Brisbane is a city full of surprises - and we're here to spill the beans. Whether you're here for a day, a week, an extended vacation, or finally settling down as a local, here's a complete guide so you can enjoy Brisbane to the fullest and explore all the city's hidden gems. It's guaranteed that Brisbane will impress you like no other. There are cruises, cultural tours, and an exciting city atmosphere. So, what can you do here?

The iconic Brisbane River is something that complements the city's lifestyle. Sailing the river is one of the best experiences to get the best panoramic view of Brisbane. On a River to Bay cruise, you can experience a signature cocktail lounge, bar or brewery with stunning river views. The various route options will also allow you to sample delicious seafood, wine and craft beer, or simply enjoy Brisbane's breathtaking skyline from and back to the heart of the city.

To make your adventure even more exciting, you should try Jet Ski Tours Brisbane to test your adrenaline. Up there, you'll see unforgettably beautiful views along the Brisbane River. However, if you're not a fan of heights, a GoBoat ride for a picnic is an equally fun option! You don't need a special license or experience, but you can experience driving your own boat along the Brisbane River. The boats are environmentally friendly, too!

It doesn't stop there, at the YOT Club-a superyacht, you can get the chance to have fun on the Brisbane River. Simply choose the party that appeals to you, book your spot and experience the best of Brisbane's waterways. When else can you cheers with a beautiful view of Brisbane? When it comes to dining and other entertainment, you must try a classic - Kookaburra River Queens. Dining here will bring you the perfect blend of old-school and modern dining, as it's all served on an old steamship.

Don't worry, if you've got little ones in tow and are looking for some fun entertainment for them, just opt for the Koala and River cruise, from Mirimar Cruises, to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. It's relaxing and informative! Guaranteed your little ones will be super happy all day long.

Getting out of the water, admiring the various sights of Brisbane is a must-do. The view from above is unbeatable, which you can only experience by taking a helicopter tour of Brisbane City or from the nearby islands of Moreton or North Stradbroke. However, if you want to stay grounded you can also perch on Kangaroo Point Cliffs for a panoramic view of the city. As for the opposite perspective, all you have to do is visit Eagle Street Pier. For those of you who are curious about Brisbane's ocean above the clouds, you must come to The Story Bridge Adventure Climb. After that, head to Mt. Coot-Tha to catch the indaaaaaah sunrise or sunset. After sunset, you can stay overnight and get the chance to see the cool city lights under the stars.

Here's another one with a truly spectacular view. You can get up close to the Brisbane skyline on a hot air balloon ride with Hot Air Balloon Brisbane. Their team will pick you up in the city before sunrise and take you to O'Reilly's on the Scenic Rim to see the vineyards and beautiful beaches. Thirty minutes west of Ipswich town, we guarantee you'll be intrigued by Floating Images, which promises some of the most beautiful views between the countryside and the city along the Scenic Rim and Ipswich Town.

This time we discuss the center of food and entertainment in Brisbane, Howard Smith Wharves. If you are looking for the best spot here, you have to stop under the Story Bridge and sit on the edge of the sparkling Brisbane River. Believe me, you will be pampered with the best restaurants and bars ever!

First stop, Felon's Brewing Co. This is a must place if you want to taste beer that is freshly brewed on site and definitely fresher because it is accompanied by the breeze from the river. Walk a few meters and you will find Mr Percival's – the perfect place to drink a cocktail while watching the panoramic view of the city with the magically beautiful sunset sky.

At Howard Smith Wharves you can hunt for any culinary delights! Try a variety of unique dishes, such as authentic Greek cuisine from Greca, Japanese fusion flavors at Yoko Dining, or a traditional-modern Italian touch at Ciao Papi. If you want something fancy, you must dine at Stanley Restaurant to taste luxurious Cantonese and Chinese food.

From breakfast, lunch, snacks and afternoon drinks, to all-night parties under the stars (or relaxing on a bean bag), there's it all at Howard Smith Wharves. Eits, but not only that, try booking a room at Crystalbrook Vincent and enjoy the rooftop bar - Fiume, which is really cool to accompany you for a drink while watching the hustle and bustle of The Wharves from afar.

Meet The Cultural Centre, home to Queensland's largest gallery and library, as well as Australia's most famous museum. QAGOMA is a combination of two main galleries consisting of the Queensland Art Gallery, which is a center for exhibitions and traditional media, and the Gallery of Modern Art where modern meets abstract art. Well, it's very fitting that on November 26 - April 23, at QAGOMA there is a world-class exhibition entitled "Water". This exhibition highlights immersive, large-scale works by leading international and local Australian artists, who explore air (water) with cultural, ecological and political dimensions to their art.

There is also QPAC, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, which is home to more than 1200 performances per year. The catalog is full of productions from new, developing, local, to world-famous.

For you book lovers, this is heaven: The State Library of Queensland. This place is located in the heart of the Cultural Center, where as a storehouse of knowledge it is widely used by the community to share, learn, collaborate and create. If you want to become a member, you can! It's free to register. Then, you can get access to an impressive catalog and can book a room for meetings or studying.
The last spot that is no less fun to visit is the Queensland Museum.

This museum presents natural history, cultural heritage, science and human achievements that help tell the story of Queensland's changes. There are permanent exhibitions, there are also ones that change. For children and adults, this can be an experience full of refreshing knowledge. Then, on Level 1 there is the Sciencentre, where you can take a closer look at the latest research and discoveries. But, don't forget to buy a ticket first to enter!

Make your city experience even more exciting by going to Riverlife. You can ride the Segway under the Story Bridge, continue rock climbing at Kangaroo Point Cliffs, or glide down the river by kayak at night. Guaranteed fun and unforgettable!

If you want to see calming greenery, Brisbane has two Botanic Gardens that you can explore to your heart's content to unwind. Invite your friends or family for a picnic at Mt Coot-Tha Botanic Gardens before climbing the mountain to see the stunning views of The City. Or if you just want to relax, you can go to City Botanic Gardens and continue shopping to relieve stress along Queen Street Mall.

Around the Brisbane coastline, there are many islands that are no less beautiful. Suitable for retreating away from the hustle and bustle of city life and returning to nature for adventure. Choose what you like: take a ferry, rent a boat, go on a tour, or drive across the water and discover a different side of Brisbane.

If you fall in love with marine mammals, you really have to go to Moreton Bay! There is Tangalooma Island Resort which offers cruise options to see dolphins and whales. Plus you can snorkel to see shipwrecks and go for a ride on an ATV quad-bike. Brisbane Whale Watching and Aria Cruises specifically provide dolphin and whale viewing tours during whale season, specifically June and November.

Of the many nice and beautiful places in Brisbane, you can choose one area to explore and spend one day there. In the north, there is the Australia Zoo which is home to the iconic Crocodile Hunter, a conservation area that also provides interesting education. While you're there, don't forget to explore D'Aguilar National Park – there are remote cliffs, subtropical rainforest and the natural landscape of Moreton Bay which you can reach in just half an hour from the city!
Shopping in Urban Areas

If you are satisfied with meeting nature, you can also meet other buildings. There is no reason for you not to shop at Queen Street Mall. Here you can be satisfied buying your favorite items or your fashion wishlist, from various favorite retail stores to well-known and international luxury brand stores that you can find here. Another option, there is James Street in Fortitude Valley which specifically offers a luxurious experience from classy boutiques.

There is one local favorite, namely the Brisbane Powerhouse which is always full of comedy every Friday, regular exhibitions, performances on stage, as well as bars and restaurants that you can go to all night long. Apart from that, if you like touring museums, you can visit the Museum of Brisbane, which focuses on art and stories about this city, or the Queensland Maritime Museum in the South Bank area, which tells the story of this place's relationship with its rivers and bays. There is also the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium which invites you to look at the stars.

For those of you who are full of artistic souls, this is the place you should know: Judith Wright Contemporary Art Center or let's call it Judy. This place is truly unique where cabaret, circus, dance, music and contemporary performances combine into one in Fortitude Valley. Meanwhile, if you want to feast your eyes on a free art gallery, you can stop by the Institute of Modern Art inside Judy. There you can also join forums about all things related to art. If you like theater, you definitely have to go to the truly iconic Brisbane Arts Theatre.

Last but not least, if you want to enjoy a night filled with music, just go to Fortitude Music Hall. This is the right stage for new musicians in Brisbane, where they often hold really cool shows and gigs. When else, right, have fun and chill in the heart of Fortitude Valley!

So, are you ready to fall in love with Brisbane?