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Get to know this city – do what the locals do. Living in a city and visiting a city are two different experiences. But travellers know that to really get to know a place, do what the locals do. In Brisbane there are literally thousands of options but we’ll let you in on a few of our favourite places to go and things to do. These are what we (aka Brisbanites) love to do on lazy weekends, days off or during the holidays.
Go for a browse through Brisbane’s outdoor markets. The regular farmers’ markets are a must-see (as well as a must-taste!) You’ll get to try the very best regional produce and find the best picnic foods possible. Or be the first to see the cutting edge designs and retro clothes at the Valley markets. If you love tracking down cheap thrills, join the crowds at two of our largest flea markets at Chandler and Rocklea.
Live music is another fave with Brisbane people. Our gig guide tells you who is playing when. Some of the hot spots are a bit hard to find but our guide and map for the Valley venues should help. There’s also an array of festival events which include live music, held throughout the year.
Hundreds of locals head towards the Moreton Bay areas in their spare time. There are kilometres of flat bike tracks which hug the water near Sandgate or Wynnum-Manly. If you don’t have access to a bike, then just put on your walking shoes and work up an appetite to enjoy the mandatory meal of fish and chips.
Brisbanites are festival junkies. We love getting together and enjoying festivals of all types – film, food, wine, jazz, multicultural... . Our festivals page give you the heads-up and lots of advance notice on the big ones!
It’s hard to beat being outside in Brisvegas and we all tend to head outdoors to enjoy some form of exercise or sunshine. There’s the Riverwalk between the city and New Farm which is always popular with joggers, rollerbladers and walkers. Stop at either end for a riverfront coffee. Or follow the twisting river on a CityCat – tourists love it but so do we. Can’t imagine this city without those gliding boats!
Eating is another pastime that Brisbane people increasingly spend lots of time and money enjoying. Read what local reviewers have to say about their favourite (or not) Brisbane eating places. Or you can stroll through one of our city’s eating precincts and eat where it looks busiest – always a good sign.
When you’ve had your fill of eating, try to fit in a little shopping. The huge shopping centres of Carindale (southside), Indooroopilly (west) and Chermside (northside) are always packed. Or go to the Direct Factory Outlet (DFO) near the airport, the funky shops of the Valley, James Street or emporium (in New Farm) or the quirky gift shops in Paddington. The city’s arcades are where we locals also find some great buys.
Then ask a Brisbane person what they would recommend. We are a friendly bunch and always keen to point out our city’s hidden gems. Have fun exploring... off the tourist trail. Plan a day trip, choose an adventure or get back to nature and explore Brisbane's bushland.
Get a ticket on the ferries or CityCat and a copy of our river guide to learn more about the stops along the way.
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