Fortitude Valley Brisbane: Best Things to Do, Eat, Party & Stay

Brisbane's Fortitude Valley is that part of the city where contradictions meet. Between sparkling offices and heritage-listed buildings, you can find grungy pubs next to international DJs playing their newest songs in chic clubs.

To locals known as “The Valley”, this part of the Brisbane city is one of Australia's first entertainment districts and remains a hotspot for up and coming artists and musicians and a party hotspot.

Nestled nearby, you'll also find the contrasting James Street precinct, stylish street full of boutique shopping, trendy cafes, and a chic atmosphere.

Best Things to Do in the Fortitude Valley

Chinatown Mall

Chinatown Mall is a central part of The Valley, hosting exotic supermarkets and restaurants selling all sorts of Chinese products and herbal medicine. Passing under the traditional Chinese gate, you'll find yourself in the pedestrian-only Mall which is nice for a little browse. Want to eat Chinese, Korean, Indonesian, Japanese, Thai or Vietnamese? You can surely feast on it here!

Many festivals are happening around The Valley throughout the year. Make sure to catch the famous Chinese New Year celebrations which occur yearly around February.

Laneways in the Brisbane Valley

Get into the Melbourne feeling as you wander through Brisbane's small but beautiful graffiti-sprinkled laneways. Yes, it might not seem overly exciting and you'd rather want to catch that flight down to Melbourne, but hear me out.

The Valley has some wonderful street and graffiti art and is home to some of the best boutique shopping in town. Finding individual stores filled with unique pieces has never been easier before.

Winn Lane

Tucked on a side street just off Ann Street and behind the historic Shannon's building which houses the popular live music venue Zoo, you'll find Winn Lane.

It's a small laneway but packed with boutique shopping like vintage clothing and accessories, quirky prints and statement jewelry. And while you are already here, you may as well get a haircut!

Finish off your browse with a feed at Ben's Burgers.

M&A Lane

One of the newer laneway additions in The Valley is M&A Lane, where a variety of culinary choices are waiting, with restaurants and bars serving up fresh meals transporting you to Mexico, Japan and more.

There are still new laneway projects coming with Lucky Lane and California Lane in the making. Stay tuned.

Bakery Lane

The name alone makes me want to return over and over again. Unfortunately, Bakery Lane doesn't have a seriously awesome bakery (yet), however, a handful of small boutique shops, cafés and cool bars can be found here. Grab some

Grab some brownies or visit the cozy addition to Lost Boys (good coffee to be found here!) called The Tree House to kick off your night with a beer or cider and a choice of tapas from the vegetarian menu.

Secret Laneway Tip: Visit Burnett Lane, Brisbane CBD

As Brisbane's oldest laneway which is actually located in the Brisbane CBD and running parallel to Queens Street Mall. Named after the first colonial surveyor, Burnett Lane houses some cool wine bars, cafés and late-night feeds, which is worth a stop on any Brisbane itinerary.

My favorite is Brew Café and Wine Bar, where the water comes in vodka bottles and the halloumi bagel is absolutely worth trying. Good internet for Wi-Fi-hungry people like me can be found at Brew too!

Also, try Felix For Goodness next door for great coffee and the daily changing wholesome menu. Unfortunately, it's only open throughout the day, not in the evening.

James Street

As you walk down Ann Street, you will soon find James Street going off to your right. It's like walking into another world from graffiti-sprayed laneway walls to a flashy shopping street housing local boutiques, homeware and other national flagship stores with restaurants and cafés scattered in between.

James Street has become one of my favorite lunch spots whenever I work from one of the coworking spaces in The Valley. It's simply beautiful to have lunch on this tree-lined street. Come sunset and the street starts pumping with its' upper chic alternative bars and clubs. Try At Sixes And Sevens!

Where to Eat in the Fortitude Valley

From trendy cafes and bustling food markets to award-winning restaurants and hidden gems, there's something for delicious brunches, international cuisines and creative cocktails.

On fashionable James Street, you'll find Gerard's, where local produce marries unusual flavors from across southern Europe, the Middle East and northern Africa. Head there not only for dinner but also for brunch on the weekend.

Daily handmade and fresh as ever, that's what you find at the funky Fat Dumpling on Brunswick Street. Get cozy between the exposed brick walls while nibbling on poached, steamed or pan-fried dumplings ranging in flavors from pork and Chinese cabbage, chicken, vegetarian to prawn and pork.

Are you looking for really good freshly baked bread, cakes and sweets? Visit Jocelyn's Provisions on James Street. Not the cheapest pick when it comes to bakery food but divine!

Some other great restaurants to consider:

• Agnes: Known for its wood-fired cuisine and commitment to sustainable sourcing, Agnes offers a unique dining experience focused on showcasing the best of local ingredients cooked set in an industrial space.
• Hellenika: A popular Greek restaurant underneath The Calile Hotel, Hellenika delights with its authentic Mediterranean flavors, from fresh seafood to traditional mezze dishes, all served in a stylish setting.
• Essa Restaurant: Specializing in modern Middle Eastern cuisine, Essa Restaurant offers a menu filled with flavorful dishes inspired by the region's rich culinary traditions, perfect for sharing.
• Za Za Ta: Located next to Ovolo The Valley Hotel, this vibrant and eclectic restaurant blends Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors with a modern twist, offering a full vegetarian menu accompanied by creative cocktails.
• Maya Mexican: For those craving Mexican cuisine, Maya Mexican is a standout choice in Fortitude Valley, serving up authentic dishes from tacos, enchiladas, and guacamole made fresh in-house.

Travel tip: Mondays in The Valley are seriously not the best night to pick out of all of them as they can be very quiet and some places might be shut completely.

Where To Party In The Fortitude Valley

The Fortitude Valley is not only famous for its legendary party venues and young party crowd, but it indeed hosts some great live music acts. The Tivoli and The Zoo are both places you should check out if you are after some national and international superstar acts.

Backpackers and travelers from all across the world meet cheap drink specials, then Birdies is your place to be.

Are you looking for a chilled beer garden atmosphere? Come to The Wickham pub, The Prince Consort Hotel or Pig ‘n' Whistle.

Hit the dance floors at The GPO, The Met, Prohibition or the magical Cloudland and party until the early morning hours.

Rooftop Bars in Fortitude Valley

When it comes to rooftop bars, rooftop and city views are loosely defined in Brisbane. However, the following are worth checking out not only for their views:

• Cielo Rooftop
• Maya Rooftop Bar
• Iris Rooftop on top of Hotel X
• Fiume Rooftop Bar at the Crystalbrook Vincent is another fav of mine, despite it's not right in The Valley but at the nearby Howard Smith Wharves

Kick off your night with wine, cocktails, tap beers and seasonal canapés combined with chilled music while enjoying the balmy climate of Brisbane overlooking the rooftops.

For more rooftop bar inspiration around Brisbane, have a look here.

Where to Stay in the Fortitude Valley

There's plenty of great accommodation options in Brisbane. The Fortitude Valley in Brisbane has a growing number of beautiful boutique hotels but is otherwise dominated by stylish serviced apartments. You can also find a few budget-friendly hostels popular with backpackers.

Here are some of my top accommodation picks for staying in Fortitude Valley:

$$$ The Calile Hotel – The Calile Hotel in Brisbane is the most luxurious hotel in The Valley. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a sun terrace with a pool, a restaurant, and free bike rentals. The property also features a fitness center, garden, and bar, with air-conditioned rooms that include modern conveniences like a coffee machine, minibar, and flat-screen TV.

$$ Ovolo The Valley – I loved my stay at Ovolo The Valley Brisbane. The hotel's air-conditioned rooms feature modern comforts like a coffee machine and flat-screen TV, with some units also including a balcony.

$$ Sage Hotel James Street – This 4-star hotel features an outdoor pool, concierge service, and air-conditioned rooms with modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi and city views in select rooms.

$$ Alex Perry Hotel & Apartments – A great choice to take advantage of the city's attractions while enjoying unrivaled service and amenities. Every room has Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and a balcony while there is also a fitness center and outdoor pool on the premises.

$ Bunk Backpackers – A budget hostel offering air-conditioned shared dorm rooms as well as private twin and double rooms. The hostel has a swimming pool and free Wi-Fi and Birdies, a lively student bar is right next door.

Fortitude Valley Brisbane – Final Words

Fortitude Valley in Brisbane is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood and I often stay in this part of town when I am coming from the Gold Coast to the city for a weekend getaway.

With its lively nightlife, great restaurants, and funky laneways filled with street art, the Fortitude Valley offers a unique neighborhood, that attracts a younger crowd but is also great for a couples getaway.