Book flights to Adelaide (ADL)

Things to do in Adelaide

While Adelaide is the capital of South Australia, it has a small city atmosphere, with quaint streets and hidden nooks to explore.

Start by immersing yourself in the multicultural heritage and natural history at the South Australian Museum, showcasing Australian, European, and Asian art. Then, take a guided tour of the Adelaide Gaol, for a fascinating insight into the city’s history.

The Adelaide Botanic Garden is a lovely morning activity, with a lush oasis of plant species, walking paths and landscaped gardens. If you’re visiting with the family, go to Adelaide Zoo where you can witness exotic wildlife, including giant pandas.

Sports fans shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the Adelaide Oval, home to cricket, the Australian Football League and other sports. You can even climb the oval’s roof.

Activities in Adelaide

Continue your city exploration at MOD, a futuristic museum where art meets science and innovation.

For a coastal escape, make your way to Glenelg Beach, just a short drive from the city. It’s a picturesque beach with a jetty, shops and restaurants. Another option for a seaside getaway further along the coast is Port Noarlunga, especially if you’re into water sports. It’s home to the iconic Port Noarlunga Aquatic Reef Reserves, a popular spot for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. Port Noarlunga is just one of the many townships with stunning seafront sceneryalong the Fleurieu Peninsula.

A ferry trip to Kangaroo Island is a must for nature lovers. The island is pristine, abundant with rugged landscapes, unique wildlife and unspoiled beaches.

Alternatively, a scenic drive inland will take you to the charming town of Harhndorf in the Adelaide Hills. It’s Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, where you can wander through charming streets and try German cuisine.

Food in Adelaide

Adelaide is celebrated for its culinary excellence, with gourmet restaurants and contemporary cafés on every corner. Rundle Street, in Adelaide’s East End district, is known for its top-quality cafés, bakeries and restaurants. Try a freshly brewed coffee while you’re there – it’s a rite of passage in Australian culture.

North Adelaide’s O’Connell Street and Melbourne Street are hotspots for international cuisine. You’ll find everything from authentic Asian dishes to Mexican street food, Irish taverns and elegant Italian eateries. If you’re looking for more Asian flavours, Chinatown and Gouger Street are the places to go.

Next, enjoy the Adelaide catch of the day which often includes Coffin Bay oysters and king prawns.

Just a 30-minute drive from the city centre is Adelaide Hills, known for some of the best farm-to-table produce in the region. Take in the breathtaking views over mouth-watering local cuisine.

Shopping in Adelaide

The outdoor precinct in the centre of Adelaide, Rundle Mall, is a premier shopping destination. Boasting over 700 retail stores, you’ll find international brands, local boutiques and arcades. The East End neighbourhood beckons shoppers with Australian designer stores and up-and-coming boutiques.

Adelaide is home to the nation’s oldest family-owned chocolate maker, so be sure to take some home with you. Another popular souvenir is opals. Many beautiful pieces of jewellery showcasing this local, precious gemstone.

The Adelaide Riverbank area is also a great retail space, featuring various crafts and artisanal products. For a taste of the city’s rich food scene, head to the Adelaide Central Market, one of the largest produce markets in the Southern hemisphere.