Discover the best places to visit and things to do in Adelaide with our ultimate travel guide. From world-class events, cultural attractions, a thriving restaurant and bar scene plus a world-renowned wine region on your doorstep; make Adelaide your next getaway.

Adelaide is dotted with historic buildings, lush parklands and spectacular botanic gardens ready to explore. With a strong arts culture, Adelaide is home to South Australia’s best art galleries and museums and makes a great short-break destination.

Top things to do in Adelaide

Whether you’re catching a match at the Adelaide Oval, shopping in Rundle Mall or heading to the beach, looking for the best free things to do in Adelaide, or a last-minute traveller looking for a quick guide to the top things to do in Adelaide, there’s something for everyone in the South Australian capital.

Walking while travelling is a great way to stay fit, get some fresh air and explore a new city. Escape to the great outdoors and set out on a hike in Adelaide. There are endless great hikes in Adelaide to choose from, as South Australia is known for its spectacular natural landscape. Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty is a popular choice for locals and travellers as it has a well-maintained path, regular seating and a café at the end. While the walk has some steep sections, you’re rewarded with spectacular views at the summit. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, make your way to one or more of Adelaide’s best beaches.

Travellers love visiting the Adelaide Art Gallery and Adelaide Museum to soak up the state’s art, history and culture. The Art Gallery of South Australia is housed in an iconic building on North Terrace in the city’s arts precinct; the art gallery showcases carefully curated exhibitions for a unique and memorable experience.

The South Australian Museum is also located on North Terrace and is renowned for its world-class natural history and cultural collections. The museum holds collections of national and international significance, including Aboriginal artefacts, and is one of the most visited museums in Australia.

Adelaide is blessed with three Botanic Gardens in the city and suburbs, including Adelaide, Wittunga and Mount Lofty. Adelaide Botanic Garden is a popular tourist attraction for its proximity to the city and magnificently maintained gardens and stunning architecture, including the largest single-span glasshouse in the Southern Hemisphere.

Best places to stay in Adelaide

If you’re looking for a touch of luxury for your Adelaide city stay, Mayfair Hotel mixes old-world grandeur and contemporary glamour to create the ultimate five-star boutique experience. Meanwhile, just 20 minutes from the city in the Adelaide Hills, you’ll find the Mount Lofty House, a luxury boutique hotel with an onsite fine dining restaurant, indulgent day spa and event space.

Adelaide has a range of comfortable and stylish hotels with popular locations including the CBD, North Adelaide and Glenelg. The Watson is an Art Series Hotel featuring works by Indigenous artist Tommy Watson (Pitjantijatjara). The Majestic Minima Hotel offers quirky and affordable accommodation in North Adelaide.

The best places to eat and drink in Adelaide

Make your way to Central Markets in the heart of Adelaide for the city’s best fresh produce, artisan cheeses, and more delicious foodie finds. Don’t miss visiting Haigh’s Chocolates for a delicious taste of Adelaide while you’re there.

Book a seat in one of the best restaurants in Adelaide and make room for brunch at one of the city’s many excellent cafes.

Adelaide’s small bar scene has exploded with a score of hipster nooks popping up across the city, making it easy to discover the best bars in Adelaide. Head to Peel and Leigh Sts to discover an inner city hip hood – and don’t overlook Adelaide’s iconic pub scene.