Fortitude Valley

To the northeast of the CBD...

over the Story Bridge from Kangaroo Point, is this edgy suburb, known locally as 'the Valley'. This is Brisbane's King's Cross or SoHo, full of achingly hip bars and shops, plus more than a few 'adult entertainment' joints to add to the general air of splendid seediness. This is where you'll find the city's best nightclubs and biggest concentration of bars, and a whole host of different cultures.

Brisbane's Chinatown...

Is found in the Valley, and the Chinatown Mall on Duncan Street is where you'll be able to browse for authentic Chinese spices, herbs and other ingredients, or just fall into one of the many cheap and cheerful Chinese restaurants to let someone else do the work. The Brunswick Street Mall is another popular shopping destination, although for a genuine Valley experience, you need to walk the streets and seek out the vintage clothes stores, fetish shops and eclectic gift emporiums. By day, it's a bustling, commercial area, full of noise, and everybody going about their business like ants in a formicary. By night, it's equally busy, and fun, vibrant, and a little bit naughty. There are bars galore, always with plenty of drinks deals, and if you're a clubber, there's something for everyone, just look for the 70s neon signs...

Fortitude Valley...

Is understandably popular with students, and tourists looking for the edgier side of Brisbane nightlife, and although it's wise to stick to the main streets in the early hours, it's well-policed around here and, as long as you keep your wits about you, the Valley is guaranteed to provide you with one of your most vivid memories of Brisbane.