"City Hall: She must see hundreds a day" City Hall Tip by xuessium

City Hall was built during the 1920s and receives hundreds if not thousands of visitors a day. The sandstone building itself is iconic, long adopted as a symbol of the city. Architectural buffs should have a great day, lapping out all the fine details and grand designs.

Most tourists however, come here to go up to the observation platform right up there in the bell tower. Entry is free.

There is a schedule for the bell tower visit with the last visitor waved in, usually way before 5pm.

There is an elevator on the left side after entering City Hall which you would have to take from the Ground Floor to connect to another lift to take you up the bell tower. There are plenty of historical photos along the connecting corridor, and it wouldn't hurt to grab some glimpses of old Brisbane.

The actual bell tower lift is one of those manually-operated steel grid kind. My operator was a vivacious staff who greeted everyone warmly until I realise she repeats the same thing to every new visitor, regardless if they understand English or not. She'll grin widely, usher you in, mutter some facts about the Bell Tower and then usher you out when you reach the Platform. On your return, she smiles warmly again, muttered some greetings, turned her back, and then ushers you out when the descend ended. And she repeated the cycle all over again. And again. And again.

Now, you may ask how bad is that? There were some visitors in the lift who actually asked her some questions. Still keeping sunshine on her face, but without hardly a blip or a blink, continued her monologue based on the script in her head. No one was the wiser when we landed. I remembered one of the lads giving a resigned shrug.

Quite honestly, the view from the top was a tad disappointing as the authorities had placed guards and railings so you can't really try to be Superman, well at least, from City Hall. I found more amusement, from the antics of the life operator instead.

Directions: City Hall is in King George Square, between Adelaide and Ann Streets in Brisbane City.