35 Best Things to do in Brisbane City, Brisbane CBD
Are you looking for something fun to do in the Brisbane CBD?
Brisbane is the 3rd largest city in Australia, and it is quickly growing. Brisbane includes many inner-city suburbs and outer suburbs, but this list is for those who want to see the very best of what Brisbane City, known as Brisbane CBD, has to offer.
It is often asked if Brisbane is a boring city and well, like I say to my kids, “If you’re bored then you’re boring.” Brisbane is not a huge city, but there are plenty of parks, museums, shops, and restaurants. Brisbane has multiple theatres, public art, and kid-friendly activities. For those seeking fun, Brisbane is a great city to explore.
To be honest, it is hard (at least for a newbie to Brisbane) to determine where exactly Brisbane City is. Does it just include the CBD, making it north of the Brisbane River? Does Southbank count? What about Kangaroo Point? My first guess is no, but so many lists include activities at Kangaroo Point when writing about things to do in Brisbane City.
For this list specifically, we are sticking with Brisbane City=Brisbane CBD.
The Brisbane CBD is south of Spring Hill and north of Woolloongabba. It is east of Paddington, Petrie Terrace, and South Brisbane, and west of Fortitude Valley, New Farm, and Kangaroo Point.
I have now lived in Brisbane for about 5+ years, and Brisbane City and the CBD are practically interchangeable, so keep reading to find the best things to do in the Brisbane CBD.
Planning Your Trip? Use Our Favorite Resources!
Accommodation- Booking.com
Travel Insurance- Cover-More
Tours and Excursions- Get Your Guide and Viator
Rental Car- Discover Cars
Free Things to Do in the Brisbane CBD
Head to the Mall
Queen Street Mall is a popular spot in the Brisbane CBD for shopping, eating, and people-watching.
Located on Queen Street between Edward Street and George Street, Queen Street Mall is a pedestrian mall with over 700 shops in nearby buildings.
The buildings include Queens Plaza, Wintergarden, Uptown (formerly Myers Centre), and the Brisbane Arcade, among others.
Shop the Markets
The Brisbane City Markets are held in Brisbane City twice a week. On Wednesdays, the Brisbane City Markets take place at Reddacliff Place, at the end of the Queen Street Mall. On Thursdays, the Brisbane City Markets are located at Cathedral Square.
Each Sunday, Riverside at the Gardens Market is held in the City Botanic Gardens.
Brisbane Twilight Markets take place on a Friday night every other month in King George Square.
Wander the Gardens
In addition to the botanical gardens at Mount Coot-tha, there is a garden inside Brisbane City. The Brisbane City Botanic Gardens has rare plant species, walking paths, and a playground.
Lots of events take place in the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, including the Brisbane Night Noodle Markets and Botanica.
Free guided tours are offered in Brisbane City Botanic Gardens.
Learn more about the free guided tours in Brisbane City Botanic Gardens and other locations throughout Brisbane.
Admire the Fairy Lights
Head out after dark to see the fairy trees near QUT Gardens Point Campus. The fairy trees are stunning at night and worth visiting if you are near Brisbane City.
Learn about Brisbane
The Museum of Brisbane offers free entry and has rotating exhibits that highlight Brisbane’s past and present.
There are tours and workshops for all ages at the Museum of Brisbane.
Go up the Clock Tower
Located in City Hall, visitors can take an elevator on a guided tour up to the clock tower. The clock tower tour is free, but bookings are essential.
Read about our trip to the Museum of Brisbane and up to the Clock Tower.
Explore the Laneways
Brisbane has a lot of unique laneways worth visiting. The following laneways are in Brisbane City.
Burnett Lane
Parallel to the Queen Street Mall from George Street to Albert Street, Burnett Lane has public art, pedestrian access to the Queen Street Mall, and a variety of bars, cafes, and restaurants.
Currently, there are 2 fairy doors on Burnett Lane. To find out where to find the fairy doors in Brisbane, read Finding Fairy Doors in Brisbane.
Eagle Lane
In between Eagle Street and Queen Street, Eagle Lane is a popular spot for live music, street parties, and art.
Gresham Lane
Gresham Lane runs parallel to Creek Street from Adelaide Street to Queen Street and is filled with cafes and The Gresham Hotel and Bar.
Albert Lane
Albert Lane is larger than a traditional laneway and is home to many coffee shops, cafes, and shops.
Wander Roma Street Parkland
Walk through the rainforest, the gardens, and the giant lawns at Roma Street Parkland.
During the holiday season, lights are added to the area, and visitors can stroll through Enchanted.
Kids Collective has various sports, arts, and entertainment programs geared towards kids 5-12 during the Queensland school holidays.
Live music events take place in Roma Street Parklands with the Sound Society on the first Sunday of each month.
Visitors are welcome to take free guided tours of Roma Street Parkland or just wander on their own. There are multiple playgrounds, toilets, picnic areas, and a cafe, The Garden Room, which serves breakfast, lunch, and high tea.
Tour City Hall
In addition to the free guided tours you can take of The Museum of Brisbane and the clock tower, both of which are housed inside Brisbane’s City Hall, you can take multiple free guided tours of the City Hall building.
There is a behind-the-scenes tour at Brisbane’s City Hall and a tour of the organ at City Hall. Learn more about those tours and other free guided tours of Brisbane here.
Admire the Art
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has an art museum filled with contemporary art.
The QUT Art Museum, along with the William Robinson Gallery, located in the Old Government House, is free to enter and offers free guided tours.
Engage with Technology
Inside one of the buildings at QUT is a “cube” made of various multi-touch screens.
Entry to The Cube at QUT is free. The themes on the screens change daily, and there is a schedule available to see what the themes will be.
Tour Old Government House
Located near QUT, the Old Government House offers free guided tours, has an art gallery, and sometimes hosts markets, concerts, and other events.
Visit the Parliament House
The Australian Parliament House is open to the public. Both free and paid tours of Parliament House are available with themes on architecture, Indigenous experiences, and a behind-the-scenes look at Parliament House.
Shop for Deals
Bring a suitcase filled with clothes, art, and home items, or just plan to shop at the Suitcase Rummage located in Brisbane Square. Sellers must be registered and pay a small fee. Shoppers can enter the Suitcase Rummage for free.
Take a Moment at Anzac Square
Wander through Anzac Square and take time to see the Shrine of Remembrance and the Eternal Flame, which is there to recognize those who have served in Australia’s military.
In addition to the Shrine of Remembrance, there is an art gallery at Anzac Square. The Memorial Galleries offer a free guided tour.
Explore the Cross River Rail
Learn about the Cross River Rail with hands-on activities, virtual reality, and a film at the Brisbane Future Rail Discovery Centre.
The discovery centre is always free and is entertaining for both adults and kids. Check their schedule for special drop-in events for kids.
Solve a Crime at the Queensland Police Museum
Open on weekdays and the occasional Sunday, the Queensland Police Museum is always free to enter.
In addition to reading the information on the displays, there are a few interactive experiences, including typing up a crime story, sitting on a police motorcycle, taking your mug shot and fingerprints, and solving a crime on a tablet.
My kids spent hours in this small museum, and one of them is begging to go back.
More Things to Do in Brisbane City
Get Discount Spa Treatments
The French Beauty Academy is located in Brisbane City. It is a school that offers free and steeply discounted spa treatments.
Also located in Brisbane City, The Brisbane School of Hair Dressing has discounted haircuts and color treatments as well as other salon services.
For more ideas on a budget, check out How to Spend a Day Alone in Brisbane on a Budget.
Play Putt Putt Indoors
Holey Moley has multiple locations in Brisbane, including at the Wintergarden in Queen Street Mall. Holey Moley Wintergarden has 9 themed holes of indoor miniature golf plus bowling, laser tag, and karaoke.
Kids are welcome to join in at Holey Moley Wintergarden until 8 p.m. daily. There is a full bar and restaurant at Holey Moley serving unique cocktails, sandwiches, burgers, and pizzas.
Fun Places to Play Putt-Putt in Brisbane
Go Bowling
Located right next to Holey Moley is Strike Bowling, also in Wintergarden at Queen Street Mall. In addition to bowling, you can book karaoke, laser tag, and an escape room at Strike. Strike has a full bar and restaurant.
Enjoy High Tea
Brisbane City has many great options for high tea, including W Hotel, Room with Roses, and Samford Plaza.
Samford Plaza has a variety of high tea options, and they tend to have a themed high tea over the school holidays.
Read more about our experiences with High Tea in Brisbane with Kids
Eat Pancakes Any Time of Day or Night
Craving pancakes at 3 am? You are in luck!
Pancake Manor is open 24 hours a day, and its menu includes much more than pancakes.
For those who do want pancakes, there are plenty of options, including Bavarian Apple, Black Forest, and Jaffa Orange.
Wander the Racks at an Old Bookstore
Find a great second-hand book to read at Archives Fine Books, the 2nd largest second-hand bookstore in Queensland.
Enjoy the Views
Howard Smith Wharfs has bars, restaurants, and beautiful views. Howard Smith Wharf is the perfect place to watch the fireworks during Riverfire, and it is also a great place to hang out year-round.
Tour a Brewery
At 2 p.m. daily, there is a guided tour of Felon’s Brewery in Howard Smith Wharves.
Go on a Scavenger Hunt
Brisbane City has a few options when it comes to scavenger hunts. Some scavenger hunts only take place on one day or for a limited time, and some are app-based and can be played when you want. Here are a few options for scavenger hunts in Brisbane City.
- Brisbane’s Perfect Recipe Scavenger Hunt
- Brisbane Themed Adventure Games
- Brisbane Wizard Game Adventure and Sightseeing
Take a Boat on the Brisbane River
The Brisbane River runs along two of Brisbane City’s borders. The following boat rides leave from the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens and offer great views of Brisbane City.
Tour Brisbane City
Whether you want to join a group tour or take a tour on your own, there is an option in Brisbane City.
The Brisbane City Highlights: The Heart and Soul of Queensland Tour is a 6-hour tour that includes Brisbane City as well as other neighborhoods in Brisbane.
If you prefer to tour on your own, check out the Brisbane City Highlights Self-Guided Smartphone Tour.
Another option is to take a Brisbane True Crime Tour, where you can learn about Brisbane’s crime scenes while touring Brisbane City.
Play at a 24-Hour Casino
The Star holds the new casino in Brisbane City. You can enjoy the casino, eat at one of the many restaurants, stay in one of the hotels, or enjoy the view from the Sky Deck.
Enjoy an Outdoor Movie Theatre
Also at The Star is Skyline Cinemas, which offers outdoor movie nights.
Play Games with a Group
Join other players at Vault Games and play board games and tabletop role-playing games.
Go to the Theatre
While QPAC in Brisbane’s Southbank is where most people think of first for seeing live theatre, QUT Gardens Theatre in Brisbane City is another great option. They have live theatre, including shows for kids.
Drink with a View
Little is better than a rooftop bar on a nice day, and luckily, Brisbane has plenty of rooftop bars and nice days. Some of Brisbane City’s favorite rooftop bars include Fiume and Sixteen Antlers.
Listen to Live Music
Located inside Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, Riverstage holds large concerts as well as family and community events.
Laugh out Loud at a Comedy Show
See a comedy show at Good Chat Comedy Club in Brisbane City.
Good Chat Comedy Club offers a variety of shows at different times throughout the day, which is nice if you do not want a late night.
Catch the Brisbane Burglar
Join Brisbane Street Games in their hunt to catch the Brisbane Burglar. Explore Brisbane City and look for clues to figure out who the thief is.
Learn About Brisbane’s Convicts
The Commissariat Store Museum showcases Queensland’s history.
While there is an entry fee, free guided tours are offered at the Commissariat Store Museum.
Dance, Sing, and Enjoy a Night Out
Brisbane City has plenty of bars for a fun night out.
Doo-Bop Jazz Bar has live music every Tuesday – Saturday on multiple levels.
Brooklyn Standard plays live music Monday – Saturday nights and has an American-themed menu.
Located in a laneway, The Gresham is a bar in a heritage-listed building whose drink menu includes high-end whisky, rum, and gin. The drink options are endless at The Gresham.
Accommodations in Brisbane City
Crystalbrook Vincent, 5 Stars
Filled with unique art, the Crystalbrook Vincent also has a rooftop swimming pool, fitness center, bar, and restaurant.
Ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street, 4 Stars
Enjoy city views and stay close to the action at Ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street. This hotel has a restaurant, 24-hour desk service, and a fitness center.
Brisbane City YHA, 3 Stars
Stay in Brisbane City on a budget at Brisbane City YHA. Room options include both private and shared rooms and bathrooms. Brisbane City YHA has family rooms, a pool, and 24-hour desk service.
More Brisbane Neighborhoods to Explore
Brisbane CBD FAQ
The Brisbane CBD is located on the north side of the Brisbane River. Major landmarks in the Brisbane CBD include Story Bridge, City Hall, ANZAC Square, and St. John’s Cathedral.
Queen Street Mall is a pedestrian mall located in the Brisbane CBD. Both casual and luxury shops are located along the mall.
Explore the Museum of Brisbane and take a tour of the clock tower.
Shop along Queen Street Mall.
Stroll through the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens.
Enjoy a meal or drinks at Howard Smith Wharves.
While it is generally safe to walk around the Brisbane CBD at night, be cautious. Brisbane is a city, and it is important to stay aware of your surroundings.
Things to do in Brisbane CBD Wrap-Up
As you can see, there are plenty of fun things to do in the Brisbane CBD.
Whether you are visiting the Brisbane CBD with friends, your family, or solo, it is easy to find something to suit you both during the day and at night.
Public transportation is available in the Brisbane CBD, plus it is a walkable city. Hotels and hostels are located in the area at every price point.
You May Also Like
- Fun Things to Do When it is Raining in Brisbane
- Finding Fairy Doors in Brisbane
- Free Public Swimming Pools Near Brisbane
- Fun Places to Play Putt-Putt with Kids in Brisbane
- In and Around Brisbane with Kids Who Love Science
- 1 Day in Brisbane Itinerary, 3 Ways
- A Weekend in Brisbane with Kids Itinerary
- The Best Hotels in Brisbane
- Brisbane Hotels with Rooftop Pools
- Brisbane Hotels with Indoor Pools
- Is Brisbane Worth Visiting?
Pin for Later
