Brisbane's urban structure is defined by its central business district (CBD), which is situated along a curve of the Brisbane River. Spanning 2.2 km² (0.8 sq mi), the CBD is known for its walkability, allowing residents and visitors to easily navigate its streets, many of which are named after members of the House of Hanover. The heart of the CBD is Queen Street, named in honor of Queen Victoria, which hosts the city's largest pedestrian mall, the Queen Street Mall. Surrounding this main thoroughfare are streets named after female members of the royal family, including Adelaide, Alice, Ann, Charlotte, Elizabeth, Margaret, and Mary, which run parallel to Queen Street. Perpendicular streets bear names of their male counterparts, such as Albert, Edward, George, and William.

The CBD features several prominent squares, including King George Square, Post Office Square, and ANZAC Square, which is home to the city's central war memorial, adding to the area's cultural significance. The CBD seamlessly connects with the South Bank, enhancing the riverside experience for both locals and tourists.

Brisbane's metropolitan area is colloquially divided into the northside and southside, with the Brisbane River serving as the natural boundary. Commuting from one side to the other typically involves crossing one of the 15 bridges that span the river, which creates a unique dynamic where areas south of the CBD may be classified as part of the northside and vice versa. Additional regions, such as the westside and bayside, encompass areas to the southwest and along the coast of Moreton Bay, respectively.

As of 2021, Greater Brisbane had a population density of 159 inhabitants per square kilometer (410/sq mi). Like many Australian cities, Brisbane has a sprawling urban landscape, requiring over an hour to traverse its full extent by car during peak traffic. Since the 1970s, there has been significant growth in apartment developments, including mid-rise and high-rise buildings. According to the 2021 census, 73.4% of residents lived in separate houses, while 14.7% resided in apartments, and 11.4% occupied townhouses, terrace houses, or semi-detached homes.

Brisbane boasts an impressive array of parklands that enhance its urban environment. The City Botanic Gardens at Gardens Point, Roma Street Parkland, and the expansive 27-hectare Victoria Park at Spring Hill and Herston provide residents with green spaces for recreation and relaxation. The South Bank Parklands, located along the river at South Bank, and the Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-tha further contribute to the city's natural beauty. New Farm Park, situated riverside at New Farm, is another favorite spot for both locals and visitors.

Surrounding the metropolitan area are numerous national parks, including D'Aguilar National Park, which lies to the northwest in the D'Aguilar Range, and Glass House Mountains National Park, located to the north and providing essential green space between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. Tamborine National Park, nestled in the Gold Coast hinterland, adds to the region's natural attractions.

The eastern part of the metropolitan area stretches along the Moreton Bay Marine Park, encompassing the scenic Moreton Bay. Important conservation areas such as Moreton Island National Park, Naree Budjong Djara National Park, and Bribie Island National Park protect significant habitats. Additionally, the Boondall Wetlands, located in the suburb of Boondall, span 1,100 hectares and are rich in biodiversity, housing mangroves and shorebirds alongside walking tracks for nature enthusiasts.

Brisbane’s unique urban structure, with its blend of modern development and natural beauty, creates a vibrant environment for its residents and visitors, making it one of Australia’s most appealing cities.