Righto, get ready to chuck on your sunnies and hit the Valley, because we’re diving into the 20 best things to do in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane! This ain’t your average tourist trap. The Valley’s where the cool kids hang, the music pumps, and the good times roll. So, ditch the boring bits and let’s get stuck into the real deal.

1. Caffeine Hit at a Cracking Coffee Spot
Forget instant, we’re talking proper coffee here. Valley cafes are serious about their brews. Start your day right at Reverend’s Fine Coffee, get fancy at Bellissimo Coffee, or keep it cool at Bear Bones Specialty Coffee. Your tastebuds will thank you.
2. Pastry Pilgrimage
Sweet tooth calling? Answer it with a pastry crawl! Jocelyn’s Provisions is an institution for a reason, and Agnes Bakery? Flaky heaven. Get ready for some serious drool-worthy goodness.
3. Brunch Like a Boss on James Street
Brunch in the Valley is practically a sport. King Arthur Cafe? Fit for royalty. Harvey’s Bar + Bistro? Always a vibe. The Green? Healthy and delicious. Or for something a bit different, try The New Black or get your hotcake fix at Buttery Boy. Decisions, decisions!
4. James Street Restaurant Rampage
James Street ain’t just for brunch, it’s a dining destination. sAme sAme for South-East Asian deliciousness, Bianca for Italian vibes, and Sushi Room for, well, amazing sushi! Keep an eye out for newbies like Fatcow Steak & Lobster and emme as well. Get your foodie on!
5. Rooftop Bar Romp
Brisbane views and a bevvy in hand? Yes please! Cielo Rooftop, Iris Rooftop Bar, and Valley Hops Brewing are just the tip of the iceberg. Sunset drinks? Sorted.
6. Hawaiian Hula at Suzie Wongs Good Time Bar
Dive bar meets tiki party? Suzie Wong’s is where it’s at for something a bit different. Live music, easy drinks, and a dance floor that’s begging for you to bust a move. Aloha, Valley style!
7. Chinatown Mall Munchies
Get ready for a flavour explosion in Chinatown Mall. BYO is the name of the game, so grab a bottle from The Prince Cellars and dive into some Superbowl Chinese Restaurant goodness. Dumplings, noodles, the works!

Time for a flavour explosion of dumplings and noodles in Chinatown Mall.
8. Cocktail Conquest
Martinis, Negronis, you name it, the Valley’s cocktail bars are next level. Savile Row for speakeasy vibes, Kazba Cocktail Bar for something exotic, and Finney Isles for classic cool. Cheers to that!
9. Ben’s Burger Binge
Sometimes, you just need a good burger, no fuss. Ben’s Burgers keeps it simple, classic, and utterly delicious. Juicy patties, perfect buns, burger bliss.
10. Summa House Sunshine Sessions
Shipping containers turned epic outdoor venue? Summa House is perfect for a sunny arvo. Pub classics, cold beers, and plenty of space to soak up the rays. Good times guaranteed.
11. Italian Indulgence
Pasta and gelato? Always a good idea. Etna, Rosmarino, and Gemelli are your Italian go-tos. Then, cool down with gelato from 13 Bees Gelato or Gelato Messina. Bellissimo!
12. Sunday Session Shenanigans at Sixes and Sevens
Weekends in the Valley? Sixes and Sevens on James Street is where the party’s at. Spritz in the courtyard, good tunes, good vibes. Sunday sorted.
13. James Street Shopping Spree
Credit card ready? James Street is shopping heaven. Designer boutiques like Bassike, international flavour at Calexico, and local sparkle at Natasha Schweitzer. Treat yourself!

Experience the allure of designer boutiques on James Street, where luxury meets local charm.
14. Backstreet Boutique Bonanza
Get off the main drag and explore the Valley’s backstreets. Hidden gems galore! Unique fashion finds, quirky homewares, you never know what you’ll discover.
15. Laneway Lurking
Brisbane’s laneways are buzzing, and the Valley’s got some of the best. Bakery Lane, Winn Lane, and California Lane are packed with cool cafes, boutiques, and bars. Get lost and find something awesome.
16. Show Time at Judith Wright or Fortitude Music Hall
Culture vulture? The Valley’s got you covered. Judith Wright Arts Centre for theatre and dance, Fortitude Music Hall for big-name gigs. Always something to see.
17. Valley Pool Plunge
Need to cool off? Valley Pool‘s a classic 50m outdoor pool. Lap swimming or just a splash around, it’s a ripper spot on a hot day.
18. Art Adventure
Get your art fix! Take a Brisbane Greeters tour to find the street art secrets, or gallery hop between the Institute of Modern Art and Mitchell Fine Art. Culture up!
19. Record Store Rumble
Vinyl junkie? Butter Beats Record Store and Catalog Music are your happy places. Dig through the crates and find your next favourite album. Wax lyrical!
20. Dance ‘Til Dawn
Valley nightlife is legendary. Cloudland for Latin nights on Thursdays, The Beat MegaClub for a long-running LGBTIQA+ party. Get your dancing shoes on and party ’til the sun comes up!
So there you have it, 20 top things to do in Fortitude Valley. Get out there and explore, have a ripper time, and soak up all the Valley vibes! You won’t be disappointed.