Brisbane is a city blessed with sunny days, friendly locals and a leisurely lifestyle that makes it a relaxed choice for a weekend getaway. But without the obvious icons like the Sydney Opera House, what is there to see and do? The answer is plenty! Here’s our local foodies guide for the ultimate Brisbane weekend itinerary!
As Brisbane locals, we’ll share some hidden gems to have you living like a local and soaking up the sunshine and happiness, you’ll feel you may need longer than a weekend!
What we love about Brisbane is that there are so many suburbs with their own ‘village’ atmosphere to explore. Some of our favourite urban precincts are New Farm, Paddington, Bulimba, South Bank & West End each with their own identity and culture from urban hip New Farm to family friendly South Bank.
Then of course, there is Brisbane city itself which is just as bustling on the weekend as the suburbs on a weekend, not to mention the incredible regional offering of the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast or even hop over the border to Byron Bay just an hour or more away for some beach action.
We’ve written about the regional areas here and here, but we’d love to share our tips for the ultimate Brisbane weekend getaway.
Friday night: Ok, it might not be as iconic as Sydney Harbour Bridge, but Brisbanites love the Story Bridge and there are plenty of hot spots around Eagle St Pier to enjoy views of the bridge in all its glory. Start with pre-dinner drinks at Mr & Mrs G’s Riverbar, it’s a sophisticated scene with designer fitout, killer cocktail list and dazzling views. Book somewhere fabulous nearby such as Pony (casual eats) Black Bird Bar & Grill (new kid on the block), ARIA (Matt Moran's Brisbane outpost with a focus on local produce & wine) or Esquire (Brisbane’s only 3 hatted restaurant).
Saturday: Head to New Farm where you’ll be spoilt for choice with breakfast and coffee options. We’ve previously revealed the Top 10 Brisbane Breakfasts here. Make sure you hit up Queens Plaza, Wintergarden and Queen Street Mall for some retail therapy or head to recently renovated Indooroopilly Shopping Centre for designer boutiques such as Camilla, Sass & Bide & Scanlon & Theodore. Take a break from shopping for lunch at Nantucket Kitchen & Bar, a contemporary dining experience bringing a little Cape Cod style to the ‘burbs.
Have a little disco nap back at your hotel and get ready for dinner. Start with pre-dinner drinks at Sixes & Sevens or Gerards Bar, then dinner at Gerards Bistro or Gordita – we recommend booking in advance to secure a reservation at both of these eateries. Afterwards head to the Alfred & Constance ‘hood for drinks at the Tiki Bar, Limes Hotel or newcomer Dutch Courage Officer’s Mess for a nightcap (or two!).
Sunday: Start your day right by taking a walk or run along the newly re-opened Riverwalk. This multi-million dollar pathway has been re-created post-flood and takes you over water from New Farm to the city in style. Go to Shouk for a modern middle eastern influenced breakfast and wander the antique shops and boutiques of Paddington. Then head to South Bank for some art & culture and stroll the beautiful bougainvillea lined grand arbour. The Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art are a must-see for art lovers with exceptional interactive exhibitions; check guides for the latest exhibition details.
There is always something to see & do in South Bank if you’ve got time to kill, but soon enough it will be time to head to the airport and return home. After a sunny, foodie weekend you’ll be agreeing with us, give me Brisbane any day!
Stay:
Award wining Emporium Hotel is a boutique hotel located in the heart of the entertainment and shopping scene of Fortitude Valley. You’ll feel like a movie star with exceptional service, cosmopolitan bar and five star contemporary finishes and premium facilities. From $229 per night.
Nestled in New Farm, lies the most luxurious boutique hotel Brisbane has to offer. In a converted Queenslander, Spicers Balfour has just nine exclusive European styled rooms, Balfour Kitchen for your dining pleasure and a gorgeous rooftop bar. From $329 per night.
Browse our full collection of Brisbane accommodation and book online with instant confirmation and no booking fees.
Do you like our ultimate Brisbane weekend itinerary or do you have some favourites to add? We'd love to hear your tips and recommendations!
Image credit: Mr & Mrs G, Black Bird, NKB, James St, Shouk, Emporium
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