How to spend 48 hours in Perth

Visit Perth10 Feb '268 min read

Smooth Operator

Short on time but still want to make the most of your Perth visit? Even if you’re here for a good time rather than a long one, you can still eat, explore and experience the best our City has to offer. Whether you’re in town for the AFL Origin clash this weekend, treating yourself to a staycation, or just keen to discover some new favourites, here’s our ultimate weekend itinerary.

Day One

Start your Perth adventure in the heart of Northbridge at Arrival Hall, a light‑filled café and curated lifestyle store that blends Scandi design with local flair. Enjoy a wholesome breakfast - think avo toast, baked eggs, or a flaky pastry - and then browse shelves of homewares that’ll have you regretting not bringing more baggage.

After breakfast, take a short 15 minute stroll to WA Museum Boola Bardip, Perth’s largest museum. Boola Bardip means “many stories”, and the museum delivers just that – celebrating Western Australia’s culture, biodiversity, and incredible First Nations heritage. As well as eight permanent exhibits showcasing our state’s rich history, they’ve got talks, tours, and a rotating selection of temporary exhibits, including a special AFL Origin one on right now. We recommend allowing at least 1.5-2 hours for a relaxed, thorough experience.

James Parker

Once you’ve worked up an appetite again it’s time for lunch, and we’d be remiss not to mention the Re Store on Lake St, home of the iconic conti roll. Grab a seat, or head to the nearby Northbridge Piazza to soak up some sunshine.

After lunch, head back to the Perth Cultural Centre for a drink at Picabar. Loved by locals for its relaxed courtyard, rotating taps and art crowd vibes, it’s the perfect place to settle in for an afternoon pint or spritz. From here you might be catching the train to Optus Stadium, but if you’re sticking around the City then why not stop by a couple more watering holes? Some of our personal favourites include the Leadlight, Ezra Pound, Astral Weeks and Mechanics Institute.

When evening arrives, slip into the warm, moody interior of James Parker, one of Northbridge’s most loved Japanese dining spots. Expect beautifully plated sashimi, perfectly crisp tempura and flavours that feel both refined and comforting. If a post-meal sweet treat is a non-negotiable for you, swing by Kuld Creamery for a scoop of their small-batch, handmade ice cream.

Smooth Operator

Day Two

Kick off day two with a hit of caffeine from Smooth Operator in the CBD – it’s a cosy spot with a loyal following, and once you try their coffee you’ll understand why. Now, it’s time to see the City from a different angle – Matilda Bay. If you’re really feeling that caffeine hit, you can hire a bike and cycle down the foreshore, otherwise you can catch a short bus ride. Right on the waterfront sits Bayside Kitchen, serving sunny, colourful breakfasts with unbeatable views. You can enjoy your meal with the river glittering just metres away – if that doesn’t sound like the perfect morning, we don’t know what does.

Next, make your way to Kings Park, one of the world’s largest inner‑city parks. Walk the tree‑top Lotterywest Federation Walkway, explore native gardens, or simply soak up panoramic views over the CBD and Swan River. From Kings Park, head down to Elizabeth Quay to take a leisurely lap around the inlet, snap some photos and enjoy the buzz of the riverside. Right on the waterfront you’ll find Little Creatures, the perfect spot for lunch. Enjoy a pint poured fresh from the tanks alongside pizza, seafood and share plates while watching the ferries glide across the river.

Post

You’ll probably be pretty knackered at this point, so we’ve graciously left some time for a little lie down back at your accom. Once you’re feeling refreshed, venture down to East Perth to soak up golden hour at Folly, one of our favourite rooftop bars. Order a cocktail, settle into a lounge chair and take in the sunset glow rolling over the port city.

End your Perth weekend on a high note back in the CBD at Post, the elegant restaurant inside the State Buildings. Expect seasonal, Italian‑leaning dishes made with the best WA produce—perfect for a slow, satisfying final meal.

And there you have it – the perfect 48 hours in Perth. With world‑class dining, open‑air spaces, creative precincts and that unmistakable WA sunshine, it’s the kind of weekend that lingers long after you’ve checked out.