Ultimate 3-Day Brisbane Itinerary: Must-See, Eat + Best Hotels

Living on the Gold Coast, Brisbane is a quick 1-hour trip and I often spend time in the city to soak up some of the city's lively atmosphere. I've also lived and house-sat in many different suburbs of Brisbane before settling on the Gold Coast, so I know a thing or two about the city.

Brisbane has evolved significantly over the years and has become quite a hip destination. With its fantastic climate, diverse range of activities and amazing culinary scene, it's truly a fantastic place to explore.

In my comprehensive guide, I'll unveil the ultimate Brisbane itinerary, so you can make the most out of your visit to the charming River City.

Where to Stay in Brisbane

Brisbane has some awesome suburbs and where you decide to stay depends on what you're looking for. As the third-largest Australian city, it's more spread out than you'd think and has many little pockets within various neighborhoods that are worth exploring.

Here are the areas I recommend when you visit Brisbane:

1. Brisbane CBD

First-time visitors and anyone without a car and needs easy accessibility. Also, the best area to stay for shopping as Queen Street Mall is at the heart of the CBD.

Best Hotels in Brisbane CBD

Hyatt Regency Brisbane

I recently stayed at the Hyatt Regency Brisbane, which is located in the heart of the CBD with Queen Street Mall just steps away. The hotel offers modern rooms, free Wi-Fi, and an awesome outdoor pool on Level 4 overlooking the mall and city skyline. There's also a terrace and bar next to the pool as well as a fitness center and private parking.

We stayed in a King Room on a higher floor, which had stunning views over the rooftops and river as well as South Bank Parklands and Wheel of Brisbane, which looked especially pretty at night.

The convenient location and value for money are certainly what make the Hyatt Regency a top choice for anyone wanting to stay in the central business district.

Other hotels to check out in the Brisbane CBD:

Apartments: Meriton Suites Herschel Street – 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments with everything you need, including a kitchen and laundry, great for families and groups of friends.

Budget: ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street – Compact yet clean and modern Queen and Kind rooms. I recommend booking a room with River View.

2. Southbank

Perfect for families as it's close to the man-made beach and lagoon and lots of green spaces along the Brisbane River. Also a great area for culture vultures as the Queensland Cultural Centre is right here too.

3. The Valley

The Brisbane Fortitude Valley is the best area to stay for nightlife, it's got a much younger crowd. It's also great for couples looking for a getaway with the luxurious James Street full of boutiques and eateries that invite for brunch and long lunches.

Getting Around Brisbane

Getting around Brisbane is easy thanks to its walkable streets and pedestrian-friendly pathways. The city center is compact and easily navigable on foot, allowing you to explore its attractions, and scenic riverfront at a leisurely pace.

You definitely do not need a car for this Brisbane itinerary!

Cycling is also a popular choice in Brisbane. The city offers a network of bike lanes and shared pathways, making it convenient and safe to pedal around and discover hidden gems along the way.

In recent years, electric scooters provided by companies like Beam and Neuron have become a fun and convenient mode of transportation in Brisbane. These electric scooters can be easily rented through the apps, offering a quick and efficient way to zip around the city for short distances. We used Neuron to get from the CBD to West End for a cafe for brunch and then visit the local markets.

The CityCat ferry in Brisbane offers a scenic and convenient way for locals and tourists alike to navigate the city along the Brisbane River, with stops at key destinations and stunning views of the skyline.

Lastly, of course, there are rideshare services like Uber as well to get from A to B, which is best, especially for longer distances or when public transport isn't as convenient.

How to get from Brisbane Airport to the City Center

Getting from Brisbane Airport to the Brisbane CBD is pretty easy with various transportation options available such as Airtrain, taxi or Uber. The Airtrain takes just about 20 minutes and they often offer free return if you book one way, which works out at just about A$23.

Brisbane Itinerary Day 1: CBD, South Bank & West End

Morning:

While the Brisbane CBD doesn't have a whole lot of things to see, one must-visit spot is the City Botanic Gardens, a little green oasis with scenic walking paths, great for a morning walk.

On Sundays from 8 am to 3 pm, you'll also find the Riverside Sunday Market within the gardens. Overall, this market is on the smaller side but it does have some good food options and live music.

If you love shopping, Queen Street Mall will be a haven, packed with retail stores, boutiques, and eateries. Notably, on Friday nights, Queen Street Mall remains open until 9 pm, so you can shop until late under the city lights.

Stop by the iconic Brisbane City Hall, located on King George Square, which is free to enter. While the clock tower isn't very tall, you can join a free guided tour and climb up too. The Museum of Brisbane is inside also with exhibitions year-round.

Lunch:

For lunch, head to West Village Shopping Precinct, which is a 20-minute walk from the CBD or a 10-minute bike/scooter ride.

I can recommend IPPIN Japanese Dining if you're after a nice sit-down lunch with a good atmosphere, otherwise, you'll also find more casual restaurants from Greek to Poke Bowls. From here, stroll down Boundary Street, the main shopping with lots of funky boho and electric stores.

You should also visit West End Markets, which is an outdoor farmers and art market held every Saturday from 6 am to 2 pm.

Afternoon:

Make your way to South Bank, which is located across the river from the CBD. South Bank offers a beautiful riverside promenade with lush gardens and a swimming area called Streets Beach, perfect for families with kids. I also recommend visiting the Nepalese Peace Pagoda right next to it.

If you love art and culture – or it is a rainy day in Brisbane – cultural institutions like the Queensland Museum and Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) will keep you busy. The State Library of Queensland is located here also, which has a café – or try Nodo South Bank for afternoon tea. Keep in mind this place closes around 3 pm.

For the late afternoon, go on a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the CBD, South Brisbane and the Brisbane River. Or simply enjoy some time along the river.

If you're looking for a drink and dinner, Fish Lane is my pick. It's a trendy lane between Grey and Hope Street with a variety of bars and restaurants to choose from.

From South Bank, you can also walk back over the Goodwill Bridge, a dedicated pedestrian bridge that connects to the Botanic Gardens.

We decided to head back into the city center and had dinner at Lennons Restaurant, which is located within the Hyatt Regency Brisbane.

Lennons Restaurant offers a diverse range of Modern-Australian dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. I recommend trying their cocktails too! My favorite was the Mozzarella Burrata and Rump of Lamb.

Brisbane Itinerary Day 2: Kangaroo Cliffs, New Farm, Howard Smith Wharves

Morning:

We started our morning with a delicious buffet breakfast at the Hyatt Regency Brisbane. Alternatively, consider trying the wholesome offerings at Felix for Goodness in the CBD, or head to O Bagel or indulge in a flaky croissant at Lune, which I first visited on my trip to Melbourne.

If you're an early riser looking for a special adventure, I recommend you check out the Sunrise Kayak & Coffee tour that starts at the bottom of the Kangaroo Cliffs. Here, you can also join an abseiling class with epic panoramic views during the day.

Alternatively, if you're looking for another slow morning activity, take a scenic stroll along the River Walk to New Farm. This picturesque path offers fresh air and stunning views of the Brisbane River, making it a peaceful way to start your day.

Once you arrive in New Farm, be sure to explore the beautiful New Farm Park and the Power House, where you can relax in the lush greenery, enjoy a picnic, or even participate in outdoor yoga classes.

Don't miss the chance to visit the popular Jan Powers Farmers Market, held at the park on weekends (Saturday) and open til Noon, you'll find an array of fresh produce, gourmet treats, and local artisanal goods for a truly authentic Brisbane experience.

Lunch:

For lunch, head to Joey's on top of the Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park, where you'll be treated to not only delicious food but also breathtaking views of the city skyline and Brisbane River.

After lunch, you can opt for a leisurely walk across the iconic Story Bridge or if you prefer a quicker ride, hop on a scooter or Uber for a scenic trip over the bridge.

Did you know you can also climb the Story Bridge? And t's actually much more affordable than the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb! You can check out more info right here.

For those exploring New Farm, a lunch excursion to the Fortitude Valley along James Street is highly recommended. Here, I recommend eateries like The Green, Botanica Real Food, or Sunshine. Then go browse some of the trendy shops lining the street.

For a more upscale foodie experience, don't miss the opportunity to dine at Hellenika within The Calile Hotel for exquisite Greek cuisine in a stylish setting.

Afternoon:

In the afternoon, as you start planning for dinner, consider exploring the dining scene around Eagle Street Pier with a range of restaurants with scenic views of the Brisbane River.

For a more trendy atmosphere, I recommend checking out Howard Smith Wharves, where you can enjoy a drink right under the Story Bridge. Choose any of the restaurants along here for a lively riverside setting.

Whether you prefer a craft beer at Felons Brewing or a delicious meal overlooking the water, both Eagle Street Pier and Howard Smith Wharves are a great choice when visiting Brisbane.

Brisbane Itinerary Day 3: Day Trip From Brisbane

On Day 3 of your Brisbane itinerary, it's time to venture on a day trip to explore the stunning nearby destinations.

Choose between the iconic Gold Coast with its theme parks, beautiful beaches, and opportunities to spot humpback whales. The Gold Coast hinterland is another favorite spot of mine, with lush rainforests and walking trails of Lamington National Park.

For a more laid-back coastal experience, head to the Sunshine Coast, I personally recommend visiting Mooloolaba or Noosa. If you have the time, I highly recommend staying in Noosa for one or two nights also, it's an awesome little beach town!

For nature enthusiasts, visit Moreton Island on a day tour or North Stradbroke Island, both offering pristine beaches, wildlife and outdoor adventures. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the lush rainforests and walking trails of Lamington National Park for a serene escape.

Families will love a visit to Mount Coot-tha for panoramic city views and a trip to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to meet Australia's beloved koalas.

Get the best deal when you purchase your tickets for Lone Pine in advance online.

3-Day Brisbane Itinerary – Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Is Brisbane City worth visiting?

Absolutely, Brisbane City is definitely worth visiting! As the capital city of Queensland, it offers an amazing blend of cultural attractions, picturesque riverfront views, trendy dining options, and a relaxed yet lively atmosphere. Whether you're interested in exploring museums and galleries, enjoying outdoor activities along the Brisbane River, or eating your way around the city's culinary scene, Brisbane has something to offer for everyone.

📅 How many days is enough for exploring Brisbane?

Generally, I think spending 3 days in Brisbane allows you to visit key attractions in the city, explore nearby neighborhoods like South Bank and Fortitude Valley and even take day trips to the surrounding beaches and natural wonders such as Moreton Island or the Gold Coast.

📍 Which is better to visit, the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast?

The Gold Coast is known for its stunning beaches, nightlife, world-class theme parks, and plenty of picturesque spots for dining and hiking. Compared to the Sunshine Coast, it's definitely got a more lively atmosphere and more entertainment options. The Sunshine Coast offers a more laid-back and relaxed vibe with beautiful beaches, charming coastal towns like Noosa and Mooloolaba, and pristine natural attractions such as the Glass House Mountains and Noosa National Park, making it perfect for those looking for a tranquil beach getaway and outdoor adventures.

❓ What is Brisbane's most famous street called?

Brisbane's most famous street is Queen Street Mall, renowned for its vibrant shopping scene, diverse dining options, and lively atmosphere. It is a pedestrian-only mall located in the heart of the CBD, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

3-Day Brisbane Itinerary – Final Words

Three days of exploring the bustling streets of Queen Street Mall, taking in panoramic views from Kangaroo Point Cliffs and exploring the natural beauty of the surroundings, Brisbane truly has a lot of charm and diversity to offer and even if you stay a few extra days, I am sure you'll find something to do!

I truly love a Brisbane getaway and there's always something new to explore, from delving into the city's rich cultural heritage to simply soaking in the sunshine along the Brisbane River, I hope this 3-day itinerary has captured the essence of this growing Australian destination.