Are you travelling to Brisbane and spending a few days in town and looking for the best budget accommodation in Brisbane? I have lived in many parts of Brisbane over the years, on the North and Southside, right in the CBD and further outside on the edges of one of Australia's coolest cities and there are great places to find everywhere.
If you are travelling Australia on a budget, here are my suggestions on where to stay if you're coming into town for a few days and don't want to be too far from the action. I recommend a few different areas as well as the best hostels and backpackers, so the choice is yours according to what you're looking for!
1. Cheap Places to Stay in Brisbane for Sightseeing: Brisbane CBD
Staying right in the city center has obviously some advantages. Not only are you close to all the main attractions on any Brisbane itinerary but you will have an easy time walking to the south side and connecting to other locations nearby.
Transportation is also very easy and frequent to take from the center.
The main street is called Queens Street which is Brisbane's vibrant pedestrian-only shopping and lifestyle precinct.
Here you can find all the big flagship stores, small boutiques tucked away in heritage-listed arcades, the popular Myer-Center and so much more.
The Best Cheap Accommodation Brisbane CBD
Selina Brisbane
Selina Brisbane is conveniently situated in Brisbane's CBD near the Roma Street Transit Centre. The hostel offers a range of accommodation options from dormitories to private rooms, all featuring en suite bathrooms and air conditioning.
The hotel has a shared kitchen, cinema room and coworking space. Being so close to Roma Street Parklands and Brisbane city centre makes it an ideal choice for easy access. It's also one of the nicer hostels in Brisbane.
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Brisbane City YHA
The YHA is located only a few steps away from Upper Roma Street and just a stone's throw away from the Transit Center and a short walk over the bridge to South Bank. You can choose from dorm rooms, double and ensuite rooms.
The best of the hostel is the rooftop swimming pool with views spanning across the city's skyline and Brisbane River. Of course, they have free wifi as well as an onsite bar & cafe, secure parking is available and there is always something on the calendar every night. You can choose from dorm rooms, double and ensuite rooms.
The best of the hostel is the rooftop swimming pool with views spanning across the city's skyline and Brisbane River. Of course, they have free wifi as well as an onsite bar & cafe, secure parking is available and there is always something on the calendar every night.
Of course, they have free Wi-Fi as well as an onsite bar & cafe, secure parking is available and there is always something on the calendar every night from movie nights to BBQs to party nights.
Check availability and best rates
City Backpackers HQ
I stayed here a few times and especially love the panoramic river and city views from the rooftop garden terrace which also has a pool. There's free Wi-Fi and only a few hundred meters from the Roma Street Transit Center.
The backpacker has a large movie theatre and if you come in your own car, there is off-street parking available too. Head to the on-site pub for nightly live music, karaoke and quiz nights. Of course, there is a food menu too as well as drinks and breakfast.
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Chill Backpackers
Chill Hostel in Brisbane City Centre offers air-conditioned rooms and off-street parking along with fast, free Wi-Fi and scenic views of the Brisbane River.
Booknjoy common areas, including a movie room and decks for relaxing with cocktails, and the hostel's central location provides easy access to major attractions and amenities in the city.
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Brisbane Quarters
Brisbane Quarters is located in Brisbane near Roma Street Parklands in Spring Hill. This hostel offers an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and a shared lounge.
With its central location, you've got popular attractions like Queen Street Mall and Brisbane Central Station nearby, it's a convenient choice for travelers exploring the city.
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2. Cheap Places to Stay in Brisbane for Nightlife: Fortitude Valley
Staying at a backpackers in Fortitude Valley is a good pick if you want to get out and about and explore some of Brisbane's best nightlife. It's also a great place to wander around and explore laneway graffiti and some of the alternative arts and café scene.
There are some amazing coffee places to be found here. Try No.5 Cafe, Nodo Newstead or a King Arthus Cafe, three of my favourite spots where I get coffee!
The Best Cheap Hostels in Fortitude Valley
LyLo Brisbane
Stay at LyLo, Brisbane's revolutionary pod accommodation in the heart of Fortitude Valley. They offer cozy communal living as well as king rooms for more privacy. There's a rooftop hangout spaces and convenient access to the city's vibrant entertainment scene.
As the first-ever LyLo in Australia, this hostel brings a fresh, affordable, and fun stay option for anyone wanting to stay in the nightlife hub of Brisbane.
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Bunk Brisbane
Stay at Bunk if you come to Brisbane for the party because that's exactly where it's at! Fortitude Valley Train Station is also a short walk away and the Airtrain stops there so it'll be easy to get here. Let them know when you arrive and they organize free transfers to the Transit Center if you come by bus.
No matter if you want to stay in a big dorm and meet some other travellers and have a bit more privacy in one of the double ensuite rooms. They even have 2-bedroom apartments if you are travelling in a group of up to 6 friends. There is even a hot tub and pool. Wi-Fi is available.
If you stay at Bunk, you won't go past Birdees, the bar right next door for students, backpackers and everyone on the lookout for a crazy party. Claimed to be Brisbane’s best party 7 days a week.
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3. Cheap Places to Stay in Brisbane's Hippest Neighbourhood: West End
West End is a perfect pick if you are looking to stay somewhere different if you love to visit great cafés, enjoy visiting museums and have an interest in arts and entertainment.
It's also great to be close to the only city beach in Brisbane located in South Bank.
This part of town also hosts an amazing market called the West End Markets every Saturday from 6 am to 2 pm, very cool market to find organic fresh ingredients, some arts and knick knacks as well as live music and food stalls.
The Best Cheap Hostels in Brisbane West End
Somewhere to Stay
If you don't feel like staying right in the city but you're on a budget, I recommend staying in the cosmopolitan West End, a very hip part of town with many cafés, restaurants, markets, pubs and awesome boutiques. Somewhere to Stay is a cheap backpackers hostel offering shared dorms or private double, twin or single rooms.
The views from the balcony are amazing! South Bank Parklands, the man-made beach and river are a short walk away. You'll even have some furry housemates as they have some super cute cats running around. The saltwater pool is perfect for a dip after a long day of exploring the city.
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Minto Accommodation Brisbane
Located near Streets Beach, the man-made lagoon in South Bank with key attractions like the South Bank Parklands and QPAC, offers non-smoking rooms with free Wi-Fi and a shared lounge.
Enjoy city views from the balcony and have easy access to South Bank Parklands and Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, making it an affordable choice in Brisbane's West End.
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4. Cheap Places to Stay in Brisbane for Brunches & Boutiques: Paddington
Paddington is your pick if you want to stay in a leafy, very picturesque part of town with historical buildings scattered across housing cafés, bars, boutiques, galleries and churches.
Lazy weekend breakfasts? Cool bars? Unique shopping? Paddington has it all. There are also quite some steep hills so city views are guaranteed from many places!
The Best Cheap Hostels in Paddington
Habitat Backpackers
Habitat Backpackers is a straightforward hostel without any frills. Conveniently located near Roma Street Station and major attractions in Brisbane, you can book basic rooms, shared facilities, and free amenities like Wi-Fi and kitchen access.
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Banana Backpackers
Banana Backpackers in Brisbane's heart has been recently renovated to offer a modern stay. With its central location on Petrie Terrace, staying here will give you easy access to Brisbane's top attractions.
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5. Cheap Places to Stay in Brisbane Like a Local: New Farm
Definitely one of my favourite suburbs in Brisbane is New Farm. It's right next to Fortitude Valley but less busy and more relaxed with many great cafés, and tree-lined streets and has a very residential, suburban feeling even though it's super close to the city center.
Here you'll also find the Brisbane Powerhouse, an arts and cultural hub set in a former power station hosting many amazing events every week. Don't miss the Jan Powers Farmers Market happening every Saturday from 6 am to noon.
The Best Cheap Hostels in New Farm
Bluetongue Backpackers Brisbane
New Farm is a beautiful suburb to stay in, especially if you are around for a few days longer. Not only for the great coffee and breakfast and brunch spots, but New Farm is so close to the city center, the river and the nightlife of Fortitude Valley, while at the same time, it's super relaxed and doesn't feel like being in the city at all.
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Book Your Trip To Australia
Book Your Flight
I recommend using Skyscanner as the easiest way to find and compare the best airfares to and within Australia.
Book Your Hotel
My top pick for finding the perfect accommodation is Booking.com, as they guarantee the best room rate available, plus you get free cancellation on most bookings.
Book Your Tours & Activities
I like finding and pre-booking tours with Get Your Guide and Viator. You will book with instant confirmation, great customer support, and free cancellation for many activities.
Access Money Overseas Without Hidden Fees
I highly recommend getting a Wise account to withdraw money in Australia, pay for meals on the Visa card, or shop in Australian Dollars. With Wise, you always pay the real exchange, so you never pay more than you need to.
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Best Cheap Places to Stay in Brisbane – Final Words
For budget-conscious travelers looking for affordable accommodation in Brisbane, there are several great options right in the heart of the city that you can book without breaking the bank.
With any accommodation option listed above, always check for long-term discounts if you already know you want to stay for a week or longer. Many places will have a discount of paying 6 stays, 7 nights or something similar. From cozy hostels with shared facilities to budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses, there's something for every traveler's preference while sticking to your budget.
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