How To's - How to Stay Like a Local in Brisbane - From shops, and cafes to restaurants!

 In recent years, Brisbane has shed its image as a quiet rural town, and if visitors follow the crowds, you'll discover world-class eating and drinking establishments, and also world-class shopping, all within easy reach of some of the state's greatest coastlines, islands, and walking trails. If you're searching for things to do in Brisbane, live like a local and do activities the locals do, then keep reading on!

Kgbo, River views of Brisbane CBD seen from Kangaroo Point, Queensland in April 2019, 04, CC BY-SA 4.0

Cafes

Breakfast culture is very much in Brisbane. Locals line up at their favourite Brisbane cafes as well as bakeries on sunny mornings, so if you are ever in doubt, check for people spilling out into the street. And when you see that, you definitely can't go wrong. Local breakfast favourites emphasise local ingredients and sustainable techniques, with lots of plant-based alternatives. King Arthur, a stylish small cafe just off James Street, focuses on local, sustainable ingredients. The counter is lined with freshly baked delicacies (try the Portuguese tarts), and the menu varies with the seasons. The house-toasted granola, crumpets, and exquisite scrambled eggs, on the other hand, are always on the menu. Scout Cafe, located on popular Petrie Terrace, offers a laid-back ambience and a bagel-centric cuisine that appears to draw crowds on weekends. One of Brisbane's greatest avocado toasts can be found here. 

Restaurants

Brisbane's restaurant industry is accessible and pleasant, with everything from little cafes to event venues’ embracing walk-ins and providing world-class dining experiences. One of the nicest things to do here is to eat at one of these local favourites. You can also stay at Brisbane hotel apartments the likes of Oaks Brisbane on Charlotte Suites that offer authentic local food. Locals appreciate Ben's Burgers in Fortitude Valley Paddington's Remy's, and Bird's Nest in Fortitude Valley as well as the West End for more informal eating. Happy Boy in Spring Hill, Little Valley in Fortitude Valley and Thai hotspot Same Same in New Farm are all great options for a memorable night out.

Play

Outside is the finest location to play while you are in the Sunshine State's capital. It makes sense since Brisbane has 283 days of sunlight each year. Howard Smith Wharves, a new lifestyle and eating zone, is a favourite among Brisbane residents who want to eat, drink, and play by the sea. The precinct is constantly crowded, and for good cause, since it is located just under the famed Story Bridge and snuggled into the cliffs. It's the best method to walk about the city. The main boardwalk, which runs through the heart of Howard Smith Wharves, connects New Farm right to the city and provides one of the greatest vistas of the Brisbane cityscape anywhere. Watching a Brisbane Broncos football game at Suncorp Stadium is a must-do for every visitor to Brisbane and must be at the top of the list if you're here for the first time – and so should make the most out of Caxton Street during game day. Looking to get away from it all for some time? Brisbane is well located for day trips. Take advantage of Brisbane's central position and travel up to the Sunshine Coast or south to Burleigh located on the Gold Coast. Brisbane is well located for day trips to neighbouring islands. 

Shop

It's best to travel to New Farm for James Street, which is where you'll find the best fashion shopping in Brisbane. The area is home to a number of shops run by local designers and international names, as well as lots of home furnishings and cosmetic products. Bassike, Andronis Jewellery, AJE, Natasha Schweitzer, Lee Mathews, and Love Stories are some of the best-known Australian designers' boutiques in the country. Those interested in home furnishings could visit The Modern Furniture Store, Living Edge, and Jardan Furniture, all located on James Street, as well as Blake and Taylor in Paddington. Avid Reader, a 2nd bookshop in Bent Books, West End, and Folio Books, a newsagent in the Brisbane CBD, are among the destinations for book enthusiasts in the city.