In this post, we will discuss about Where to stay in Perth, the best areas to stay in Perth (include map and video) and best hotels to stay in Perth for all budget travelers.
Located in Western Australia (WA), Perth is well known for its world-class beaches, excellent surfing spots, carefree lifestyle, and supreme climate. Incredible national parks surround the city and some of the world’s best wines from the neighboring Margaret River. The city is home to a wide range of parks and outdoor activities and even some great restaurants and bars.
Perth is a sprawling city, spread over 6000 square km. Although Perth has one of the most efficient public transport systems in the world, it is still very spread out and choosing the right spot that suits your needs is essential.
Where to Stay in Perth?
The best areas to stay in Perth for tourists are Perth CBD, Fremantle, West Perth, Subiaco, Northbridge, South Perth, and Scarborough. These are popular and safe neighborhoods, offering a wide variety of attractions and amenities.
Perth CBD is the overall best area to stay in Perth for first-timers due to its central location, excellent transport links, and wide range of accommodation options. Staying here offers easy access to major attractions, restaurants, and shops.
Some of the best areas to stay in Perth with families are Perth CBD, Fremantle, Scarborough, Subiaco, and South Perth. These neighborhood provide plenty of family-friendly accommodations and activities for children of all ages.
If this is your first visit, I recommend spend at least 3-5 days to explore the capital of WA. This time will allow you to see famous landmarks, enjoy food and wines, as well as get the sense of local culture and history. If you have more time, you can take a day trip to Frementle.
| đź’– Best Area for First-Timers: | Perth CBD |
| đź’Ž Best luxury hotel: | Duxton Hotel Perth |
| 🏨 Best mid-range hotel: | Doubletree By Hilton Perth Waterfront |
| đź’° Best budget hotel: | Alex Hotel |
Map of areas and neighborhoods in Perth:
Best Areas to Stay in Perth for tourists are:
1. Perth CBD
Perth CBD is the best overall area to stay in Perth for first-time travelers due to its prime location. If you stay here, you will be located in the middle of action, within walking distance to the top sights, as well as many restaurants, bars, and shops.
Located on the Swan River (Derbarl Yerrigan), 11km from Perth Airport, and 15-minute drive to the city’s famous beaches, Perth CBD has something for everyone, families, couples, and solo travelers.
A popular attraction is the Kings Park and Western Australian Botanic Garden, which is a beautiful garden with fabulous views of the Perth CBD. It is one of the world’s biggest inner city parks with heaps of Aboriginal and European culture. If the sun’s out and it usually is then this is a great spot.
The vibrant Barrack Square is also worth a visit. Located on the foreshore of the Swan River, the square is packed with shops, restaurants, bars, and busy with workers from the CBD. The square is home to the towering glass spire of The Bell Tower.
You can take a ferry from the jetties at Barrack Square to visit Rottnest Island. The Barack Street Jetties are also a departure point for river cruises to Fremantle, Swan Valley, and the ferries to South Perth and Perth Zoo.
The Swan River’s paths are great places to walk, ride, skate, or take a tour on a Segway. You can have a picnic or enjoy the sunset in surrounding green areas. There are water activities such as sailing, windsurfing and kayaking.
You can catch a show at the 20th-century His Majesty’s Theatre on Hay Street. It is the only remaining working Edwardian Baroque theatre in Australia that played host to world renowned musicals, ballet, and opera.
King Street, Murray Street, and Hay Street, is are some of the popular streets in the heart of CBD. King Street is packed with early 20th-century buildings, as well as designer shops and boutiques. it is a great place to do window shopping.
The Twilight Hawkers Markets is a great place for foodies. The market runs every Friday night from October to April. You can enjoy the tastiest street food from around the world in the heart of Perth.
Karla Yarning: Stories of the Home Fires is a set of Aboriginal heritage maps, allowing visitors to discover the importance Aboriginal heritage and learn about the Wadjuk Noongar history before white settlers arrive in 1829. You can download the maps from the PCC website or get a map from the WA visitors centre, and iCity Kiosk in the Murray Street mall.
Other places of interest are the St Mary’s Cathedral, Art Gallery of Western Australia, Barracks Archway, the Western Australian Museum, the Perth Cultural Centre, Forrest Chase, Forrest Place, Burswood Entertainment Complex, Riverside Drive, Murray Street Mall, and Elizabeth Quay.
You can easily getting around Perth CBD on foot or by the free Central Area Transit (CAT) bus services, which run around Perth CBD and Northbridge and stops at Perth’s top tourist attractions .
Perth central business district offers a wide range of accommodation options for all budget travelers. There are superb backpacker hostels, budget 3-star hotels, and plenty of 5-star luxury hotels.
Stay in Perth CBD if this is your first time visiting the capital of Western Australia, you want to be a short drive from the coast, you want to be central, you don’t care about being in a busy area;
Best Places to Stay in Perth CBD for first-time visitors:
luxury ($$$): Duxton Hotel Perth, 5-star hotel, one of the best places to stay in Perth for first-time visitors, families, and couples. Located in Perth CBD, short walk from Perth Concert Hall and the Swan River. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, fitness centre and outdoor swimming pool.
mid-range ($$): Doubletree By Hilton Perth Waterfront, great 3-star hotel in central Perth in Elizabeth Quay, featuring rooms for singles, couples, and families. It has panoramic views of Perth’s city skyline and a rooftop infinity pool.
budget ($): Alex Hotel, family-friendly hotel, located in Perth CBD, offering free WiFi and an onsite bar and restaurant, as well as the rooftop terrace, which offers beautiful views of the city. You can use free bicycles to explore the city sights. Also on offer are laundry facilities.
🔍MORE HOTEL DEALS IN PERTH CBD2. West Perth
West Perth is an excellent option if you want to be within walking distance from the CBD and still very central and close to the attractions. The area has some great drinks and shopping options and offers a relaxed vibe outside of working hours.
There are a few great attractions to see in West Perth, such as the Parliament House, which is home to the government of Western Australia. It’s a beautiful old building constructed in 1904 and worth a see.
The Old Observatory, Solidarity Park, Watertown Brand Outlet, Kings Park, and kids’ interactive science museum Scitechare some of the attractions nearby. There are lots ot shopping, dining options on the Hay Street with a mix of cafes, restaurants, parks and shopping.
There is a varied amount of accommodation options in West Perth; you can find some brilliant hostels here but also some excellent mid-range hotel options.
Stay in West Perth if you love to be near the CBD, you like central, but not very central, you want relaxed places at night, you don’t mind not being next to the nightlife, you don’t mind not being next to the beach.
Best Places to Stay in West Perth for first-timers:
mid-range ($$): Holiday Inn West Perth, an IHG Hotel, 4-star hotel located on trendy Hay Street, ideally positioned to enjoy a range of dining and shopping options. Guests can stay connected with free WiFi, keep active in the fitness centre and use the free bicycles to explore the city.
mid-range ($$): The Sebel West Perth , 4.5-star accommodation, situated close to Perth Arena, State Theatre Centre of Western Australia and State War Memorial. It has free WiFi, a fitness centre, and on-site Private parking.
luxury ($$$): The Melbourne Hotel, 5-star hotel, located close to West Perth, Perth Arena, His Majesty’s Theatre, easy access to the free Perth Redcat Bus Stand and the Watertown Brand Outlet. It has private parking, 5 dining options, including a rooftop bar, Aurora.
🔍MORE HOTEL DEALS IN WEST PERTH3. Subiaco
Subiaco, or Subi by locals, is an inner-western suburb of Perth and is an upmarket area of Perth that is full of shops, pubs and art galleries. Shoppers will love some of the designer shops in the area, but nature lovers will also love parks such as Muller Park.
The Rokeby Road is a busy high street, packed with beautiful heritage buildings, as well as many eateries, cafes and shops. The Subi Farmers Market is a trendy place to visit in the area. You can eat some of the best cheeses and fresh food in Perth from here; it’s a great place to visit every Saturday in the morning.
Visitors can catch a show at the stunning art deco Regal Theatre, or take a class or workshop Subiaco Arts Centre. Subiaco Arts Centre is home to leading Aboriginal performing arts organisation, Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company. The Subiaco Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the area.
Subiaco Oval is Perths biggest Australian Rules Football Complex and home to the West Coast Eagles. Many state and national sporting events are held here, including the National Soccer League grand final.
Subiaco is the best place to stay in Perth for backpackers because the neighborhood has the broadest range of hostels in Perth with some great, well-priced hostels in the area.
Stay in Subiaco if you want great budget deals, you want to be near good shops, you wish to be near the CBD, you don’t mind not being next to the beach, you don’t mind not being in the CBD.
Best Places to Stay in Subiaco for first-time tourists:
mid-range ($$): Vibe Hotel Subiaco Perth, 4-star hotel offers family romms, 24-hour front desk and ticket service. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge.
mid-range ($$): Lakeside Bed & Breakfast, children-friendly B&B, situated a short distance from Perth CBD, the beautiful Lake Monger and Leederville train station. It is 15-minutes’ walk from Leederville and Subiaco which offer a range of dining, shopping and entertainment options.
mid-range ($$): Quest Kings Park, 4-star family-friendly accommodation, located across the road from beautiful Kings Park, offering modern studio apartments.
🔍MORE HOTEL DEALS IN SUBIACO4. Northbridge
Northbridge is the culture and nightlife hub of Perth, located just within easy walking distance from Perth CBD. You should stay here if you love a diverse range of food from all around the world and want to party. If you enjoy Asian cuisine, then you’ll love the food on Williams street.
Similar with Kings Cross in Sydney and Fortitude Valley in Brisbane, Northbridge offers great nightlife. Northbridge is home to a heap of backpackers bars, and also upscale cocktail bars on Williams Street. You can find a significant number of bars and nightclubs in this area. You can also check out Northbridge Brewing Company, Perth Cultural Centre, Mechanics Institute, and No Mafia.
Northbridge is home to the Perth Cultural Centre which houses the WA Museum Boola Bardip, the State Theatre of Western Australia, the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art and the Art Gallery of Western Australia, and State Art Collection.
Northbridge has a large number of backpacker hostels and budget hotels that are perfect for budget travellers
Stay in Northbridge if you love the excellent nightlife, you want to be close to the CBD, you enjoy cocktail bars, you don’t mind not being next to the beach, you don’t mind being around busy nightlife.
Best Places to stay in Perth in Northbridge for first-timers:
mid-range ($$): Doubletree By Hilton Perth Northbridge, 4-star popular hotel, located in the cultural, dining and entertainment hub in Perth city, few steps from major attractions such as the Yagan Square, Western Australian Museum and RAC Entertainment Arena.
mid-range ($$): Attika Hotel, 4-star family-friendly hotel located in the heart of Northbridge, offering a boutique hotel experience. It has self-contained, fully serviced apartment with free WiFi and on-site parking for cars.
budget ($): Spinners Hostel, one of the best places to stay in Perth for backpackers and budget travelers. Located in Northbridge, it features personalised charging stations beside each bed, a shared commercial kitchen and free high-speed WiFi.
🔍MORE HOTEL DEALS IN NORTHBRIDGE🎬 Check out my virtual tour about the best places to stay in Perth in this video
See more:
5. South Perth
South Perth is a superb spot for pretty much everything. Situated just next to the Swan River, South Perth is home to the best views of the Perth Skyline. South Perth is easily reached from CBD within a 10-minute drive by car or a 20-minute bus ride.
South Perth has lots of open space for recreation, children’s playgrounds, as well as cycle paths, picnic tables, and barbecues.
South Perth is home to the Perth Zoo, great place for families and kids to explore a brilliant range of wildlife. The Sir James Mitchell Park is a cool part of South Perth, located on the Swan River.
Other places of interest are the Garden City Shopping Centre, The Old Mill – an iconic historic landmark, Rambla on Swan, the South Perth Foreshore, Ciao Italia, and Le Vietnam.
Accommodation in South Perth is excellent for mid to high end, with many of Perth’s most expensive hotels in this area. It’s probably the best spot in the city.
Stay in South Perth if you want to be in the centre, you like high-end hotels, you like parks and open space, you don’t mind being away from the beach, you don’t mind being in a busy place.
Best Places to Stay in South Perth:
- mid-range ($$): The Peninsula Riverside Serviced Apartments, 4-star family-friendly accommodation, within walking distance from Perth Zoo. Featuring family rooms, free on-site parking, it is just 5 minutes’ by car or ferry from Perth’s city centre.
- mid-range ($$): Quest South Perth Foreshore, children-friendly accommodation, offering views over the Swan River and out to Perth city centre. Guests can enjoy the alfresco BBQ entertaining area. Easy access to a variety of cafes and restaurants and Perth Zoo.
6. Scarborough
If you love the beach and you want to be in Perth’s prominent surfing spot with countless watersports options, Scarborough is your type of place.
Scarborough beach is gorgeous. This one of Perth’s most popular beaches with superb white sand, clear waters and great activities. If you love cafes, then there are cafes overlooking the shores of Scarborough.
You can find some excellent hotel deals in this area, with some reasonably budget hotels but also very well priced luxury too. Scarborough is a great place to stay in you plan to hire a car.
Stay in Scarborough if you love surfing, you love beachside views, you love to swim, you don’t mind being away from the CBD, you don’t mind staying in calmer places.
Best places to stay in Perth in Scarborough:
- mid-range ($$): Seashells Scarborough
- mid-range ($$): Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough
7. Burswood/East Perth
East Perth is a popular destination with tourists, located to the east of the CBD. You’re still in a distance of the leading CBD attractions and many of the great things that Perth has to offer.
A popular thing to see in East Perth is the Perth Mint. The Perth Mint is a gold, silver and platinum producer. If you visit here, you can witness live gold pours and see how the organization produces metals.
East Perth is home to excellent accommodation options with a good range of budget hotels and hostels.
Stay in East Perth if you want to stay in a relaxed spot, you want to be outside the CBD, you want to visit the Perth Mint, you don’t want to be next to the beach.
Best places to stay in East Perth: ‣Fraser Suites Perth ‣Quest East Perth ‣Pan Pacific Perth
🔍MORE HOTEL DEALS IN EAST PERTH8. Fremantle
People often call Fremantle the Alternative town of Perth, with a mix of alternative bars and quirky sights. The port town is named “Freo” by many locals and is an excellent escape from the CBD.
There are some great beaches in Fremantle such as Bathers Beach, a beautiful spot of paradise on the Perth coastline. You could also take a swim and a walk at South Beach; this is a top-rated beach with good nightlife, restaurants and high-end hotels surrounding.
Attractions such as the Fremantle Prison, the Fremantle Arts Centre, the Metropolis Fremantle, Freemantle Markets, Rottnest Island, and Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour.
It hard to anwer if Fremantle is better than Perth or Perth better than Fremantle. It really depend on the type of vacation you’re looking to have. You can combine staying few nights in each area if you have long time holiday.
Accommodation in Fremantle varies, but there are some great budget options with a vast array of backpacker hostels at reasonable prices. You can find great budget hotels too.
Stay in Fremantle if you want to be next to the beach, you want to be near an alternative scene, you enjoy a good nightlife, you don’t mind being away from the centre, you don’t mind being in a quieter area.
Best Places to stay in Fremantle for first-time visitors:
- Esplanade Hotel Fremantle – by Rydges, located with walking distance of local shops, restaurants, markets and museums. Fishing Boat Harbour is just 400 m away and Fremantle Markets is just a 3-minute walk away.
- Quest Fremantle, featuring free WiFi, a fitness centre and a garden. A bicycle rental service is available at this property and cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
- Tradewinds Hotel, 4-star accommodation in Fremantle with sweeping views across the Swan River. Guests can enjoy hotel facilities, including a swimming pool during their stay
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In conclusion, Perth CBD, West Perth, Subiaco, Northbridge, South Perth, Scarborough, East Perth, and Fremantle, are some of the best places to stay in Perth for tourists. Perth CBD is best overall base for first-timers, families, and couples seeking a central location and proximity to major sights.
Fremantle exudes charm and history, West Perth and Subiaco are ideal for business travelers, Northbridge offers vibrant nightlife. South Perth provides a tranquil riverside escape, Scarborough is perfect for beach lovers, and East Perth offers a mix of nature and urban amenities.
Choose the area that best matches your preferences for a memorable stay in Perth. Personnally, I chose Perth CBD as the best base for my first visit due to its prime location and a wide choice in accommodations. Staying here puts you easy access to major attractions, restaurants, and shops.