In contrast to many of the bars that surround it, Elixer Rooftop Bar offers the chance to relax on a rooftop terrace covered in fairy lights in the heart of Fortitude Valley. This sophisticated spot delivers a Manhattan vibe, offering a wide variety of cocktails best-enjoyed at sunset.

Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall is a 19th century American salon style Bar with live music. Lefty’s wouldn’t be out of place in an Old Western, with the dark leather and timber fittings, mounted animals and candle lit tables. Their massive selection of whisky is also not to be argued with and most defiantly adds to the atmosphere.

A night out at the well-heeled Lychee Lounge in the West End offers the chance to relax in an exotic oriental styled lounge after ordering some truly inspired cocktails from what has to be one of the best drinks menus in Queensland. It’s the perfect blend of the magic east in the heart of the West End and possibly one of the few places outside Japan where you can drink at a samurai-inspired bar.

Harking back to the prohibition era of the 1920s and 30s, this speakeasy-style bar is named after the SS Walrus, a floating distillery that trawled the Logan River in the 19th century. The atmospheric venue features exposed brick walls, archways, rum crates, candelabras and comfy leather couches; all befitting ladies and dapper gentlemen on a mission to sample some of the best cocktails in the city.

Brisbane's incredible superclub Cloudland in Fortitude Valley offers four levels of cutting-edge design, including a retractable glass roof, a waterfall and thousands of plants. With a sumptuous array of booths to chill out in, and a range of spectacular bars to sidle up to, its reputation as an urban oasis is well deserved.

Get acquainted with the nightclub that has put Brisbane on the dance music map and has led to superstar DJs including Carl Cox announcing this Fortitude Valley venue to be among the best there is. Choose from five bars, including an ice bar, and four floors featuring international and local DJs and acts, for a night out like few others.

With five bars and three main rooms dedicated to getting you moving, The Met is a premier league nightclub. Choose from RnB in the Bamboo room, funky house in the Coco room, or big name DJs in the main Met room - which comes equipped with a vast LED screen. With cutting edge sound and lighting, and hypnotic dance floor grooves packing in the crowds, don't expect to get to bed much before sunrise.

The Tiffid is home to an amazing live room, where great talents and bands can be found performing live music all night long, 3-5 nights a week. There is also a pre-gig beer garden for you and your friends chill out and get a few drinks before the main event.

The Bowery is one of the best cocktail bars in town and features live jazz during the week and DJ sets on the weekends. The Bowery burst onto the scene in 2003, but takes its name and influences from the gin joints and speakeasy bars of early 20th century America. It's home to some of the best mixologists in Brisbane, so don't forget to sample at least one of their innovative cocktails.

Lock'n'Load has for more than a decade now hosted the best live music in Brisbane, from up-and-coming local talent to seasoned touring artists. Whether dinner and jazz on a Tuesday night, big party hits later in the week, or a relaxed acoustic session on Sunday, this bistro offers something for all. It's also popular spot to grab after work drinks.

The Zoo is an icon of the local indie music scene, and the place to go for good, brash Australian music. From beats and hip hop to jazz and folk, The Zoo's eclectic mix of music is as impressive as the venue's feel good community vibe. The Zoo turns 24 in 2016 and names lined up to play at the venue this year include Tiki Taane, Black Milk and Screamfeeder.

This intimate bar, under Paddington’s Iceworks describes itself as an experiment in drinks, décor, music and art, where young songwriters can cut their teeth and try out their tunes. Bespoke cocktails and boutique beers are the order of the day here, with tapas and pizza also on the menu.