Perth is one of Australia’s most underrated cities. A delicious food scene, plenty of bars, and surrounded by incredible nature, Perth is without a doubt one of Australia’s best-kept secrets.

But Perth is a large city and not all of its neighborhoods will appeal to visitors. Which is exactly why I put together this guide for where to stay in Perth.

This article was written for travellers, by travellers. It looks at the best neighborhoods in Perth and breaks them down into easy to digest bites so you can quickly find the one that’s right for you.

So whether you’re looking to party, explore, or lounge on the beach, we’ve got a neighborhood that will suit your travel needs.

Let’s jump right to it – here are our top recommendations for where to stay in Perth, Australia.

Where to Stay in Perth

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Perth.

If you’re a broke backpacker, don’t worry, there are plenty of great and affordable hostels in Perth. They offer quite a lot of bang for your buck too, so you can be sure to have a comfy bed, a safe place to rest your head, and a lot of like-minded travellers around you.

Go stand up paddleboarding on Swan River

Studio apartment in the heart of the CBD! | Best Airbnb in Perth

You won’t waste a second of your stay in Perth commuting into the city, because you’ll be staying right in the heart of it. This spacious modern studio has all the conveniences you’ll need, and you’ll be able to walk to both beach and bars with ease from your doorstep. Perth’s Airbnbs generally offer a lot, but this place is especially awesome!

Spinner’s Backpackers | Best Hostel in Perth

Spinner’s Backpackers wins our vote for the best hostel in the city because of its chilled out vibe and excellent central location. This hostel has new bedrooms with personalized charging stations, modern bathrooms, a commercial kitchen and a relaxing garden. Guests can also enjoy Netflix in the communal lounge.

Alex Hotel Perth | Best Hotel in Perth

The Alex Hotel is our pick for the best hotel in Perth because of its excellent views, spacious rooms and its tasty breakfast. This four-star hotel is centrally situated in Perth. There are plenty of bars and cafes in the area. And, it is in close proximity to famous tourist attractions and landmarks.

Perth Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Perth

FIRST TIME IN PERTH
Central Business District, Perth
FIRST TIME IN PERTH

Central Business District

Perth Central business District (CBD) is a large neighbourhood located in the centre of the city. It’s set approximately 10 kilometres north of the swan river and offers an abundance of activities and attractions.

ON A BUDGET
Central Business District, Perth
ON A BUDGET

Central Business District (Budget)

In addition to being the historic, cultural and culinary hub of the city, Perth CBD is also where you’ll find the best budget accommodations in Perth.

NIGHTLIFE
Northbridge, Perth
NIGHTLIFE

Northbridge

Northbridge is a small and funky neighbourhood located north of the city centre. It was once known for it’s gritty aesthetic and as the home of Perth’s redlight district. today, northbridge is a hipster haven with graffiti-covered walls, restaurants offering cuisines from around the world, and is the entertainment hub of Perth.

COOLEST PLACE TO STAY
Fremantle, Perth
COOLEST PLACE TO STAY

Fremantle

Fremantle is a port town set on the west coast of Australia. a suburb of Perth, Fremantle is located south of the city centre and is well-connected throughout the region.

FOR FAMILIES
South Perth, Perth
FOR FAMILIES

South Perth

South Perth is a beautiful neighbourhood just a short ferry ride away from Perth CBD. it is a neighbourhood characterized by its stunning natural surroundings because it sits on the shores of the idyllic swan river.

Perth is a laid-back, quiet and safe city set on Australia’s west coast. It is the largest city and capital of Western Australia and offers a unique mix of cosmopolitan and historical attractions and stunning natural beauty.

There are plenty of things to see and do in Perth, from exploring the beautiful Swan River to diving deep into history and indulging in the city’s lively and vibrant food scene.

The fourth largest city in the country, Perth is home to more than two million people. It is divided into 30 local government areas, which are further subdivided into 250 distinct suburbs. Because there’s so much to experience in Perth, we recommend you visit at least three or four different neighborhoods depending on the nature of your visit.

Perth Central Business District is the neighborhood at the heart of the city. It is home to the main business and shopping districts and is in close proximity to buzzing Northbridge. With art galleries, museums, shopping, dining and architecture, this is a hub for all types of travellers. You’ll find quite a to of Perth’s backpackers in this area too, since it’s the area with the most action.

Travel slightly north from here and you’ll arrive in bustling and vibrant Northbridge. Home to the city’s entertainment district, Northbridge is packed with bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants. If you want to experience Perth’s thriving nightlife scene, look no further than Northbridge.

Head south and cross the Swan River to arrive in South Perth. This neighborhood is characterized by its massive greenspaces and ample natural scenery. From riverside walks to picnics in the park, South Perth is a fantastic place to get back to nature.

And finally, travel southwest to the coast and you’ll arrive in Fremantle. One of the coolest neighborhoods in Perth, Fremantle is bursting with history and culture and has bohemian flair. Here you can enjoy unusual cafes, delicious food, interesting art galleries, and plenty of mysteries, stories and legends.

Still not sure where to stay in Perth? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Perth’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in

In this next section, we’ll take an in-depth look at the five best neighborhoods to stay in Perth, Australia. There are so many amazing places in Perth, but they’re not all located in the same area. Knowing where to stay in Perth will make your trip a lot more enjoyable and save your feet.

#1 Central Business District – Where to stay in Perth first time

Perth Central Business District (CBD) is a large neighborhood located in the centre of the city.

It’s set approximately 10 kilometres north of the Swan River and offers an abundance of activities and attractions. From art galleries and museums to dining, shopping and history, this neighborhood is bursting with things to see and do. And, this is exactly why Perth CBD is our top recommendation for where to stay in Perth if you’re visiting for the first time.

When visiting Perth CBD, you definitely don’t want to miss Murray Street. One of the liveliest streets in the city, Murray Street is lined with tasty restaurants, pubs and cafes where you can enjoy a cold and refreshing beverage or snack on a hot afternoon.

Central Business District, Perth

Things to See and Do in Central Business District

  1. Browse the collection at the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
  2. Dive deep in the history of the state at the Western Australian Museum.
  3. Explore the museums and art galleries at the Perth Cultural Centre.
  4. Grab a pint at the Belgian Beer Café.
  5. Head down to Murray Street and enjoy a night of food, drinks and fun!
  6. Listen to great music at Ambar.
  7. Stop and smell the roses at the Kings Park and Botanical Garden.
  8. Take a guided tour of the Perth Mint.
  9. Visit the Bell Tower and learn all about this unique building and its history.

Studio apartment in the heart of the CBD! | Best Airbnb in Central Business District

You won’t waste a second of your stay in Perth commuting into the city, because you’ll be staying right in the heart of it. This spacious modern studio has all the conveniences you’ll need, and you’ll be able to walk to both beach and bars with ease from your doorstep.

Ramada by Wyndham Perth The Outram | Best Hotel in Central Business District

This is one of our favourite hotels in the city because of its fantastic location. Set in the city centre, this hotel is close to restaurants, shops and bars, and provides easy access to Perth’s top tourist attractions. This stylish hotel has comfortable rooms with private balconies and bathrooms.

Alex Hotel Perth | Best Hotel in the Central Business District

The Alex Hotel is our pick for where to stay in Perth CBD because of its excellent views, spacious rooms and its tasty breakfast. This four-star hotel is centrally situated in Perth. There are plenty of bars and cafes in the area. And, it is close to famous tourist attractions and landmarks.

Wickham Retreat Backpackers | Best Hostel in Central Business District

This excellent hostel is located at the heart of Perth. It is ideally situated in the Central Business District and is within walking distance of great bars, restaurants and shops. This hostel offers comfortable beds with clean linens. They also have two fully-equipped kitchens and a welcoming atmosphere.

Wickham Retreat Backpackers is one of our favourites in Perth but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

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#2 Central Business District (Budget) – Where to stay in Perth on a budget

In addition to being the historic, cultural and culinary hub of the city, Perth CBD is also where you’ll find the best budget accommodations in Perth. Dotted throughout the city centre is a myriad of backpacker hostels where you can meet other like-minded travellers and enjoy a comfortable bed at a good price.

Fancy something a little more private? Well, you’re in luck! Perth CBD is also packed with good-value and affordable hotels where you can lay your head after a fun and exciting day of exploring.

Perth CBD is also home to a great variety of free and budget-friendly activities and attractions. Here you can enjoy all the best that the city has to offer without breaking the bank. It’s central and practical so it’s a solid base, especially if you’re only spending the weekend in Perth and want to see as much as possibe.

Central Business District, Perth

Things to See and Do in Central Business District

  1. Browse the sculptures at Elizabeth Quay.
  2. Catch a free movie at the Northbridge Piazza.
  3. Go for a stroll through Lesueur National Park.
  4. Head to the beach and soak up the sunshine.
  5. Pack a picnic and enjoy an afternoon in Kings Park & Botanic Garden.
  6. Rent a bike and go for a ride along the beautiful and scenic Swan River.
  7. Sink your teeth in the delectable sandwich at Toastface Grillah.
  8. Snack and sample your way through the delicious food hall at Carillon City.

Self-contained studio at a bargain price | Best Airbnb in the Central Business District

If you want to find somewhere that’s easy on the wallet but still gives you some independence and privacy, this CBD studio would be a good bet. Within easy reach of the CBD and the Beach, this would suit a couple or 2 friends.

Spinner’s Backpackers | Best Hostel in Central Business District

Spinner’s Backpackers wins our vote for where to stay in the Central Business District because of its chilled out vibe and excellent location. This hostel has new bedrooms with personalized charging stations, modern bathrooms, a commercial kitchen and a relaxing garden.

Tribe Perth | Best Hotel in Central Business District

This modern hotel comes complete with a coffee bar, free wifi and on-site bicycle rentals. It is centrally located and is close to bars, restaurants, shops and clubs. This excellent four-star hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with modern amenities, like a coffee machine, mini-bar and luxury linens.

Akara Hotel | Best Hotel in the Central Business District

The Akara Hotel is our pick for where to stay in the Central Business District if you’re on a budget. It offers comfortable beds and spacious rooms with great amenities all at an excellent price. This hotel also boasts a library, laundry facilities and luggage storage for guests.

Akara Hotel is one of our favourites in Perth but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

#3 Northbridge – Best area to stay in Perth for nightlife

Northbridge is a small and funky neighborhood located north of the city centre.

It was once known for it’s gritty aesthetic and as the home of Perth’s redlight district. Today, Northbridge is a hipster haven with graffiti-covered walls, restaurants offering cuisines from around the world, and is the entertainment hub of Perth.

Northbridge is where you’ll find the highest concentration of bars, pubs and clubs in the city. Tucked around every corner and down every alley are bars and clubs serving up everything from local craft beers and urbane cocktails to fruity drinks and shots galore.

So, whether you want a relaxed night out or a full-on party, you’ll find what you’re looking for (and more!) in Northbridge.

Northbridge, Perth
Photo: The Logical Positivist (WikiCommons)

Things to See and Do in Northbridge

  1. Choose from a selection of homebrewed beers at Northbridge Brewing Company.
  2. Dance the night away at Connections Nightclub.
  3. Dig into nachos and other tasty treats at The Bird.
  4. Dine on quick and delicious bites at the Brass Monkey.
  5. Eat tasty Italian dishes at No Mafia.
  6. Enjoy drinks and the views from the rooftop bar at the Mechanics Institute.
  7. Indulge at Frisk Small Bar.
  8. Listen to live music at Tetsuo NC.
  9. Sip great cocktails at Ezra Pound.
  10. Visit Jack Rabbit Slim’s, a bar, lounge, live music venue and a diner all rolled into one!

Britannia on William | Best Hostel in Northbridge

This hostel is centrally located in Perth with many restaurants, clubs and shops nearby. It is built in a stunning heritage building and this hostel boasts spacious rooms, new bathrooms and a relaxing courtyard. Guests can enjoy a large dining room, a well-equipped kitchen, and laundry facilities.

Doubletree By Hilton Perth Northbridge | Best Hotel in Northbridge

Located in buzzing and bustling Northbridge, this hotel is within walking distance of great bars, clubs and restaurants. It offers easy access to Perth’s entertainment district and is close to the CBD and top tourist attractions. It has 200+ comfortable and spacious rooms, free wifi and a swimming pool.

Prime real estate for a big night out! | Best Airbnb in Northbridge

If you’re in town to smash schooners and be your best bogan, this is the spot for you. If you don’t know what some of those words mean, don’t worry, you soon will. Double beds, private bathrooms and a kitchenette. Too easy mate.

Prime real estate for a big night out! is one of our favourites in Perth but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

Best Western Northbridge Apartments | Best Hotel in Northbridge

This fantastic four-star property wins our vote for the best place to stay in Northbridge. It has well-equipped and modern apartments, an outdoor swimming pool, a gym and a barbecue area. You’ll also find eateries and speakeasies within walking distance.

Best Western Northbridge Apartments is one of our favourites in Perth but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

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#4 Fremantle – Coolest place to stay in Perth

Fremantle is a port town set on the west coast of Australia. A suburb of Perth, Fremantle is located south of the city centre and is well-connected throughout the region.

Once Australia’s roughest port town, Fremantle reinvented itself in the 1950s and today it is one of the coolest neighborhoods in the country. And, it is our pick for the coolest neighborhood in Perth because of its bohemian vibe and abundance of unusual cafes, bars, restaurants, art and live music.

Fremantle is also a great neighborhood to stay in if you’re keen to dive deep into history. Here you’ll find noteworthy attractions like the Fremantle Prison as well as the Fremantle Arts Centre, which is home to world-class art galleries, museums and more.

Fremantle, Perth

Things to See and Do in Fremantle

  1. Eat, drink and enjoy the atmosphere at Sail and Anchor.
  2. Excite your sense at The Mexican Kitchen.
  3. Explore the exhibitions at the Fremantle Arts Centre.
  4. Get that perfect pic for the ‘gram in the Whalers’ Tunnel.
  5. Grab a coffee at one of the many cafes that make up the Cappuccino Strip.
  6. Learn the history and mysteries of the Fremantle Prison.
  7. Party all night long at the Metropolis Fremantle.
  8. Shop the vibrant Freemantle Markets.
  9. Soak up the sunshine at South Beach.
  10. Visit Rottnest Island and take a selfie with one of Australia’s cutest and friendliest creatures, the Quokka.

Fremantle Old Fire Station | Best Hostel in Fremantle

This hostel is built in a converted fire station and is one of the best hostels in Fremantle. Their features include laundry facilities, an outdoor cinema, a common area and a kitchen. This property offers comfortable beds, a safe setting and a fun and lively atmosphere.

Hougoumont Hotel | Best Hotel in Fremantle

The Hougoumont Hotel is our top recommendation for where to stay in Fremantle. Because of its excellent central location, this hotel is close to bars, club and restaurants, as well as top tourist attractions. Each room comes complete with comfortable beds, luxury amenities, and a complimentary fruit bowl.

Quality Suites Fremantle | Best Hotel in Fremantle

The Quality Suites hotel is conveniently situated in Fremantle. Plenty of the neighborhood’s top attractions are within walking distance and you’ll find that this hotel is surrounded by shops. This luxury hotel offers spacious and air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, refrigerators and coffee/tea facilities.

Chill guest house in aussies best kept secret! | Best Airbnb in Fremantle

Fremantle is a beautiful town, full of alternative living ideals, community vibes, and thriving arts and music scene. You’ll be able to soak all that in if you choose this funky studio as your base.

Chill guest house in aussies best kept secret! is one of our favourites in Perth but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

#5 South Perth – Best neighborhood in Perth for families

South Perth is a beautiful neighborhood just a short ferry ride away from Perth CBD. It is a neighborhood characterized by its stunning natural surroundings because it sits on the shores of the idyllic Swan River.

This neighborhood is our pick for where to stay in Perth for families because of all the great things you can see, do and experience. From exciting outings to the Perth Zoo to kayaking the Swan River, you and your family will love exploring this vibrant and lush Perth neighborhood.

South Perth, Perth

Things to See and Do in South Perth

  1. Charter a boat and explore the waters around Perth.
  2. Dine on fresh and delicious dishes at Rambla on Swan.
  3. Eat flavourful Thai fare at Wok & Ladle.
  4. Enjoy a day at the beach at the South Perth Foreshore.
  5. Explore the grounds of The Old Mill.
  6. Rent kayaks and glide along Swan River.
  7. Savour tasty Vietnamese cuisine at Le Vietnam.
  8. See your favourite animals at the Perth Zoo.
  9. Shop until you drop at the Garden City Shopping Centre.
  10. Sink your teeth into a delectable slice of pizza at Ciao Italia.
  11. Wander through Sir James Mitchell Park.

The Peninsula Riverside Serviced Apartments | Best Apartments in South Perth

These colourful and comfortable apartments are the perfect home away from home in Perth – and are our pick for where to stay in South Perth. This property boasts modern apartments packed with essential amenities. There’s also a luggage storage and laundry facilities.

Perfect for a family weekend away | Best Airbnb in South Perth

This beautiful Airbnb in Australia might not be the biggest place you’ll ever see, but it’s full of charm and packs a punch. The balcony offers sunset views over the city, and there’s access to a shared pool.

Perfect for a family weekend away is one of our favourites in Perth but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

Victoria Park Lodge | Best Lodge in South Perth

This charming hostel is ideally located in South Perth. It is conveniently located for exploring the city and is in close proximity to restaurants, shops and landmarks. This lodge offers 14 bedrooms, a large common room and a fully-equipped kitchen. Guests also have access to laundry facilities and a BBQ area.

Victoria Park Lodge is one of our favourites in Perth but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

Comfort Apartments South Perth | Best Apartments in South Perth

Located in South Perth, these apartments offer easy access to the Perth Zoo, the Old Mill and all of the city’s top tourist attractions. Each apartment comes complete with air conditioning, a refrigerator, a private balcony and cookware. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool, a terrace, and childminding services.

Comfort Apartments South Perth is one of our favourites in Perth but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

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FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Perth

Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Perth and where to stay.

What To Pack For Perth

Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.

Product
Description
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!
Don’t Let Snorers Keep You Awake!

Ear Plugs

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Keep your laundry organized and stink free
Keep your laundry organized and stink free

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Stay Dry With a Micro Towel
Stay Dry With a Micro Towel

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

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Make Some New Buddies…

Monopoly Deal

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Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!
Reduce Plastic – Bring a Water Bottle!

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Perth

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Perth

Perth is a charming and vibrant city that is often overlooked by travellers. But thanks to its abundance of good food, its access to nature, its interesting history and thriving cultural and arts scene, we definitely think this Western Australian city is well worth the time and effort of travelling to Australia’s west coast.

In this guide, we’ve looked at the best neighborhoods to stay in Perth. If you’re still not sure which is right for you, here is a quick recap of our favourites.

Perth CBD gets our vote as the best neighborhood with the most going on. It’s where you’ll find history and culture, lively nightlife and plenty of tasty eats.

Our pick for the best hostel is Spinner’s Backpackers because of its great location, laid-back vibes and excellent amenities.

The Alex Hotel Perth is our favourite hotel because it is close to Perth’s top tourist attraction and it offers comfortable rooms with a scrumptious breakfast.

Looking for more info on travelling to Perth and Australia?

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!