SITE PARTNER:

Best Things to do in East Brisbane

Updated: Jun 03, 2026

This charming historic riverside suburb is full of hidden gems, including a pocket-sized Japanese restaurant, a traditional German beer hall & restaurant, antiques, cool cafes and a splendid riverfront park. Here's 20 things to eat, drink, see and do in East Brisbane:

Shunsai

Shunsai is a real slice of Japan in Brisbane - a pocket-sized upmarket Japanese restaurant and bar found tucked away

Pawpaw Café

Inside seating at Pawpaw Cafe East Brisbane

Inhabiting an historic shop on Stanley Street is this all-day brunch café and Pan Asian restaurant by night

Future Magic Brewing Co

A convivial suburban microbrewery tucked away in an industrial side street, serving cool beers & hot pizza

Yakitori Kiku

Tucked away in East Brisbane, Yakitori Kiku serves up authentic Japanese charcoal-grilled skewers in a cosy, Tokyo-style setting.

La Bodega Taqueria

A bright and breezy terracotta-hued Mexican restaurant located in a tiny precinct of eateries off Lytton Rd

Sunny Side Sandwiches

Sunny Side Sandwiches have opened their third outlet in East Brisbane, bringing their delectable gourmet shokupan sandwiches

Banana Leaf

Banana Leaf dishes up top-notch Thai fare in a funky setting

Olli Italiano

Olli Italiano is a charming contemporary Italian eatery and bar serving up delicious pizzas, pasta and antipasti as well as Italian cocktails

The German Club

For a rollickin' good night in an old-fashioned community setting, The German Club, is one of Brisbane’s best-kept secrets

Mowbray Park

Mowbray Park is a remnant of the riverine estate established in 1850 by the father of East Brisbane Reverend Thomas Mowbray

Cafetal Coffee Roasters

Cafetal Coffee Roasters bring the best coffee that Colombia has to offer to an industrial side street

Michael Allen Antiques

This fancy black 1880’s weather board shop consistently houses one of Brisbane’s most intriguing antique collections

KCS Chicken

A hidden gem of a Korean fried chicken eatery occupying an historic shop in East Brisbane

Allpress Espresso

Allpress Espresso is brewing Melbourne’s favourite specialty coffee in the inner-city suburb of East Brisbane

Mowbray Park Playground

This playground is located in the beautiful fig shaded surrounds of Mowbray Park

East Brisbane Walk

Brisbane River and city views along footpath in Mowbray Park East Brisbane.

This walk around East Brisbane, one of Brisbane’s best kept secrets, reveals quaint churches, elegant parks, stately Victorian villas and a hidden creek life

Schnucki Dirndl & Lederhosen

SEQ's own Bavarian shop Schnucki Dirndl & Lederhosen is the go-to for traditional German gear and accessories

Mowbraytown Presbyterian Church Group

This little cluster of stand out weatherboard buildings are both an ode to the father of Presbyterianism in Brisbane, Reverend Thomas Mowbray

Triumph Theatre

This 1920’s built picture theatre is one of a few remaining intact interwar cinemas left in Queensland

The historic neighbourhood hotel had a major makeover in 2025, featuring a stunning restaurant, bar, kids zone and lush beer garden

Looking to discover more hidden gems of Brisbane, check out our Guide to Brisbane Suburbs HERE! Happy exploring!

Top Things To Do In Brisbane This Week

Whale Watching

Catch Brisbane's Best Breach at Tangalooma Island Resort

Until Oct 8

MargaretTurner_Early-Morning-Light-in-Maleny_Pastel

Samford & Hinterland Arts Trail

Art lovers, collectors and curious explorers are invited to discover the creative heart of the city

Jun 6-28

LEAF 2026

Be inspired to live more sustainably at Logan City Council’s Logan Eco Action Festival (LEAF)

Jun 7

Veuve Clicquot Champagne Domes

Brisbane's must-visit Veuve Clicquot Champagne Domes are back

Until Jul 5

Winter Igloo & Fire Pit Experience

Warm up this winter at Lina Rooftop in a private igloo

Until Aug 2

Moreton Kids Festival

The much-loved Moreton Kids Festival returns - and this year it's FREE to attend!

Jun 14

RACQ MotorFest 2026

RACQ's MotorFest is the ultimate car lover's day out

Jun 14

West End Solstice Market

Get ready for a fiery, festive celebration with bonfires, beats & street eats

Jun 19

Crowd of people at Brisbane Sake Festival

Australian Sake Festival

The Australian Sake Festival is heading to Brisbane for the first time in 2025

Jun 19-21

RACQ Motorfest

The ultimate car lover's day out returns to the iconic Brisbane Showgrounds with a spectacular auto exhibition

RACQ Motorfest

MUST DO

Exploring Brisbane with Brisbane Metro

Try out these Must-Do itineraries packed with some of Brisbane’s best experiences, activities, dining and more - all conveniently connected by the Brisbane Metro

Exploring Brisbane with Brisbane Metro

THIS WEEKEND

Top Things to Do June 5-7

From Dine BNE City and LEAF 2026 to a razor-sharp Macbeth adaptation, a moody new Paddington restaurant and two hot Fortitude Valley bars

This Weekend June 5-7

MUST VISIT

Best Boutique Cinemas in Brisbane

Swap the standard movie night for a memorable one at one of Brisbane’s best boutique cinemas

Best Boutique Cinemas in Brisbane

NEXT MONTH

What's on in July in & around Brisbane

From Video Games concert, Night Feast by the river and the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra to art tours of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Jetty2Jetty and Bonfire Night, the best things to do in and around Brisbane in July:

What's On in Brisbane in July

FAMILY FUN

Red Riding Hood and The Wolf

Queensland Ballet is set to enchant young audiences with Red Riding Hood and the Wolf, a brand-new whimsical production

Red Riding Hood and The Wolf

MUST DO FAMILY HOLIDAY

Big4 Gold Coast Holiday Park

Make the most of the cooler months with their Winter Magic offer. Stay 4 nights and only pay for 3 on stays until 25 June 2026!

BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park

BEST OF BRISBANE

50+ Best Restaurants in Brisbane

Looking for the best restaurants in Brisbane? Then check out this guide for the must-do dining experiences from the city to the suburbs

Best Restaurants in Brisbane

Best Of Brisbane

Brisbane's Best 50 Bars

Whether you're after breezy drinks by the river, a stiff whiskey in an underground bar, a cosy laneway hideaway or a rooftop with views, here's 50 of Brisbane's best bars

Best Bars in Brisbane

A vibrant celebration of Baroque Italy at QPAC

WIN a Tangalooma Whale Watching Cruise with Wild Dolphin Feeding for 2 Adults and 2 Kids, valued at $876!

Enter here

WIN the Ultimate Rock’n’Roll Weekend Getaway for Two at GreazeFest – Valued at over $1000!

Enter here