Nestled on the shores of the Gulf St Vincent, Adelaide, the sunny capital of South Australia, is a destination that blends history, culture, and seriously good food. From historic architecture and interesting museums to a lively arts scene and celebrated wineries, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Adelaide.
Whether you're a history buff, a foodie seeking new flavours, or an adventurer after coastal escapes, Adelaide has attractions for anyone.
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Three words: bring your appetite. Located in the heart of the city, Adelaide Central Market is a foodie's paradise overflowing with fresh produce, gourmet foods, and delicious street food. Sample local cheeses, olives, and seasonal fruits, or just wander from stall to stall, tasting flavours from all around the world. It’d be like travelling, but without the boring plane ride, the suitcases and all that blah blah blah.
To make the most of your visit, join a guided tour with Aus Food Tours. In less than 90 minutes, you’ll explore the many highlights, learn to shop like a chef, and stock up on local treats for later. With Oaks Adelaide Embassy Suites in the city centre, you’re only a short stroll from this Adelaide attraction.
For a taste of Europe right in South Australia, just a 30-minute drive from Adelaide CBD, say hallo to Hahndorf. Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement invites you to stroll its quaint main street, browse quirky shops and enjoy a hearty lunch at a traditional German brauhaus. Bratwurst, apple strudel and steins of tasty beers are waiting for you. On your way back to Adelaide, stop in at Beerenberg Farm for strawberry picking between November and April.
If craft beer is more your style, don’t miss the brewery scene at Port Adelaide and check out local favourites Pirate Life Brewery and Big Shed Brewing Co to taste what’s on tap. After a long afternoon of brewery hopping, head to the nearby Low ‘n’ Slow American BBQ for some slow-cooked barbecue classics.
Just a short drive from the city, one of the top things to do in Adelaide for wine lovers is visiting the McLaren Vale wine region. With more than 70 cellar doors to explore, some of our favourites include Samuel’s Gorge (a red lover’s heaven), d’Arenberg Cube (like Willy Wonka but with wine), Mollydooker (a generous wine tasting), Alpha Box & Dice (great wines, quirky vibes) and Down The Rabbit Hole (cool photograph spot).
For lunch, PizzaTeca has really good pizza (so yes, you’ll want to book ahead), and Swell Brewery is a great palate cleanser to break up the vino.
If you want a more adventurous take on wine country, a memorable day trip with Off Piste 4WD Tours will definitely be worth it. The Fork & Grape Safari, a tour that takes you on- and off-road through McLaren Vale, connecting you with local producers and secret lookouts overlooking the Gulf St Vincent. Enjoy a family-style shared lunch celebrating the best local Fleurieu produce.
Back in the city, visit the National Wine Centre of Australia to learn about the history of Australian winemaking with interactive exhibits showcasing the winemaking process, and sample wines from renowned regions like Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale.
Looking for what to do in Adelaide during summer? Dive into the city festival scene at the Adelaide Fringe Festival, one of the largest arts festivals held between February and March each year. Over several summer days and nights, the city’s parks, theatres, restaurants and streets turn into performance venues, attracting thousands of travellers and artists from around the world.
Head to Rundle Park’s Garden of Unearthly Delights or Gluttony, the two festival zones, packed with tents, food trucks, beer gardens, theme park amusements and pop-up performances that come alive after dark. With over 1,200 shows on the programme, wear comfortable shoes and embrace the wild ride.
Fringe kicks off the city’s festival season, known as Mad March, which includes the Adelaide 500, a major Supercars Championship event, the music festival WOMADelaide, and the Adelaide Cup.
If sports are your thing, some of the Adelaide City attractions revolve around its iconic stadium culture. At the Adelaide Oval, you can take a guided tour and learn about its rich sporting history. Or catch a cricket match or an AFL game and feel the electricity as the Adelaide Crows or Port Adelaide Power take the field. Locals are passionate about their football, so be sure to book your tickets in advance.
Be sure to have a pre-game drink at the Adelaide Casino and then join the flood of avid fans as you cross the bridge over the River Torrens to the stadium.
Discover a world-class collection of Australian and international art at the Art Gallery of South Australia. Admire a diverse range of paintings, sculptures, and installations, and find yourself inspired by the creativity on display.
Next door, take a break from all the things to do in Adelaide and dive into a world of knowledge at the State Library of South Australia. Explore historical archives, browse the extensive collection of books, or simply relax in the peaceful reading rooms.
Adelaide is home to a remarkable collection of historic churches, including St Peter’s Cathedral and St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, each showcasing its own distinctive architectural character. Take a self-guided walk and admire the intricate detailing and luminous stained-glass windows.
Afterwards, head to Rundle Mall, Adelaide's main shopping precinct, where you’ll find everything from high-end fashion labels and independent boutiques to souvenir shops and art galleries. Fancy a bargain? Harbour Town Adelaide is an outlet shopping centre near the airport. With over 120 designer and brand-name stores offering great deals, you can dive into a little retail therapy.
After a day of galleries and heritage walks, staying central makes it easy. At Oaks Adelaide Horizons Suites, you’re right in the CBD, so you can keep wandering without overthinking it.
Swap the big smoke for a slice of nature at Morialta Conservation Park, around 20 minutes from the CBD. Morialta boasts an extensive network of walking trails, sweeping gullies, rugged quartzite cliffs and three seasonal waterfalls. Visit the park during spring or winter if you want to see the cascading falls at their very best.
For a slower day, escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. Explore the diverse plant collection, themed gardens, and picturesque rose gardens, or simply find a quiet spot and soak up the tranquillity as it’s one of the most peaceful Adelaide City attractions.
If you're wondering what to do in Adelaide with kids or as a wildlife lover, visiting one of its incredible animal parks is a must. About a 20-minute drive from Adelaide city centre, Cleland Wildlife Park is home to more than 130 species of native Australian animals. Set in beautiful native bushland, you’ll meet kangaroos, wallabies, emus, wombats, birdlife, reptiles and more. It’s a real Aussie experience. Plus, it’s also one of the few places in the country where you may be able to book a supervised koala experience and snap a happy family photo.
Throughout the day, take note of the various animal feeding times; they’re a great way to spot creatures that sometimes hide away, such as wombats. Catch scheduled feeding sessions for lorikeets, snakes, dingoes, Tasmanian devils and lace monitors. Some feeding times include an interactive keeper presentation, so you’ll learn more about the species at the same time.
For a more traditional zoo experience, visit Adelaide Zoo and get up close to playful pandas, majestic lions, and fascinating Australian creatures like koalas and kangaroos.
Looking for something different? Monarto Safari Park is a 50-minute drive outside of Adelaide. It’s home to one of Australia’s largest lion prides and the country’s only 360-degree lion experience. Step inside the structure and watch the lions roam and climb above you, with the option to take part in a supervised feeding experience.
A short distance from the city centre, Glenelg offers a relaxed beachside atmosphere, perfect for a day trip. Enjoy a stroll along the pristine sands, try your hand at surfing, or simply lie back and soak up the sun.
Not quite ready to leave? Stay at Oaks Glenelg Plaza Pier Suites and keep the ocean views a little longer.
For a true seaside experience, head to Glenelg, home to the popular Moseley Beach Club, open during the warmer months, from late November to early March. But if it’s not open when you’re here, no stress. The Surf Club or The Grand Bar in Glenelg are a great alternative, or head to Henley Beach for ocean views from SeaSalt or Seamores.
Want to explore further? A day trip to the Yorke Peninsula or Fleurieu Peninsula offers a taste of the coastal region, with unspoilt beaches, historic towns, and fresh seafood. The coastal cities of Port Lincoln and Whyalla on the Eyre Peninsula are also worth a visit or take a boat trip to see dolphins and sea lions.
Located about an hour’s drive from the CBD, Victor Harbor makes for a great day trip from Adelaide. This charming seaside town is home to rich history, cafés, boutique shops and the beautiful Horseshoe Bay.
During the warmer months, this sandy beach offers the perfect spot for swimming and sunbaking. Be sure to head up to Freeman Lookout and continue around the headland cliff walk. If you’re visiting between May and October, you may even catch a glimpse of the migrating Southern Right Whales.
As you’ve probably noticed throughout this guide, Adelaide is far more than a stopover city. It’s compact yet cultured, relaxed yet vibrant, and full of reasons to stay a little longer.
If you had to sum up why Adelaide is worth the trip to your travel companion, here’s what you’d say:
Whether you're seeking a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a solo getaway, Adelaide offers unique things to do, from city adventures to beach escapes. Thinking about heading to South Australia on your next holiday? Check out our range of hotels conveniently located in Adelaide CBD and beachside Glenelg.
Thinking about heading to South Australia on your next holiday? Check out our range of hotels conveniently located in Adelaide CBD and beachside Glenelg.
Yes, the Adelaide Fringe offers a wide range of shows for all the family to enjoy. Head to hubs like Gluttony and Fool’s Paradise, and you’ll find a kids programme.
Yes, you can find family-friendly breweries around Adelaide that offer laid-back spaces and some have playgrounds, lawns and kids' menus. Try the local favourite, Grünthal Brew in Adelaide Hills.
Three days are usually enough to explore the key things to do in Adelaide. We’d recommend extending your stay to five days if you want to have time for day trips to the beach or the wine regions.
You can reach Glenelg from Adelaide CBD using public transport. The most frequent option is the Glenelg tram. Several bus routes connect the city and Glenelg.
Not necessarily. Each offers a different experience. McLaren Vale is known for its beautiful views and sustainable winemaking, while Barossa Valley offers traditional red wines and rural landscapes.
Adelaide has plenty of free things to do, like taking a stroll through the historic Adelaide Arcade, exploring its parks and gardens like Adelaide Himeji Garden or wandering around the North Terrace cultural precinct. You can explore the city using the free tram in the CBD.
If you want to find fresh produce and fully stocked stalls, visit the market on Tuesday, Thursday, or early Friday morning. Prefer to come later? Visit on Friday evening and you’ll find a great atmosphere.
