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Brisbane's Trendy Suburbs: The 7 Coolest Neighbourhoods to Live in Brisbane

Oct 10, 2022

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From foodie hotspots to boutique shopping and art trails, these are some of Brisbane’s most happening haunts.

Street art, farmers’ markets and cold press coffee – these seven suburbs around Brisbane have a distinctly cool vibe. From foodie hotspots to boutique shopping and art trails, these are some of Brisbane’s most happening haunts.

West End To QAGOMA
West End To QAGOMA
West End

First and foremost, West End prides itself on its food. The inner-city precinct is a dining mecca with hole-in-the-wall coffee shops, popular brunch spots and globally inspired restaurants. The neighbourhood’s creative spirit runs deep with independent fashion stores and vintage gems, while a stroll through West End’s alleyways reveals an urban gallery of street art. Picnic in riverside parks, stocking up on fresh farm produce from the weekend markets. West End’s luxury apartments have become a major draw for young professionals looking for city convenience and a vibrant sense of community.

Fortitude Valley

The Valley’s blend of dining institutions, designer fashion and muralled laneways have made it one of the city’s coolest enclaves. Minutes from the CBD, Fortitude Valley remains one of Brisbane’s most popular haunts for food and entertainment. James Street lies at its heart with back-to-back cafes and luxury Australian fashion. After dark there’s everything from cocktails to craft beers to suit any occasion – try City Winery or Savile Row. The Judith Wright Arts Centre showcases some of Queensland’s most exciting arts programs and performance works, while The Calile Hotel is further cementing the suburb’s reputation as a design-driven hub.

New Farm

Nestled on the riverfront, the creative and cultural epicentre of New Farm is one of Brisbane’s most in-demand suburbs. It lures those looking for an outdoor lifestyle with sprawling New Farm Park and a walking and cycling path straight into the city centre. From exclusive fashion boutiques to breakfast staples such as Miss Jones and Mylk & Co, live music and farmers’ markets at Brisbane Powerhouse or a beer crawl through microbreweries, New Farm keeps locals busy at all hours of the day. A mix of boutique residences are popping up celebrating contemporary design and catering to Brisbane’s most discerning buyers.

Milton

The up-and-coming suburb of Milton sits on the cusp of the CBD and offers a burgeoning food and drink scene, with pocket-sized coffee shops, small bars and the famous European-style diners lining Park Road. Popular among investors and young professionals, it provides a vibrant urban lifestyle rich in everyday amenities. Walk or ride the Bicentennial Bikeway along the riverfront, straight into the city centre. There are Sunday farmers’ markets as well as the much-loved monthly market at The Polish Club (think pierogies and jam-filled Pączki donuts).

South Brisbane

Historic Fish Lane has helped cement South Brisbane as a foodie, arts and lifestyle precinct. Here you can sample an array of multicultural flavours, from Asian street food to traditional Italian, alongside cocktail bars and dessert favourites. South Brisbane is home to some of the city’s most significant cultural institutions, including QAGOMA and Queensland Performing Arts Centre, while locals can enjoy a dip in the man-made lagoon pool Streets Beach. Nestled on the northern banks of the river, the suburb is effortlessly connected via public transport to the city. Living here ensures a life of true convenience with everything on your doorstep.

Paddington

Pretty Paddington remains high on the hit list of trendy neighbourhoods thanks to its stunning character homes and notable cafés, many of which are housed within restored Queenslanders and heritage buildings. Meander down Given Terrace to find delicious eateries such as Kettle & Tin and Anouk Café, then around to Latrobe Terrace to immerse yourself in the suburb’s retail stores – you’ll pick up everything from fashion to homewares and antiques. Paddington’s charming cottages, convenient city edge position and leafy streetscapes offer a lifestyle that’s simply hard to beat.

Newstead

Besides its reputation for craft beer, Newstead also boasts specialty coffee shops, on-trend restaurants and arts and cultural institutions aplenty. Morning espressos are best served at Industry Beans or Yolk, while Golden Pig and Drum Dining have our attention come nightfall. There’s live music venues, contemporary galleries and boutiques stocking all sorts of artisan wares. Picturesque Newstead Park lies on the foreshore and is home to Brisbane’s oldest surviving residence, Newstead House. Today, its property is mostly modern apartment complexes drawing those looking for a youthful and energetic lifestyle.

*This post was originally published on https://sitchu.com.au/brisbane/neighbourhood-watch/brisbane-trendy-suburbs?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwAR1fvZcrFuuezDDXZ6jta1z8wiAcXsgztQdAGSuUPOxwuTNGNjQLWNY3PKg