An inner-city neighbourhood full of character and history, West End is Brisbane’s culture hotspot. With a diverse population and bohemian atmosphere, there’s something special about the community of West End. Among historical old houses and modern apartment blocks you’ll find iconic West End attractions like urban art, community markets, eclectic eats, coffee roasters, vibrant nightlife and more. Check out our tips on how to experience West End like the locals.
Rise and grind
West End is renowned for its thriving coffee culture. Start your day by grabbing an artisanal brew and bite to eat at one of the many local cafes. Blackstar Coffee Roasters and Who Shot the Barista deliver the perfect cup of coffee every time. If you want to pair your morning coffee alongside an iconic brunch, head to Morning After, The Gunshop Café or Lokal + Co.
Explore the markets
West End is home to not one but two different market events! The Boundary Street Markets run on Fridays from 4–10pm, Saturdays from 10am–10pm and Sundays from 9am–2pm. Here you’ll find a delicious array of global food, drink and artisan traders.
On Saturdays the West End Markets at Davies Park kick off with fresh produce, gourmet foods, handmade crafts, vintage clothing and music under a canopy of glorious giant fig trees. One of the more famous West End attractions, these markets are an opportunity to engage with local vendors and soak up the lively atmosphere the suburb is known for.
Dine like a local
West End has dining options for pretty much any cuisine you could want – Italian, Greek, South East Asian, Mexican, North East African – you name it! West End’s authentic Greek culture is best experienced at Lefkas Tavern. For an Asian fix, try Little Red Dumpling for Chinese dumplings, Bird’s Nest for Japanese yakitori or Trang for Vietnamese pho. Indulge in Italian sensations at Italian Street Kitchen, La Lupa or Pasta Club.
Stroll the alleyways for urban art
For an authentic West End experience, take a wander through the suburb’s alleyways to discover its inspiring urban street art. Local artists have used empty walls as their own canvas to add colour and life into the streets of West End. Be sure to check out the urban art along and just off of Montague Road, Hardgrave Road, Vulture Street and Princhester Street.
Enjoy a local brew
If you appreciate a good brew, check out the growing West End attraction – its thriving brewery scene. Local craft breweries like Brisbane Brewing Co and Catchment Brewing Co deliver a menu of unique, locally brewed beers served by the brewers themselves. You can also enjoy a range of local brews on tap (and a round of ping-pong) at Archive.
Experience the nightlife
As the sun sets, West End transforms into a hub of vibrant nightlife with plenty of personality. For a cool and cosy industrial chic bar offering bespoke cocktails and craft beer, head to The End. Catching a gig at The Bearded Lady is a stand-out West End experience, with local and touring bands performing Thursdays through Sunday evenings as well as free shows every Wednesday.
Getting to West End
There are so many West End experiences to enjoy, and Airtrain can help you get there. Airtrain provides a reliable and comfortable service that bypasses unexpected delays and helps make travel easy.
Our services run express from Brisbane Airport and stop at Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street and South Brisbane stations.
When you’re travelling to your West End attractions you can get around with ease using a go card – the fast and convenient way to travel on all Translink transport, including Airtrain.
Translink’s Smart Ticketing system offers more ways to pay, for a more convenient journey. Smart Ticketing allows you to pay with your Visa, Mastercard and American Express debit and credit cards.
Check out the Translink Journey Planner to help plan your next adventure in West End.
