11 things to do with your mum

If you're looking for an opportunity to spend time with your mum, or just want to get out of the house and bond, The City has a range of activities that'll be sure to please. Spoiling mum with extensive shopping, pampering and eating is only the start of what The City has to offer. Use this guide for a Christmas outing, Mother's Day, birthday catch up, or just to say thanks. Mum's the word!

Clear your credit card to shop The City

The City is your one-stop shopping destination in Brisbane. With more than 700 stores, you can literally shop until you drop, or until your arms are too full to carry anything else, whichever comes first. From luxury stores to fashion boutiques, the choices are truly endless. Visit luxury stores including Chanel, Saint Laurent, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Bvlgari, Tiffany and Burberry in QueensPlaza or find something unique in Brisbane Arcade. The mall offers a variety of big-name fashion boutiques including Zara, H&M, Seed, Country Road, Uniqlo and Myer. Look, there are too many to name, so read through our comprehensive guide to shopping Queen Street Mall for a longer list.

High tea fit for the queen

Make her feel like the royal highness she is with a high tea booking. Treat mum to a Mother’s Day royal treatment with one of the various high teas on offer in The City. The Stamford Plaza, Customs House and Room With Roses not to mention this list of places that offer both traditional and modern high teas, all offer exquisite high tea options right here within The City. Is anyone else craving an English scone with jam and cream? Quite smashing isn’t it?

Keep calm and pamper yourself

Mums deserve to be pampered year-round, but even more so on Mother’s Day. Make a day of it and visit a number of beauty salons throughout The City. Start with a fresh cut, blow dry or style at Elysium Hair, Toni & Guy, Oscar Oscar or Urban Hair Loft before moving onto a facial, manicure and pedicure, at Stephanie’s Spa in the Sofitel, which is a Mother’s Day must-do. Finish with a relaxing massage at the W Brisbane Spa or Aquarius Health & Medispa for the ultimate relaxation experience.

Treat yo’ mama to lunch

Mum deserves only the best, so take her to one of the fancy-pants dining locations spread throughout The City. Try lunch at the casual fine dining at Donna Chang or treat mum to paddock-to-plate dining at Three Blue Ducks. Sake has Brisbane’s best Japanese while Rico Bar & Dining and Bar Pacino give you the necessary river views.

Search for a market bargain 

Hunt down a bargain, fresh produce, knick-knacks or a bite to eat in one of the City Markets. As little as $10 will get you the cheapest pre-loved clothing money can buy at the Suitcase Rummage, the Brisbane Twilight Markets will be your one stop shop for locally made products and the Brisbane City Markets sport The City’s freshest produce and tastiest eats.

Watch a chick flick

Nothing says wholesome quality time with your mum more than a chick flick movie date. Event Cinemas in the Myer Centre will meet all of your movie needs or feel like you’re travelling back in time at the Elizabeth Picture Theatre. P.S. It’s only fair that you shout the popcorn.

Embrace culture on a gallery hop

Bring out your cultural side and take mum on a gallery and museum expedition. Visit the Museum of Brisbane, get to know Brisbane on a deeper level with a Brisbane Greeters tour, discover the role that Brisbane played in the Second World War at the MacArthur Museum Brisbane and check out the extensive art collection at the QUT Art Gallery to see and support some of the local and Australian artists on show. Check out our guides to the galleries and museums in The City.

Indulge your sweet tooth

Indulging in something sweet is a must in any mother daughter (or son) outing. Pancake Manor is open 24 hours for a constant sweet tooth craving or visit Noosa Chocolate Factory for the best hot chocolate in The City. Dessert before dinner is allowed at San Churro, alternatively head to Dello Mano for a small but indulgent treat.

Drinks, views and a sunset

Bars with epic Brisbane views are popping up everywhere and some of the best are luckily located in The City. Combine a cocktail with a bird’s eye view of The City at the WET Deck and Sixteen Antlers or stay closer to ground at The Pool Terrace and Bar or Jimmy’s on the Mall. If heights aren’t your thing, then there are plenty of riverside options for a sunset evening including Friday’s Riverside, Blackbird Bar & Grill, Will & Flow, Bavarian Bier Cafe, Riverland and Mr & Mrs G Riverbar. We can promise a fantastic view at all locations.

Listen to local talents 

If you’re wandering through Queen Street Mall or Post Office Square then it’s most likely you’ll come across a local artist sharing their talent with the world. This is part of the City Sounds program, which allows musicians to share their work and gain support from the surrounding crowds. A bit of free live music is the perfect way to end a day with mum.