Categories > Guides and Tips
Perth in a Day: A Guide to How to Enjoy the City in 24 Hours
- Time Zone
- When is the best time to visit Perth?
- Things to Know
- How to Get Around
- Places to Stay in Perth
- European Hotel
- The Adnate
- Downtown Backpackers Hostel
- Where to Eat in Perth
- La Veen
- Market Grounds
- The Island
- What to Do in Perth within 24 Hours
- See the native wildflowers of Perth at Kings Park and Botanic Garden
- Explore the rich culture of Western Australia at the Perth Cultural Centre
- Visit the exotic animals at Perth Zoo
- Watch the sunset and dazzling night lights of Perth at Elizabeth Quay
- Where to Shop in Perth within 24 Hours
- Raine Square
- Which Neighbourhoods to Visit in Perth within 24 Hours
- South Perth
- Northbridge
- What to Expect from Perth Weather
- Apps to Download for a Trip to Perth
Is your visit to Perth a bit shorter than what you would’ve liked? Don’t worry because our lovely city is filled to the brim with amazing attractions to visit and activities to do that are only a few kilometres away from one another!
For those who can only enjoy Perth within a day, here’s a guide showing you how to make the most of your time in the city!
Time Zone
Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) or UTC +8:00
When is the best time to visit Perth?
The best time to visit Perth is either from September to November or from March to May.
The months between September and November are when spring is in full swing in Perth, so it’s the best time to visit the city if you’re looking to see the wildflowers of Western Australia in full bloom.
Meanwhile, the months between March and May are the autumn season. During this season, you can experience warm, sunny days and cool nights in Perth.
You might experience occasional rainfall during autumn, but it’s nowhere near as frequent as the rainfall you’ll encounter in winter and at the start of spring.
Things to Know
Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD) – Check the current exchange rate here
Primary Language(s): Australian English
Other Languages Used: Mandarin, Spanish, Japanese, Filipino, Cantonese, Hindi, and Korean
Calling Code: +61
Emergency Numbers:
000 (Police, fire, and ambulance – for life-threatening situations)
131-444 (Police – for non-life threatening situations)
9461-6611 (CCTV live incidents)
How to Get Around
Bus: Riding the bus is the easiest and most reliable way of getting around Perth, especially for covering small distances. Bus fares in Perth start at $2.30, and you can check out the bus routes available in your location on Transperth’s website.
Trains: For travelling to further suburbs and towns in Perth, the train is your best option. The city has five major train lines, and you can also see the train schedules via Transperth’s website.
Ferries: Travelling by ferry is also a viable method of getting around Perth, especially if you plan on visiting seaside and riverside places like Freo and South Perth. Transperth’s website also provides the timetable and fares for ferries.
Taxis: Of course, taxi services are also available in Perth if you prefer a more private mode of transport. The city also has a couple of ride-hailing apps operating in it, like Uber and Ola.
Car service: If you prefer having a private chauffeur meet you at the Perth Airport and take you to different places in the city, there are a lot of companies that offer those kinds of services, like Link Airport Perth.
Places to Stay in Perth
Because your stay in Perth will be short and sweet, it’s best to settle for simpler accommodation, as most of your time will be spent outside anyway.
Here are some affordable hotels you can book in or near the Perth CBD. Please take note that a single $ means the hotel reservation price is less than $160, $$ means the price is anywhere between $161 and $280, and $$$ is for $281 and up.
European Hotel
Address: 97 Murray St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Phone: +61 8 9325 3900
Pricing: $
The European Hotel is a three-star hotel with excellent accommodations and amenities that you can get for less than $145. Situated within the Perth CBD, this hotel lets you see the best attractions of the city as soon as you walk out of its doors.
Walk a few blocks down the road, and you’ll reach the iconic Perth Town Hall. A couple more blocks away south, and you’ll find yourself within the famous Elizabeth Quay.
As a three-star hotel, it already has the essentials you’ll need with a couple more bonuses like unlimited Wi-Fi access. It even has a rooftop garden where you can catch a quick breather after a long day of walking around the city.
The Adnate
Photo credit: helloperth
Address: 900 Hay St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Phone: +61 8 6371 1000
Pricing: $$
The Adnate is an excellent hotel if you’re willing to splurge. It’s one of the cheapest 5-star hotels available in the Perth CBD, with prices starting as low as $200.
The building itself where the hotel resides is a wonderful sight to see from the outside. Its east-facing wall features a huge mural made by the famous street artist Matt Adnate.
And the inside of the hotel is nothing to scoff at either. Guests are treated to a wide variety of artworks and murals that make you feel as if you’re already visiting the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
Like the European Hotel, The Adnate is also centrally located and lets you easily walk to most of the Perth CBD’s biggest attractions, like the Perth Cultural Centre and Kings Park and Botanic Garden.
Downtown Backpackers Hostel
Address: 57/59 Bennett St, East Perth WA 6004, Australia
Phone: +61 498 695 631
Pricing: $
Because you’ll have very little time to stay in your accommodation within 24 hours, it might be best to settle for a very cheap place where you can leave your valuables safely.
That place is the Downtown Backpackers Hostel located in East Perth. It might not have the extensive amenities offered by the two other hotels I mentioned earlier, but its rooms are secure enough to leave your luggage in while exploring Perth.
Their rooms are simple yet spacious, so you can stay here with a couple of friends for the night. Prices here are among the lowest I’ve found, as their prices start at only $80.
Where to Eat in Perth
It’s unfortunate that you can only enjoy my city for 24 hours. But don’t worry! Let me show you which restaurants in Perth are easily accessible to you while also serving you the best dishes available in the city.
To help you budget better, a single $ means their dishes cost less than $15, $$ means the price is anywhere between $15 and $35, and $$$ for prices that are $36 and more.
La Veen
Address: 79 King St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Phone: +61 8 9321 1188
Pricing: $$
Start your day with a delicious cup of coffee and some delicious pastries from La Veen. This famous cafe is located right within the Perth CBD and is just a walk away from the hotels we discussed earlier.
Customers can choose from their wide variety of coffee selections, including classics like cold brew and espressos. They also serve delicious teas if you’re more of a tea person.
If you’re curious about what pastries they have on offer, they serve the usual stuff like croissants and bagels. If you prefer a healthier option, they also recently added healthier options like acai bowls and toasted muesli bowls.
Market Grounds
Address: 10 Telethon Ave, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Phone: +61 8 6148 5600
Pricing: $$
After a bit of exploration, it’s time to take a short rest and have an amazing lunch at Market Grounds, a bar and restaurant you’ll find in the Perth CBD.
Their menu consists of both popular dishes like salads and fried chicken as well as unique dishes from all over the world like hummus and jamon croquetas.
All dishes they serve contain ingredients sourced locally from Western Australian farmers and fishermen. This ensures that every dish you eat from them is fresh and isn’t refrigerated for long periods.
For their drinks, you can choose from their wide variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Some of their wines I highly recommend you try are their shiraz and rose, which were made in the nearby Swan Valley.
Should you visit their establishment on weekends, you can avail yourself of their special Sip Sip sessions, which let you enjoy unlimited cocktails during your two-hour lunch.
The Island
Address: Elizabeth Quay, 1 Valdura Pl, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Phone: +61 427 463 007
Pricing: $$$
To end your visit to Perth on a high note, why not enjoy an exquisite dinner on The Island? This impressive restaurant is located on a manmade islet in the famous Elizabeth Quay.
Its menu features a mix of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, with dishes like pizzas, brioche rolls, chicken parmigianas, and flatbreads. They even serve special curries with varying themes every month!
Of course, a dinner wouldn’t be complete without a refreshing drink on the side. The Island has a couple of amazing beers you can try out, including pale ales, red ales, and pilsners.
Guests are free to sit inside or outside the restaurant. Personally, I prefer having dinner outside, as I can have an immaculate dining experience while having a great view of the Swan River.
What to Do in Perth within 24 Hours
Because time is short, we’ll need to check out only the attractions that are near your accommodation. Here are some of the best places you can check out that are just a few kilometres away from the centre of Perth!
See the native wildflowers of Perth at Kings Park and Botanic Garden
Address: Fraser Ave, Perth WA 6005, Australia
Phone: +61 8 9480 3600
Did you know that Western Australia has more than 12,000 species of wildflowers? However, you don’t need to travel far to see them because 3,000 of them are available for viewing at Kings Park and Botanic Garden.
This massive park is located right in the centre of Perth, just west of the Perth CBD. Its size is even bigger than some of the other famous parks worldwide, like New York’s Central Park.
Aside from the titular botanic garden, there are also a tonne of other amazing attractions you can find in this park. One such example is the 620-metre long Lotterywest Federation Walkway located on the riverside edge of the park.
Kings Park and Botanic Garden also has a couple of viewing spots like the DNA Tower. This massive tower lets you enjoy an unobstructed view of the park as well as the Perth skyline.
Another amazing thing you can do here is enjoy a quiet picnic at the State War Memorial on the eastern portion of the park. I usually just order takeout from a nearby fast-food restaurant and spend an hour relaxing here.
Explore the rich culture of Western Australia at the Perth Cultural Centre
Address: Roe Street, Beaufort Street Francis Street &, William St, Northbridge WA 6003, Australia
Phone: +61 8 9427 3364
After a walk in the park and an amazing breakfast, it’s time to make your way towards the impressive Perth Cultural Centre located north of Kings Park and Botanic Garden in the suburb of Northbridge.
This cultural precinct is home to some of Western Australia’s biggest museums and art galleries, like the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the WA Museum Boola Bardip.
Art connoisseurs, in particular will, highly appreciate the Art Gallery of Western Australia, as it features famous artworks like John Longstaff’s Breaking the News and Hans Heysen’s Droving into the Light.
It also features Aboriginal art made by the state’s indigenous artists.
Meanwhile, the nearby WA Museum Boola Bardip is also worth a visit, especially if you’re curious about Aboriginal history. It also features other exhibitions featuring Ancient Egypt and fossilised skeletons of Australia’s extinct animal species.
Aside from these two, the Perth Cultural Centre is also the home of the State Theatre Centre and the State Library of Western Australia.
Visit the exotic animals at Perth Zoo
Address: 20 Labouchere Rd, South Perth WA 6151, Australia
Phone: +61 8 9474 0444
You already saw the exotic wildflowers of Western Australia, so why not check out its exotic animals too? The place to do just that is Perth Zoo, which is located in South Perth across the Swan River from the Perth CBD.
This zoo has an impressive collection of 1,258 animals from 164 different species. These animals are divided according to their natural biomes, like Asian rainforest, African savannah, and, of course, the Australian bushwalk.
A couple of must-see animals here are the sun bears, southern cassowaries, and quokkas. The zoo also features some well-known Australian animals like kangaroos, emus, and koalas.
Aside from the usual animal viewing experience, Perth Zoo also offers the Close Encounters experience. This lets you get up close to some of their animals and even feed them if they’re hungry!
Watch the sunset and dazzling night lights of Perth at Elizabeth Quay
Address: The Esplanade, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Phone: +61 8 9482 7499
The best way to end your little tour of Perth is with a relaxing visit to Elizabeth Quay. This waterfront precinct is located on the riverside of the Perth CBD and is filled with various entertainment, dining, and cultural places you can visit.
A couple of attractions worth seeing here are the BHP Water Park, The Bell Tower, and the First Contact sculpture. Moreover, the Elizabeth Quay Bridge is the best spot if you’re looking to capture the best photos for your Instagram.
The quay is fully accessible to the public at any time and charges no entrance fees. It’s good to visit this place during the day, but personally, I prefer going here at night to enjoy the bright city lights of the Perth CBD as well.
Aside from being a tourist attraction, Elizabeth Quay is also an important station for ferries travelling along the Swan River. You can ride the ferry from here and travel to other places in the city like Freo and South Perth.
Where to Shop in Perth within 24 Hours
Looking to fit in some shopping within your very limited time? This is the best shopping centre for you!
Raine Square
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Address: 300 Murray St, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Phone: +61 8 6143 4888
Raine Square is a premier shopping centre you’ll also find within the Perth CBD. It’s filled with various designer and boutique stores like Chanel and Louis Vuitton, so you can spend a couple of hours strolling here and checking the latest fashion trends.
Aside from designer stores, Raine Square also has a couple of restaurants and cafes if you prefer eating your lunch or dinner inside the mall.
You’ll find this shopping centre just across the street from the Perth Underground Station. It’s also only a few blocks away from the Perth Cultural Centre, so you can head straight here after visiting the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
Which Neighbourhoods to Visit in Perth within 24 Hours
If you managed to visit most or all the places I mentioned earlier and you’re still itching for more, here are some amazing neighbourhoods you can visit in Perth before your flight back home.
South Perth
The first neighbourhood worth checking out is the iconic South Perth, which is located south of the Perth CBD and is only separated from the city centre by the Swan River.
This place is filled with amazing tourist attractions like the Perth Zoo and the Old Mill. Also, foodies can check out the city’s famous Mill Point Road, which is flanked by numerous restaurants and cafes on both sides.
Getting here will only take you at least 10 minutes by bus from the Perth CBD, so you definitely won’t be wasting too much time getting here, especially if you plan to visit the Perth Zoo.
Northbridge
Looking to have a fun night out before leaving Perth? The good thing is you don’t have to travel far for that because you’ll find the best nightclubs and bars in the city in Northbridge, which is just northwest of the Perth CBD.
This neighbourhood is pretty quiet during the day, but it turns into a vibrant party place at night. Places like The Rechabite and The Spaniard are just some of the best spots you can visit here for a very exciting evening.
Getting to Northbridge won’t take you more than 15 minutes. This is also where the Perth Cultural Centre is located, so you won’t be going out of your way to visit this neighbourhood.
What to Expect from Perth Weather
Because Perth has a Mediterranean climate, it experiences all four seasons. Here is what you should expect from Perth’s weather during each season:
Spring: This season takes place between the months of September and November and is the time when wildflowers start to bloom in Perth. This season experiences little rainfall, and the average temperature ranges between 11.7°C and 23°C.
Summer: This season is between December and February and is the hottest time of the year in Perth with average temperatures reaching as high as 30°C on some days. You’ll experience very little to no rainfall on most days, and the air is hot and dry.
Autumn: Perth starts to cool down in autumn, which is between the months of March and May. Expect warm, sunny days and cool nights during this season, with average temperatures between 13.7°C and 26°C.
Winter: This season is the time when Perth is at its coldest and wettest. Expect regular rainfall and thunderstorms during this season, with average temperatures reaching anywhere between 8°C and 19°C.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Perth
To make your visit to Perth a better experience, make sure your phone has these apps installed before your trip!
Uber
The most popular ride-hailing app is also available in Perth! This app is great for those who don’t want to go through the hassle of hailing a cab every time they want to visit a location far from public transportation.
SunSmart
Perth is the sunniest city in Australia, and it experiences long periods of sunshine on most days. This app uses GPS and live weather information to check for UV levels and inform users if they need sun protection in their current location.
Transperth App
Perth’s three biggest public transportation options—buses, trains, and ferries—are all handled by the government entity Transperth. Their app lets you see daily timetables as well as the nearest stations available to you.
Australian Good Food Guide
The foodie’s ultimate guide, the Australian Good Food Guide, is an app that lets you easily see which restaurants are currently the closest to you. It also features the restaurant’s menu, prices, and even their rating based on customer feedback.
Google Translate
Perth is a fairly diverse city filled with people of various nationalities and origins. Help yourself communicate better with Perthites with the help of Google Translate, which can help you translate most languages on the fly.
Maps.me
Looking for alternatives to Google Maps? Try Maps.me, an app that lets you immediately see important details like tourist attractions, ATMs, hotels, and more on a map, whether you’re online or offline.
XE Currency:
Currency exchange rates tend to change immediately. Have this app ready on your phone so you’ll know if your pocket money is enough to last your entire trip.
