The Best Things to Do in Adelaide: Guide to SA’s Capital

Adelaide, once the most underrated small city in the country, is now the talk of the town. Recently named Australia’s coolest city by The Wall Street Journal, Adelaide has become a destination for gastronomes, wine lovers and those looking for a more tranquil, nature-filled escape than the country’s big cities.

Playing host to some of the most culturally diverse events in Australia, premium wine tours and tastings at world-renowned wineries, beautiful beaches, walking tours and award-winning bars and restaurants, Adelaide should be on any Aussie’s “must-visit” list.

Rounding up the best things to do in Adelaide, we are here to tell you why your next visit to Australia's festival capital could be your best yet. 

1. Spend Summer Days at the Best Beaches in SA

South Australia flies under the radar with its stunning beach offering of crystal clear water, white sand, rockpools and epic surfing along the Fleurieu, Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas. But you don't always need to take a day trip to find a beautiful beach, with Henley Beach, West Beach, Glenelg and Semaphore less than 30 minutes from the CBD.

Enjoy a morning walk from Grange to Henley, stopping at Joe's for coffee with a view, or watch the sunset from Henley House, cocktail in hand. The restaurants and bars in Glenelg will mean you are never far from a great meal, with Fourth, Molly's and Oliveti a few of our faves. 

If you want to win the morning (and the day) join the gang at Human.Kind with a sunrise session on the beach. Salty Sips runs on Wednesdays, rain, hail or shine, with a 30-minute pilates or yoga session followed by an ocean dip. 

2. Enjoy Drinks with a View at Adelaide's Best Rooftop Bars

Adelaide may be a small city, but it sure packs a punch when it comes to beautiful bars to enjoy a cheeky drink or two, and where better than a rooftop bar overlooking the CBD and beyond?

To take in Adelaide Oval (or perhaps a drink before a game?) you can't look past SkyCity's SOL Rooftop Bar or 2KW on King William Road, both boasting arguably the best views in the city. Merrymaker Rooftop at Indigo Hotel is hard to beat for Insta-worthy aesthetics, and Mayfair Hotel's Hennessey Rooftop Bar is perfect for a sophisticated martini, watching the bustling streets below from its classy digs. 

For a full list of the best rooftop bars in town, check out our guide here. Cheers!

3. Sip Cocktails at the World’s Best Bar of 2023

With a setting that will take your breath away from the moment you step in, discover the award-winning Luma Restaurant and Bar, tucked inside The Playford MGallery. Reimagined into a foodie wonderland, the restaurant is widely accepted as one of the CBD's best eateries but, if you ask us, it might just be the best fine dining restaurant in Adelaide.

From the unique, elegant and dramatic Art Nouveau interiors with lighting that flows across the entire room, to compelling and unforgettable dishes, Luma is a sensorial masterpiece. Awarded One Chef Hat by The Australian Good Food Guide in 2023, along with the top award in the 2023 Best Bar Design Awards, the menu of bites and brews covers a range of textures and flavours.

120 North Terrace, Adelaide

4. Explore Adelaide's Best Market

Wander through Adelaide Central Market, a bustling hub of artisanal goods, fresh produce, and gourmet treats. Open six days a week, it's a vibrant spot to sample local delights and enjoy the city's lively market culture.

For fresh produce and fresh air, the Adelaide Farmer's Market is open every Sunday morning, while Stirling Market has the Adelaide Hills community covered for flowers, baked goods and homemade items once a month. For some of the best thrifting possible, the monthly Gilles at the Grounds (held at the Adelaide Showgrounds) has stalls filled with new designs from emerging talent and a killer vintage selection.

5. Embark on Scenic Day Trips

South Australia boasts breathtaking scenery perfect for day trips. Hike the Mount Lofty Ranges and visit scenic Mount Gambier or Victor Harbor, where blue lakes and whale watching take centre stage.

Sip award-winning wine in the Adelaide Hills, or explore the pristine beaches of the Fleurieu, Yorke and Eyre Peninsula. The variety of day trips from Adelaide ensures endless adventure, whether it's hiking, beaches, wildlife or the serene moments in nature you seek.

6. Meet the Animals of Adelaide

Animal enthusiasts and families will love Adelaide Zoo's diverse collection, including giant pandas, tigers and giraffes. For a more interactive experience, visit Gorge Wildlife Park to cuddle koalas and handle reptiles. 

To visit the biggest Safari park outside of Adelaide, a day at Monarto Safari Park is one you won't soon forget, with more than 50 species of exotic and native animals roaming the open-range park. Climb aboard the Safari Landcruiser, drive through the Wild Africa precinct and grab the binoculars to spot rhinos, hippos, cheetahs, giraffes and lemurs roaming about.

7. Picnic in Adelaide’s Gorgeous Parks and Gardens

Pack a picnic, grab your partner or pals, or enjoy a solo date as you relax in Adelaide's best green spaces. Ideal spots include the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens, and Belair National Park.

Autumn is particularly stunning with its colourful foliage that begs to be photographed and shared on socials, while plenty of shade and facilities make summer picnics a dreamy, fuss-free date day.

8. Wine Taste in World-Class Regions

A non-negotiable for any visitors (or locals) in South Australia, Adelaide’s proximity to exceptional wine regions like Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale, and Adelaide Hills means endless opportunities for a day of cellar door hopping.

Each region offers a unique wine experience: savour the bold reds of Barossa Valley, the crisp Rieslings of Clare Valley, the smooth Grenache of McLaren Vale, and a diverse array of boutique wines and Chardonnay from the Adelaide Hills. For a wine experience without the drive, visit the National Wine Centre on the city fringe.

9. Sport is Bigger and Better in Adelaide

Adelaide is increasingly making its mark as a sporting hub, with a multitude of events and venues catering to sports enthusiasts. Catch thrilling AFL matches and cricket games at the iconic Adelaide Oval, or enjoy a day at the races at Morphettville Racecourse.

The city's sporting calendar is packed with exciting events like the Santos Tour Down Under, the VAILO Adelaide 500 motor race, LIV Golf and the AFL’s Gather Round, ensuring there’s always a high-energy event to attend.

10. Take a Trip to Lonely Planet’s #2 Region in the World

Kangaroo Island, recently named by Lonely Planet as the second-best regional travel destination in the world, is a must-visit from Adelaide. This rugged island offers breathtaking landscapes, including pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and lush bushland.

Explore highlights like Seal Bay and Flinders Chase National Park, home to unique wildlife and stunning natural features. With luxurious accommodations like the recently rebuilt Southern Ocean Lodge(named the Best Hotel in Oceania at the 2024 Telegraph Hotel Awards), Kangaroo Island provides an unparalleled escape from the everyday.

11. Stay Active with Endless Hiking Trails

For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Adelaide's surrounding areas offer a multitude of hiking trails. The Mount Lofty Summit trail is no easy feat, but the award of panoramic views of the city and beyond make it worth the effort, while the Hallett Cove Coastal Walk features striking geological formations and scenic coastal vistas.

Locals and visitors enjoy the Adelaide Botanic Gardens for its serene walks and lush environments, and a beach walk from Henley Beach to Glenelg offers a refreshing change of scenery and a great way to enjoy Adelaide’s stunning coastline.

Check out our roundup of the best walks in Adelaide here.

12. Visit The Moseley Beach Club for a Taste of Europe

Adelaide’s beaches are among its best-kept secrets, and to make it even sweeter on a sunshine-filled day, head to The Moseley Beach Club in Glenelg for a taste of European beachside charm.

During the summer, this unique venue offers an exclusive experience right on the sand, with stylish lounges, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and lively DJ sets. It’s the perfect spot to soak up the sun, enjoy a beachside cocktail, and experience Adelaide’s vibrant coastal atmosphere.

December 2nd 2024 - March 31st, 2025

13. Immerse in Adelaide’s Festival Culture

From theatre to music, stage shows and film, Adelaide loves the arts, hosting an energetic ensemble of festivals that light up the city throughout the year. 

In winter, the city lights up with the installations and immersive experience of Illuminate, and come November, you’re invited to discover a taste of Europe and indulge in culinary delights straight out of Italy at the Adelaide Italian Festival.

Then there’s everyone's favourite event of the year– the world-renowned Adelaide Fringe. The lineup of shows, spectacular art and activations are some of the best activities in Adelaide, drawing crowds from around Australia never disappoints. The Fringe festivities kick off in February each year, and we highly recommend getting a glimpse of the annual event that takes over the city. 

14. Discover Adelaide’s Best Free Attractions

You don't need to spend big to enjoy this city! Lovers of history, culture and art can explore the South Australian Museum, the State Library of South Australia, and the Art Gallery of South Australia. These cultural institutions offer enriching experiences without breaking the bank.

If chocolate is more to your taste, the South Aussie heroes Haigh’s Chocolates offer free guided and self-guided factory tours in Parkside. There’s no booking necessary, just pick your time and day, turn up at the visitor centre and take yourself on a journey through the various levels of the factory, all while learning about Australia’s oldest (and most delicious) chocolate manufacturing retailer. You will see the production line and the staff in action, creating tasty treats including chocolate frogs, truffles and bars. 

15. Dine in a Restaurant Scene Rivalling the Biggest Capital Cities

The food tastes better in Adelaide. There, we said it - and don’t even get us started on the wine! Adelaide’s vibrant food scene shines with its fresh, flavorful, SA-proud produce. Whether you’re savouring a simple yet exquisite spaghetti with chilli at Osteria Oggi, indulging in a fragrant roast pumpkin yellow curry at Kiin, enjoying a perfectly ripe avocado on sourdough at Bloom, or relishing the world’s most delectable steak at arkhe, each dish promises a delightful culinary experience.

Adelaide’s restaurants don’t just deliver dishes that sing with flavour, they serve stylish interiors, too. Honouring the city’s architectural history while introducing design elements from its Mediterranean migrants, Adelaide’s best restaurants are decked in natural, earthy tones, cool curves, soft greenery, and elegant limestone.

16. Stay in Style at Designer Hotels

After a day of exploring the best in town, you'll need a stylish spot to rest and recover. There's room for all in Adelaide’s coolest hotels like Hotel Indigo, with its Instagram-worthy interiors and rooftop bar.

The Oval Hotel offers proximity to the Adelaide Oval and surrounding parklands for a unique and sporty stay, while the recently opened Hotel Marriott stuns with its modern design and central location. EOS by SkyCity and The Playford by MGallery also get ticks of approval!

17. Discover the Vibrant Street Art Scene

Adelaide's street art scene is an ever-evolving canvas that adds colour and creativity to the city's urban landscape. Explore the city's laneways, such as those in the East End and the CBD, where you'll find an impressive array of murals and graffiti by local and international artists.

Notable spots include the Adelaide Central Market Arcade and the various walls and alleys around the Art Gallery of South Australia. Street art walking tours are also available for those who want to delve deeper into the stories and inspirations behind these vibrant artworks.

18. Visit the Adelaide Gaol for a Dose of History

Explore the historic Adelaide Gaol to learn about the city’s penal history. Guided tours reveal the stories of past inmates and offer a fascinating glimpse into Adelaide’s past.

18 Gaol Road, Adelaide

Ready to book your next getaway and explore the endless fun things to do in Adelaide? Virgin Australia operates domestic routes from Adelaide. With far cheaper (and quicker) flights than a trip to Europe, enjoy more spending money to wine and dine your way through the city.

If you love our guide to the best things to do in Adelaide, check out our guides to the best wineries in the Barossa Valley and our favourite CBD wine bars.

Our Sitchu editors work hard to deliver you the best products, events and venues that we hope you will love, each one is selected independently. Sitchu may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.