INNER CITY

THINGS TO DO IN THE INNER CITY

The perfect blend of small-town feels with big-city living, Adelaide City is switching things up in a way that's making the world sit up and take notice.   

Laid-back with a sophisticated edge, Adelaide has well and truly shaken its sleepy town vibes to become a thriving centre that's just as passionate about the arts as it is about sports. Bounded by lush parks and with beaches and wineries just a short ride away, it's little wonder this southern beauty ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities.  

Renowned for its ever-changing skyline neatly contained within a grid of tree-lined streets, Adelaide City is home to a vast selection of foodie delights, high-end boutique shopping and a burgeoning small bar scene. From the Riverbank Precinct to West End to Rundle Street in the East – it's a sophisticated city that loves to mix things up. 

And when the people of Adelaide are craving that little bit more, Adelaide Hills (one of Adelaide's well-known wine regions) and the beaches of Glenelg and Henley are just a short 30-minute drive away. Meaning the people of Adelaide city have it all at their fingertips.  

So, strap on your shoes because this walkable (and bike-friendly) city is just begging to be explored. Here is your list of things to do in Adelaide City.

Adelaide's Parklands 

An enveloping green belt – 7,600,000 square metres to be exact – of open space, recreational facilities, landscaped gardens and playgrounds, this is a much-loved part of the city that is fiercely protected. It's home to North Adelaide Golf Course, Adelaide Aquatic Centre, Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Himeji Gardens, open-air exercise facilities, natural bushland, Riverbank precinct, tree climbs, BMX tracks, and picnic facilities. So, when it comes to things to do in Adelaide City, the Park Lands are a must. 

Foodie's Delight

Eating out in Adelaide City is always high on the agenda, thanks to the round-up of cafes, eateries and restaurants that keep on outdoing themselves. Making full use of local farmgate produce in surrounding regions, the menus throughout the city are full of surprises – from Australian favourites to global eats, you can find it all here. Our picks are the fine-dining hotspots Osteria Oggi and Africola to the more casual hangouts of Sunny's Pizza and Peel St – but with so many places to choose from, you're guaranteed to be in for a real treat.

Markets 

Surrounded by fertile farmland, the markets of Adelaide City are booming. Adelaide Central Markets has been the local go-to for fresh produce since the 1860s. Stock up on your fruit, veggies, meat, seafood, deli and bakery goods after you've indulged at one of the markets popular cafes and eateries. Just on the city's outskirts is Adelaide's Farmers Market – an open-air market of fresh produce, and next door, Gilles at the Grounds is an indoor market full of vintage and creative finds.     

Nightlife 

From gin and cocktail bars to wine bars that shine a spotlight on the best wines of South Australia - the small bar phenomenon has taken the city by storm – and you only need to look to Adelaide's East End to know what we're talking about. But that's not all Adelaide City does well. The pub scene is also thriving, whether it be a historic corner pub or a sprawling gastropub whose menu rivals award-winning restaurants; these are the places to be on game night. 

Festivals 

When it comes to things to do in Adelaide City, the annual line-up of festivals is a big drawcard. The big-ticket items are the Adelaide Festival (one of the world's major celebrations of the arts), Adelaide Fringe Festival, WOMADelaide and the Santos Tour Down Under (to name a few). And when the festivals aren't in full swing, the many sporting, arts, and music events held throughout the year will keep you entertained.

Adelaide's East End

This fashionable neighbourhood is overflowing with galleries, boutique shopfronts, global eats, on-trend cafes, small bars and fine dining. Adelaide's East End is also home to many creative studios and designer labels. So if you're looking for things to do in Adelaide City, East End is where you go to indulge in the best foodie destinations, bars and shopping that the city has to offer. 

Wineries

Wine-making is serious business in South Australia, with some of the country's most iconic labels coming from this region. A short drive from Adelaide CBD is Adelaide Hills and McLaren Vale, and a little further afield is the renowned Barossa Valley. But for those who don't want to venture too far, Penfolds Magill Estate Cellar Door is just down the road, and the wine tasting is world-class. 

Fresh produce markets and foodie delights to wineries and lush Park Lands – there are so many things to do in Adelaide City.