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Brighton

Brighton is a beachfront city in East Sussex, south-eastern coast of England, south of London. In 1997, the neighbouring communities of Brighton and Hove joined to form the City of Brighton and Hove which was given city status in 2001.

Brighton is known for its grand Regency architecture, several landmarks in an oriental-inspired architectural style including the Grade-I Listed Pavilion, and for its large LGBT community.

Understand

Brighton was a sleepy little fishing village, then known as Brighthelmstone, until Dr Richard Russell of Lewes began to prescribe the use of seawater for his patients. He advocated the drinking of seawater and sea-bathing in 1750. In 1753 he erected a large house near the beach for himself and for his patients. A further factor in Brighton's growth came in the early 19th century when the Prince of Wales built the Royal Pavilion, an extravagant Regency building designed by John Nash. But it was only with the development of the railways, around 1840, that Brighton truly started to boom.

The city is close to London, and is increasingly popular with media and music types who don't want to live in the capital. It is sometimes called "London-by-the-Sea" for this reason. Brighton is typically referred to as the gay capital of Britain. There is a significant gay district in Kemp Town which adds to the Bohemian atmosphere of the city.

Whilst a day trip to Brighton, or even a long weekend, will offer activities and culture for the visitor all year round, it is in the springtime that the city really starts coming to life, and May sees the return of two of the most popular festivals, Brighton Festival and Festival Fringe (see the events section). In the summer Brighton truly flourishes, with residents and visitors enjoying lazy days and beautiful sunsets on what is perhaps the city's greatest asset, the more than stretch of shingle beach, facing south onto the English Channel.

For those with working visas, Brighton is a good spot for seasonal and temporary work, due in part to its status as a student town and in part to it being on the sea.

Local information

 * Brighton and Hove City Council website

By train

Wikivoyage has a guide to Rail travel in Great Britain

Trains to Brighton run from London Victoria and London Bridge stations in London, taking about an hour (faster for the Brighton Express services from Victoria, although expect to add another 20 minutes if travelling during peak commuting times). Trains also run along the coast from Hastings and Lewes in the east, and Portsmouth, Southampton and Chichester in the west. Brighton is on a direct line to Gatwick Airport and Luton Airport (Gatwick is much closer, being to the south of London).

Brighton has 2 stations:

All trains stopping in Brighton stop at Brighton Terminus, on Junction Road. Local trains to Newhaven via Lewes also stop at London Road station, on Shaftesbury Place, just off Ditchling Rise. This station is only really useful for the northeastern part of Brighton, and isn't too far from the main Brighton station. When travelling to Brighton, it would be easier to just plan to go to the main Brighton station, as it is also closer to the town centre.

Trains to Brighton are operated by Southern and Thameslink. Southern operates trains to Eastbourne, Hastings, Ashford, Newhaven, Portsmouth, Southampton and London Victoria; while Thameslink operates trains to Bedford, Cambridge, London St Pancras, Luton and London Blackfriars.

Trains are crowded on Saturdays when Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club are playing at home: the surge is towards Brighton around lunchtime, and towards London late afternoon.

By car
Brighton is a congested city, and not easy to drive or park in at peak times. The principal route from London and Gatwick Airport to the north is the A23, which turns into the M23 just after Crawley. The A27 runs along the south coast from Portsmouth in the west to Pevensey (near Eastbourne) in the east, and is a dual-carriageway for much of its length west of Brighton but is primarily a congested normal carriageway to the east of Brighton, the A27 turns into the M27 after Portsmouth and continues on into the New Forest National Park. There are several car parks in central Brighton - expect to pay about £1.50 per hour, even on Sundays, although they can get quite full at times, so don't count on finding somewhere to park.

The Ethos Parking website shows where available parking spaces are in some car parks with entry barriers around the city on a map. However, it doesn't show all car parks.

For a day at the beach, parking is available, though very limited, on the two roads parallel to the beach between the main pier and the marina, Madeira Drive and Marine Parade. As with many popular seaside resorts in England, the earlier you arrive on a warm, sunny day, the better your chances of getting yourself a space! Charges vary between seasons and the location premium, but generally in the height of summer expect to pay £15-20 per day closer to the pier, and £5-7 per day further east.

As an alternative to driving to the city centre, parking (charges apply) is available at Worthing, Hassocks or Lewes rail stations, both about 20 minutes by train from the city centre. Another alternative is to use the city's Park and Ride service, where you park at a free car park about a 45-minute walk away from the main train station, then get a bus to the city centre.

There are particular days of the year when it is very much inadvisable to drive into Brighton:
 * The children's parade day at the start of Brighton Festival. Usually the first Saturday in May. Many roads in the centre of Brighton are closed.
 * The day of the annual London to Brighton Bike Ride. This is on a Sunday in June - tens of thousands of cyclists plus their support vehicles are in the city, so many roads will be blocked or difficult to get across.
 * The parade day of the Brighton and Hove Pride week. Around the first Saturday of August. Many roads in the centre of Brighton and around the pier area are closed to all traffic, and diversionary routes are long and/or not built for heavy traffic. Gridlock often ensues on Pride Saturday.
 * The Brighton Marathon in early April, where many roads in the city are closed.
 * The first Sunday of November when the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is held (unless, of course, you own a veteran car!)
 * Any summer's day when the sun is shining and the whole of London decides to head to Brighton beach.

By bus

 * Brighton and Hove Buses is the main bus company in Brighton, and they run to Brighton from Eastbourne in the east (with routes 12, 12A, 12X or 13X) and Tunbridge Wells in the north (with routes 28, 29, 29B or 29X). Travel on Brighton & Hove Buses cost £2 per journey or £4 a day for travel within Brighton (Southwick - Newhaven - Lewes - this is called a CitySaver). There is also a NetworkSaver ticket for travel around the network for £6.50 a day. There are many discount fares ("CentreFares", online tickets) and tickets which cost more (Nightbuses: ranging from £2 for N7 and N25 to £5 for the N69). Children only receive a discount with a BusID.
 * The National Express coach route 025 from London Victoria travels via Heathrow and Gatwick Airports. Journey times to Brighton are roughly 1 hr 40 min from Heathrow and 30 min from Gatwick, offering a competitive alternative to the train. Indeed, this is the quickest way to get between Heathrow and Brighton by public transport. If travelling from Central London, don't get the coach; the train is much quicker (under 1 hr) and the slight cost increase is worth every penny.
 * Stagecoach bus services run to Brighton from Portsmouth, via Worthing, on service 700. It costs £6.30 for one day's unlimited travel on this route.
 * Metrobus has "hop-on, hop-off" services which run from Haywards Heath (with routes 271 and 272), Ardingly (with route 272) and Three Bridges (with route 272). Tickets cost between £4 and £5.30 for these routes, and can be used on Brighton and Hove Buses too.

By plane
The city's proximity to London means Brighton is well served by airports. Brighton can be reached from Gatwick by train in as little as 25 minutes £9.80-£11.90, Jan 2023).

Get around
Brightonians often give directions relative to a prominent landmark, the Clock Tower, which stands due south of the rail station where Queen's Road meets Dyke Road (oh yes it does), West Street, North Street and Western Road.

The oldest part of the city is the Lanes, which is bounded by North Street, West Street and East Street, through which runs Middle Street, and Ship Street. Beware the spelling of the similar-named North Laine (meaning "north fields") which is a boutique and alternative shopping nirvana, to the north side of North Street.

Western Road, a major shopping street runs east–west from the Clock Tower, whilst Eastern Road runs up a hill towards the main hospital from the area known as the Old Steine (rhymes with clean) which has Brighton Pier at the seafront here.

Running north from the working Pier, you find the memorable Royal Pavilion, a run down church St Peter's, and The Level, which is being developed. Going north east from here is Lewes Road (pronounced "Lewis") which takes you out to the city boundary and both of the Universities.

Hove is found to the west of Brighton. To the east of the city, there is Brighton Marina.

By bike
Although the area is hilly, cycling is a growing form of transport in Brighton. The city council's website has more details on cycling, including a map of routes.

A cost effective way of getting around town 'pay by the minute' ebike rental service, Beryl BTN Bikes, which has stations available across the city. It is often the fastest way to move around, although the 'resilient' bikes can be challenging on larger hills.

By bus
Brighton and Hove Council have published a journey planner for local traffic.

There is an extensive bus network in Brighton and Hove. In the city centre, services are very frequent and many stops have 'real-time' bus information. The majority of buses are run by one company, Brighton & Hove Buses. The best option for a visitor is to get a £4.40 CitySAVER all-day ticket to avoid the £2.20 single fares.

Children travel at half price, and pensioners free after 9AM (with a suitable RFID card). If travelling by train, you can add a "plus bus" CitySaver option on your ticket for £2, or get a CitySaver for £3 at Brighton Station bus stops.

There are three routes on weekdays (route 52 on Saturdays too) between the City Centre and the universities with a bright yellow bus company called the Big Lemon, costing just £1.50 for a single and £2 for an all day pass.

On a few days a year, buses are disrupted by parades etc., the same days as in the "by car" section above.

Many of Brighton & Hove Bus's vehicles are named after celebrities (some living, some deceased) and individuals who have made a contribution to Brighton & Hove city life in some significant manner. You can even suggest names for the buses to have at the bus company's website!

By train
Brighton Station is one of the most important rail terminals in the South East and from here the city of Brighton has a small suburban rail network with London Road station,, , , and  serving the city (Moulsecoomb and Falmer for the universities in the city).

Southern and Thameslink services do not carry bicycles during peak hours (7-10AM and 4-7PM).

By taxi
There are lots of teal (greeny-blue) and white taxis in Brighton, with the council logo on the door. They are, however, more expensive than most other towns and cities in England. In Friday and Saturday after midnight, the hire charge for a taxi is £4.10 before the journey starts.

The main taxi ranks are at Brighton train station and at East Street (near the Lanes). (Smaller ranks dotted around include: Queen Square (opposite Churchill Square), the north side of St. Peter's Church and the bottom of Montpelier Road.) Some taxi companies are:

See
The Brighton Attractions Combi-Saver Ticket saves you up to 30% on tickets to the Royal Pavilion, i360 tower, and Sea Life Brighton. Purchase at i360 (or online 3 days in advance): adult £27.70 (£26.10), child (5-15 years) £14.75 (£13.95), child (4 years – under 4s go free): £8.00 (£7.20) (Nov 2017).

 * The Lanes -an area of small shops, the tumbled street plan reflecting the layout of the original fishing village of Brighton which was here. Almost every shop in the Lanes is a jewellery shop, although there are also cafés, bars, record shops, a shop that sells vintage weapons, and a host of Italian restaurants.
 * North Laine (sometimes incorrectly called the North Lanes). A wild nest of alternativism, the North Laine area is walked by dreadlocked hippies, bright colours, punks, goths and oddballs. The shops sell everything from bongs to magic potions, from giant wooden hands to fairy wings and from bagels to fire staffs, and a full complement of cafés, bars, second-hand clothes stores and newsagents. The area is north of the Lanes on the other side of North Street.
 * The Lanes -an area of small shops, the tumbled street plan reflecting the layout of the original fishing village of Brighton which was here. Almost every shop in the Lanes is a jewellery shop, although there are also cafés, bars, record shops, a shop that sells vintage weapons, and a host of Italian restaurants.
 * North Laine (sometimes incorrectly called the North Lanes). A wild nest of alternativism, the North Laine area is walked by dreadlocked hippies, bright colours, punks, goths and oddballs. The shops sell everything from bongs to magic potions, from giant wooden hands to fairy wings and from bagels to fire staffs, and a full complement of cafés, bars, second-hand clothes stores and newsagents. The area is north of the Lanes on the other side of North Street.

 * Brighton Marina with boats, pubs, restaurants, a supermarket and even a hotel, well to the east of the town centre.
 * Brighton Marina with boats, pubs, restaurants, a supermarket and even a hotel, well to the east of the town centre.
 * Brighton Marina with boats, pubs, restaurants, a supermarket and even a hotel, well to the east of the town centre.

 * , Corn Exchange Theatre, Dome Concert Hall - Theatre and music venues are all in the 'Cultural Quarter' that encompasses New Road, Jubilee Street and parts of North Laine.

Alternative

 * St James's Street/Kemp Town - Brighton's gay village, lending the city the title of 'Gay Capital of Britain', is a short walk east of the city centre. It caters to the LGBT community, and is home to a wealth of restaurants and cafes. Continuing in the same direction you reach the rather more low-key and genteel area of, with another clutch of antique shops.

The area just west of is one of the more interesting parts of Brighton to spend a day wandering (if a little less sanitised; the area has a high number of brothels and halfway houses. Still safe, but exercise more caution at night than elsewhere in Brighton). Wide range of stores-including a fabulous Chinese supermarket- and some stunning architecture.

Further out

 * is a smock mill of 1820. It's on Holmes Ave, Hove.
 * are a pair of windmills on the Downs above Clayton village. You can visit Jill, a post-mill built in 1821. Jack is a tower mill of 1866.

Do

 * on Madeira Drive is an open-air lido with heated 50 m pool, opening in spring 2023.
 * Football:
 * Cricket:
 * Shop until you drop. Calling into many of the quirky shops in the Laines looking for that elusive deleted LP, leather bound book, one-off party dress, or organic beer, can be a highlight and a chance to uncover hidden gems.
 * Shop until you drop. Calling into many of the quirky shops in the Laines looking for that elusive deleted LP, leather bound book, one-off party dress, or organic beer, can be a highlight and a chance to uncover hidden gems.

Events

 * Brighton Racecourse has flat-racing April-Oct. It's on Freshfield Rd a mile east of town centre.
 * Plumpton Racecourse is National Hunt (jumps races) Nov-March, but it's north in Lewes.

Learn
Brighton is home to two universities, the University of Sussex (situated on the edge of the city at Falmer), and the University of Brighton, which has campuses around the city, and in nearby towns.

Buy
Shopping is one of the main reasons to visit Brighton. But don't get stuck in the mainstream shopping area around Western Road. There are a huge array of shops catering for all tastes but the impressive assortment of independent shops and boutiques is something that differentiates Brighton from many other British cities. The atmosphere in the North Laine and in The Lanes is one of the intangible aspects of the city that leaves many wanting to return time and time again. Brighton is especially good for Music, Books and independent clothes shops.

Head towards Hove on Western Road and you'll find a haven of quality charity shops outside of the centre.

 * North Laine contains heaps of shops and market stalls to tempt everyone's quirky or vintage fancies without a chain shop in sight. There is a flea market with numerous stalls in Kensington Gardens and another, the in nearby Upper Gardner Street. Shops tend to get less mainstream, the further north into the North Laine area you go.

 * The Lanes are known for their independent shops, especially antique shops and jewellers. Can get somewhat repetitive but the indoor market is always a joy to wander.

 * Brighton is packed full of independent record shops, most of which sell vinyl, including:
 * and the surrounding area offer more mainstream goods, standard fare on UK high streets and in shopping centres.
 * London Road is an unglamorous "High Street" type shopping area with some genuine bargains, particularly at the . There is a concentration of electronics, photographic and hi-fi retailers towards the northern end, around Preston Circus.
 * Brighton Marina contains more up-market shops.
 * The pedestrianised George St. is Hove's main shopping area, but it is not really worth a detour if you are already in central Brighton.
 * London Road is an unglamorous "High Street" type shopping area with some genuine bargains, particularly at the . There is a concentration of electronics, photographic and hi-fi retailers towards the northern end, around Preston Circus.
 * Brighton Marina contains more up-market shops.
 * The pedestrianised George St. is Hove's main shopping area, but it is not really worth a detour if you are already in central Brighton.

Eat
Brighton has excellent food, especially for vegetarians. The most famous (and fairly expensive) vegetarian restaurant is Food for Friends in The Lanes.

On the other end of the scale, there are many takeaways in Brighton  catering for different kinds of tastes (pizza, Chinese, Mexican, Indian food). On the beachfront there are many stalls near Brighton Pier selling crêpes, doughnuts and ice-cream. Prices are usually fairly cheap and most are open until late.

Budget
Preston Street on the border of Hove and Brighton has a string of low to mid priced ethnic restaurants.

Mid-range

 * There is a stretch of Western road with several Middle Eastern and North African restaurants, for instance (Number 107) and  (Number 103).
 * There is a stretch of Western road with several Middle Eastern and North African restaurants, for instance (Number 107) and  (Number 103).
 * There is a stretch of Western road with several Middle Eastern and North African restaurants, for instance (Number 107) and  (Number 103).
 * There is a stretch of Western road with several Middle Eastern and North African restaurants, for instance (Number 107) and  (Number 103).
 * There is a stretch of Western road with several Middle Eastern and North African restaurants, for instance (Number 107) and  (Number 103).
 * There is a stretch of Western road with several Middle Eastern and North African restaurants, for instance (Number 107) and  (Number 103).
 * There is a stretch of Western road with several Middle Eastern and North African restaurants, for instance (Number 107) and  (Number 103).
 * There is a stretch of Western road with several Middle Eastern and North African restaurants, for instance (Number 107) and  (Number 103).
 * There is a stretch of Western road with several Middle Eastern and North African restaurants, for instance (Number 107) and  (Number 103).
 * There is a stretch of Western road with several Middle Eastern and North African restaurants, for instance (Number 107) and  (Number 103).
 * There is a stretch of Western road with several Middle Eastern and North African restaurants, for instance (Number 107) and  (Number 103).
 * There is a stretch of Western road with several Middle Eastern and North African restaurants, for instance (Number 107) and  (Number 103).
 * There is a stretch of Western road with several Middle Eastern and North African restaurants, for instance (Number 107) and  (Number 103).

Drink
There are many, many pubs and bars catering for all tastes. Any list of reasonable length will be far from complete; if there's a street in central Brighton there is likely to be a pub on it. LGBT-orientated pubs, bars and clubs are mostly in the Kemp Town area of the city, in the vicinity of St James's Street and Marine Drive.

Look out for the spirit 'Tuaca', a sweet Italian brandy liqueur. Almost every bar in Brighton will have it (ask for a squeeze of lime!) but it's rare to see elsewhere in the UK.

Station and Trafalgar Street

North Laine

The Lanes

Pavilion

Hanover
The Hanover area of Brighton (north-east of the centre, walk north from St. James, or cross the Level from the bottom of Trafalgar St.) has numerous excellent pubs in close proximity (hence its nickname: "Hangover") to each other and is well worth the 15 minute walk from the city centre. The stand-out is the Brighton's best known pub crawl takes place in this area — up Southover St and down Islingword Rd (or vice-versa) — the hill is very steep!

The atmosphere is more relaxed than the centre and the historic Victorian terraced streets with their brightly coloured houses are also notable.

In Southover Street and you will find, Greys, , and  all of which are worth a visit.

Islingword Road runs parallel to Southover Street and there you will find the, , and

There is also a small but good beer festival once a year in Hanover.

Northern Brighton
Well off the tourist trail, Brighton's relatively gritty northern sprawl is home to a number of boozers, some rough, others diamonds.

Clubs and musical venues

 * The and  are large, neighbouring venues, both architecturally distinguished, being parts of the Royal Pavilion complex. Well known acts are interspersed with more avant garde choices.
 * The (Queen's Road), the  (Boyce St.) and  (10 Kingsway) are other music pubs.
 * The (Queen's Road), the  (Boyce St.) and  (10 Kingsway) are other music pubs.
 * The (Queen's Road), the  (Boyce St.) and  (10 Kingsway) are other music pubs.
 * The (Queen's Road), the  (Boyce St.) and  (10 Kingsway) are other music pubs.
 * The (Queen's Road), the  (Boyce St.) and  (10 Kingsway) are other music pubs.
 * The (Queen's Road), the  (Boyce St.) and  (10 Kingsway) are other music pubs.
 * The (Queen's Road), the  (Boyce St.) and  (10 Kingsway) are other music pubs.
 * The (Queen's Road), the  (Boyce St.) and  (10 Kingsway) are other music pubs.
 * The (Queen's Road), the  (Boyce St.) and  (10 Kingsway) are other music pubs.
 * The (Queen's Road), the  (Boyce St.) and  (10 Kingsway) are other music pubs.
 * The (Queen's Road), the  (Boyce St.) and  (10 Kingsway) are other music pubs.
 * The (Queen's Road), the  (Boyce St.) and  (10 Kingsway) are other music pubs.
 * The (Queen's Road), the  (Boyce St.) and  (10 Kingsway) are other music pubs.

Budget
A general note on hostels in Brighton- research the place you're booking into thoroughly before committing. Some are not meant for travellers although marketed as 'hostels'. Hostelpoint on the seafront in particular has a rough reputation, being overcrowded with junkies and generally unsafe. Spend a couple of quid extra and go for a friendlier place, it's worth it.

Mid-range

Splurge

 * No 124 on Kings Rd next to the Metropole opens in summer 2024.
 * No 124 on Kings Rd next to the Metropole opens in summer 2024.
 * No 124 on Kings Rd next to the Metropole opens in summer 2024.
 * No 124 on Kings Rd next to the Metropole opens in summer 2024.
 * No 124 on Kings Rd next to the Metropole opens in summer 2024.
 * No 124 on Kings Rd next to the Metropole opens in summer 2024.
 * No 124 on Kings Rd next to the Metropole opens in summer 2024.
 * No 124 on Kings Rd next to the Metropole opens in summer 2024.
 * No 124 on Kings Rd next to the Metropole opens in summer 2024.

Stay safe
Although Brighton is generally a safe place, like every other big city it has its share of problems. The city centre can get quite rowdy at weekends, and West Street is best avoided after midnight. The sheer volume of people on weekends combined with alcohol consumption make Friday and Saturday nights on this street potentially volatile. However, it is still perfectly possible to have a civilised Friday or Saturday night at one of the venues favoured by locals and sensible tourists.

Brighton attracts quite a lot of homeless people, although most of these individuals are harmless. They will likely only ask you for money and, if you refuse, will simply go on to the next person. Drug-users often gather around London Road and the Level, although these places are perfectly safe before dark. Some areas on the outskirts, such as Whitehawk and Moulsecoomb, have a bad reputation, but most tourists would have little reason to visit them anyway, being far removed from the main attractions and cultural venues the city has to offer.

As with most LGBT-friendly towns and cities, caution should still be used for same-sex public displays of affection in certain areas, but by-and-large the diversity of Brighton & Hove is celebrated and welcomed. In Hove, The Lanes and North Laine areas of the city, same-sex displays of affection will generally go unnoticed and are seen by most residents as acceptable as the norm between men and women. In the Kemp Town and Kemp Town Village areas especially, any homophobic abuse towards LGBT visitors would likely be met by residents with outright hostility towards the perpetrator of such abuse.

Lifeguards patrol the city's beaches from the end of May until the first weekend in September; signposts on the beach show which areas are covered. In an emergency related to the sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Connect
As of Aug 2022, Brighton and Hove and its approach roads have 4G from all UK carriers. There's 5G along the beachfront but it's surprisingly patchy for such a cosmopolitan buzzing place. Three has the best. Wifi is widely available in public places.

Go next

 * Lewes – this gorgeous medieval town has a castle, as well as Glyndebourne Opera House, a famous opera house, set in beautiful grounds where opera-goers eat gourmet picnics at intervals which can be brought in or ordered from their own catering service. from Brighton and 20 minutes away by train.
 * Dieppe, France – by ferry from Newhaven Harbour, about east of Brighton. Services are three daily and take around four hours. The service is operated by DFDS
 * Rottingdean – in the east of Brighton, with memories of Kipling, Burne-Jones and several other artists.
 * London – an hour away via train or 2 hours via coach.
 * Worthing – There is no reason you wouldn't want to visit this lovely town. Short journey via train from Brighton Station.

title: Brighton


text:
Brighton (Michigan)

Brighton is a city in southeast Livingston County featuring a tranquil riverside boardwalk, the Mill Pond, historic cemeteries, local restaurants and art galleries.

Do
Island Lake State Recreation Area has biking and walking trails, beaches, and a sporting clay course.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Brighton (Michigan)


text:
Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation

Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation is an Indian reservation in the Florida Heartland, near the northwest shore of Lake Okeechobee. It is one of several Seminole Tribe reservations in Florida. The Seminole Tribe of Florida operates a sizable casino at the community of Brighton on the reservation.

title: Brighton Seminole Indian Reservation


text:
Brijuni

Brijuni is in the Istria region of Croatia. The Brijuni archipelago lies off Istria's west coast, a 15-minute boat journey from Fažana, just north of Pula. Most of the 14 islands are off-limits to the public. You have to be a member of the world's elite to get an invite here. Luckily there is so much to see on the other two you're unlikely to feel hard done-by.

History
Brijuni is preserved as an open-air time machine, recording 5,000 years of human history and 150 million years of prehistory when dinosaurs patrolled the islands. During the Yugoslav communist era, the islands were used by Marshall Tito to conduct diplomacy and entertain visitors such as Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret and Elizabeth Taylor. The safari park today consists of many animals donated by these visitors, including Sony and Lanka, two Indian elephants given by Indira Gandhi.

Landscape
Brijuni consists of hectares of well-maintained, green parkland surrounded by the dazzling Adriatic and planted with avenues of prehistoric-looking pines.

Do
You can book excursions plus yachting, golf and diving expeditions. The organized tour (160 kn) passes Veliki Brijuni's main sights on a little train with an accompanying guide. It takes about 4 hours including the sea crossing from Fažana. Independent travellers can hire a bike or a little electric buggy.

title: Brijuni


text:
Brimfield

Brimfield is a small town in Hampden County in the Pioneer Valley region of Massachusetts It is most famously known for the Brimfield Antique Show.

Get in
Brimfield is easily found as Route 20 runs straight through it.

Get around
Due to the rural nature of the town it is necessary to use a car.

Do

The show is big, and encompasses nearly “a half-mile and perhaps 500' or more back on each side of the highway,” according to their website. This immense size means that if planning to attend you will need to have a plan of action ahead of time. Traffic and parking are sometimes difficult as over 35,000 people a day flood in for the show. Parking is in pay-for-entry lots located at either end of the show area or more expensive lots scattered around the remainder that fill early.

When attending the Brimfield Antique Show, drink and nourishment is an almost-required necessity, especially during the July show. With enough preparation, one could pack a cooler with food and water to avoid additional cost, though the food stands dotting the show provide many kinds of meals. In particular, the court of stands hosted by the New England Hotel is a great place to get a meal during the show with most prices being reasonable for good food.

Many of the vendors who participate in the Brimfield Antique Show accept cash only, though depending on who and when one haggles, personal checks may also be an option. There are also a number of ATMs located throughout the show, though they should be avoided because of the amount of charges one can incur by using them. Small increments of bills will be appreciated by the vendors, and a show budget depends on what specific items one may be looking for.

Navigating the show is another aspect that requires planning because of its size. If one has a specific list of items to search for, more ground can be covered. However, if one has a larger list or spends more than ten minutes per booth, seeing the entire show in one day will be incredibly difficult. Some may even rent rooms and stay from anywhere between two days and the entire duration of the show to circumvent this. There are a number of fields owned privately, and these fields may operate on different schedules (see www.brimfieldshow.com for more information) that may not be open on certain days. Some fields also charge admission; between $5 and $10 USD in most cases, which is a separate charge in addition to parking.

Specific fields at the Brimfield Antique Show are: Brimfield Acres North, Brimfield Barn, Brimfield’s Heart-O-The-Mart, Central Park, Collin’s Apple Barn, Crystal Brook, Midway Antiques and Dealers’ Choice, Francesco’s Antique Show, Green Acres, J&J Promotions, Hertan’s Antique Shows, The Meadows, May’s Antique Market, Mahogany Ridge, Quaker Acres, Shelton Antiques, Stephen’s Place, and Sturtevant’s.

At the show, it is suggested to bring at least a backpack to store purchased items. Some may also bring rolling wagons for items, as well as transportation from car to moving truck. There are also a number of porters that roam the show, offering to help move any large objects or furniture back to any parking lot.

Go next

 * A trip to Sturbridge is well worthwhile.

title: Brimfield


text:
Brindisi

Brindisi (Salentino: Brìnnisi) is a medium-sized city of Apulia, southern Italy. It is the third largest city of Salento Peninsula (the "heel" of the Italian "boot") and one of the busiest ports of the Adriatic Sea.

History
The city was founded by the Messapians, a population of Illyrian origin, with the name of Brunda, meaning "deer's head". This name is due to the natural harbor which resembles the shape of the animal's antlers. The city assumed the name of Brention and then Brentèsion in Ancient Greek, to be later called Brundisium after the conquest by the Romans in 267 BC.

Brundisium reached a population of 100,000 and became the main commercial port of the Roman Empire, with heavy traffic towards Greece and the Middle East that continues today. The city was connected with Rome by the Via Traiana and the Via Appia, whose terminus is still visible today. Virgil died here on September 21 of 19 BC, after a voyage to Greece, where he caught a fever.

Brindisi's golden age ended in the early Middle Ages with invasions by the Ostrogoths, Lombards and Saracens that destroyed the city several times. It was later rebuilt and annexed by the Normans to the Kingdom of Sicily in 1130 and became one the major ports for the Crusaders headed to Holy Land. The town was dominated by Swabian, Angevin, Aragonese, Venetian, Spanish and Austrian kingdoms, and then ruled by the Bourbons from 1735 to 1860.

After Italian unification — and especially with the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 — a new positive period started for Brindisi. Between September 1943 and February 1944 the city functioned as the temporary government seat of Italy, and hosted King Victor Emmanuel III, Pietro Badoglio and a part of the Italian armed forces command in September 1943 after the armistice with Italy.

Climate
Brindisi enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and sometimes humid with abundant sunshine. During spring and autumn, Sirocco winds can bring thunderstorms, occasionally dropping red sand from the Sahara in the region. Winters are mild with frequent rain; snow is quite rare.

By plane
The companies that provide a car-rental service from the airport are:

By boat
Ferries to Brindisi are available from Greece (Corfu, Igoumenitsa, Cephalonia, Zante, Patras) and Turkey (Cesme). Visit www.Ferries.gr and search through all ferry schedules to/from Brindisi.

Also Albania is well connected to the city, with ferries from Vlore, managed by Skenderbeg Lines.

To get to the ferry terminal, the bus line "AP" regularly runs from the front entrance of the railway station ("Piazza Crispi - Stazione FF. SS.") to the ferry terminal ("Costa Morena"). A ticket is €1.10 (on-board €2.00).

Apart from being a ferry port Brindisi is also home to the United Nations logistics base (UNLB). The base provides resources logistic support, telecommunications and training opportunity for all peacekeeping operations around the world.

By train

The main cities of northern Italy are not directly connected to this station and a change in Bologna will be necessary. Here you can take a Frecciabianca train to reach Brindisi in 6¾ hours, with a cost comprised between €40 and €60. From Taranto it is possible to take a regional train to arrive in the town in 1¼ hr spending €5. From Lecce you can choose between regional trains, that take about ½ hr (€2.8) or Frecciabianca (€9.9), reaching Brindisi in just 15 minutes. Visit the site of Trenitalia for more info.

By car
If you want to reach Brindisi from north the best option is driving along the motorway until the exit of Bari Nord, here merge onto the expressway  to bypass the centre of Bari and reached Fasano continue on. The route from Bari requires 1 hour.

Alternatively you can choose to cross the Basilicata region through and  motorways until Potenza, then  Basentana,  until Taranto and finally  to Brindisi (4 hr). Both the routes are 370 km (230 miles) long, but the first one will require a cost of €20, while the latter only €5.
 * From Naples take the Autostrada A16 Italia.svg motorway that ends in Canosa and Autostrada A14 Italia.svg until Bari, then following the route described above. (3½ hr)

 * From Lecce drive along the Strada Statale 613 Italia.svg freeway for ½ hr.

By car
Surrounding areas, such as beaches to the north, are best reached by car.

On foot
As the city center area is not so large, a bit over a kilometer from the train station to the Roman Columns, most of the sights in the city center can be seen in an afternoon on foot. Because of many military facilities in the surroundings of Brindisi, areas north or south of the city center are not easy (or very pleasant) to reach on foot. For most things outside of the center, it is better to take a bus or rent a car.

Buy
For fruits and vegetables, there is a market area in the city center at the appropriately named "Piazza mercato", open every day except Saturday.

There are many clothing and specialty shops in the center.

During the off-season, many shops will close for a period in the early afternoon (around 1PM to 4PM), similar to the midday closures for siesta in many parts of Spain. This is also the case for many other cities in the region.

Eat
Restaurants will have many common items of Apulian cuisine. Famous pasta styles include spaghetti alle vongole and orechiette con cime di rapa.

Locals speak highly of the seafood in the area.

Budget
All these are in the city centre:

Go next
If you have not bought the ferry ticket online, you can buy it from an office very close to the train station (exact address required). They will also give you a map to find the embarkation place for ferries. Remember to show your Interrail/Eurail pass, if you have any, to get a discount. They will also call Youth Hostel to pick you up if you arrive in the morning and want to leave in the afternoon or you want to stay over the night.

title: Brindisi


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Brindisi (province)

Brindisi is a province in Apulia in southeastern Italy Italy.

Cities

 * — has been a major port for trade with Greece and countries further east since antiquity
 * — a centre of olive oil production
 * — home of the national archaeological museum of Egnatia
 * — home to a 13th-century castle, it was once an important Jewish community
 * — commonly referred to as "the White Town" because the vast majority of its houses, and the medieval walls, are painted white

By plane
Brindisi's Papola-Casale airport has daily connections with major Italian and European cities.

By train
There are two main railways in the province: Both lines are managed by RFI and join in Brindisi.
 * the Bari Lecce line, part of the Adriatic Railway.
 * the Taranto-Brindisi line

By car
The province of Brindisi is crossed by numerous provincial and state roads. The capital is the crossing point between the three major road arteries of the province: the state road 7 Via Appia, which connects Brindisi to Taranto, the state road 16 Adriatica, which connects the major capitals of the Adriatic coast, including Brindisi, and the State road 613 Brindisi-Lecce, which connects Brindisi to Lecce.

By bus
Various bus lines, largely managed by STP Brindisi, connect all the municipalities within the provincial territory and the various tourist resorts.

See
Ostuni remains in 2021 one of the main tourist attractions in the province of Brindisi. Because of its characteristic beauty, especially the historic centre, it is called the "white city". The beaches of Ostuni have received the FEE Blue Flag for about 10 years thanks to the quality of their waters. Ostuni, still protected by its town walls, is noted for its citadel, its cathedral and numerous mansions.

Oria, with its 13th-century castle built by Frederick II, is one of the province's main attractions.

Castles are present almost in every county, from the important ones born as powerful fortification systems to those built as residences of some sovereigns, to others transformed over time into fortified houses or baronial palaces.

Archaeological areas of the Messapian and Roman times are present throughout the provincial area, with necropolis, baths, roads, city walls and domus, have provided numerous finds (coins, ceramics, statues) now kept in museums. The most important museum is the National Archaeological Museum of Egnazia, in Fasano.

In cities such as Francavilla Fontana, San Vito dei Normanni, Ceglie Messapica, Cisternino, Mesagne and Ostuni there are important examples of architecture dating back to the Romanesque and Baroque periods.

Do
Among the best Brindisi beaches there are: Torre Guaceto and the whole area of Ostuni beaches.

There is no shortage of protected natural areas such as Torre Guaceto and the Coastal Dune Park from Torre Canne to Torre San Leonardo.

Eat
The cuisine of the province of Brindisi is linked to the agricultural and fishing tradition. Very famous is the city of Ceglie Messapica which boasts an established gastronomic tradition thanks to the numerous restaurants, many of which are of considerable caliber and counted by the best gastronomic guides. Many dishes are flavoured with spices and herbs that grow spontaneously in the area (such as rosemary, and thyme).

Drink
The province of Brindisi is known for several wines: Aleatico di Puglia DOC, Ostuni DOC, Brindisi Rosso DOC, Brindisi Rosato DOC and Puglia IGT.

The Appian Wine Route was also created for wine. It passes through the territories of Ostuni, San Vito dei Normanni, Latiano, Mesagne and Brindisi, where it is possible to see indigenous vines such as the black Malvasia of Brindisi, Sangiovese, Negroamaro, Ottavianello di Ostuni and Susumaniello.

title: Brindisi (province)


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Brisbane

 * This article only covers the City of Brisbane. See Greater Brisbane for the four other local government areas that make up Greater Brisbane

Brisbane is the state capital of Queensland. Large enough to be cosmopolitan yet small enough to be friendly and accessible, Brisbane is a 'garden metropolis', famous for its leafy, open spaces and the pleasant pace of life that unfolds between the zig-zags of its iconic river. Brisbane's year-round warm climate, spectacular scenery, pleasant locals and world-class facilities have been the drawcards for many domestic and international visitors, making Brisbane the fastest-growing city in Australia. Despite this rapid development, it maintains a youthful enthusiasm and is considered one of the more laid-back and forward-thinking cities in the country.

Understand
The Greater Brisbane region has a population of about 2.2 million people and is Australia's third-largest city.

Brisbane, colloquially known as Brissie (pronounced Briz-ee), gained international exposure through multiple international sporting events and political summits, including the upcoming 2032 Summer Olympics. It is also known as the main setting of the animated kids TV series Bluey.

History
For many thousands of years prior to British settlement, the Brisbane area was inhabited by the Turrbal and Jagera Aboriginal people. They knew the area that is now the central business district as Mian-jin, meaning "place shaped as a spike". The Australian English phrase "hard yakka" – meaning "hard work" – comes from the Jagera people, and is certainly what the British settlers faced in Brisbane's humid subtropical climate.

The Moreton Bay area was explored by English navigator Matthew Flinders. On 17 July 1799, Flinders landed at what is now known as Woody Point which he named "Red Cliff Point", now Redcliffe after the red-coloured cliffs visible from the bay. In 1823, Governor of New South Wales Sir Thomas Brisbane instructed that a new northern penal settlement be developed, intended to house dangerous prisoners in a remote location and an exploration party led by John Oxley further explored Moreton Bay. The original penal settlement was established in Redcliffe but was later moved to a location further down the bay where freshwater supplies were more reliable. Oxley named this new settlement "Brisbane" in honour of the Governor.

A series of major immigration events took place in the following decades which brought with it strong industry and commercial development in the region. In 1838, non-convict free settlers moved to the area and pushed to close the jail and to release the land in the area. In 1859, a gold rush led to the establishment of the colony of Queensland with Brisbane as its capital even though Brisbane was not incorporated as a city until 1902. In 1925, the Queensland State Parliament created the City of Brisbane Act that set up a single government for the city of Brisbane, still the largest metropolitan authority in Australia and one of the largest in the world by area. Over twenty small municipalities and shires were amalgamated to form the City of Brisbane. 1930 was a significant year for Brisbane with the completion of Brisbane City Hall, then the city's tallest building and the Shrine of Remembrance in ANZAC Square which has since become Brisbane's main war memorial. These historic buildings along with the Story Bridge which opened in 1940 are key landmarks that help define the architectural character of the city.

During World War II, Brisbane became central to the Allied campaign when the AMP Building - now MacArthur Central was used as the South West Pacific headquarters for General Douglas MacArthur, chief of the Allied Pacific forces. In 1942, Brisbane was the site of a violent clash between visiting US military personnel, Australian servicemen and civilians which resulted in one death and several injuries. This incident became known colloquially as the Battle of Brisbane.

Postwar Brisbane had developed a "big country town" stigma, an image the city's politicians and marketers were very keen to remove but despite steady growth, Brisbane's development was punctuated by infrastructure problems. The State Government began a major program of change and urban renewal beginning with the central business district and inner suburbs. Trams in Brisbane were a popular mode of public transport until the network was closed in 1969 leaving Melbourne as the last Australian city to operate a tram network.

The 1974 Brisbane flood was a major disaster which temporarily crippled the city. During this era, Brisbane grew and modernised rapidly becoming a destination of interstate migration. Some of Brisbane's popular landmarks were lost sometimes demolished in controversial circumstances with much media coverage and public protest. Major public works included the Riverside Expressway, the Gateway Bridge and later the redevelopment of South Bank after the city hosted World Expo '88 starting with the Queensland Art Gallery and Performing Arts Centre.

In subsequent years there has been strong immigration into Brisbane and the surrounding region, both domestically and internationally with large influxes from Asia, the Europe, New Zealand and Polynesia. This was driven by cheaper house prices than in other Australian cities, a pleasant climate and good employment opportunities, especially within the mining and tourism sectors. Brisbane's population growth has exceeded the national average every year since 1990 at an average rate of around 2.2% per year.

Since 2000, Brisbane has gone from drought to flooding rains. In the mid-2000s, lower dam levels led to severe water restrictions for residents. The campaign to lower water usage was so successful that the city now boasts some of the lowest average water use per resident of any developed city in the world. These days you're not likely to find the tap dry or see any visible signs of the shortage. However out of respect for the locals, keep your showers relatively brief, try your best to conserve water and expect the locals to be horrified if you walk away from a running tap.

A number of extremely wet summers broke the drought and culminated in the January 2011 flood which devastated the city. In typical Queensland fashion, one of the largest volunteer workforces ever amassed: over 100,000 Brisbane locals and Queensland volunteers descended on the city to aid in the clean-up, earning the nickname the "Mud Army" and allowing the city to return to business just a week after the flood. The Mud Army were honoured with the naming of a new CityCat Ferry, the "Spirit of Brisbane" and then Prime Minister of Australia Julia Gillard described Brisbane residents as "the best of humankind", gifting a monument to the city to honour the volunteers.

Climate
When the wet season hits the northern Australian tropics, Brisbane experiences hot and clear summer days with stunning afternoon thunderstorms. Brisbane does not experience the distinct "four seasons" like the other Australian capital cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. When winter arrives towards the southern capital cities, temperatures are sent into the low tens (°C), while Brisbane's climate stays mostly dry and sunny, with daytime temperatures usually remaining above 20°C.

 * Summer (December–February) humidity is high and daytime temperatures frequently exceed 30°C, with night temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C. Occasional heat waves can raise the temperature in excess of 40°C, however these are not common. Just about any outdoor activity you do at the height of a regular summer day in Brisbane will leave you bathed in sweat. Loose-fitting clothing that protects you from the sun is appropriate attire for most casual activities, and air-conditioning will assure you a comfortable night's sleep or ride on public transport. Summer storms with hail and heavy rainfall are common in afternoons on hot, humid days. They usually pass quickly and often put on a good lightning show. Sunrise is as early as 4:45AM, and the latest sunsets are around 6:45PM.
 * Autumn (March–May) sees a cool change in Brisbane with average daytime temperatures between 20 and 30°C. Most tourists not used to a humid climate will find this the best time to visit Brisbane, as the humidity lowers and the region shifts into a more comfortable, dry and sunny weather pattern, perfect for outdoor activities. Night-time temperatures usually drop to 10-20°C, with ambient heat from the day still radiating from the ground, keeping the early evening still warm and comfortable, though a light jacket may be required later at night.
 * Winter (June–August) signals the region's dry season, with Brisbane experiencing cool, sunny, cloudless days. Temperatures typically go up to 25°C during the day with night-time temperatures rarely dropping below 5°C. The early-morning chill usually disappears by mid-morning and most of the daylight hours are relatively warm, however it is still recommended to have something warm to wear as this is not always the case. The eastern suburbs tend to be cooler as sea breezes blow in from the bay. Daylight hours run from 6:40AM to 5PM.
 * Spring (September–November) sees the revitalisation of the city with warmer days and fresh sea breezes coming in from the bay. Weather is similar to Autumn months, with increasing humidity as summer draws closer.

More detailed information on Brisbane climate and weather is available online at the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.

Sunburn is a risk in this part of the world; see our Sunburn and sun protection article and below.

By plane
Brisbane can be accessed by plane via the main Brisbane Airport, or by the less convenient but often cheaper Gold Coast Airport.

 * Main article: Brisbane Airport

Brisbane Airport has direct flights from all Australian capitals and many Queensland centres. Major domestic carriers include Virgin Australia, Jetstar, and Qantas. The airport is serviced by many regional airlines and it is possible to fly daily to most Asian centres (and on to Europe), the United States and New Zealand, without flying via Sydney or Melbourne.

You can get a bus and train from the Gold Coast Airport to Brisbane, by using the Surfside buses to Robina and transferring to the train. A single fare costs around $17, and you can buy a single ticket or use a Go Card.

Both airports have a full range of rental car options.

By train
Long distance rail services both arrive and depart from in the inner city. Services to New South Wales operated by NSW TrainLink depart from Platform 2 and all other Long Distance Services depart from Platform 10.

 * NSW Trainlink operates a daily return rail service from Sydney, with onward connections to Melbourne and Canberra. Unfortunately, the journey from Sydney takes around 14 hours and due to scheduling issues, the train roughly leaves at around 2–3PM at Sydney Central Station and arrives between 3–4AM at Roma St Station (with few onward connections at that time).
 * Queensland Rail has services to most centres in Queensland

By car
Visitors from southern states can reach Brisbane by either the New England and Cunningham or Pacific Highways.

 * The Bruce Highway (A1) connects the northern coast of Queensland to Brisbane.
 * The Pacific Motorway (M1) connects Brisbane to the Gold Coast continues south along the New South Wales coast.
 * The Ipswich Motorway (M2) connects to Ipswich and surrounding Western Brisbane areas.
 * The Warrego Highway (A2) links Brisbane to the west through the Lockyer Valley, Toowoomba and the Darling Downs.
 * The Cunningham Highway (A15) links Brisbane to Southern Queensland and Central western New South Wales.

By bus
Most long distance bus services operate from level 3 of the near Roma Street Station in the inner city.

 * Premier Motor Service offers services between Sydney and Brisbane and Brisbane and Cairns.
 * Greyhound Australia link other interstate capitals to Brisbane via their extensive national network. In particular they operate regular services between Brisbane and Sydney, Brisbane and Toowoomba then onward to Roma and between Brisbane and Cairns. Pick-up is available from Brisbane Airport on some services.
 * Murrays Coaches operate services between Brisbane and Toowoomba and onwards to the small town of Miles, west of Toowoomba. Pick up is available from Brisbane Airport on some services.
 * Bus Queensland operate services under Government contract between Brisbane and many rural and remote areas. Key routes serviced by this company include services between Brisbane and Charleville via Toowoomba and between Brisbane and Mt Isa.

By ship
Brisbane has an international cruise terminal next to.

By public transport
South East Queensland's public transport network is run by a single provider known as Translink. The official website and app can be used to plan journeys. Google Maps also offers full navigation with real time information.

The region is divided into 8 concentric "zones" for fare purposes. Network maps clearly mark the zones and zone boundaries. Your fare is determined by how many zones you travel through. For example, travelling between zones 2 and 3 will cost you the same as travelling between zones 7 and 8. Major destinations like shopping centres are often used as zone boundaries. A station or stop within a zone boundary is considered part of either zone.

Fare payments can be made with a contactless credit or debit card (buses not available until 2025). Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted. Some prepaid cards may also work.

The fare is deducted as you touch on and touch off each mode of transport. You must touch both on and off for all journeys regardless of the mode of transport. A failure to touch off will result in a fixed fare of up to $30 being charged. Train stations and tram stops have fare gates or distinctive pink validators located on the platform. Buses and ferries are fitted with validators as you board and alight.

Translink uses the word "journey" to mean end-to-end journey including any required transfers, and the word "trip" to mean a single point-to-point trip. A journey can be made up of one or more trips on any mode of transport. When making a number of trips to get to your destination it is still one journey if you touch on within 60 minutes of touching off on your previous trip.

Alternatively, fare payments can be made with a go card. The card costs $10 (refundable deposit) plus the travel credit you wish to top up (maximum $250). The card is available at train station ticket counters, busway fare machines, and selected newsagents and convenience stores. The card can be topped up at the same locations, including train station fare machines. Applying for a refund of the deposit and any unused travel credit can be a hassle. If you have paid by cash it can be processed directly at a train station, including the airport train station. If you have paid by credit card it can only be processed by cheque or transfer to an Australian bank account.

Paper tickets are only available at train station ticket counters, train station fare machines and busway fare machines. Paper tickets are only valid for one way journeys and cost 30% more than a card. Buses are prepaid only so you will need to purchase a paper ticket beforehand or use a card instead.

If you are going to be travelling extensively and using the Airtrain, you can buy a 3-day or 5-day unlimited travel SEEQ Card for $79 and $129 respectively. SEEQ cards work like regular go cards and provide additional discounts at various tourist attractions around South East Queensland. You don't have to worry about topping up and refunds, but you'll struggle to get value out of it unless you are catching the Airtrain.

You can be fined $261 for travelling without a valid fare.

Trains
Brisbane has a sizeable rail network. Most services are through-running, travelling from one side of the city to the other. All trains stop at Bowen Hills, Fortitude Valley, Central and Roma Street, regardless of their origin or destination. Interurban services run between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, with connecting tram services at Helensvale. Interurban services also run between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, with connecting bus services at Landsborough. Trains generally run from 6AM to midnight, running later on Friday and Saturday nights, and finishing earlier on Sundays.

Buses
Brisbane has a large interconnected network of bus routes that service the whole city. The bus fleet is the most modern in Australia and can be identified by the vibrant blue and yellow colouring. All buses have a digital display of their route number and a brief description of the terminus and/or areas serviced. Most routes run frequent services from 6AM to 11PM at a minimum.

Brisbane's "busways" are dedicated bus corridors that provide high frequency routes between the northern and southern suburbs. Most busway routes stop at Roma Street, King George Square, Cultural Centre and South Bank. The busways interchange with the rail network at Roma Street and South Bank, and the two modes of transport combined provide very good coverage of the city.

In some of Brisbane's notoriously dispersed outer suburbs, services may be much less frequent or have reduced running hours, so it is advisable to check timetables if making these trips. Timetables are sometimes optimistic, especially during morning and afternoon peak hours when traffic is heavy, and buses are occasionally up to 10 minutes late.

As with many cities, Brisbane has a large number of express buses, so it should not be assumed that all buses observe every stop along the roads they travel. In peak hour there are even more express routes ("rockets" and "bullets") for commuters which make very few stops at all. Ask the driver if you are unsure.

All-night bus services known as 'NightLink' are operated on Friday and Saturday nights.

The following routes are convenient for travel around the inner city:
 * The 'Brisbane City Loop' (Route 40) is a free and convenient bus service travelling in both directions around the CBD. This bus operates M-F 7:00AM-5:50PM every 10 minutes from the distinctive bright purple bus stops.
 * The 'Spring Hill Loop' (Route 30) is a free and convenient bus service travelling around the Spring Hill area just north of the CBD. This bus operates M-F 8:25AM-6:05PM every 10 minutes from the distinctive bright yellow bus stops.
 * The 'Blue CityGlider' (Route 60) is a paid bus service for quick north-south cross-city travel between West End and Teneriffe, stopping at the distinctive light blue bus stops. This bus operates every 5 minutes in peak hour (M-F 7-9AM and 4-6PM), and every 10 to 15 minutes all other times. It operates Su-Th 5:30AM-11:30PM, and F-Sa 24 hours.
 * The 'Maroon CityGlider' (Route 61) is a paid service for quick east-west cross-city travel between Ashgrove and Coorparoo, stopping at the distinctive maroon bus stops. This bus operates every 10 minutes in peak hour (M-F 7-9AM and 4-6PM) and every 15 minutes all other times. It operates Su-Th 5:30AM-11:30PM, and F-Sa 24 hours (every 30 minutes after midnight).

Ferries
Ferries have become an icon of the city and are a fantastic way to tour Brisbane along the river.

The CityCat is a high-speed catamaran service that travels up and down the river between Northshore Hamilton and UQ St Lucia. Popular stops include New Farm Park, Howard Smith Wharves, Riverside, South Bank, North Quay and West End.

The CityHopper is a slow-speed catamaran service that travels up and down the river between Sydney Street and North Quay. This particular service is free but often crowded as a result.

By taxi
Taxis are numerous throughout Brisbane and can take you anywhere. The major companies are Yellow Cabs and Black & White Cabs. All cabs can be hailed down no matter where you are, provided their roof light is on, though in some areas they might not be able to stop, so it might be best to book one in advance. All cabs accept cash, credit and debit cards. Despite cabs being fitted with GPS units, you'll find it wise to check with the driver about your destination before departing and make sure they are willing to go there.

In the outer-suburban areas, cabs will pull over if you hail them down from the side of the road and can be found in designated taxi ranks in shopping centres, or near bars and pubs. The same can be said for the inner-city, however taxi ranks are more common and it's usually best to catch a cab from there. At night though, especially on Friday and Saturday, taxis exclusively pick up passengers from these ranks and you'd be extremely lucky if you get one elsewhere. These ranks are usually monitored by security and have ushers at night. From midnight-5:30AM on Friday and Saturday nights, all taxis from the CBD and Fortitude Valley become "FlatFare", meaning that there is a fixed price for any given destination and you will have to pay before entering the taxi.

Taxis can be expensive in Brisbane; a trip between the airport and the city can be in excess of $50–60 and can easily run to over $100 if you go beyond the metropolitan Brisbane region.

By rideshare
Uber, Ola and DiDi are available.

By car
There are plenty of national car rental companies available to pick up from the airport. As is common with many hire car companies, you will often pay a premium to pick up or return at the airport location. If you are looking to cover a long distance by car, ensure your rental policy includes unlimited mileage – most economy to standard sized car rental include this already. Most car rental companies hire to people 25 years of age and over, some all age car rental companies do hire to younger drivers over 18 years of age (there are surcharges involved for under-age drivers).

Many of the roads in the CBD are one-way, making driving in this area complicated for people not familiar with the layout. Drivers used to city driving should not find Brisbane too much of a challenge, and parking is readily available in parking stations in the city, albeit often at a steep cost, around $40 to casually park for a day. $15 parking is generally available with early-bird deals (arrive before 9:00, leave after 16:00.) The CBD has limited street parking and issues parking infringements for illegally parked vehicles. All inner-city street parking is metered and signed and costs about $4 per hour. Avoid parking fines by only parking in designated parking bays marked by white lines. A yellow painted line along the kerbside indicates no standing and no parking.

Most CBD roads become clearways at 16:00 (unless signed otherwise), and any cars parked on the side of the road will be fined, towed or both. You have to pay for the towing to get your car back, and then expect a fine to follow in the mail. Check for signs and line marking when parking, or just play it safe and find a parking station.

If you are looking to visit the areas surrounding the city, then generally a car will be as quick as any other way of getting around, with the possible exception of the height of peak hour. Brisbane is notorious for having roads that bottle-neck and what would normally be a 15-minute trip could easily turn into well over an hour during peak times.

There are several toll roads in and around Brisbane (clearly signed and marked for approaching motorists), including the Gateway Bridge which crosses the river near the airport, the Clem-7 tunnel and the Go-Between Bridge. Cash is not accepted, toll users must have a prepaid transponder or post-pay via a website. Check the Linkt website for details.

A street directory or GPS unit is an essential addition to your car. Locals are generally friendly and more than willing to help you out if you are lost, so don't be afraid to ask.

By motorcycle
Under Queensland law, 50cc scooters can be ridden by just about anyone who holds a car driver's licence. This makes them a good way to get around the CBD, due to limited street parking, and often-expensive off-street parking. Scooter and motorbike parking is free and plentiful. The down side to renting a scooter is that they are speed-limited to 55 km/h. If on a multi-lane road, stay in the left lane. Scooters are not allowed on highways. North of Brisbane you will find many beautiful scenic drives for motorbike enthusiasts. The North side is surrounded by many windy roads and great mountain roads on which any motorbike rider can enjoy a full day out on the motorbike of just about any size. There are services available throughout Brisbane and the Gold Coast which deliver both scooters and motorbikes right to your door-step. Some will even provide all the necessary gear as well.

By bicycle

Getting around the city and South Bank is easy thanks to the many cycle paths along the river.

Cycling on footpaths is legal in the Brisbane City Council area (maximum speed 10 km/h), however pedestrians have right of way. Keep left and take special care when riding through South Bank Parklands as the shared (and quite wide) foot and cycle path is often clogged with large groups taking up the whole path, pedestrians stopping unexpectedly for photos and playing children running heedlessly in front of you. It is often too noisy here to use your bell, so use your common sense, and dismount and push your bike through crowded pedestrian areas.

Maps showing extensive dedicated bikeways and shared paths in the Brisbane City Council area are available on the BCC website and a journey planner is available here. These bikeways offer a pleasant way to explore and enjoy Brisbane.

Some areas of Brisbane are very hilly. If your street map shows a tangle of winding streets close together that is a sign of steep roads. A short trip can quickly become a lot of work; stick to the river when possible, it's where you get the best views and it is almost entirely flat.

If you leave the cycle paths, footpaths, and minor streets you should be prepared to contend with busy urban traffic. Feel free to ignore any Brisbane motorists that may have resentment toward cyclists and ignorance of the road rules applying to cyclists; cyclists are permitted to travel on just about all roads in Brisbane. Special "bicycle lanes" on Brisbane's roads are becoming increasingly common and are often denoted by a narrow green-coloured strip of road adjacent to the curb.

By foot
Brisbane is an excellent city for walking and you should have no problems getting around the CBD. Within minutes of walking in virtually any direction you will be able to find a bus, train or ferry station. Maps can be purchased from bookstores, any tourist information centre or viewed online. There are also a number of shared pathways that offer relaxed walking routes away from roads and traffic. Beyond the CBD and inner-suburbs however, sights can become very spread out, so you might want to consider other modes of getting around. Areas near the river are relatively flat and are perfect for walking. If you find yourself lost, it's advisable to head to the nearest main road as more than likely it will be serviced by buses or trains.

Buildings and landmarks

Nature and wildlife

Other points of interest

Music
Brisbane's Fortitude Valley has the highest concentration of bars, pubs and clubs anywhere in Australia and in 2005, was given Australia's first and only "Special Entertainment Precinct" zoning, which protects and promotes the live music scene. In 2007, influential US entertainment Billboard magazine named Brisbane in the world's top 5 hotspots for live music. And in 2010 the city opened the Go-Between Bridge, named after the popular Brisbane indie rock band The Go-Betweens. There is no doubt that the locals love their music and a night out in Brisbane is not complete without experiencing some of the live music on offer. If you are looking for what's happening in Brisbane, most music and entertainment stores as well as some restaurants and cafés offer free entertainment magazines that list what's coming up within the next month or so. Brisbane and the surrounding South East Queensland region plays host to a myriad of music and arts festivals and are advertised in these magazines.

Though you might find most musicians playing in the numerous bars and clubs around the CBD, West End and the Valley, there are some venues which are geared specifically toward hosting bands or artists that are on official tours. Some events allows under-18s in, but not all, so it's best to check beforehand.

The Valley Fiesta is an annual three-day event. It was launched by Brisbane Marketing to promote Fortitude Valley as a hub for arts and youth culture. It features free live music, market stalls, food and drink from many local restaurants and cafés, and other entertainment.

Sports

 * Football (multiple codes): is host to Brisbane Broncos NRL and Queensland Reds Rugby Union teams in winter, and Brisbane Roar soccer club in summer; in 2023 it staged soccer matches in the Women's World Cup. Other events such as the NRL State of Origin are also a big draw-card.

 * Cricket: (aka "The Gabba") is south side of the city at Woolloongabba. It hosts all formats of cricket in summer, including "Test matches" - internationals. In winter it hosts Brisbane Lions AFL team.

 * Golf: +61 7 3252 9891. Herston Road, Herston. Public course right in the centre of the city. Par 65. $22 for 18 holes during the week.
 * +61 7 3403 2556/7, 18 holes for $26. Good food at the 10 Acre Cafe with fantastic views overlooking the course.

Events
Thanks to Brisbane's year-round wonderful climate, it's the perfect city to host outdoor events. The city often plays host to cultural and historic celebrations, music festivals and family entertainment, particularly in the Summer holiday months of December, January and February.

Each year, Brisbane also hosts several parades through the central city. These can make great photo opportunities, and include:

Learn
Several universities call Brisbane home and there are significant opportunities for international students to enrol in degree programs. Many of them have exchange agreements with several foreign universities.

Buy
Take a note of Brisbane's shopping hours before venturing out shopping in the City. Late night shopping is Thursday evenings in the suburbs, and Friday evening in the city centre. Other nights, expect most shops to close at 5PM.

University of Queensland
The university and its surrounds provide many quality eateries if you happen to be in the area or on a CityCat ferry and caters to a cheaper market.

Drink
Brisbane's drinking and nightlife scene is separated into some distinct areas. Anyone planning a night on the town should be aware that after 3AM, no more patrons are allowed into pubs and clubs. This is a safety measure, coupled with increased security presence at taxi ranks. Additionally, smokers should beware of strict anti-smoking regulations. Smoking is now banned in "all areas where food & drink are served", both indoors and outdoors. This means that smoking is banned in all hotels, clubs, and cafés except in designated smoking areas.

The drinking age in Australia is 18 and only an Australian driver's licence, 18+ card or a foreign passport is accepted as proof of age. Other forms of ID such as a student card are not accepted. These regulations are strictly enforced - for nightclubs in particular, your ID will always be checked at the door, and while venues serving food may let you in, most are very prudent in checking ID if you wish to purchase alcohol.

Suburban
Toowong:

Regatta and the RE have reputations (which they more than live up) as student haunts, being located reasonably close to the St Lucia campus of the University of Queensland.

Bulimba:

Catch a citycat to Bulimba for some trendy shopping on popular Oxford Street, great cafes, hip bars or for a picnic in the park.

Stones Corner

An up-and-coming historic area experiencing a revitalisation in boutiques shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. Only 10 minutes from the CBD by bus.

Fortitude Valley
The Fortitude Valley is a unique area of Brisbane catering to the live music scene. A large number of Brisbane's hippest clubs are located here. Through the 1960s and 70s it was seen as Brisbane's bohemian hub and has maintained a certain degree of that reputation. It became thought of as being one of the more dangerous areas of the city but this attitude is changing as the area becomes more popular and hence, safer. This attitude, however, has had an adverse effect on the area's creative vibe, as locals turn their back on the area, forcing the creative centre of Brisbane to shift towards other areas of the city such as West End and Paddington. As with anywhere, simple common sense, caution and courtesy will keep you out of harm's way.

West End
Less crowded than 'the valley' or the city, this bohemian district popular with locals offers a few hip clubs, intimate restaurants and a very laid back atmosphere. High concentration of craft beer bars, serving local, interstate and international brews.

Check out:

Mid-range
Brisbane hotels are listed in alphabetical order.

Internet
Brisbane City Council now offers free Wi-Fi access in 22 parks and public spaces across Brisbane, as well as the locations around the CBD including Queen Street Mall, Reddacliff Place, Victoria Bridge, South Bank Parklands, Valley Malls, Mt Coot-tha Summit Lookout, Brisbane Libraries and on CityCats. It can be useful to do a quick email, or lookup some info - but the performance can be challenging.

Many cafes and hotels provide free Wi-Fi access to patrons, as do many shopping malls. Keep an eye out for signage (or do a scan for hotspots). McDonald's restaurants have free Wi-Fi, and most Starbucks locations offer free 60-minute access to Wi-Fi with purchase of any drink.

There are also alternatives to cafes:

 * Free Internet access is available at the Brisbane City Council library, although you might need to book your session in advance.
 * Queensland Rail has free Wi-Fi (20MB, resets after 4 hours) on 64 of its trains. They are identified by large stickers near doors, billboards or small stickers on the inside edge of doors. Be careful you don't have updates turned on, or your usage will last a few minutes.
 * Queensland Rail has free Wi-Fi (20MB, resets after 4 hours) on 64 of its trains. They are identified by large stickers near doors, billboards or small stickers on the inside edge of doors. Be careful you don't have updates turned on, or your usage will last a few minutes.

Telephones
Payphones are abundant in the downtown area. For Australia wide contact options, such as mobile phones and calling cards, see the entry in Australia

Crime
Brisbane has a relatively low crime rate in comparison to other cities of such size. In most cases being aware of your environment and using common sense will keep you safe. Like Sydney and other large cities, trains and train stations are usually considered a common crime zone throughout the afternoons and nights, however trains and stations are patrolled by Police, Transit Officers, railway personnel and private security guards. Cameras are also used to increase security. It is advised to exercise caution when travelling on trains and buses during these periods of the day.

Here are some particular areas of note:

 * Outer Suburbs: Tend to have a higher crime rate than inner suburbs which should be taken into account when visiting these areas.
 * Days: Very safe during the day, but using common sense goes a long way. Avoid gangs of people, especially if they seem trashy or obnoxious and be mindful if a questionable person approaches you.
 * Nights: Like most other places, outer suburbs to get more dangerous. Most suburban streets are poorly lit or have no lighting at all. It is recommended that individuals walking in these areas at night take precaution or venture within a group.
 * City Central/CBD: Usually very safe at all hours.
 * Days: Very safe during the day thanks to a good police presence and most people only being there for work. Though during school holidays groups of youths can congregate, especially around Queen St and South Bank and can get rather rowdy, but they usually mind their own business.
 * Nights: Still relatively safe at night. Police presence isn't as strong, except on Friday and Saturday nights, but you're still urged to travel with others. Be careful if catching a train at night, even though the train stations and trains are well patrolled and watched by CCTV. Treasury Casino patrons often gather outside and unwanted attention can be received late at night due to drunks. However, security is tight and the entire area around the Casino is monitored by CCTV. Take extra caution if in South Bank at night due to groups of youths congregating there.
 * Fortitude Valley: Police presence very strong here due to the concentration of bars.
 * Days: Just as safe as the CBD during the day.
 * Nights (especially Friday and Saturday): Taxi ranks in particular can be a little dangerous due to many frustrated drunks having to wait for cabs. Wait only at ranks that have a security guard. Stay to the well-lit busy streets and never venture off alone, especially down back-streets or far away from a crowd. Especially for females, it is recommended to travel in pairs or groups to avoid any unwanted attention from drunken revellers, especially in the early hours of the morning.
 * Suburban pubs: generally less safe than inner-city pubs, bars and clubs due to less police and security. Drunks can be a hassle when in the vicinity of suburban pubs, especially around closing times. Fights in these venues are common.

Emergency numbers
Throughout Australia, the number for emergency services (Police, Fire and Ambulance) is 000. When using a mobile or cell phone, the numbers 000 and 112 are free of charge, and connect using any of the available networks.

Emergency numbers such as 911 and 999 do not work within Australia.

Sun safety
Probably the worst thing that can befall your trip to Brisbane is sunburn and other heat-related issues. The local UV Index is almost always in the extreme rating during the day (10AM-3PM) and precautions should always be taken. Do not be fooled though, even in the cooler months or when it is overcast you can still be affected by UV rays or the heat. Sunscreen, shirts, sunglasses and lots of water are essential.

The damaging effects of the Queensland sun should not be underestimated. The state has the highest per-capita rate of skin cancer in the world and tourists often come unprepared. On a sunny day in Brisbane, it is common to be sunburnt after as few as 15 minutes under the midday sun, but sunburn can also occur on overcast days. This is not exclusive to summer, but can happen all year round, even in winter.

If you are planning a long day outdoors, always cover up with sunscreen, loose clothing, a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself. Limit your outdoor physical activity in the summer until you are used to the heat. Immediately seek shade or an air-conditioned area and drink plenty of water if you are feeling the effects of heat exhaustion, including headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, confusion or fainting.

Beach safety
Many visitors to Brisbane take day trips to enjoy the very popular nearby beaches at the Gold Coast (south) or the Sunshine Coast (north). Beaches can be great fun and very enjoyable when safe. It is important to know that most of the coastal beaches are Pacific ocean beaches with little to no protection that coves and bays provide. They can become dangerous to swim in due to strong currents, rough or powerfully-breaking waves, and various harmful marine life. Ensure you only swim at beaches where and when lifeguards are on duty and between the flags displayed in front of lifeguard observers. Check with lifeguards for any present, or potential undercurrents, rips, tows, or for the presence of bluebottles, stinging jellyfish, or other potential dangers prior to swimming. Advise the on-duty lifeguards if you are inexperienced in swimming at a beach so they can give you more attention. Avoid going past waist-deep if you are not a strong swimmer. Parents should accompany their children while they swim as rips, undertows, strong currents, and rough breaking waves can cause extreme difficulty. Sadly there have been tourists who have drowned due to inexperience with swimming in an ocean setting. Do not swim after consuming alcohol as it can affect your ability to swim and has been a contributing factor in some drowning fatalities. Avoid swimming near anyone using equipment such as surfboards, windsurfers, parasails, sailing craft or power craft such as jetskis, and motorboats.

Go next
Brisbane provides a base for day trips to explore the southeast of Queensland. The North Coast of New South Wales can also be reached in an hour if traffic is light, but allow up to two hours travel if traffic is heavy or there is an accident on the Pacific Motorway. Queensland Rail also provides extensive services out of Brisbane to the north and south of the city and to the Gold Coast.

Northwest of Brisbane:

North of Brisbane:
 * Samford Valley - about 30 mins drive north west of Brisbane CBD. A beautiful rural valley with a historic hamlet, Samford Village. A great day trip for the family.

 * Glass House Mountains - about an hour north of Brisbane. There is a scenic drive through the mountains with a couple of lookouts, or you can go for a hike - easy or difficult, depending on the mountain. (Mount Beerwah offers a stern but quick scramble and a good view of the area.) There are a few small roadside shops in the area that sell homemade jams and varieties of macadamia nuts.
 * Beerwah - home of the Australia Zoo, run by the family of the late "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin. Admission is $57 for adults.
 * Sunshine Coast - 90 minutes north of Brisbane, suitable for surfers without the clutter of the more famous beaches to the south. The city of Noosa and several derivatively-named cities (e.g., Noosa Heads, Noosaville) offer short and long-term accommodation, some restaurants and a few stretches of shops aimed at tourists with and without a budget.
 * Sunshine Coast Hinterland - 90 minutes north of Brisbane. Crafts and galleries and cafes and lots of bushwalks and scenic views in the Blackall Ranges at Maleny, Montville, Flaxton and Mapleton.
 * Eumundi - famous markets on Wednesday and Saturday.
 * North Stradbroke Island and South Stradbroke Island - amazing beaches, 4WD and fishing, accommodation, all very close to Brisbane.
 * Moreton Island - Holiday destination very close to Brisbane. Dive and snorkel Tangalooma Wrecks, go sand tobogganing, 4wd.
 * K'gari - World Heritage listed site, offering pristine, unspoiled lakes, dunes, forests and wildlife. Camping is possible, or day-trips can be arranged from Noosa. World's largest sand island.
 * Redcliffe This peninsula located 45 minutes north is famous for its long stretch of beach, friendly locals and excellent food, shops and weather.

South of Brisbane:

 * Gold Coast - famous for being a tourist town, approximately 70 km south of Brisbane on the Pacific Motorway.
 * Dreamworld and Whitewater World - Theme park in the western Gold Coast suburb of Coomera, on the Pacific Motorway. Many large thrill rides including the 'Tower of Terror' and the 'Giant Drop' and roller coasters. There are also child-friendly rides and Australian animal attractions and shows, as well as a Tiger exhibit. Whitewater World is a water park adjacent to Dreamworld and offers the newest technology in water rides. It costs extra to get into, but you can buy a pass that gets you into both parks for a discounted price.
 * Movieworld - Another theme park near 'Dreamworld' and 'Wet 'n' Wild Water World.' Generally longer, more cinematic and atmospheric rides, shows and attractions.
 * Seaworld - aquatically-themed park sandwiched on a peninsula between the Gold Coast Seaway and the Pacific Ocean, located in Southport (just north of the Gold Coast.) A few rides, but popular for its impressive animal shows and exhibits.
 * Wet 'n' Wild Water World - Water park on the Gold Coast, with heated rides and pools for winter. Large number of thrill rides and also mellow relaxation areas.
 * Mt. Tamborine National Park - extensive areas of National Park plus arts, crafts, galleries and the like, near several forest hikes. There are some excellent fudge shops at the top of Mt. Tamborine that offer generous free samples and a staggering variety of flavours.
 * Surfers Paradise - tourist Mecca, and arguably the most upmarket area on the Gold Coast. Located on a life-guarded beach front, host to Caville Avenue, and several shopping malls.
 * Lower Moreton Bay
 * Moreton Bay - includes places like Moreton Island (where Scooby Doo was filmed) and St. Helena Island (a former maximum security prison for convicts.)

West of Brisbane:

 * Ipswich - is situated 40 km west of Brisbane. 45 minutes by road from Brisbane City.
 * Workshops Rail Museum - The whole family will enjoy the birthplace of Queensland Rail and enjoy the interactive exhibits at this award-winning museum. North Street, North Ipswich.
 * Brookwater Golf Club - An 18 hole Greg Norman championship golf course and Australia's No. 2 public access course.
 * Queensland Raceway - Queensland's premier race circuit. This is the only location near Brisbane where members of the public can drive on the same racetrack as professional drivers. Champions Way, Willowbank.
 * Bunya Mountains National Park - Three hours west of Brisbane. One of the oldest national parks in Queensland. Home of the ancient bunya pine and many other species of plants, birds and other animals. Stay at least three nights to have time to hike in the park.

title: Brisbane


text:
Brisbane (California)

Brisbane is a city in San Mateo County, California.

Go next
San Francisco is just a few miles north along 101.

title: Brisbane (California)


text:
Brisbane (disambiguation)

There's more than one place called Brisbane:

Australia

 * Brisbane - the capital city of the state of Queensland
 * Brisbane Ranges National Park - in Victoria (state)
 * Brisbane Water National Park - in New South Wales

United States of America

 * Brisbane (California) - a small city San Mateo County, California

title: Brisbane (disambiguation)