Located on the eastern coast of Australia, Brisbane is the vibrant capital city of Queensland known for its unique Queenslander architecture and a sun-soaked, sophisticated lifestyle. This bustling metropolis is located around the winding Brisbane River and boasts a rich art scene, extensive dining options and a nightlife that offers everything from jazz clubs to world-renowned symphony orchestras. Brisbane is famous for its fantastic weather, welcoming locals, and the iconic Story Bridge which offers adventurous tourists a thrilling climb and stunning city views. The city is home to noteworthy attractions such as the South Bank Parklands, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, and the beloved Queensland Gallery of Modern Art. With lush green spaces, a thriving cafe culture and easy access to the stunning Gold Coast beaches, Brisbane truly offers a dynamic experience for every traveler.

3.7 /5

Based on 3 experiences

4 /5

Based on our research

4.6 /5

Based on safety reports

Meet new people

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies, share solo travel experiences and stay with locals through couch surfing.

Safety:Very safe

Brisbane is widely known for its high level of security. Most people, locals and tourists alike, find it to be a very welcoming environment. The level of crime is relatively low compared to other cities worldwide. The public transport is also safe to use, even during nighttime. Nonetheless, it is always recommended to remain cautious, especially when traveling alone and at night. Like any other big city, it has its safer and less safe areas, but it certainly stands out for being more secure on average.

Transport:Easy

Brisbane is pretty convenient to explore, even solo. The city has an efficient public transport system consisting of buses, trains, and ferries. It is also quite pedestrian and bike-friendly, with many walkways and bike paths. Uber and taxi services also operate widely making it quite easy to get around. However, like any other city, its public transport can get busy during peak hours. Just plan ahead and you will be fine.

Things to do:Interesting

Brisbane, a vibrant city in Australia's Sunshine State, offers an array of activities and sights to captivate travelers. From awe-inspiring art exhibitions at the Queensland Art Gallery to enriching hikes up Mount Coot-tha for panoramic city views and exploring exotic wildlife at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the city appeals to a variety of interests. The city also offers a bustling food scene, ranging from high-end eateries to charming street food. Although Brisbane is smaller in scale compared to Sydney or Melbourne, it still offers a rich, diverse experience confirming its much-deserved high rating.

Food:Above average

Brisbane is a delight for food lovers. It offers a diverse blend of cuisines from around the world, including Asian, Mediterranean and authentic Australian food. You can find everything from upscale dining options to quaint cafes and lively food markets. Seafood is particularly noteworthy. Given the plentiful freshness and quality, eating out in Brisbane can be a bit pricey. Don't miss the local farmer markets for affordable and fresh produce.

Budget:Moderate

Brisbane is moderately budget-friendly. Accommodation can be expensive, but there are options for cheaper hostels or shared living. Food prices vary, with both high-end restaurants and cheaper street food options available. Local transportation is reliable and affordability is average. Many of the city's attractions, like the Botanical Gardens and South Bank Parklands, are free.

Overall rating

3.7 /5

based on 3 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

3.3/5

Safety

4.6/5

Food

3.3/5

Budget-friendly

3.3/5

Group travel experience

Public transport is quite bad and ends early on weekends. Always google and check! Do look around the University of Queensland. The great court is really pretty. The fake beach at southbank is not worth visiting. Drive up a little to Sunshine Coast and u can see more beautiful beaches. Noosa's Hell's Gate hike was the prettiest hike I've ever been to. Saw so many wild dolphins up close and humpback whales during the whale season. The beaches are beautiful too. Drive down a little to Lamington National Park. Mount Tamborine is beautiful. The drive was really pretty too. Go even further down and u can get to Byron Bay. The lighthouse gives u really good view of the sea and you can see humpback whales there too if you are lucky!

Posted: October 25, 2023Experienced: June, 2023

Things to do: 3/5Food: 3/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5

favorite_border 1

mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

The surroundings of Brisbane are charming. Without a doubt, the Gold Coast offers a more exciting urban leisure experience, and for fans of this type of entertainment, there are also theme parks there. On the Sunshine Coast, there are beautiful beaches, cafes, and restaurants. On both the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, you can find fantastic hiking trails. All the sandy islands are great, especially for diving. Cairns is definitely one of the highlights of the holidays. The town may not be the most beautiful, but it serves as a multicultural center of Australia. You can find wonderful dishes from many different cuisines. It's a place where the reef meets the rainforest, literally. You can drive 20 minutes outside the city center and swim in streams in the rainforest with crystal clear water, or take a one-hour boat trip to two islands surrounded by a reef. There are also plenty of distilleries, a few wineries, a cheese factory, markets, etc. It is a really pleasant city to enjoy the tropical climate.

Posted: August 26, 2022

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5

favorite_border 0

mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

Incredible restaurants on Southbank, criminals on the Howard Smith Wharves, it's a great place for a Sunday afternoon. Be sure to visit the Sunshine Coast, Caloundra, Mooloolaba, and Noosa. Any restaurant on Hasting Street in Noosa will be amazing. The best beaches in the world. Also, if you can get to Airlie beach, there is a fantastic catamaran tour, a journey around the Whitsundays, which will take you to the reef for snorkeling.

Posted: May 24, 2022

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5

favorite_border 71

mode_comment 0

Meet local women in Brisbane who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

Juliet

About Me

Hi I’m Juliet, l just enjoy culture, history, art and life. A photographer and so much more. I have spent time travelling around Australia learning about how beautiful it is. Ready to learn so much more.

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Britt

About Me

Hi, I'm Britt and I'm interested in camping, games, nightlife, live music, events & social and food & cuisine

mode_comment 0

Stay with local women in Brisbane who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.

Juliet

Brisbane

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Lisa

Brisbane

Can host for:

4 days

About me

Hello, I'm Lisa and I'm interested in animals, books, backpacking, culture, camping, diving, events & social, shopping, history, van life, swimming, surfing, solo travel and fashion