Adelaide Attractions | Things to Do & Top Places to Visit in Adelaide

Things to Do in Adelaide

In recent years Adelaide has grown its popularity to be one of Australia’s most happening cities, and it is easy to see why!

Adelaide brings a few words to mind – stylish, cultural, and tidy – after all this is the cosmopolitan capital of South Australia. Set on the River Torrens, it boasts a ring of parkland that surrounds the buzz of the city centre.

The city has rebranded itself over the past ten years, shifting from a sleepy, boring town to bustling and exciting city! With a much smaller population than Sydney or Melbourne, Adelaide has all the life and excitement of a big city, but none of the crowds!

History and Culture in Adelaide

Within the city you can find a plethora of museums and cultural institutions showcasing mesmerising collections of Indigenous art and national history. Adelaide’s past is a fascinating one that’s imbued with colonisation and spiritual narratives – a combination of elements that are evident throughout the impressive architecture and the laidback vibe that penetrates the streets. Sitting in the heart of the city you can find the South Australia Museum. The museum has five floors of fascinating cultural and natural heritage.

The city is one of few free settler cities in Australia and was the first place in Australia to officially return land to its traditional custodians. Explore the fantastic Tandanya; National Aboriginal Cultural Institute to learn more about Aboriginal culture in Adelaide. The institute provides a unique opportunity for people to experience traditional and contemporary expressions of culture.

Heading slightly outside of the city, step back in time to the historic town of Hahndorf. The oldest German settlement in Australia feels like it’s been plucked right out of Bavaria. Enjoy a bier and bratwurst amongst the beautiful Barossa Valley hills.
City to beach

Around town, plush bars and restaurants are beginning to outnumber the churches and spires, bringing a youthful vibe to the historic charm of the city. By day, the parkland is the place to go, where you can kick back and relax with a cold drink, but when darkness falls, it’s the trendy bars tucked away down narrow lanes that call.

Just ten minutes from the CBD, the city centre opens itself to the beautiful Glenelg Beach. Enjoy a stroll along the warm sand and down the pier. Watch as locals wander rod in hand ready to try and catch a fish or two. If you prefer to be served your fish, rather than catch it, sit down for dinner at one of the many beachfront restaurants. Glenelg Beach is always buzzing with families enjoying the sun and buskers showing off their talents.
A bite to eat

If you find yourself in need of a bite to eat while in Adelaide, the Adelaide Central Market is the place to be. With over 250 stalls selling the best produce and artisan goods Adelaide has offer. From jam and cream to mussels and paella the market is the perfect place to support local businesses and get a taste of international cultures.

Don’t forget to explore the lanes and hidden doors in the CBD, there are plenty of secret restaurants for you to find that will delight your tastebuds. Pair your meal with a delicious wine form one of the nearby wine regions for a true taste of South Australia.