Markets and Museums in Brisbane City
Start your day of discovery in The City with a stroll through the riverside markets and finish with an intimate, late-night exhibition.
Markets
The city is alive with farmers markets, artisan crafts and vintage finds - you just have to know where (and when) to look. If you're after fresh fruit and veg or a bite to eat, start with The Brisbane City Markets or head to the Riverside Gardens Market or Twilight Markets for quirky jewellery or a thoughtful gift. You can even make someone else's trash your latest treasure at the Suitcase Rummage if #sustainablefashion is your jam.
Discover the best of the City’s markets offerings below – you might need to bring a wheelie bag to carry it all home.

The country comes to the city when one of Brisbane’s best farmers’ markets pops up in Brisbane Square from 8am-6pm. Take the kids along to meet farmers and producers, buy fresh produce and pasta, taste cheese and jams, and find meat, seafood and hot smoked salmon to take home.

The Riverside Gardens Markets are held in the City Botanic Gardens every Sunday where dozens of stallholders sell everything from fresh produce to arts and crafts or jewellery. There’s live music and entertainment for kids and kidults alike – all with the beautiful Botanic Gardens as the backdrop. Discounted parking is available for those wanting to travel in for the markets.
Suitcase Rummage | first and third Sunday of every month

A bargain hunter’s haven, a $10 note will hopefully buy you a great piece (or five) with change to spare. Brisbane’s Suitcase Rummage is held on the first and third Sunday of every month in Reddacliff Place, selling anything and everything from clothes to bric-a-brac to handmade goods.
Pack your suitcase with goodies to sell and once it’s empty, refill it with a special find on the day. If you’re keen to just see what’s on offer, stop by and see what sellers have brought along.

The Brisbane Twilight Markets are presented by the BrisStyle collective and are the only Brisbane-based market that sell 100% locally made products, giving buyers the opportunity to meet the makers. In addition, there is a selection of local food vendors dishing out delicious eats to a backdrop of live music. There is also always a free craft workshop to participate in. Dates are scattered throughout the year, so check the website for updates.
Food Trucks of the World | every second Tuesday
If you try to buy lunch in the City sporadically, save your $$ for when Food Trucks of the World roll into King George Square every second Tuesday. Serving lunch between 11.30am and 2pm, the queues can get long so check out what’s available and plan ahead to avoid wasting your break. Check out the Brisbane Food Truck website for more City Food Truck action.
Museums
Whether you're a buff, a beginner or just like the occasional wander through an charming old building, the City's museum scene hits that historical note you've been humming. Start with a wander though the jewell in City Hall's crown, the Museum of Brisbane and then level up to some of the more intensive history lessons on offer at Parliament House and the Army Museum.
Museum of Brisbane | City Hall, 64 Adelaide Street, Brisbane City

Do you really know Brisbane? Museum of Brisbane has a huge variety of exhibitions that not only provoke thought and discussion but are genuinely awe-inspiring. While you're there, be sure to take a free tour up the 87.47 metre high City Hall clock tower and then hit the MoB gift shop - it's a must visit for Brisbane-centric treasures.
Customs House | 399 Queen St, Brisbane City

While technically not a museum, you are able to stroll through Customs House and bathe lovingly in its old-world charm. Soak in the historic flavour while a display of Customs Service memorabilia from those bygone years stirs the imagination. Afterwards, enjoy a meal and beverage on the terrace along with five star views of the Brisbane River and Story Bridge.

Queensland’s first public and heritage listed building, Old Government House is swimming in history and has its doors open for the public to enjoy. Located at the end of George Street, next to the City Botanic Garden, it's only a 10 minute walk from the city centre. Make the time to take a tour around the historic house, and appreciate the restored grandeur of the 1860's architecture.

Are you a bit of a crime fiend? The Queensland Police Museum showcases some of the city’s most notorious crimes. Discover police heritage, Queensland crimes, investigative techniques, medals, the history of police women, operational equipment and transport. Try your hand at solving a crime with the simulated murder scene – could you be Queensland’s next best detective?

It may not be a white house but you can enjoy the beautifully restored interior of Parliament House that showcases Queensland's history. Discover the laws that have been made in Parliament as shaped by the governments and laws that have been made in the Parliament. A free half-hour tour is on offer to marvel at the house and its antiques or watch parliament in session from the visitor’s gallery.
MacArthur Museum | Level 8, MacArthur Chambers, 201 Edward Street, Brisbane City

Visit the office of General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander of Allied Forces during World War II, and sit at the desk where strategies were developed to win the war. You can also experience life in Brisbane during the dark days of the war when people feared that the city might be invaded, public air raid shelters lined the streets, and children wore identity discs.
Used as a base in World War I and headquarters in World War II, these barracks are now run by the Australian Army as a memorial for the military. This heritage-listed site contains reminers of early life in the COlony of Queensland and the early days of the Commonwealth. This military heritage museum houses weapons, medals and uniforms used and earned in war between 1899 and 1972, by Australian, allied and enemy forces.
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Brittany’s ultimate weekend involves wine (rosé) and cheese (manchego) at La Lune, seeing a live show and going for a wander along the Brisbane River. Passionate about the leafy Western suburbs, she’s a lady of fine tastes so naturally her best kept secret is #treatingyo'self to a session at luxe day spa One Wybelenna. Bliss.
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