Discover Adelaide: our top 10 picks

Surrounded by hills, the ocean, and on the banks of the River Torrens, Adelaide boasts natural charm and beauty. Many come for the wineries, but stay for the vibrant art and culture scene, the laid-back and unpretentious atmosphere, spectacular sporting events and world-class restaurants and bars dotted throughout the city. 

Adelaide is one of the very few cities where the wine regions, the city, the riverside, the beach and the parklands are within 15 minutes of each other, meaning there are plenty of hidden gems to discover, no matter where you look. Whether you’re here for a weekend or for a week, we’ve put together some of the most unique things to do in Adelaide while you’re in town. 

1. Admire the lush Adelaide Botanical Garden

As one of two National Park Cities in the world, it’s no surprise that you’ll find a plethora of idyllic parks and gardens in Adelaide, and the Botanic Garden in the CBD is no exception. The city feels miles away as you walk through the lush 50-acre grounds.

Peruse the rose, dahlia, succulent, cacti and native plant gardens, and don’t miss the Amazonian water lilies and prehistoric Wollemi pine trees. There are free daily guided walks, an educational children’s space and an award-winning restaurant, Botanic , to keep you busy and full throughout the day. 

2. Hungry? Sate your appetite at Adelaide Central Market 

Find a dizzying array of artisanal cheeses, meats, baked goods, and the freshest seafood, fruit and vegetables at the Adelaide Central Market . This under-the-radar market is the perfect place to uncover the best food South Australia has to offer. There is much to savour; indulge in Portuguese tarts at Saudade , bocadillos at SiSea and Algerian paella from Le Souk .

Stop by the beloved institution Lucia’s Pizza and Spaghetti Bar , which has been serving up authentic southern Italian fare at the market since 1957. Don’t miss out on their vongole with local pipis, and their 14-layer lasagne, available only on Fridays. 

3. Enjoy an art tour at the North Terrace’s museums and galleries  

Explore Adelaide’s thriving art scene on foot, starting at North Terrace and heading west. Begin at the stately Art Gallery of South Australia , where you’ll find an impressive permanent collection as well as more contemporary works. The South Australian Museum next door houses the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal art and cultural artefacts. Head down North Terrace to The Museum of Discovery , a mind-bending museum where science, art and technology converge. Across the road, you’ll find the Adelaide Contemporary Experimental , and craft and design hub JamFactory . 

4. Soak in the views from the rooftop of Adelaide Oval

RoofClimb is an incredible and unique way to see Adelaide from new heights – 50 metres up, to be exact. Offering an unparalleled, 360-degree view of Adelaide’s parklands, foothills, coast and skyline from the rooftop of the Adelaide Oval, RoofClimb can be done during the day, twilight or at night.

AFL fans can also opt to do RoofClimb during a match, where you’ll be watching a full quarter from rooftop seats! For those who prefer to explore the historic grounds on foot, Cathay members can book a behind-the-scenes tour of the Oval . 

5. Wine and dine through Peel & Leigh Streets 

Adelaide is a city full of people who know their food and wine, so expect a stellar selection of restaurants and bars no matter where you go. You’ll find many of these eateries on Peel and Leigh Streets, in the heart of West End. Begin your evening at Leigh Street Wine Room , a moody natural wine bar with a high arched ceiling and a wall of wine. The menu is short, but always delicious; and if you ever see the chocolate pistachio tart on the menu, order two.

Provided you can pry yourself away from the 400+ wines on offer, head a few doors down until you see a timber A-frame, which houses one of Adelaide’s best bars, Pink Moon Saloon . Also delicious is the Spanish food at Udaberri and modern Australian fare at Peel St .

6. Cruise the River Torrens 

The River Torrens is 85 km long and a stretch of it runs through the city centre, offering beautiful views of the city and its parklands. Book a river cruise to take in local scenery and learn about Adelaide’s unique history. River Torrens Popeye Cruises offers a range of activities like kayaking, paddle boating and a unique high tea experience that takes you from The Elder Park Landing along the Adelaide Riverbank.

7. Get festival-ready at Illuminate Adelaide

Adelaide is famous for its exciting lineup of festivals which keeps the city busy and has earned South Australia the nickname ‘the Festival State’. For instance, look forward to Illuminate Adelaide each July, which brings immersive digital exhibitions, experiences and installations to light up iconic locations within Adelaide, such as the Adelaide Zoo and Botanic Garden.

This festival invites local, national and international artists to create a thrilling programme of events centred around music, technology and art. Be sure to check online for what’s next on the calendar.

8. Explore Adelaide’s wine regions

When it comes to wine, you’re spoiled for choice with the Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley all within an hour’s drive of Adelaide’s city centre. A quick drive will take you to Penfolds Magill Estate , and if you’re in search of a fine dining experience, look no further than Magill Estate Restaurant .

At the Hills, Nepenthe boasts a sleek, newly renovated cellar door, and Bird In Hand’s terrace and gardens are perfect for a lazy afternoon of wine tasting. McLaren Vale’s d’Arenberg Cube is hard to miss; it offers food, wine and art experiences within its five-storey building. 

9. Have a beach day at Henley Beach 

Only 15 minutes from the city lies a slice of paradise at Henley Beach, a lively beachfront suburb with an esplanade and plenty of cafes, restaurants and bars in Henley Square. Grab a seat at West Rooftop Bar to see the sun set over the horizon with a cocktail in hand, before heading to Estia, a much-lauded Greek restaurant that has been operating for over 30 years. After dinner, head to Bottega Gelateria for their handcrafted traditional Italian gelato, made with local ingredients.

10. Get hoppy at Pirate Life Brewery, Port Adelaide  

While South Australia is well-known for its wine, a successful slew of brewers have put South Aussie beer on the map. One such brewer is Pirate Life , which operates a massive brewery and entertainment space in a set of historic woolstore buildings in Port Adelaide.

The brewery is kid- and dog-friendly and offers 24 beers on tap alongside hearty pub fare. Work your way through their beer menu, take a brewery tour, play a game of shuffleboard, enjoy live music or even get a haircut at the Pirate Life Parlour – there’s something for everyone here.

Hero image: Getty Images