just steps away from Brisbane Airport, this luxurious hotel has an amazing on-site restaurant, a year-round outdoor pool, and a gym.
- ibis Brisbane Airport ($$) – this is where I stayed on my trip to Brisbane! The hotel offers an airport shuttle for an extra charge and has comfortable rooms and a restaurant – great if you have a short stay in Brisbane, like me.
- Airport Clayfield Motel ($) – the motel offers a free airport shuttle every morning and a 24-hour check-in. Guests can also use the pool and get complimentary Wi-Fi plus free parking.
FAQs about where to stay in Brisbane, Australia
💯 What’s the best area to stay in Brisbane?
The best area to stay in Brisbane, especially for first-time visitors, is the CBD. Here, you’ll find some cool museums, plenty of shopping, and some of the best hotels in the city, like the W Brisbane and the voco Brisbane.
👪 Where to stay in Brisbane with the family?
The best place where to stay in Brisbane with the family is in the relaxed neighborhood of South Bank. Stay at Emporium Hotel South Bank to experience another standard of luxury or the beautiful Ivy & Eve Apartments for great value for price.
💖 What are the best romantic hotels in Brisbane?
Some of the best hotels for couples in Brisbane include the Brisbane Marriott Hotel in the CBD, The Calile Hotel in Fortitude Valley, and the Spicers Balfour Hotel in New Farm.
🥳 Where to stay in Brisbane for nightlife?
The best place where to stay in Brisbane for nightlife is the vivacious neighborhood of Fortitude Valley. Spend your nights partying and your days relaxing in the hotel, either in The Calile Hotel or at the Sage Brisbane.
🏙️ What hotels in Brisbane have great views?
The W Brisbane in the CBD offers stunning views of the Brisbane River, Ovolo The Valley in Fortitude Valley provides fabulous views of the city, and Spicers Balfour Hotel in New Farm overlooks the Story Bridge.
📸 What are the best things to do in Brisbane?
If you want to have a full experience of Brisbane, these are some must for you: have a stroll around the City Botanic Gardens, try some delicious Asian food at Chinatown, and attend great artistic performances at the Cultural Centre in South Bank.
📅 How many days do you need to see Brisbane?
I recommend spending at least 3 days in Brisbane so you can visit the top attractions, spend a relaxing afternoon at the Roma Street Parkland, party away in Fortitude Valley, and have a relaxing day at the South Bank Parklands.
🚊 How to get around Brisbane? Is it a walkable city?
Yes, you can walk around all of the areas recommended in this article. However, if you need to cover long distances and you’re not up for walking, you can always rely on public transportation.
🤔 Is it better to stay on the Gold Coast or Brisbane?
Brisbane is a great choice if you’re looking for a city escape, while the Gold Coast is perfect for a beach vacation and surfing. I highly recommend you visit both – stay a few days in Brisbane before moving on to the Gold Coast.
Final thoughts on the top places to stay in Brisbane
Congratulations! You have reached the end of this guide on where to stay in Brisbane, and hopefully, you’ve already booked your stay!
However, if you’re still having trouble deciding, here are my 2 favorite Brisbane hotels, both located in the CBD:
- W Brisbane – a luxurious hotel with stylish rooms, a pool, a spa, and an incredible restaurant
- voco Brisbane – this modern hotel features a rooftop pool and a fitness center, and also serves a tasty breakfast
Don’t waste any time and book your hotel as soon as possible, so you can get the cheapest accommodation deals! You’ve got plenty of choices above!
If you have any questions about Brisbane and the best places to stay, drop a comment below, and I’ll be happy to get back to you!
Happy travels,
Yulia
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