Best Suburbs in Brisbane: Where to Visit, Stay & Explore
Brisbane is a city of neighbourhoods. While the CBD is compact, the real character of the city is found in its surrounding suburbs — riverside precincts, inner-city villages, and leafy residential areas that each offer a different Brisbane experience.
This local guide covers the best suburbs in Brisbane to visit and stay, helping travellers, first-time visitors, and returning guests understand which Brisbane neighbourhoods suit their travel style.
Many of these areas are explored on Brisbane tours with Cooee Tours, offering a deeper local perspective beyond the main attractions.
How We Ranked the Best Brisbane Suburbs
This guide focuses on how suburbs are experienced by visitors and locals, not just where people live. Each Brisbane neighbourhood was assessed using:
- Distance from Brisbane CBD
- Public transport access (train, busway, ferry)
- Cafés, dining, and local attractions
- Parks, river access, and walkability
- Overall atmosphere and visitor appeal
Best Inner-City Suburbs in Brisbane
New Farm
Best for: River walks, cafés, inner-city lifestyle
New Farm is one of Brisbane’s most popular inner-city suburbs. It’s known for New Farm Park, riverfront paths, and a strong café culture. Its proximity to the CBD makes it ideal for visitors wanting walkability with a relaxed neighbourhood feel.
New Farm is frequently included in Brisbane city tours for its lifestyle and river views.
Paddington
Best for: Character homes, shopping, city views
Paddington is one of the best Brisbane suburbs to explore on foot. Its hillside streets, Queenslander homes, and café strips create a village atmosphere just minutes from the city.
West End
Best for: Food, culture, diversity
West End is one of Brisbane’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. It’s known for multicultural dining, markets, live music, and its close connection to South Bank.
West End is commonly explored on guided walking tours.
Best Suburbs to Stay in Brisbane
South Brisbane & South Bank
South Brisbane is one of the best areas to stay in Brisbane for visitors. It offers direct access to South Bank, museums, restaurants, river walks, and excellent public transport.
Newstead & Teneriffe
These neighbouring suburbs combine riverfront living with modern dining and easy CBD access, making them popular with visitors seeking stylish accommodation and local atmosphere.
Brisbane Suburbs That Are Easy to Explore
- Toowong – major train station and river access
- Woolloongabba – busway hub with fast city connections
- Bulimba – ferry access and village dining
- Nundah – strong rail links and local cafés
Frequently Asked Questions About Brisbane Suburbs
What are the best suburbs in Brisbane to visit?
New Farm, West End, South Brisbane, Paddington, and Bulimba are among the best Brisbane suburbs to visit due to their attractions, walkability, and transport access.
Where should tourists stay in Brisbane?
South Brisbane, Newstead, New Farm, and the inner city are ideal for visitors wanting easy access to attractions and guided tours.
Are Brisbane suburbs easy to explore without a car?
Yes. Many inner-city suburbs are connected by ferries, buses, trains, and walking paths, making Brisbane easy to explore without driving.
Explore Brisbane Neighbourhoods with Local Guides
Brisbane’s suburbs are best experienced with local insight. Guided tours help visitors understand the history, culture, and stories behind each neighbourhood.
Discover Brisbane with Cooee Tours and explore the city beyond the CBD.