Adelaide

This complete guide will help you discover the best things to do in Adelaide South Australia —from its central market to its renowned botanic gardens and internationally acclaimed arts scene. Get ready to explore the diverse offerings of this Australian gem!

Where is Adelaide? Key Facts and Interesting Data about this City

Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, is a vibrant city where culture, history, and nature come together. Known for its stunning architecture and breathtaking landscapes, Adelaide SA sits between Australia’s southern coast and the scenic Mount Lofty Ranges.

Adelaide is a carefully planned city, rich in elegance and natural charm, with a population of 1,379,280 as of 2024. For visitors, the best timing to visit Adelaide is during spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May), when the weather is mild, and festivals fill the city.

Where to Stay in Adelaide

We have a specific section about accommodation in Adelaide (click here to check it out). Discover top recommendations for accommodation in Adelaide, including hostels, hotels, and apartments. Find the perfect place that fits your budget!

In any case, these are the best areas based on your needs:

1. CBD (City Centre): Perfect for exploring the city, close to attractions, restaurants, and public transport.
   
2. North Adelaide: Quiet and elegant, near the zoo and Adelaide Oval.
   
3. Glenelg: Great for beach lovers, vibrant atmosphere, and tram connection to the city.
   
4. East End: Enjoy cultural life, markets, and festivals.
   
5. Henley Beach and Brighton: Relaxed seaside options, quieter than Glenelg.
   
6. Adelaide Hills: Rural charm with wineries and stunning views, perfect for a peaceful getaway.

Where to Eat in Adelaide: A Guide to Enjoying Local Cuisine

Adelaida is known not only for its natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere but also for its vibrant culinary scene. From cozy cafés to high-end dining experiences, here’s a selection of the best restaurants in Adelaide, tailored to different tastes and budgets.

You can find the location on Google Maps for each place by clicking on each link.

Cafés and Brunch Spots

Mr. Pigeon

A charming and cozy café, perfect for enjoying a great coffee and a sweet treat. Its unique decor and relaxed vibe make it an ideal stop to recharge.

Seven Ground

This Asian fusion café is a must-visit for brunch lovers. The menu features innovative options like the Mary Berry Smoothie, a delicious mix of blueberries, taro, chia seeds, and coconut milk, or the Shokupan, honey butter toast topped with chocolate chantilly, raspberry sorbet, matcha crumble, and meringue shards. Perfect for adventurous palates.

Lunch and Dinner Restaurants

Soy 38

A Thai restaurant known for its authentic dishes and generous portions. The pad thai is particularly recommended, but the entire experience—from the food to the service—is outstanding.

Mai Kitchen Restaurant

Located in the suburbs of Ferryden Park, this Vietnamese restaurant is a hidden gem. It offers authentic dishes with massive portions and delightful service. If you’re looking for traditional Vietnamese flavors, this spot is worth the trip.

Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant

For a luxury dining experience, this vineyard restaurant is a must. Its tasting menu ($245 AUD per person) is a feast of flavor and quality, paired with spectacular views and unforgettable wines. Perfect for special occasions.

The Pot by Emma McCaskill

This modern Australian restaurant merges traditional and contemporary techniques. With a focus on sustainable practices, their dishes, made with local and ethical produce, are a delight for both the palate and the eye.

Botanic Gardens Restaurant

Nestled in Adelaide’s stunning Botanic Gardens, this restaurant is perfect for those seeking a sustainable dining experience. Its seasonal menu uses fresh, local ingredients, delivering dishes that celebrate the natural abundance of the region.

Africola

This vibrant and energetic restaurant brings the flavors of Africa to your table. From wood-fired meats to exotic vegetarian dishes, Africola is a unique culinary experience in a lively atmosphere.

Shobosho

Where Japanese tradition meets innovation. Shobosho specializes in wood-fired cooking techniques using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The open kitchen adds an extra layer of excitement as you watch the culinary magic happen.

Peel Street

With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, Peel Street offers a diverse menu that highlights the region’s flavors. It’s the perfect spot for a casual yet refined meal in a warm and welcoming environment.

Osteria Oggi

For Italian cuisine lovers, Osteria Oggi is a must. Their pasta, made fresh daily, captures the essence of authentic Italian cooking with impeccable flavors and presentations. Every bite is a journey to Italy.

Prince Room Restaurant

Prince Room Chinese Restaurant is an iconic restaurant in Campbelltown, Adelaide, known for its authentic Chinese cuisine and cozy atmosphere. Since the 1970s, it has delighted diners with specialties like plum sauce ribs and duck dishes. It offers vegetarian options and friendly service, making it ideal for couples’ dinners or family gatherings.

Adelaide’s Gin Joint [PERMANENTLY CLOSED]

Located in Old North Columbus, this modern, Prohibition-inspired eatery, drinkery, and jazz venue is the perfect spot for a night out. Unfortunately, this store has permanently closed.

Culinary Day Trips in Barossa Valley

If you’re willing to explore outside the city, Barossa Valley is a paradise for wine and food lovers. Two standout spots are:

Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop

A delightful place for coffee and cake, as well as for picking up gourmet food products.

Fino at Seppeltsfield

This restaurant, set in a stunning estate, offers a menu showcasing local Barossa and South Australian produce. Its wine list includes both domestic and international options, making it a complete culinary experience.

Hentley Farm

Located in the heart of the Barossa Valley, Hentley Farm combines culinary artistry with winemaking in a breathtaking vineyard setting. Its dishes, crafted with locally sourced produce, are true masterpieces. Paired with their award-winning wines, it offers an unmatched dining experience.

Adelaide City Attractions: What to See in Adelaide?

There is plenty of stuff to do in Adelaide and many things to see in this city. Here are the best attractions in Adelaide, South Australia. Enjoy!

1. Explore North Terrace Avenue

North Terrace Avenue is an iconic street that hosts some of Adelaide’s most important cultural sites, including Parliament House, the University of Adelaide, the Art Gallery of South Australia, the South Australian Museum, and the State Library of South Australia.

This historic boulevard is perfect for a walking tour, allowing you to enjoy the city’s historical architecture, green spaces, and rich culture.

From delicious bites at Adelaide Central Market to the lively arts at the Fringe Festival and the serene beauty of its gardens, Adelaide offers a complete experience for every traveler.

Discover the city’s rich history, stunning nature, and warm Australian hospitality in every corner. Prepare for your visit to Adelaide and immerse yourself in the best this unique city has to offer!

2. Parliament House

Parliament House in Adelaide is an impressive building with a rich history. Originally started in the 1840s, the first structure, known as Old Parliament House, quickly became too small.

In 1874, architects Edmund Wright and Lloyd Taylor designed a new building, with the western side completed in 1889, while the eastern side remained unfinished due to funding issues. Finally, in 1934, a generous donation allowed for the completion of the building in 1939.

The 50-year gap between the two sides gives the structure a unique blend of architectural styles, made with local marble and granite.

3. University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide’s North Terrace campus is a fascinating tourist destination, rich in history and architecture, located in the heart of the city.

From the grand Mitchell Building, the university’s first facility opened in 1881, to Elder Hall, home to Australia’s first music conservatorium established in 1900, the campus offers an impressive journey through the region’s academic past.

Other iconic sites include Bonython Hall, the venue for formal ceremonies, and the Mawson Building, which houses the Tate Museum with its collection of minerals and fossils gathered by Antarctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson.

Visitors can also enjoy the scenic Cloisters courtyard, a perfect spot to relax and soak in the history that surrounds this iconic place.

4. Art Gallery of South Australia

Located along Adelaide’s historic North Terrace boulevard, the Art Gallery of South Australia is one of the country’s premier cultural institutions.

With a collection spanning over 2,000 years of art, the gallery showcases Australian, European, and Asian works in an elegant Victorian building, established in 1881.

Art enthusiasts of all ages will appreciate the rotating exhibitions, educational events, and extensive collection of Indigenous art.

5. South Australian Museum

For those interested in learning about Australia’s natural and cultural history, the South Australian Museum houses an impressive collection with over four million items and specimens, the museum offers interactive exhibits ranging from fossils and meteorites to megafauna and indigenous Australian artifacts.

Established in 1856, it features the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal art and showcases exhibits on indigenous cultures, Egyptian history and antiquities, Pacific cultures, exhibits on local biodiversity and rotating special exhibits.

This museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Australia’s rich cultural heritage, offering an educational and cultural experience for all ages — and best of all, admission is completely free!

6. State Library of South Australia

Adjacent to the gallery and museum, the State Library of South Australia is a literary and architectural treasure.

The library is split between a modern wing, with free Wi-Fi and contemporary facilities, and the historic Mortlock Wing, a French Renaissance-style building dating back to 1884, houses a magnificent collection of books, wrought iron balustrades, and natural light streaming through the glass dome roof.

The library includes an extensive collection on South Australian history and exhibits on the Kaurna people, the original custodians of the region.

7. Shop at Adelaide Central Market

Established in 1870, Adelaide Central Market is one of the oldest indoor markets in the world and a culinary hotspot for locals and tourists alike.

Located in the heart of the city, is a food lover’s paradise offering a wide array of fresh produce, baked goods, seafood, local cheeses, wines, flowers, and a variety of international food options.

With over 250 stalls, it’s one of the largest indoor markets in the Southern Hemisphere and has been a go-to for locals and tourists alike for over 150 years. Visiting the market is a great way to experience Adelaide’s multicultural atmosphere and passion for food.

Be sure to try some local treats at the cafes and food stalls. For the best experience, visit on a Saturday afternoon when vendors often offer discounts.

8. Feed Kangaroos at Cleland Wildlife Park

For an unforgettable Australian experience, visit Cleland Wildlife Park to get up close with iconic Aussie animals. Located less than 20 minutes from the city center, this park allows visitors to interact with iconic Australian animals like kangaroos, emus, wallabies.

In a naturalistic setting, visitors can feed these animals and even cuddle a koala for an extra fee. The park’s spacious enclosures allow the animals to roam freely, creating a more immersive experience.

This experience is ideal for families and nature lovers, and photographers will enjoy capturing the wildlife in their natural habitat.

9. Adelaide Fringe Festival

If you’re visiting Adelaide between mid-February and March, don’t miss the Adelaide Fringe Festival, the world’s second-largest arts festival.

For an entire month, the city transforms into a vibrant stage featuring music, dance, theater, and contemporary art.

Events are held at unique venues like the Garden of Unearthly Delights, where you can enjoy a variety of innovative performances, from comedy to circus acts. With over 7,000 artists from Australia and beyond, each day at the festival offers a new experience.

10. Adelaide Zoo

Founded in 1883, the Adelaide Zoo is Australia’s second-oldest zoo and home to over 3,000 animals from across the globe. The zoo is divided into regions such as Africa, Australia, and South America, with habitats designed to mimic each animal’s natural environment.

Among its most popular residents are the Sumatran tigers, captivating orangutans, and the iconic giant pandas, Wang Wang and Funi, who are currently on loan from China.

Located next to the Botanic Gardens, the zoo also features an impressive aviary and petting areas where visitors can interact with animals like wallabies and quokkas.

Don’t miss the interactive Envirodome visitor center, which houses a vertical garden and terrarium.  It’s a must-visit for families and animal lovers, offering an educational experience with talks and feeding sessions.

11. Adelaide Botanic Garden

The Adelaide Botanic Garden offers a beautiful retreat just northeast of the city center. Established in 1857, the Adelaide Botanic Garden is a serene escape where you can explore themed gardens such as a rose garden, a tropical conservatory, a lush rainforest, tropical plants, a Mediterranean garden, Australian native plant displays and wetlands.

The gardens showcase stunning colonial architecture, with highlights such as the Palm House and the Santos Museum of Economic Botany.

It’s perfect for a break from city life, with picnic areas and an on-site restaurant set amid nature, perfect for a relaxing meal amidst nature.

Don’t miss the Bicentennial Conservatory, where you can marvel at an impressive collection of tropical flora and children will love the Little Sprouts Kitchen Garden, which showcases fruits, veggies, and composting areas.

12. Adelaide Oval

The location of Adelaide Oval is right in the heart of the city, framed by the River Torrens and surrounding precinct, 400 metres from the CBD and just a few minutes’ walk from public transport networks (train, bus and tram).

The Oval is one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world, blending Edwardian architecture with modern facilities. Opened in 1871, it has hosted a variety of sporting events, from cricket matches to Australian Rules Football, and concerts.

The Adelaide Oval is the home of the Adelaide Strikers, the city’s professional cricket team, and also hosts special events for Adelaide United FC, the city’s professional soccer club known as the Adelaide Reds.

It is the primary venue for the Adelaide Crows, the city’s Australian Rules Football (AFL) team. Note that Adelaide United FC should not be confused with the Adelaide Crows, as they are different sports teams.

The Adelaide Oval combines Edwardian architecture with modern upgrades, including the historic scoreboard and impressive roof walks.

It offers guided tours that take visitors behind the scenes, visit the famous Bradman Museum, as well as an exciting roof climb experience for panoramic city views.

It’s an essential destination, whether you’re a sports fan or not, visiting the Oval is a must-do for an authentic Adelaide experience.

13. Relax at Glenelg

Just a short tram ride from the city center, Glenelg is a charming seaside village perfect for relaxing and enjoying the ocean air, located on the calm shores of Gulf St. Vincent.

Its sandy beaches, sidewalk cafes, boutique shops, and lively entertainment offer a unique beach experience. Ideal for families, Glenelg also boasts attractions like the Beach House amusement park, which features a giant waterslide, bumper boats, and a Ferris wheel.

For a more tranquil experience, you can fish off the pier or swim with dolphins for a special encounter with marine life.

Glenelg is a favorite escape from the city for those seeking a relaxed beach atmosphere and scenic ocean views.

14. Waterfall Gully

Only five kilometers from the city center lies Waterfall Gully, a peaceful getaway within the Cleveland Conservation Park.

The main attraction is the shimmering First Falls, which stands at around 30 meters and is the first of a series of seven waterfalls nestled in the Mount Lofty Ranges.

Take a scenic hike to the summit of Mount Lofty, passing through lush forests and enjoying breathtaking views along the way. Waterfall Gully is an ideal spot for nature lovers and anyone seeking tranquility away from the city.

15. Adelaide International 2025: A Must-See Event for Tennis Lovers

The Adelaide International returns in 2025, solidifying its place as a premier event in the global tennis calendar. Scheduled from January 6 to January 11 at the iconic Memorial Drive Tennis Centre, also known as “The Drive,” this tournament features both ATP and WTA competitions, attracting elite players sharpening their skills ahead of the Australian Open.

The 2025 edition will showcase stars such as Felix Auger-Aliassime, Jasmine Paolini, and Emma Navarro, competing for the title in an atmosphere that blends world-class sports with Australian hospitality.

Beyond tennis, the Adelaide International offers a comprehensive experience with live music, entertainment, diverse food options, and family-friendly zones, all located in Adelaide’s vibrant Riverbank Precinct.

Tickets, starting at just AUD 10, grant full access to these activities, making the tournament a perfect choice for locals and visitors alike.

For those planning to attend, tickets are available via Ticketmaster, and the official schedule provides details on matches and additional events.

The Adelaide International 2025 promises a week packed with excitement and entertainment, reaffirming Adelaide as a must-visit destination for tennis fans and travelers seeking top-tier sports experiences.

Here ends the guide to the city of Adelaide. I hope you find it useful. For more travel inspiration, explore other cities on our blog and get ready for an incredible adventure in South Australia.