Brisbane, But Better: How to Do the City Like a Local

Brisbane isn’t trying to be anything it’s not, and that’s exactly why people fall in love with it. It’s sunny, laidback, easy to get around, and generally has a good vibe as soon as you arrive. It can be wild and busy, social and bougie, or chilled and relaxed. A trip to Brisbane can be whatever you want it to be.

If you find the right pocket to suit your stay, it has great food, great design, and even better spots for people-watching. It’s also quite walking-friendly, with neighbourhoods that roll into each other along the river. And once you figure out where locals actually spend their time, the whole place makes sense.

I was raised here, so I’ve had years to learn the city like the back of my hand. I know the neighbourhoods, both sides of the river (a rare skill), and the spots that make visitors say, “Brisbane is actually really cool,” because it is — especially when you know where to go.

So if you’re coming from the coast for a weekend, flying in from interstate, or arriving from overseas, this is your guide to where to stay, what to eat, and how to wander the city the same way locals do.

First Stop: Coffee at Toby’s Estate Newstead Flagship

Every great Brisbane morning starts with a proper coffee, and Toby’s Estate Newstead Flagship — on Longland Street, a little pocket of Newstead surrounded by apartments, cafés, and the Gasworks precinct — is one of the best cafés in Brisbane and a spot locals go out of their way for. It’s part café, part design space, with a calm, minimal feel, and seriously good coffee thanks to the same specialty roasting standards that made their Chippendale Flagship & Roastery place #1 for The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops.

Expect really well-made coffee, a simple breakfast menu that always hits (the mushroom toastie is my go-to), and a room full of early risers, creatives, and regulars who genuinely appreciate good coffee. The service is warm, the playlist is good, and the whole place has that relaxed, easy-going Brisbane feel.

Whether you’re starting your day slow, meeting someone, or just grabbing five minutes of quiet, Toby’s delivers that perfect balance of design, ritual, and great coffee.

Order like a local: An iced latte + the brekky burger.

Ease Into the Neighbourhood Flow

Once you’re caffeinated, the best way to get a feel for Brisbane is to walk it. Newstead blends into Teneriffe, which rolls into New Farm, which eventually becomes the Valley — a relaxed stretch of river breezes, converted woolstores, jacaranda trees, and people walking their dogs or heading to Pilates. No major plans needed; just go with the flow like a typical Brisbanite.

Where locals walk: Start at Newstead House and follow the Riverwalk through Teneriffe and New Farm, finishing at Howard Smith Wharves. It’s a 30-minute run, a 1-hour walk, or a 2-hour slow stroll if you stop along the way.

Local tip: Running outside? Go early, as in 5 or 6AM, before the heat kicks in. Hat and sunscreen are a must.

Where to Stay (So You’re in the Right Spot)

Brisbane is at its best when you stay somewhere with cafés, river paths, and dinner spots close by — no expensive Uber trips needed. Brisbane CBD has plenty of good hotels, but if you want more of an inner-city, lived-in feel, the surrounding neighbourhoods are where locals actually spend their time.

A really easy area for visitors is the stretch around New Farm, Teneriffe, and Newstead. These suburbs are full of modern apartments, riverfront Airbnbs, leafy streets, and some of Brisbane’s best cafés and walking routes. If you’re after something boutique, Spicers Balfour in New Farm has an intimate, residential-style stay.

Right on the edge of New Farm at Howard Smith Wharves, Crystalbrook Vincent is another solid pick if you want river views, Story Bridge outlooks, and some of the city’s best dining right downstairs — while still being able to walk into both Brisbane CBD and New Farm.

If you’re here for dining, design, or doing some damage at the James Street boutiques, Fortitude Valley is the spot. The Calile, Hotel X, Ovolo The Valley, and Sage Hotel all offer different styles and budgets, and they keep you close to restaurants, bars, and everything happening in the area.

The James Street Effect

Every city has a neighbourhood that just gets it, and in Brisbane, that’s James Street. Even if you’re not planning to shop, it’s worth a look. The greenery, the architecture, and the run of small boutiques give it a relaxed, confident feel that usually surprises first-timers.

Local favourites like Camargue and Calexico sit alongside Australian staples including Assembly, BASSIKE, Camilla & Marc, Silk Laundry, SIR., St. Agni, and Venroy, among many others. There are concept stores, interiors boutiques, and design spaces dotted all the way down. It’s an easy place to spend time browsing stores, picking up a coffee, and finding something to eat along the way.

Local tip: If you manage to get an outdoor table at The Lobby Bar at The Calile, stay awhile. It’s one of the best people-watching spots in the city — morning, noon, or night.

Eat & Drink Like a Local

Once you’ve done your James Street lap, the surrounding neighbourhoods are full of smaller, independent spots that locals often eat at.

Ruby, My Dear is a favourite for its relaxed vinyl-bar energy and Japanese dishes that are as casual as they are intentional. Zero Fox is the kind of unfussy, authentic Korean place people return to over and over. Beccofino is a long-standing Brisbane staple — always busy, always reliable, and one of the best Italian spots in Brisbane. And if you just want a glass of vino somewhere low-key, Wild Legs has an easygoing alfresco feel that makes you feel like you live here, or makes you want to.

Down by the River

If there’s one thing you absolutely should do in Brisbane, it’s spend time by the river.

For a relaxed daytime option, Officers Mess sits right on the water with a laidback, neighbourhood feel, and Merthyr Bowls next door offers classic Brisbane barefoot bowls with a river breeze and slow-paced afternoons. Both are easy picks for a simple, sunny hang with friends — very Brisbane.

Later in the day, head to Howard Smith Wharves — the city’s riverside hub. Wedged between the Story Bridge and the New Farm cliffs, it’s a lively run of breweries, bars, restaurants, and open-air spots for lounging, eating, and taking it all in.

Local tip: Get there before golden hour, grab a beanbag outside Felons, and watch the city light up.

Move, Sweat, Reset

Brisbane does wellness in a very normal, everyday way — people like to move, and they like doing it outside. The New Farm Riverwalk is the easiest place to slip into that rhythm: free, scenic, sunset-friendly, and great for dog-spotting.

Across Newstead, Teneriffe, and New Farm, you’ll find yoga studios, Pilates spaces, and gyms on just about every corner, most offering casual passes if you’re visiting. TotalFusion is a local favourite too — you’ll just need a member to bring you along.

If you’re more into winding down, book an infrared sauna and plunge session at TH7 BodyLabs. It’s a solid reset after a full day out… or a big night before.

Cool Things Locals Actually Do On A Weekend