Australia’s first urban result descended on Brisbane last year in the form of The Calile. The hotel has shortly become the city’s favourite (and certainly most Instagrammed), thanks to a design team taking inspiration from Miami, Palm Springs and Rio de Janeiro to create an intriguing architectural space awash with pastel hues. And while the 175-room hotel sits right on the doorstep of shopping haven James Street, its real beauty is that you don’t really need to leave; there’s a celebrated bar, restaurant, gym, spa and ample pool area all within its rather chic walls. The Calile, 48 James Street, Fortitude Valley; thecalilehotel.com.

Fortitude Valley isn’t just awash with nightlife offerings, but it’s also home to a blossoming population of cafes eager to cater to the early birds among us. Neatly tucked away into a side street off James Street is King Arthur Cafe. An all-day breakfast and lunch haven, the industrial-style cafe is awash with creative meals and coffee options aplenty. On the menu you’ll find everything from freshly baked muffins and decadent tarts to the more decadent in dishes, including a bacon roll (of thin n crispy bacon, relish, mayo, kimchi, and iceberg) and french toast (paired with beer-roasted stone fruit, pineapple, and sweet halva). 164C Arthur Street, Fortitude Valley; kingarthurcafe.com.

Brisbane is home to arguably the best gallery in the country, GOMA. Established back in 2006, the modern art outpost has worked had to become a leading entity in the modern art sphere and is now home to some of the world’s most innovative new artists and exhibitions, including the Asia Pacific Triennial which it hosts every three years. We suggest you spend the better part of a morning traversing the riverside gallery’s 17,000-strong collection of art, before making your way to its far more traditional neighbour, the Queensland Art Gallery. Stanley Place, South Brisbane; qagoma.qld.gov.au.

One of Brisbane’s most beloved coffee haunts is found within a vine-covered converted bomb shelter in inner-west Milton. The hole-in-the-wall (quite literally) offers only a cabinet of pastries in terms of food, for it’s coffee (and coffee alone) that’s bunker’s specialty. Coffee in all its forms is celebrated at the caffeine haven, which has become particularly renowned for its array of cold brews, served pre-mixed with soy, full cream or skim milk. Don’t worry chocoholics for you haven’t been neglected either; there’s a particularly decadent chocolate-only rendition that’s almost as popular as the coffee-laden originals. 21 Railway Terrace, Milton; bunkercoffee.com.au.

A trip to Botanica Real Food will change the way you look at salad for good. Former private chefs Brett and Alison Hutley are behind the takeaway-only establishment, which now boasts two locations and a devout following of Brisbanites thanks to its array of creative salads and indulgent (bar gluten-free) desserts that are made fresh daily. Think heaped bowls of harissa roasted cauliflower with sweet potato, chickpeas, mint and honey yoghurt dressing, slabs of veggie-laden quiche, and ooey gooey bundt cakes and gluten-free brownies among the ever-changing menu. 29 Doggett Street, Teneriffe; botanicarealfood.com.au.

Contemporary Greek taverna Hellenika first arose on the Gold Coast, but has now welcomed a sister venue in equally stylish new hotel The Calile. While the restaurant is worth a visit for its statement interiors alone, its Hellenic fare has seen it become a fast favourite in the Brisbane dining scene. When it comes to what to order, the eggplant moussaka and spanakopita are worthy of a round of applause, but it’s the zucchini chips here that have achieved cult-like status. As our reviewer explains: “the zucchini chips ($16) are not to be missed under any circumstances besides an imminent cardiac arrest.” 48 James Street, Fortitude Valley; hellenika.com.au.

The ongoing Howard Smith Wharves precinct is yet another must-visit for any foodie in the Sunshine State. Among its bevy of eating and drinking holes sits Mr Percival’s. Sitting smugly on the riverbank, the charismatic bar is a haven of pattern and colour courtesy of its interior designer Anna Spiro. It’s the perfect way to end your day in Brisvegas, watching the sunset with a spritz in hand (of course). Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane; mrpercivals.com.au.

While Melbourne’s laneways are legendary, Brisbane has a fair few of its own to boast about. Settled in an unassuming laneway in the middle of the CBD is Super Whatnot, a petite late-night drinking den. An expert in the unusual when it comes to drinks, the bar offers a lengthy list of unusual wines and craft beers to choose from, alongside an array of creative cocktails. Need an example? The American Pie (Agua Luca Cacacha, Creme de Mure, house beetroot and sage tea, and lemon juice) and the Brown Eyed Girl (Buffalo Trace Bourbon, dark cacao, espresso, egg white, and exit milk stout) are stand-outs. 48 Burnett Lane, Brisbane; superwhatnot.com.

If you are hankering for a proper pub look no further than Albion’s Breakfast Creek Hotel. Built in 1890, the Brekky Creek is one of Brisbane’s most historic watering holes, and to this day remains one of its most popular. The heritage-listed establishment is an easy way to while away an afternoon drinking in the sunshine, but it seems a shame to forgo its elaborate steak offerings procured from properties all around Queensland. Steaks are served with your choice of potatoes and salad, and the all-important bread roll and butter combo. 2 Kingsford Smith Drive, Albion; breakfastcreekhotel.com.

For those not aware, Brisbane is the craft brewing capital, and as such, it’s well worth indulging in a specialty brew while in the city. Newstead Brewing Co is one of the city’s fastest rising stars; the Newstead hub now boasts a second outlet neighbouring Suncorp Stadium in Milton (which overflows with people on game night). Drop in for a taste of the brewery’s six core beers and single cider, among its bevy of collaborations (including most recently with the Brisbane Comedy Festival. 85 Doggett Street, Newstead; newsteadbrewing.com.au.