Perth has a relaxed feel to it—wide streets, big skies, and a slower pace than most major cities. It’s the kind of place that feels easy to get around, and there’s definitely charm in the suburbs like Fremantle or the riverside walks along the Swan. But it can also feel a bit empty at times, especially in the city centre, where things seem to wind down earlier than you’d expect.
Northbridge, in particular, was a bit of a let-down. It’s supposed to be the main nightlife area, but it felt more chaotic than lively—loud, a bit rough around the edges, and not somewhere you’d hang around for long without a reason. There’s good food scattered around the city and some great nature spots just outside of town, but Perth overall can feel like a place that hasn’t quite decided what kind of city it wants to be. Worth a visit, especially if you’ve got time to explore outside the CBD—but maybe lower your expectations a little if you’re looking for big-city energy.
