The best laneways and staycays
Venture into unknown territory and explore the hidden laneways in The City. These best-kept secrets are perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks with friends. Make it a bigger trip and plan a staycay with our guide to hotels within walking distance of these hidden gems.

Escape the crowd in Queen Street Mall and retreat to Burnett Lane's hideaway restaurant and cafe. Felix for Goodness serves wholesome, seasonal food using local, organic ingredients. Sit on the stools overlooking the lane for great people watching.

Super Whatnot is a laneway bar with a personality all of its own. Find the industrial space down Burnett Lane with a rotating range of craft beers, an unexpected array of boutique wines, classic and original cocktails, and gourmet snackery inspired by the Americas. Super Whatnot might not appeal to everyone, but that's the point.

John Mills Himself cafe and bar stays true to the building’s architectural heritage, featuring high windows and exposed brick walls. Finding the bar can be tricky but it's well worth the adventure - look for the tallest heritage brick building in Charlotte Street. The baristas use local coffee roasters like Small Batch, Sample, Light and Parallel Coffee Roasters and serve fresh-baked pastries during the day. At night, John Mills Himself turns into an intimate wine and piano bar.

The Gresham oozes old-world charm with an eccentric touch. This whisky and bourbon saloon offers some of the highest calibre rum, whisky and wine in the country, along with an extensive and artistic cocktail list. With a seven-metre-high pressed-metal ceiling and an antique Victorian fireplace, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

The Coop Espresso is a hole-in-the-wall coffee joint on Eagle Lane. Tucked between Queen and Eagle streets, grab some fresh baked treats on the run courtesy of Kaptain Patisserie including pies, berry ‘plunders’, muffins, brownies, banana cakes and quiches.
Bean, Laneway 181 George St

Step inside a little red phone booth off George Street and you'll find yourself descending into Bean. This underground coffee house and bar is an alleyway favourite with a record player, books, and snacks all creating an eclectic atmosphere.
Brew, Burnett Lane

Brew is one of the Burnett Lane originals and is a popular spot all week long. Casual vibes and a relaxing atmosphere make for a spot where you’ll want to settle into. Grab a coffee of your choice of local beer or wine. Snacks are also plentiful.

Bringing Brooklyn to Brisbane, it is no surprise you’re going to find American goods at this laneway spot. Located underground on Eagle Lane you’ll enter a dim-lit brick cellar by a secret laneway door. You’ll especially want to check out the live music on six nights a week specialising in jazz, funk and blues. Wear comfy shoes so you can dance the night away.
Vintage speakeasy vibes, whisky and cocktails. Tick, tick, tick. Step through the giant wooden doors into another world featuring a moody lounge bar, low light and leather couches.

Another laneway gem that takes inspiration from the great New York City. This Brooklyn-inspired bar is known for burgers, rad tunes and craft beers. Check out its website for weekly specials too good to miss.
Alba, Burnett Lane
It seems that Brisbane has Brooklyn on its mind, with a mix of San Sebastian at this laneway spot. Think neighbourhood bar in the middle of The CIty with Spanish bites and enviable cocktails.

Hellcat Maggie has affordable eats and drinks day and night. Providing back alley and downtown New York vibes, this hole-in-the-wall laneway serves up authentic American-style eats.

Keen to feast your eyes on some sport particularly American sports? This Eagle Lane American sports bar has round-the-clock games playing across eight huge screens, alongside American eats. While Aussie beers are available we recommend giving an American beer a crack.
If you want to experience all of The City's underground laneway scene, plan a staycay and go exploring all weekend long.

Treasury Casino & HotelHotel offers unmatched old-world splendour with the modern facilities of a five-star hotel. Experience the non-stop excitement and decadence of a 24-hour casino for something special. Treasury Brisbane boasts five restaurants, including The Lab restaurant and bar, Fat Noodle and Black Hide by Gambaro. Relax with a drink in hand and listen to live music from Thursday to Sunday with any of the Treasury's five bars to choose from.

Located minutes from Queen Street Mall, the Westin Brisbane is the ideal urban retreat for business and leisure travellers. During your stay you can enjoy five-star hotel facilities such as restaurants, cocktail bars and a resort style pool. Cool off at the Nautilus Pool Bar, Brisbane's first swim-up pool bar, and sip on cocktails and light snacks while appreciating the inner-city view.

It doesn’t get closer to Queen Street Mall than Hyatt Regency Brisbane, which has been designed with ease and functionality in mind. Need to Netflix and chill after exploring Brisbane's laneways all day? Hyatt has complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and four free mini-bar items of your choice daily. Unwind at The Pool Terrace and Bar - built around a 20m infinity-edge pool, it is the perfect spot to soak up Brisbane’s perfect year-round weather.
Pullman, King George Square

The Pullman King George Square offers upscale accommodation and is home to Sixteen Antlers Rooftop Bar. If you've spent all day exploring The City's underground secrets head to the rooftop bar and take in the Brisbane CBD views at sunset. After drinks at Sixteen Antlers (with epic views of City Hall) stay overnight in 5-star luxury.

Sitting elegantly along the Brisbane River with city views to one side and the City Botanic Gardens on the other, the Stamford Plaza offers outstanding luxury facilities, unparalleled comfort and personalised hospitality.
Hilton, Elizabeth St
Find the Hilton on the iconic Queen Street Mall, within walking distance of The City's most popular attractions. The Hilton offers a range of activities to keep you entertained during your stay. Relax in the outdoor heated swimming pool or play a game of tennis.

The five-star W Hotel has made one thing clear: it’s here to praise our cosmopolitan city and relaxed sun-soaked culture. Sitting in the heart of The City and on the river’s edge off George Street, the five-star W Hotel offers epic views over the Brisbane River, GOMA and South Bank. After exploring The City's laneways come back to the Living Room Bar or WET Deck for cocktails. The WET Deck features a funky zebra-like striped roof, heated pool and DJs day and night. It is an oasis in the sky for cold drinks and long nights with a resort feel.
Housed inside an historic building, Royal Albert Hotel sits close to the Queen Street Mall with a plethora of coffee, food, drink and shopping downstairs. This boutique hotel will greet you with rich timber and bevel-cut glass doors and the building features many historic Queensland textured oil paintings.
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From stylish bars to laid-back pubs, The City offers plenty of options to wet your whistle.
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40 cheap eats in Brisbane City
A week to go before pay day and you're feeling the pinch? We've got you covered and have sourced the wallet-friendly eats in Brisbane City that cost no more than $15.
-
Where to stay in Brisbane City
The City is a hub of accommodation and with so much choice it can be overwhelming if you’re somewhere unfamiliar. If you want to stay in the city, there’s everything from luxury suites to self-serviced, or mid-range hotels to budget-friendly beds.
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Wet your whistle in the CBD
From stylish bars to laid-back pubs, The City offers plenty of options to wet your whistle.