Introduction:

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Brisbane is not a city you need to race through. With five days to explore, you can slow down, get off the typical tourist trail and discover how effortlessly the city blends outdoor living with urban culture. This itinerary offers a balance of art, food, local hangouts and natural escapes. Each day is designed to show you a different side of the city while keeping the pace light and flexible.

Day 1

Morning
Start your Brisbane journey with a visit to South Bank. This riverside district is a perfect introduction to the city’s relaxed vibe. Walk through the bougainvillea-covered Arbour, take in the city skyline from the river’s edge and cool off with a morning dip at Streets Beach.

Fuel up with breakfast from one of the many cafés along Little Stanley Street. Afterward, head to QAGOMA to explore two of Australia’s most respected galleries side by side. The exhibits change often, so there’s always something unexpected to discover.

Afternoon
Jump on a CityCat ferry and head upstream to New Farm. This scenic trip introduces you to the river that shapes the city. Once there, walk through New Farm Park and explore the Powerhouse precinct. If you’re in town on a weekend, you might catch a market or live performance.

Night
Have dinner in the Valley. Fortitude Valley is home to a wide range of dining options, from high-end fusion to late-night dumplings. Grab a drink in one of the laneway bars or rooftops. The atmosphere here is lively without feeling chaotic.

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Day 2

Morning
Take the morning to explore Paddington. This hilly, leafy suburb is full of vintage stores, bookstores and converted cottages that now serve as coffee shops. It’s a great spot to slow down and browse without a plan.

Have brunch on a sunny verandah, then take a short walk to Rosalie for even more quiet charm and good coffee.

Afternoon
Head to Mount Coot-tha. You can drive or hike up to the lookout for sweeping views across Brisbane. After soaking in the view, explore the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at the base. The Japanese Garden, tropical dome and native flora collections are a calm way to ease into the afternoon.

Night
Return to the city and have dinner in West End. This neighbourhood is eclectic and creative, home to international restaurants, vegan cafés and low-key bars. It’s the kind of place where you can eat well, sit outside and feel like a local.

Day 3

Morning
Walk along the Kangaroo Point Cliffs for a different view of the city. Watch the morning climbers or enjoy the scenery before crossing the Story Bridge on foot. From there, continue into Howard Smith Wharves for breakfast with a view under the bridge.

Afternoon
Take a walking tour or explore on your own through the CBD. Visit the Museum of Brisbane inside City Hall and ride the historic clock tower lift for a great view. Wander into Brisbane Arcade for heritage charm or browse Queen Street Mall for local fashion and gift stores.

Night
Head to Eagle Street Pier or the riverside for dinner. Choose from a wide range of modern Australian and seafood options. Enjoy the breeze from the river and the glowing lights of the Story Bridge in the background.

Day 3

Morning
Walk along the Kangaroo Point Cliffs for a different view of the city. Watch the morning climbers or enjoy the scenery before crossing the Story Bridge on foot. From there, continue into Howard Smith Wharves for breakfast with a view under the bridge.

Afternoon
Take a walking tour or explore on your own through the CBD. Visit the Museum of Brisbane inside City Hall and ride the historic clock tower lift for a great view. Wander into Brisbane Arcade for heritage charm or browse Queen Street Mall for local fashion and gift stores.

Night
Head to Eagle Street Pier or the riverside for dinner. Choose from a wide range of modern Australian and seafood options. Enjoy the breeze from the river and the glowing lights of the Story Bridge in the background.

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Day 5

Morning
Make the most of your final morning with a bike ride along the river. Brisbane’s cycling paths are well maintained and easy to follow. Start in South Bank and ride along the river to Teneriffe or Newstead. If cycling is not your thing, a slow walk through the Botanic Gardens or breakfast at a café with outdoor seating is just as good.

Afternoon
Spend your last few hours visiting any favourites you want to return to. Whether it is a gallery, shop, lookout or café, leave space for revisiting the moments that stood out. You could also squeeze in a short ferry ride or stop by Eat Street Northshore if your schedule allows.

Night
Wrap up your Brisbane stay with a final dinner somewhere relaxed. Try a restaurant you missed earlier or go for something casual with a river view. Let the city wind down around you and enjoy the final sunset from one of its many scenic spots.

Conclusion
Five days in Brisbane gives you time to feel the city properly. You will see its cultural heart, taste its flavours, breathe in its green spaces and move at a pace that fits the city’s character. Brisbane doesn’t try too hard to impress, and maybe that is what makes it work so well. It lets you slow down, stay present and feel welcome every step of the way.