Brisbane, the vibrant capital of Queensland, is known for its lively nightlife and diverse entertainment options. Whether you’re a local or a traveler looking to experience the city’s buzzing scene, Brisbane offers an array of bars and nightclubs to suit every taste. From sophisticated cocktail lounges to energetic nightclubs, here’s a guide to the best places to go out in Brisbane.
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Best neighbourhoods in Brisbane for going out
Whether you’re after a wild night out or a more relaxed evening with friends, the boroughs of Brisbane have something for everyone. Brisbane’s nightlife is spread across various neighborhoods, including Fortitude Valley, the CBD, and South Bank. Explore different areas to experience the city’s diverse entertainment scene:
- The CBD (Central Business District) is the beating heart of the city and a mix between noise, business and tourism. This is the best area for after-work drinks.
- Southbank, located on the south shore, is pretty chill and cultural. This area offers a great choice of restaurants.
- Fortitude Valley is ‘the place to be’ if you want to enjoy the festivities that “Brissy” has to offer. This area is mostly frequented by students and partygoers. A large number of bars and clubs await you there.
- West End is the trendy and calm district. With small organic markets and stylish bars, you will find a more mature and cosmopolitan population here.
Best restaurants
Regardless of where you’re dining out in Australia, all the districts are alike, you’ll find pavilions and the main street with all the necessary shops and restaurants. Here is a quick overview of the best places to go out in Brisbane to eat.
CBD
The Central Business District is where you’ll find the main shopping centres and offices. Due to the influx of city workers, there are many food courts in the city. The food courts are essentially a full floor in a shopping centre where there is a multitude of restaurants such as fast food places, sandwich shops, salads, Asian and Mexican options. In particular, if in the CBD try the Myer Center or 400 Food.
South bank
South Bank is a relaxed district of Brisbane with the famous lagoon, which has a great view of the city. Just behind this little corner of paradise is a large shopping street with various restaurants – most with an open terrace. It is an excellent area for an outing with friends, colleagues or family. If you want to get into the Australian spirit, there are also barbecues available for free along the river.
West End – New Farm
A little further from CBD, the West End and New Farm areas are other trendy areas of the city with many restaurants at reasonable prices.
Here are the most popular restaurant chains that you will likely find in each neighbourhood:
- Grill’d: Home of the burger in Australia.
- Guzman y Gomez :Looking for a Mexican meal? This is the address you need!
- Zeus Street Greek: A must-try, especially the famous pita.
- Nando’s: A little more refined than fast food, Nando’s serves great chicken.
- Vapiano: The home of Italian specialties.
Best bars in Brisbane
Whether you’re in the CBD or around town, you won’t struggle to find bars in Brisbane. You will soon learn Australians are very fond of a beer or two. Here are some chill spots to soak up some Brisbane nightlife.
Sixteen Antlers Rooftop bar
Level 16 Pullman & Mercure Hotel Cnr Ann &, Roma St, Brisbane City
Located in the heart of the CBD, this bar is perfect for a cozy moment on a beautiful rooftop. Named after its unique roof which looks like antlers, this bar serves cocktails, beer and delicious food.
The Gresham
308 Queen St, Brisbane City
Located in a heritage-listed building, The Gresham is a sophisticated bar that exudes old-world charm. Known for its extensive selection of whiskies, rums, and classic cocktails, it’s the perfect place for a refined night out. The elegant decor and relaxed atmosphere make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Southbank Beer Garden
30ba Stanley St Plaza, South Brisbane
The perfect place to escape the chaos of city life. Open seven days a week until late, this bar offers grand decor and great drinks to match. It is located just above the lagoon beach with a breathtaking view of the Brisbane River and the buildings of the CBD.
Riverbar & Kitchen
71 Eagle St, Brisbane City
With its stunning riverside location and relaxed ambiance, Riverbar & Kitchen is a must-visit spot in Brisbane. This bar offers breathtaking views of the Story Bridge and Brisbane River, making it an ideal place for sunset drinks. The menu features a wide range of cocktails, craft beers, and delicious food options, perfect for a laid-back evening.
Best nightclubs in Brisbane
When it comes to nightclubs, Brisbane has something for everyone, but the number one neighbourhood you need to know about is Fortitude Valley. It is THE hip neighbourhood for nightlife, where you’ll find all the coolest bars and clubs. Here are some great spots you should know about.
Prohibition
206 Wicham Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane 4006
Step back in time at Prohibition, a 1920s-themed nightclub located in Fortitude Valley. The club’s vintage decor, live swing bands, and top DJs create a unique and immersive experience. Prohibition offers three distinct areas: the Main Room for high-energy dance music, the Blind Tiger Speakeasy for a more intimate setting, and the Wall Street Bar for a relaxed lounge atmosphere. Entry is free during the week and costs $10 on weekends (although it’s definitely worth it!)
The MET
McWhirter’s Farmers Market, T28 Wickham St &, Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, Australia
One of Brisbane’s largest and most popular nightclubs, The Met is known for its energetic atmosphere and top-notch DJ performances. The club features multiple levels, each with its own distinct vibe and music style, ranging from EDM and house to hip-hop and R&B. With its state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, The Met promises an unforgettable night of dancing and entertainment.
The Family
8 McLachlan St, Fortitude Valley
Renowned for its electrifying parties and world-class DJs, The Family is a staple of Brisbane’s nightlife scene. The multi-level venue boasts impressive light shows, booming sound systems, and various dance floors catering to different music genres. The Family’s vibrant and inclusive environment ensures a memorable night out for all.
Birdees
608 Ann St, Fortitude Valley
A favorite among students and backpackers, Birdees offers a fun and lively atmosphere with a variety of entertainment options. The club features multiple bars, a rooftop beer garden, and a pool, making it a versatile venue for a night out. With themed nights, live music, and DJs spinning the latest hits, Birdees guarantees a great time.
A cool night out idea
The final location in Brisbane we want to recommend is the Eat Street Market (Eat Street Northshore), open every weekend from Friday to Sunday evenings. To get there, you can take the bus or a special ferry that will allow you to get there in 1 hour. Entrance to the market costs $6 per person.
It is a huge open-air market with stalls from all over the world offering budget food that’s truly delicious. In the evening, there are several open-air stages accessible to everyone so you can enjoy the music and dance in a relaxed atmosphere.
Practical information for your night out in Brisbane
In Australia, nightlife starts early and ends early. Many people start their night out right after work, around 5 or 6pm. You can easily go dancing from 11pm if you want – the dancefloor will already be full.
You might need to plan ahead and anticipate queues, because most nightclubs won’t let you in after 1am. Some bars and nightclubs may have dress codes or cover charges.
Take your passport or your driver’s license with you. Australia is very strict on ID and you will usually have to show yours entering nightclubs, bars etc.
Many bars offer happy hour specials on drinks and food. Take advantage of these deals to enjoy a night out without breaking the bank. Last but not least – drink in moderation!
