15 Best Things to Do in West End, Brisbane
Are you looking for the best things to do in the West End neighborhood of Brisbane?
Brisbane’s West End is known for being a walkable inner city suburb with a lot of fun things to do. West End is located south of South Bank, a touristy neighborhood with the Cultural Centre, including a few museums and theatres.
While West End is a residential suburb, it is best known for its unique shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
One of the most popular things to do in West End is attending a festival, and there are a few annual festival options.
Read on for my list of best things to do in West End, Brisbane.
Things to do in West End, Brisbane
Shop at the Op Shops
The West End is known for its op shops, most of which are on Boundary Street, and all are within walking distance of each other.
- Serendipity Op Shop
- St. Veronica’s Thrift Shop
- Yesterday’s Thrift Shop West End
- SWOP Clothing Exchange Brisbane
Browse the Boutiques
In addition to all of the op shops in the West End, there are plenty of boutiques as well. Like the op-shops, most boutiques are located on Boundary Street and are all within walking distance of each other. Here are a few options for boutiques in the West End.
Buy Some Books
West End is home to the cutest kids’ bookshop, Where the Wild Things Are, and there are so many things to do besides browse and buy books at the shop.
Where the Wild Things Are hosts book clubs for kids and teens. The book clubs meet twice each school term. The book clubs include a discussion, games for the younger group, and afternoon tea.
Where the Wild Things Are bookshop also hosts workshops, book release parties, storytime, and other events for kids and teens.
Located directly next to Where the Wild Things Are is Bent Books, a used bookstore in West End. Bent Books also has a nice collection of new games, puzzles, and other gifts.
Take a Plant Workshop
Mappins Nursery is a unique nursery and aquarium in the West End, and they also hold workshops on the weekends and occasionally during the week. Check out the list of workshops at Mappins Nursery when you are looking for something fun to do in West End.
Plant workshops must be a favorite thing to do in the West End, and there are lots of options. In addition to the countless options at Mappins Nursery, All the Green Things, located in the West Village, also hosts plant workshops. All the Green Thing’s current plant workshop options include terrariums, propagation, and kokedama.
See a Show
For theatre, dance, music, and art, head to Metro Arts Theatre in Brisbane’s West End. Metro Arts Theatre is located in the West Village.
Climb the Walls
In addition to yoga and fitness classes, visitors can climb the walls at Urban Climb, an indoor rock-climbing gym located in West End.
First-time climbers get 2 weeks of free climbing after their first paid session, and there are lots of perks for Urban Climb members.
Attempt an Escape
Escape Hunt has locations around the world, including one in Brisbane’s West End. Currently, there are 6 different themed escape rooms, some of which are kid-friendly. Each escape room at Escape Hunt is suitable for 2-6 players.
We escaped from the Alice in Wonderland-themed escape room at Escape Hunt.
Find more kid-friendly escape rooms in Brisbane.
Cheer on the Souths Logan Magpies
Head to a rugby match at Davies Park in West End, home of the Souths Logan Magpies.
Go to Gin School
The only registered gin school in Australia is located in Brisbane’s West End at Brisbane Distillery. Classes are held twice a day from Wednesday to Sunday and three times each Saturday.
Students can choose from more than 180 botanicals to create their gin flavor. Classes include the history of gin as well as drinks and snacks.
Each gin school student can bring home a bottle of gin with a personalized label.
Free Things to Do in West End, Brisbane
Browse the Markets
Every Saturday morning, the West End Markets are held in Davies Park. There are 150+ vendors at West End Markets, including produce, fashion, and crafts. Live music and ready-to-eat food are available at the markets.
Tour West End
The Brisbane Greeters offer free walking tours throughout Brisbane. While no tour takes place exclusively in West End, they do have a Fish Lane and West Village Walking Tour, which takes place in West End and nearby South Brisbane.
Find more free guided walking tours in Brisbane.
Annual Festivals in West End
Paniyiri Greek Festival
Known as the largest Greek festival in Australia, the Paniyiri Greek Festival takes place yearly in West End, Brisbane.
In addition to the delicious Greek food options, there is dancing, grape stomping, cooking demonstrations, markets, and more.
My family has attended a few times. While we always plan to stay for a short time, we end up enjoying the festival for most of the day.
West End Fire Festival
Held once a month, the West End Fire Festival takes place in Orleigh Park in West End and includes a night of food trucks, music, and fire spinners.
Brisbane Pride Festival
The Brisbane Pride Festival’s Fair Day is held in Musgrave Park in West End. This event includes stalls, street food, and performances.
Where to Eat in West End, Brisbane
Superthing
Superthing is known for its pink decor and delicious meals. The brunch menu at Superthing includes vegan, gluten-free, and keto options.
Latin Manna
For delicious Colombian food, check out Latin Manna, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner depending on the day of the week.
Nostimo Restaurant and Bar
West End is known for its Greek restaurants, including Nostimo Restaurant and Bar. Their menu even includes Honeypuffs for dessert, a favorite at the Piriyani Greek Festival. Nostimo Restaurant offers lunch specials and banquet meals, and they have live music every Saturday night.
Accommodations in West End, Brisbane
Lots of hotels are located in South Brisbane, within walking distance from West End, but if you want to stay in West End, there are options for hostels and holiday homes.
Find hotels near West End on our list of The Best Hotels in Brisbane.
Somewhere to Stay Backpackers, 2 Stars
Located inside a unique Queensland-style resort house is Somewhere to Stay Backpackers, a hostel in West End. A large variety of room options are available at Somewhere to Stay Backpackers, from a single room to a mixed 8-bed dormitory with a private bathroom. Some of the room options have shared bathrooms. Somewhere to Stay Backpackers has a pool and is within walking distance of Southbank.
More Brisbane Neighborhood Guides
- Fortitude Valley
- Brisbane City
- New Farm
- Teneriffe
- Newstead
- Bowen Hills
- Milton
- Paddington
- Kangaroo Point
- Spring Hill
West End FAQ
Brisbane’s West End neighborhood has a mix of cafes, vintage shops, and bars. West End has lots of live music venues, organic and vegan restaurants, and op-shops. While some of West End is upscale, the neighborhood is a bit gritty, which is part of its charm.
The majority of shops and restaurants are on Boundary Street in Brisbane’s West End
