If you've been overlooking Brisbane, it's time to wake up and take notice.

I’m addressing this to myself as well. As someone from Sydney, I somehow reached the age of 31 before exploring all the wonders Brisbane has to offer. Now that I've been, I can't believe what I've been missing out on.

It's not that I was intentionally avoiding the city; I simply hadn't had the opportunity to visit yet. But after spending four amazing days discovering the gems of Brisbane, I shudder to think of all the great experiences I missed by not visiting sooner.

Thankfully, Brisbane and its beauty are now on my radar. After seeing all it has to offer, I'm certain I will return whenever I need a break from Sydney.

For those planning a trip to Brisbane, here’s a little taste of what you can do while you're there...

16 things to do in Brisbane

1. Stay at the Calile Hotel

If you’re thrilled by the idea of staying at a hotel frequented by celebrities like Liam Hemsworth, Julia Roberts, and more recently Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker, then the Calile Hotel is the perfect spot in Brisbane for you.

Even if you're not star-struck, but simply want a truly nice place to stay, this five-star venue is a great recommendation!

That was me living out my best mermaid fantasies by the pool. (Credit: Brisbane Economic Development Agency)

Located in the heart of Brisbane amidst an array of chic shops and restaurants, the hotel is a lush tropical paradise with impeccable energy, a 1960s vibe, and a host of fabulous facilities for guests to enjoy.

The highlight is undoubtedly the 28-metre pool beside the divine Hellenika restaurant — you'll feel like you're in Miami or Palm Springs (both served as inspirations for the architecture). But you're not in Miami or Palm Springs! You're in beautiful, sunny Brisbane, which is even better in my opinion (and more budget-friendly).

Bring your cozzies!!!!! (Credit: Brisbane Economic Development Agency)

There are 175 guestrooms with nine different suite types and two premier suites. There's also a gym for fitness enthusiasts, the Kailo Medispa for rejuvenation (a swanky spa offering a peaceful retreat with treatment packages and wellness pods), and a library for leisurely browsing.

Here's some video footage of our stay, if you'd like a visual aid:

2. Shop at the James Street precinct

When you step out of the Calile Hotel, you'll find yourself at the James Street precinct, which boasts a wonderful array of shops to browse and eateries to enjoy.

You'll want to set aside ample time to explore this shopper's paradise. There's plenty of stunning greenery to cover! You'll quickly find yourself immersed in the lush selection of Australian designers, including Aje, Gorman, Camilla, Zimmermann, Sass & Bide, Scanlan & Theodore, Silk Laundry, Lee Matthews, Nudie Jeans, Bec + Bridge, Bassike, Mister Zimi, Dion Lee, Camilla & Marc, Carla Zampatti, Venroy, Optiko, Venroy, Bassike, Milu, and Assembly Label.

If you wish to shop local, I recommend checking out jewellery label Natasha Schweitzer, Brisbane's Molton Store (this is its flagship store!), Adronis Fine Jewellery (located at the Calile), or local fashion designer Gail Sorronda's store.

There are also numerous homeware stores like Pottery Barn and West Elm.

The shopping experience is quite relaxing, further enhanced by the fact that it's mostly outdoors, allowing you to enjoy the Brisbane sunshine, with the precinct adorned with a gentle stream of plants.

The James Street precinct is a leafy haven featuring a bunch of killer boutiques and restaurants. (Credit: Brisbane Economic Development Agency)

3. Eat at The Green

Speaking of greenery! There are plenty of fabulous eateries along the strip to fuel your shopping adventure, but my top pick would be The Green.

Tucked among the plants on James Street, this aptly named restaurant showcases all the delightful flavors the Middle Eastern culture has to offer.

The Green is famous for its spit-roasted lamb, mezze plates, and charcoal chicken served with their secret family creamy garlic sauce, toum, all prepared with the freshest ingredients.

Here are just a few of my favorites:

I recommend the meat skewers! (Credit: Supplied)

And the seasoned chippies, bursting with Middle Eastern flavour. (Credit: Supplied)

And, of course, the bread, which truly gives Totti’s a run for its money! (Credit: Supplied)

It's also worth noting that the food is sourced from local growers and suppliers.

4. Stay at the Crystalbrook Vincent

This five-star hotel is a fantastic choice for accommodation, not only for its convenience (it's located on the Howard Smith Wharves — more on that later!), but also for its overall vibe. It feels like a boutique hotel on a grander scale, located right by the water, which automatically puts you at ease.

In terms of interiors, it's truly unforgettable. The walls are adorned with over 500 prints by acclaimed Australian artist Vincent Fantauzzo. It almost doubles as an art gallery. I spent a considerable amount of time admiring the hotel's art as we came and went from our room.

Is it a hotel or an art gallery? Honestly, a bit of both! Two for the price of one. (Credit: Brisbane Economic Development Agency)

Moreover, the suites offer an incredible view of the city, which is absolutely breathtaking, especially at night when the Brisbane lights illuminate. After a night of exploration, if you're not quite ready for bed, you can take a stroll by the water, as it's practically in your backyard.

And waking up to that beautiful view is just what your soul needs to recharge.

The hotel also features sustainable amenities as it's built on an environmentally conscious #ResponsibleLuxury philosophy, which we love.

If you're planning a winter trip, check out their list of winter offers for local activities like the bridge climb or visiting the Secret Speakeasy (more details here).

If you're undecided on where to stay, I can't recommend the Crystalbrook Vincent enough.

They practically had to drag me out of there kicking and screaming; I did not want to leave.

5. Eat at Mews

Whether you're a guest at Crystalbrook Vincent or not, you simply must visit the delightful eatery called Mews, located on the ground floor of the hotel.

The café itself is charming, vibrant, and offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The menu is produce-driven and changes with the seasons.

The staff were so lovely that I felt compelled to leave a Google review after one of the many times we dined there during our stay, something I almost never do.

Definitely check it out, then take a stroll along the Howard Smith Wharves afterward.

6. Visit the Howard Smith Wharves

During the Uber ride to the Crystalbrook Vincent hotel, the driver mentioned that we had struck gold by choosing to stay here, not only because it's a top-notch place to stay, but because it's situated in the location of the best night spots in Brisbane.

He mentioned that during the day, the area is a peaceful haven with beautiful scenery (and he was right!), but come nighttime, the area becomes vibrant, bustling, and full of life (again, he was right!).

The Howard Street Wharves is a stunning spot in Brisbane where a variety of bars and restaurants overlook the water.

The stunning Howard Street Wharves are where Brisbane comes alive. (Credit: Brisbane Economic Development Agency)

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7. Enjoy drinks at Fiume

Now, onto the nightlife!

Who among us doesn't get excited at the thought of a rooftop bar?

If that includes you, check out Fiume, a chic rooftop bar located in the Crystalbrook Vincent hotel, but it's open to all patrons, even if you're not a guest.

The outdoor bar and terrace have the vibe of an LA resort rooftop, complete with a spectacular infinity pool and day beds.

Fiume in the evening! (Credit: Supplied)

The bar offers a lovely selection of cocktails to enjoy as you take in the view of the Brisbane skyline. I especially recommend it if you're in need of a sunset drink, as well as the Fiume Fridays!

8. Eat at Stanley

Award-winning Australian-Cantonese restaurant Stanley is an absolute must-visit!

Inspired by head chef Louis Tikaram's international travel and background, Stanley features a stunning selection of classic Cantonese dishes with a modern twist.

I beg of you: GET. THE. BANQUET! (Credit: Supplied)

The two-storey restaurant is housed in the heritage-listed former headquarters of Brisbane's water police and features a stunning interior designed by Samantha Leigh Interiors in collaboration with Katie Cameron Interiors.

You have the option of either sitting inside and enjoying the atmosphere or sitting on the balcony where you can enjoy each course with a view of Brisbane's water.

I recommend indulging in one of their banquet options or trying their iconic seven-day Yum Cha.

9. Enjoy the beer at Felons Brewery

Whether you're a beer drinker or not, you need to visit Felons Brewing Co, a brewery/pub that overlooks the water and also has plenty of indoor seating.

Founded by Brisbane locals, Felons brew and serve their own selection of beers and ciders, but they also offer other drinks and food options, including wood-fired pizzas and other pub treats.

Parts of the brewery are dog-friendly if you're visiting with your furry friend during the day!

10. Party at Mr Percival’s

Adjacent to Felons is Brisbane's newest overwater bar called Mr Percival’s. There’s a spacious outdoor decking area and an inside nightclub vibe complete with a dancefloor and in-house DJ.

If you'd like to enjoy some delectable treats while soaking in the atmosphere, the kitchen serves a delicious selection of dishes, including caviar, prawn cocktails, pizzas, and Moreton Bay bug rolls.

If you're up for a fun night, you can't miss Mr Percival's. The energy reminded me of what Sydney used to be like before the nightlife declined. Definitely a highlight of the trip!

11. Eat at Agnes

Agnes was designed to give you the feeling of dining by the fire. The setup is intimate yet grand, housed in a heritage three-storey building with a hearth-like vibe.

It features a main dining room (with dim mood lighting perfect for date night), a wine bar, and a terrace.

Agnes is ideal for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries. (Credit: Brisbane Economic Development Agency)

The food itself is decadent and delicious—a celebration of wood-fired cooking. It's no wonder it was Gourmet Traveller’s #1 rated restaurant in Australia