Introduction:

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Three days in Brisbane is the perfect amount of time to fall into the city’s relaxed rhythm. It is a place where the river guides your movements, the neighbourhoods each tell their own story, and there is always a corner café or quiet lookout just around the bend. This itinerary blends the best of Brisbane’s outdoor lifestyle, food culture and low-key charm, letting you experience the city like a local; without needing to rush.

Day 1

Morning
Start your trip in South Bank, Brisbane’s cultural and social hub. Begin with a coffee and breakfast at a riverside café, then wander through the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). The exhibitions range from modern installations to Indigenous works and visiting global collections.

Afterward, stroll along the bougainvillea-covered Arbour, dip your toes at Streets Beach or relax in the rainforest gardens nearby. South Bank blends leisure with art and nature in a way that’s hard to find in any other city centre.

Afternoon
Hop on a CityCat ferry and ride up the river to New Farm. This scenic trip gives you a moving view of the city and lets you experience Brisbane from its most iconic feature... the water. Disembark at New Farm Park and walk the leafy riverside path. Have lunch at the Powerhouse precinct, home to rotating art, comedy and theatre events, or grab a picnic from the Jan Powers Farmers Market if it is running.

Night
Make your way to Fortitude Valley for dinner. This neighbourhood blends dive bars with fine dining, street murals with rooftop cocktails. Head to James Street for a more upscale vibe or down a back lane for Asian street food and live music. If you’re still energised, catch a gig at The Tivoli or a local band at The Zoo.

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Day 2

Morning
Get an early start with a climb up Mount Coot-tha. Whether you hike from the base or drive to the top, the views over Brisbane and out to Moreton Bay are worth it. Once at the lookout, have breakfast at the café or bring your own and enjoy it picnic-style.

On the way back, stop at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha for a quiet walk through Japanese gardens, tropical domes and open lawns. It is one of the most peaceful spots in the city.

Afternoon
Head to Paddington for vintage shopping, book browsing and boutique cafés. This suburb is full of character; timber Queenslander homes, sloping streets and antique stores with real treasures. Stop for lunch at a shaded café, or try a local bakery with flaky pies and homemade sweets.

Night
Spend your evening in West End, one of Brisbane’s most creative and multicultural neighbourhoods. Eat Sri Lankan, Greek, Vietnamese or vegan... the options are endless. Afterwards, wander down Boundary Street for live jazz, quirky bars or just a slow stroll with gelato in hand. The energy here is friendly and unpretentious.

Day 3

Morning
Start slow with a walk along the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Watch early morning rock climbers or just soak in the views back toward the CBD. Continue your walk across the Story Bridge into Howard Smith Wharves. This revitalised area under the bridge offers some of Brisbane’s best breakfast views.

Afternoon
Visit the Museum of Brisbane inside City Hall and take the elevator to the clock tower for panoramic views. Afterward, explore Queen Street Mall or Adelaide Street for local designers and independent boutiques. If you prefer something quieter, the State Library and Botanic Gardens nearby offer shaded reading nooks and quiet walks.

Night
Finish your trip with dinner by the river. Whether it is at Eagle Street Pier, a rooftop near the Valley or a tucked-away spot in Newstead, this city knows how to serve up a final night that feels special without needing to dress it up. Watch the lights of the Story Bridge flicker to life as you reflect on a Brisbane visit that felt both full and effortless.

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ConclusionThree days in Brisbane is enough to understand why people who live here rarely want to leave. The city gives you the best of all worlds - nature, food, art and ease... without ever feeling like it is trying to prove itself. From early riverside mornings to lively laneway nights, Brisbane makes you feel like there is always more to discover, even if you are already on your way out.