
Where to Stay in Perth
Australia
|Pop. 2.3M
|4 neighbourhoods covered
|Updated March 2026
Photo: Pietro De Grandi / Unsplash
Quick Answer: Best Area to Stay
For most visitors, Perth CBD is the best neighbourhood to stay in Perth. The bustling heart of the city, offering a mix of business, shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. Ideal for first-timers, culture, foodies. Budget travellers can get by on AUD 150/day.
Areas to Avoid in Perth
Safety rated "safe". See which areas need extra caution and where to stay instead.
Best Neighbourhoods at a Glance
| Neighbourhood | Vibe | Budget | Best For | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perth CBD | The bustling heart of the city, offering a mix of business, shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. | Mid-range | first-timers, culture | Generally safe during the day, but be aw... |
| Northbridge | Perth's vibrant entertainment precinct, alive with restaurants, bars, live music, and cultural venues. | Mid-range | nightlife, foodies | Generally lively and safe in main areas,... |
| Fremantle | A historic, bohemian port city with a relaxed atmosphere, known for its markets, cafes, and maritime heritage. | Budget | culture, foodies | Very safe and welcoming, even at night d... |
| Scarborough | A lively beachside suburb with a revamped foreshore, popular for surfing, dining, and sunset views. | Mid-range | beach lovers, couples | Safe and vibrant, particularly along the... |
Perth CBD
Mid-rangeThe bustling heart of the city, offering a mix of business, shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
Generally safe during the day, but be aware of your surroundings at night, espec...
Northbridge
Mid-rangePerth's vibrant entertainment precinct, alive with restaurants, bars, live music, and cultural venues.
Generally lively and safe in main areas, but exercise caution on quieter side st...
Fremantle
BudgetA historic, bohemian port city with a relaxed atmosphere, known for its markets, cafes, and maritime heritage.
Very safe and welcoming, even at night due to its tourist-friendly nature and bu...
Scarborough
Mid-rangeA lively beachside suburb with a revamped foreshore, popular for surfing, dining, and sunset views.
Safe and vibrant, particularly along the foreshore. Be mindful of beach safety a...
Top 3 Areas to Stay in Perth
Liveliest areas for nightlife, culture, and entertainment
Northbridge
Perth's vibrant entertainment precinct, alive with restaurants, bars, live music, and cultural venues.
Our top picks in Northbridge
Perth CBD
The bustling heart of the city, offering a mix of business, shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
Our top picks in Perth CBD
Luxurious waterfront accommodation with stunning city and river views.
Book NowModern hotel offering comfortable rooms and a central location for exploring.
Book NowHeritage-listed building housing a sophisticated hotel with exceptional dining.
Book NowScarborough
A lively beachside suburb with a revamped foreshore, popular for surfing, dining, and sunset views.
Our top picks in Scarborough
Beachfront hotel offering direct access to the sand and ocean views.
Book NowStylish hotel with a popular bar and restaurant, located near the beach.
Book NowServiced apartments offering spacious accommodation with beach proximity.
Book NowWe earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Things to Do in Perth
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
🚶Walking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
🍽️Food Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
🚐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
🏛️Museum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
🚌Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
⛵Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
👨🍳Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
🌙Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Perth at a Glance
8 categories
Top Tips for Perth
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Take advantage of the free CAT bus (Central Area Transit) services within the CBD and to nearby areas like Kings Park, which makes getting around very convenient and cost-effective.
Getting Around
Purchase a SmartRider card for cheaper fares on public transport if you plan to travel frequently.
Watch Out For
Overpriced tourist traps in busy areas.
Solo Female Travel
Perth is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Exercise standard precautions, especially at night in quieter areas or when walking alone.
Hidden Gems in Perth
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Bathers Beach Fremantle
FREEThis charming strip of sand is perfect for a relaxed afternoon swim or watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean. It's often less crowded than other city beaches and has a lovely promenade with cafes.
Bibra Lake Regional Playground
FREEA fantastic, expansive playground with incredible natural elements like a huge water play area and a challenging adventure fort. It's a favorite for families and locals looking for outdoor fun.
The Flour Factory
Nestled in a historic West End building, this bar is known for its extensive gin collection and creative cocktails. They also serve delicious small plates, making it a great spot for a sophisticated evening out.
Kwinana Adventure Park
FREEThis park offers a unique, nature-based play experience with large natural play structures, a water splash zone, and extensive walking trails. It's a hidden gem for active families and nature lovers.
Maylands Street Festival
FREEHeld annually, this vibrant festival transforms the streets of Maylands into a lively hub of local food vendors, artisan stalls, live music, and community art. It's a fantastic showcase of Perth's creative spirit.
Heathcote Museum & Art Gallery
Located in a beautiful heritage building overlooking the Swan River, this small museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the maritime history of the area. The grounds provide stunning views and a peaceful escape.
Things to Do in Perth
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
🚶Walking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
🍽️Food Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
🚐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
🏛️Museum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
🚌Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
⛵Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
👨🍳Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
🌙Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Top-rated Perth tours and activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided walking tours, food experiences, and day trips. Reserve now, pay later; free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
What It Costs in Perth
Daily budget per person in AUD
💡51% cheaper than New York
AUD 150/day
AUD 300/day
AUD 700/day
Where to Stay in Perth
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Elizabeth Quay5 min
- Yagan Square5 min
- Perth Cultural Centre10 min
Pros
- +Central location with easy access to attractions
- +Wide range of dining and entertainment options
- +Excellent public transport hub
Cons
- -Can feel quiet on weekends and evenings
- -Can be expensive
Top stays in Perth CBD
The Ritz-Carlton, Perth
$$$Luxurious waterfront accommodation with stunning city and river views.
Novotel Perth Murray Street
$$Modern hotel offering comfortable rooms and a central location for exploring.
COMO The Treasury
$$$Heritage-listed building housing a sophisticated hotel with exceptional dining.
The Melbourne Hotel
$$Boutique hotel with a rooftop bar and stylish rooms in a heritage building.
Best for
Walk to
- Perth CBD10 min
- Perth Cultural Centre5 min
Pros
- +Excellent nightlife and dining scene
- +Diverse range of international cuisines
- +Close proximity to the CBD and cultural attractions
Cons
- -Can be noisy late at night
- -Some areas can feel a bit gritty
Top stays in Northbridge
Best for
Walk to
- Fremantle Markets5 min
- Cappuccino Strip5 min
- WA Maritime Museum10 min
Pros
- +Unique historic charm and character
- +Vibrant markets and diverse food scene
- +Relaxed, coastal atmosphere
Cons
- -Requires a train or bus ride from Perth CBD
- -Can get very crowded on market days
Top stays in Fremantle
Hougoumont Hotel
$$Charming boutique hotel with a rooftop bar and a focus on nautical themes.
The Esplanade Hotel Fremantle
$$Iconic hotel with a prime location overlooking the harbour, offering resort-style amenities.
Fremantle Village
$Self-contained apartments offering a comfortable and affordable stay close to the action.
Best for
Walk to
- Scarborough Beach2 min
- The Shorehouse5 min
- Surf school5 min
Pros
- +Beautiful beach with good surf
- +Modern foreshore precinct with bars and restaurants
- +Great sunset viewing spots
Cons
- -Can be a long bus/car ride from the CBD
- -Can be crowded on hot days
Top stays in Scarborough
Rendezvous Hotel Scarborough
$$Beachfront hotel offering direct access to the sand and ocean views.
The Saint George's
$$Stylish hotel with a popular bar and restaurant, located near the beach.
Scarborough Beach Apartment Hotel
$$Serviced apartments offering spacious accommodation with beach proximity.
Areas to be cautious
- Parts of the CBD after dark on weeknights: Can become deserted and feel unsafe due to low foot traffic.
- Specific industrial or far-flung suburban areas not of tourist interest: Lack of attractions and potential safety concerns due to isolation.
Insider tip: Take advantage of the free CAT bus (Central Area Transit) services within the CBD and to nearby areas like Kings Park, which makes getting around very convenient and cost-effective.
Where to Stay in Perth
Compare hotel deals across the best neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Stay in Perth CBD
The bustling heart of the city, offering a mix of business, shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.
Stay in Northbridge
Perth's vibrant entertainment precinct, alive with restaurants, bars, live music, and cultural venues.
Stay in Fremantle
A historic, bohemian port city with a relaxed atmosphere, known for its markets, cafes, and maritime heritage.
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Places to Stay in Perth
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List Your PropertySafety in Perth
SafeSolo Female Travel
Perth is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Exercise standard precautions, especially at night in quieter areas or when walking alone.
At Night
Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially in the CBD and Northbridge. Public transport is generally safe, but be aware of your surroundings.
Emergency
000
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overpriced tourist traps in busy areas.
- 2Street beggars can sometimes be persistent.
Compare hotel deals in Perth
See today's prices across hundreds of hotels. Free cancellation on most bookings, so you can lock in a great rate risk-free.
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Travel Insurance for Perth
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Stay Connected in Australia
Skip expensive roaming. Get an eSIM for Australia and have data the moment you land.
Get an eSIMGetting Around Perth
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
Train (Airport Line) to Perth Station: approx. 20 mins, ~5 AUD. Transperth Bus: routes available but slower, ~5 AUD. Taxi/Rideshare: approx. 30-45 mins, 40-60 AUD.
🎫
Day Pass
Transperth DayRider: ~13 AUD (covers multiple zones).
Single: Zone 1 single fare: ~3.70 AUD.
🚶
Walkability
Good TransitUber, Didi
📶
WiFi
Good40-80 Mbps
Public Transport
Transperth trains and buses are efficient and cover most areas. The free CAT buses are excellent for the CBD.
Ride-share
Uber, Didi are available. Typical cost for short CBD trips: 10-20 AUD.
Transport Tip
Purchase a SmartRider card for cheaper fares on public transport if you plan to travel frequently.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Many cafes, libraries (Perth Cultural Centre), public spaces, and accommodation providers offer free Wi-Fi.
Coworking
Regus, Servcorp, Spacecubed (various locations): daily passes range from 30-50 AUD.
Rent a Car in Perth
Compare prices from top rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
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Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Apr, Oct, Nov
Plan Your Perfect Perth Trip
Tell us what you love and we'll build a personalised day-by-day itinerary with the best spots, tours, and hotels. Completely free.
Hotels & Accommodation in Perth
Browse and compare hotels, apartments, and hostels on the interactive map below.
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Ready to book in Perth?
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Compare hotel deals in Perth
Search thousands of hotels on Expedia. Bundle with flights for extra savings.
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Who Is Perth Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-time Visitors to Perth
Offers central access to major attractions, transport, and dining, making it easy to get oriented.
Foodies and Nightlife Enthusiasts
This precinct is renowned for its diverse culinary scene and vibrant bar and club culture.
Culture Seekers and History Buffs
Its rich maritime history, markets, and well-preserved architecture provide a unique cultural experience.
Beach Lovers and Surfers
Boasts a popular beach with good waves and a modern foreshore precinct perfect for relaxing and socializing.
Budget Backpackers
Offers more affordable accommodation and a relaxed vibe, with easy access to attractions and transport connections.
About Perth
Perth (Nyungar: Boorloo) is the capital city of Western Australia. It is the fourth-most-populous city in Australia, with a population of over 2.3 million within Greater Perth as of 2023. The world's most isolated major city by certain criteria, Perth is part of the South West Land Division of Western Australia, with most of Perth's metropolitan area on the Swan Coastal Plain between the Indian Ocean and the Darling Scarp.
Frequently Asked Questions About Perth
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