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

Adelaide, the once underrated small city, 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 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, world-renowned wineries, beautiful beaches 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. Sip Cocktails at the World’s Best Bar of 2023

Discover the award-winning Luma Restaurant and Bar, tucked inside The Playford MGallery. With its stunning Art Nouveau design and innovative lighting, it earned the top spot at the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards. Enjoy their exceptional food and drink offerings in a setting that’s truly unique. 

120 North Terrace, Adelaide

2. Explore Adelaide Central 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.

3. Embark on Scenic Day Trips

South Australia boasts breathtaking scenery perfect for day trips. Hike the Mount Lofty Ranges, visit scenic Mount Gambier or Victor Harbor, sip wine in the Adelaide Hills, or explore the pristine beaches of the Fleurieu Peninsula. The variety of day trips from Adelaide ensures endless adventure.

4. Meet Animals at Adelaide Zoo and Gorge Wildlife Park

Animal enthusiasts will love Adelaide Zoo's diverse collection, including giant pandas and giraffes. For a more interactive experience, visit Gorge Wildlife Park to cuddle koalas and handle reptiles. It's one of the best things to do in Adelaide with the whole family. 

5. Picnic in Adelaide’s Gorgeous Parks and Gardens

Pack a picnic and relax in some of 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.

6. Wine Taste in World-Class Regions

Adelaide’s proximity to exceptional wine regions like Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale, and Adelaide Hills means a day of cellar door hopping is a must. Each region offers its own unique wine experiences: 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 from the Adelaide Hills. For a wine experience without the drive, visit the National Wine Centre.

7. Sport is Bigger and Better in Adelaide

Adelaide is increasingly making its mark as a sporting hub, offering a range of events and venues that cater to sports enthusiasts. Catch thrilling AFL matches and cricket games at the iconic Adelaide Oval, or enjoy a day at the races at Morphettville. The city's sporting calendar is packed with exciting events like the VAILO Adelaide 500 motor race and the AFL’s Gather Round, ensuring there’s always a high-energy event to attend.

8. 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, Kangaroo Island provides an unparalleled escape from the everyday.

9. 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 provides panoramic views of the city and beyond, while the Hallett Cove Coastal Walk features striking geological formations and scenic coastal vistas. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the Adelaide Botanic Gardens for its serene walks and lush environments. For a coastal adventure, a beach walk from Henley Beach to Glenelg offers a refreshing change of scenery and a great way to enjoy Adelaide’s stunning coastline.

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

Adelaide’s beaches are among its best-kept secrets, with the Eyre, Yorke, and Fleurieu Peninsulas showcasing some of Australia’s most beautiful shores. For a taste of European beachside charm, head to The Moseley Beach Club in Glenelg. During the summer months, this unique venue offers an exclusive experience right on the sand, complete 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.

11. 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 that draw 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. 

12. Discover Adelaide’s Best Free Attractions

Explore the South Australian Museum, State Library of South Australia, and the Art Gallery of South Australia. These cultural institutions offer enriching experiences without breaking the bank.

13. Dine in the Restaurant Scene Rivalling the Bigger 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 produce. Whether you’re savoring 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 memorable 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.

14. Stay in Style at Designer Hotels

Relax 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 stay.

15. Discover the Vibrant Street Art Scene

Adelaide's street art scene is an ever-evolving canvas that adds a burst of 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 tours are also available for those who want to delve deeper into the stories and inspirations behind these vibrant artworks.

16. 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 on a holiday, 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.