Grungy meets elegance.

Brisbane's Fortitude Valley is that part of the city where contradictions meet. Between sparkling offices and heritage-listed buildings, you can find shabby pubs next to international DJs playing their newest songs in chic clubs.

To locals known as “The Valley”, this part of the city was one of Australia's first entertainment districts and still remains a hotspot for up and coming artists and musicians and a party hotspot.

Discover The Fortitude Valley

Chinatown Mall

Chinatown Mall is a central part of The Valley, hosting exotic supermarkets and restaurants selling all sorts of Chinese products and herbal medicine. Passing under the traditional Chinese gate, you'll find yourself in the pedestrian-only Mall which is nice for a little browse.

Want to eat Chinese, Korean, Indonesian, Japanese, Thai or Vietnamese? You can surely feast on it here!

Many festivals are happening around The Valley throughout the year. Make sure to catch the famous Chinese New Year celebrations which occur yearly around the month of February.

One of Brisbane's oldest markets are happening in The Valley on Saturdays from 9am to 4pm. Indulge on food, bargain over vintage goods, find handmade stuff as well as art and fashion pieces by young designers.

Laneways

Get into the Melbourne-feeling as you wander through Brisbane's small but beautiful graffiti-sprinkled laneways. Yes, it might not seem overly exciting and you'd rather want to catch that flight down to Melbourne, but hear me out.

The Valley has some wonderful street and graffiti art and is also home to some of the best boutique shopping in town. Finding individual stores filled with unique pieces has never been easier before.

Winn Lane

Tucked on a side street just off Ann Street and behind the historic Shannon's building which houses the popular live music venue Zoo, you'll find Winn Lane.

Winn Lane Fortitude Valley Brisbane

It's a small laneway, but packed with boutique shopping like vintage clothing and accessories, quirky prints and statement jewellery. And while you are already here, you may as well get a haircut!

Finish off your browse with a feed at Ben's Burgers.

Winn Lane Fortitude Valley Brisbane

M&A Lane

One of the newer laneway additions in The Valley is M&A Lane, where a variety of culinary choices are waiting, with restaurants and bars serving up fresh meals transporting you to Mexico, Japan and more.

There are still new laneway projects coming with Lucky Lane and California Lane in the making. Stay tuned.

Bakery Lane

The name alone makes me want to return over and over again. Unfortunately, Bakery Lane doesn't have a seriously awesome bakery (yet), however a handful of small boutique shops, cafés and cool bars can be found here. Grab some

Grab some brownies or visit the cozy addition to Lost Boys (good coffee to be found here!) called The Tree House to kick off your night with a beer or cider and a choice of tapas from the vegetarian menu.

Secret Laneway Tip! – Burnett Lane, Brisbane CBD

And then there is Burnett Lane. Brisbane's oldest laneway which is actually located in the CBD and running parallel to Queens Street Mall. Named after the first colonial surveyor, Burnett Lane today houses some cool wine bars, cafés and late-night feeds.

My favourites? Brew Café and Wine Bar, where the water comes in vodka bottles and the halloumi bagel is absolutely worth trying. Good internet for wifi hungry people like me can be found at Brew too!

Super Whatnot is another favourite of mine. Also, try Felix Espresso & Winebar next door for good coffee and the daily changing wholesome menu. Unfortunately, it's only open throughout the day, not in the evening.

James Street

As you walk down Ann Street, you will soon find James Street going off to your right. It's like walking into another world from graffiti sprayed laneway walls to a flashy shopping street housing local boutiques, homeware and other national flagship stores with restaurants and cafés scattered in-between.

James Street has actually become one of my favourite lunch spots whenever I work from one of the coworking spaces in The Valley. It's simply beautiful to take lunch on this tree-lined street. Come sunset and the street starts pumping with its' upper chic alternative bars and clubs. Try At Sixes And Sevens!

Eat In The Fortitude Valley

Sol Natural Foods is a hip little café on Ann Street with a wonderful vegetarian and vegan menu. If you are after wheat, gluten and dairy free meals, you can find anything from sandwiches, salads, pizzas and pastries here. Sip on an organic wine or craft beer as the café is licenced too.

Among the latest venues to hit fashionable James Street is Gerard's Bistro, where local produce marries unusual flavours from across southern Europe, the Middle East and northern Africa. Head there not only for dinner but also for brunch on the weekend.

For some serious graffiti art and a tasty burger, check out Chur Burger. Set right under the ultra-cool art house of Tryp Hotel, Chur Burger serves possibly the best gourmet burgers in town. Get the sweet potato fries to go with it.

Chur Burger Fortitude Valley Brisbane

Daily handmade and fresh as ever, that's what you find at the funky Fat Dumpling. Get cosy between the exposed brick walls while nibbling on poached, steamed or pan fried dumplings ranging in flavours from pork and Chinese cabbage, chicken, vegetarian to prawn and pork.

The Apo can be found right next to Bakery Lane in one of the oldest houses in The Valley, the heritage-listed Apothecaries Hall. Dishes are great to be shared and go beyond the standard tapas, because really, who doesn't like some exciting and adventurous food? There are two levels and an upstairs balcony even though it doesn't look very big from the outside. It sure has a moody, interesting personality inside.

Are you looking for real good freshly baked bread, cakes and sweets? Visit Jocelyn's Provisions on James Street. Not the cheapest pick when it comes to bakery food but definitely divine!

For some delicious pub food, try the Empire Hotel set in a heritage-listed hotel on Brunswick Street. Open every night, the Empire hotel doesn't just do food well, but it puts on many different events from Open Mic night to live music and two for one meals every Tuesday!

Empire Hotel Food Brisbane

Empire Hotel Fortitude Valley Brisbane

And despite it being a Monday when I was exploring The Valley with my blogger companion Raf and most places looked pretty dead, the Empire Hotel still put on a nice live music show for us.

Note to self: Mondays in The Valley are seriously not the best night to pick out of all of them. We were certainly like.. meh.

Where To Party In The Fortitude Valley

The Fortitude Valley is not only famous for its' legendary party venues and young party crowd, but it indeed hosts some great live music acts. The Tivoli and The Zoo are both places you should check out if you are after some national and international superstar acts.

Backpackers and travellers from all across the world meet cheap drink specials? Then Birdies is your place to be.

Barbara is a cool new bar with craft beer and cider on tap, simply a great place to kick off the night.

Chilled beer garden atmosphere wanted? Come to The Wickham, Beach Burrito or Pig ‘n' Whistle.

Hit the dance floors at GPO, The Met, The Family or the magical Cloudland and party until the early morning hours.

Cloudland Fortitude Valley Brisbane

Rooftop Bars in Fortitude Valley

When it comes to rooftop bars, rooftop and city views are loosely defined in Brisbane. However, the following are worth checking out not only for their views.

As a local favourite Alfred & Constance serves up drinks seven days a week from three themed bars. The setting is unique with two neighbouring Queenslander homes linked together by a walkway.

Grab a bite from one of the numerous eating spots, and if the music is good, go dance the night away! 

Eleven Rooftop Bar is an all-day venue dishing up European-style share plates, light breakfasts, coffee as well as cocktails until way after the sun has set. If you are after a little bit of Bali or Ibiza feel, this is your spot. Amazing city views included. 

Up on Contance sits right on top of Chur Burger. Head past the graffiti wall to the rear and take the elevator right up to the top where you'll find views that span across the city.

Kick off your night with wine, cocktails, tap beers and seasonal canapés combined with chilled music while enjoying the balmy climate of Brisbane overlooking the rooftops.

For more rooftop bar inspiration around Brisbane, have a look here.

Stay In The Fortitude Valley

Stay at Limes Hotel if you are looking for premium accommodation with excellent service. The hotel is conveniently located within a stone's throw of cafés, shops, bars and restaurants. There are 21 rooms featuring stylish lodgings like flat screen TV, iPod dock, black-tiled bathrooms and free Wifi. Check out the renowned rooftop cinema, bar, dining, and entertainment venue right at the hotel.

Alex Perry Hotel & Apartments is a good choice to take advantage of the cities attractions while enjoying unrivaled service and amenities. Every room has wifi, air-condition and a balcony while there is also a fitness center and outdoor pool on the premises.

Tryp Hotel is the perfect combination of stylish and well-placed, so you can enjoy the rest of Brisbane without a hassle. All rooms and suites offer necessary modern amenities, are individually designed and thoughtfully furnished. Of course, there is free Wifi and a gym. And the best? One of Brisbane's best rooftop bars is right next door!

Tryp Hotel Brisbane

Tryp Hotel Brisbane Outside Art Wall

Up On Constance Fortitude Valley Brisbane

Tryp Hotel Fortitude Valley Brisbane

It probably doesn't get better than the Emporium Hotel Brisbane, a boutique hotel featuring a lovely pool with sun loungers and views over the Brisbane CBD. All rooms are state-of-the-art featuring a plasma TV, Bose stereo system, movies-on-demand as well as a kitchenette and private laundry facilities in every suite. Some even come with a spa bath. The hotel’s Belle Epoque Patisserie serves coffee and French-style pastries. Yum!

Looking for budget accommodation in The Valley? Try Bunk Backpackers, an award-winning hostel offering air-conditioned dorm rooms and private apartments including a swimming pool, free Wifi, breakfast and Birdies, a lively student bar right next door to it.

Lively nightlife, great restaurants and some funky laneways and street art? The Fortitude Valley should be on your list when visiting Brisbane.

Have you visited the Fortitude Valley in Brisbane?

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