Fortitude Valley — the Valley — is Brisbane's main entertainment district and has been since the 1960s. It sits about 1 km northeast of the CBD along Ann and Brunswick Streets, and it runs the full range from tatty to smart without ever settling on a character. The daytime Valley has brunch spots, independent boutiques, and the China Town strip on Wickham Street. By night it becomes the loudest square kilometre in Queensland.
The Valley's cluster of music venues is what sets it apart. The Fortitude Music Hall is a large heritage venue that books touring international acts. The Zoo on Ann Street is a small, sweaty room that has launched dozens of local bands over decades. The Brunswick Hotel has a famous rooftop bar that fills on warm nights. For eating before the evening starts, Chinatown on Wickham Street offers the most reliable cheap feed — yum cha through the day and noodle houses well into the night.