48 hours in West End

Hipsters and new-age types find a haven from city traffic in Brisbane’s West End, just a 15-minute walk from South Bank. A hive of multicultural food and events, you’ll find petite boutiques, hole-in-the-wall coffee shops, bars aplenty and a laid-back vibe that’s impossible not to embody.

Day 1

6pm – Check in

If you're planning to stay, you’ll want to choose something super-central such as the West End Central Apartments or Arena Apartments, both walking distance from supermarkets, cafes, restaurants and shops. Just down the road you’ll also find Mantra or Rydges at South Bank.  

7.30pm – Eat like a local

Take it easy on night one and explore the Boundary Street Markets, strung between The Boundary Hotel and Rumpus Room car parks every Friday and Saturday night.

The live music on the streets will lead you into lively bars such as Rumpus Room, Lock 'n Load or The Boundary Hotel, where you can spend your night dancing or eating multicultural food from the market stalls.

10pm – Chai time  

Wind down on your way home with a bowl of chai at the Three Monkeys Coffee and Tea House on Mollison St. The bohemian wonderland is well-known by locals for its late-night hangs and cheap eats.

Day 2

9am – Caffeinate

Don your felt hat and take a short stroll to Blackstar. With beans roasted locally, it’s loved most for cold brew iced coffees.  

10am – Market eats

Ten minutes on foot will land you at the West End farmers’ markets (Davies Park Markets), on the corner of Jane St and Montague Rd.

Barter at local produce stands, visit handmade fashion, décor and homewares stalls, and make friends with the multicultural food vendors.

Once you’ve found multiple bites for brunch (we recommend the breakfast bagels, potato cakes, and French crepes – in that order), take a seat next to locals to listen to live music in front of the Brisbane River.

11.30am – Get physical

You’ll want to get out of the sun as it nears noon so take the opportunity to get in some exercise at Urban Climb, take a barre class at Brisbane’s only dedicated Barre studio, or hit up a yoga class at West End School of Yoga and Meditation. For less on the physical side, try Escape Hunt Experience – an escape-the-room mystery game for groups of two or more.

1pm – Hungry?

Stop into Morning After on Vulture St and chow down some Asian-inspired lunch, such as the tempura barramundi taco, Asian slaw, wasabi mayo, coriander and lime.

3pm – Get your geek on

Book club anyone? Hop your way between West End’s vintage book and comic shops Junky Comics, Bent Books, Avid Reader and Where the Wild Things Are.

5pm – Evening stroll

Sunset is the perfect time to explore the main street of West End – Boundary St. Take a stroll and check out what’s on offer in the bar and dining scene.   

7pm – Eat Greek

Take your pick from a multicultural smorgasbord for the evening meal. The historic Greek culture in West End delivers some awesome (and cheap) traditional dining.

 

Choose between the Little Greek Taverna on Boundary St or venture a bit down the road for Lefkas Taverna (the lamb shanks are a must). If you’re not up for Greek, you’ll find plenty more West End eats here.

9pm – Make a night of it

Catch some live music on your way back to the hotel at Lock 'n' Load or Archive (both Boundary St) or sample the cocktails at Lychee Lounge, The End, Jungle, and Cobbler.

Day 3

9.30am – Have a big brekky

Before you head off, fuel up with a big breakfast at Plenty, Suburban Café or The Gun Shop Café, next-level brunch destinations loved by locals and visitors.

11am – Helmets at the ready

Mount your wheels (grab your own bike or rent a CityCycle as your transport for the day) and take off in the direction of South Bank. Don’t miss the glorious views of Brisbane River and the sights of street art under the Go Between Bridge and in hidden spaces such as Fish Lane.

1pm – Graze

Stop in at London Fields gastro pub for the midday meal or hit up The Stores – a local grocer stocking produce from the Brisbane region – to set up a picnic. If you go the picnic option, BYO rug and head down to Orleigh Park on your wheels.

3pm – A final toast

On your final afternoon in the suburb, experience a bunch of local craft brews at Archive, Brisbane Brewing Co, Lock 'n' Load, Bearded Lady and The Catchment.

Bar crawl your way down around the suburb before heading to The Boundary Hotel to sign off your Sunday sesh.