Top Things to do in Adelaide
The 10 Best Things to do in Adelaide, South Australia
The capital city of South Australia is simply enchanting, a treasure trove of shopping, fine arts, gastronomy and outdoor activity. Adelaide is the heart of the world's opal industry, selling gorgeous stones from South Australian mines. Be sure to hike the aptly named Mt. Lofty Ranges and catch a wave off the Fleurieu Peninsula. Indulge your adventurous palate and traipse into nearby wine regions like the famed Barossa Valley to pick up a deliciously drinkable souvenir.
Restaurants in Adelaide
1. Adelaide Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,107 reviews
Adelaide Zoo, one of Adelaide's most iconic attractions, is home to more than 3,000 animals and 250 species of exotic and native mammals, birds, reptiles and fish exhibited over eight hectares of magnificent botanic surroundings. Situated next to the Botanic Gardens, Adelaide Zoo is open every day of the year from 9:30am to 5pm and this amazing wildlife experience is only a 15 minute walk from the city.
Reviewed By dmw447 - Sydney, Australia
Easy to get to the Zoo when staying in Adelaide, short walk from the city. Had an great time at the Zoo, saw the lions and tigers feeding time. The animal enclosures are well-designed, so even when there is a large crowd everyone gets a chance to see the animals.
2. Art Gallery of South Australia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,839 reviews
A must-see in the city of Adelaide not only because it holds one of Australia's finest art collections, but also because it offers a variety of activities for all ages.
Reviewed By kirstynm2018
Such a great variety in styles of art! Free entry and helpful staff that will teach you about the art you are seeing. We visited the student showcase and there were some great pieces to vote on. We spent 1.5 hours enjoying the facility but you can definitely spend longer.
3. Adelaide Botanic Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,912 reviews
In the heart of the city but another world away ... Take time out to explore the beauty and diversity of plants from across Australia and around the world. Spend an hour or spend the day among the 50 hectares of magnificently maintained gardens and stunning architecture. Relax in the shade or enjoy a coffee among some of Australia's finest plant collections.
Reviewed By Michellenrob - Adelaide, Australia
If you work your way down North Terrace, east you will come to the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. this is a quiet and beautiful oasis in the city and borders on botanic Park and the Zoo. It makes for a great day out for families all within about a 5 minute walk of the city center. It houses an original Victorian glass house with a famous Amazon lily, big lawned areas, water lily ponds and lovely mature trees dating from the 1850's ( Adelaide was settled by private charter in 1836). The botanic gardens then exit onto botanic park at the northern boundary. Botanic park is a large grassed park with lovely big shade trees and is popular with locals for picnics. A short walk across the park and you can visit the very good Adelaide Zoo to see lots of native animals as well as all the usual suspect. A great day for a family if visiting Adelaide.
4. South Australian Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,405 reviews
The South Australian Museum has been committed to making Australia’s natural and cultural heritage accessible, engaging and fun for over 150 years. It is a place where families can learn and grow together. Today the Museum is one of the most visited museums in Australia and holds collections of national and international significance, including the world's most comprehensive collection of Australian Aboriginal cultural material. It is a leader in remote and regional community engagement, and in Australian Aboriginal heritage and scientific research.
Reviewed By lorenp512 - Currituck, United States
This free museum has it all. It has two sections dedicated to aboriginals dating from early man, to colonial times, to contemporary artifacts. It has a huge display of Pacific islands history to include artifacts for daily living, hunting and fishing, war, and inter island transportation. There were huge sections dedicated to gemological history and Antarctic exploration. A must see in Adelaide.
5. Adelaide Central Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,758 reviews
With over 70 traders under one roof, the Adelaide Central Market is one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the southern hemisphere, buzzing with life and colour all year round. The Market offers a huge range of fresh food including fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, seafood, cheeses, bakery, smallgoods and health foods, along with some of Adelaide’s most popular cafes and eateries. With over 9 million visitors every year, the Adelaide Central Market remains Adelaide’s premier food destination for multicultural cuisine and fresh produce.
Reviewed By coljoy456
It is, of course, my opinion that the ACM is the best, as we have been going there each week for 30 years. There is a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, small goods, great pasta, breads, fabulous cheese, vegan and vegetarian foods, herbs and spices, great coffee and snacks. Lucia's cafe serves coffee and cakes but specialises in big breakfasts and Italian food for lunches The market backs onto China Town with its specialty shops and eateries. Regular market tours are available by contacting the administration, there tours are conducted by expert guides and allow tastings of produce. Overseas visitors should put it on their agenda. A visit to the market is no cost unless you wish to buy some of the goodies.
6. Adelaide Oval
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,032 reviews
Adelaide Oval has long been one of Australia’s most recognisable and prestigious venues and hosts cricket, football, concerts, functions and major events at the highest level. Its prominent location as the centrepiece of the Adelaide CBD’s revitalised riverbank precinct makes Adelaide Oval an outstanding destination. Known the world over as a beautiful and historic sporting venue, the Oval attracts visitors in their thousands from within South Australia, interstate and overseas. Along with sports fans, the Oval has enormous appeal to visitors with an interest in history, culture, food and wine, as well as a large contingent of business travellers.
Reviewed By blossie89 - Ocean Grove, Australia
We visited the Oval, on a weekday, it was magnificent. We sat in the stands and admired the great icon. The Don Bradman cricket exhibition is a proud reminder of our excellent sporting history and the talent and hard work that our 'Don ' strove for an achieved. It was free, and we felt very privileged. Well worth seeing.
7. Glenelg Tram
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,995 reviews
Reviewed By daf57 - Adelaide, Australia
The tram from Adelaide to Glenelg takes approximately 35 minutes. Glenelg (curiously is a palindrome) and Holdfast Bay is one of Adelaide`s premier beach suburbs and was the first British settlement in South Australia. Attractions include the local history museum in Mosely Square.........30+ minutes spent here will be very rewarding, the beach and jetty, a wide range of specialty shops along Jetty Road, plenty of eateries and pubs plus the opportunity to explore. Worth noting...........the tram is FREE at all times/all days from South Terrace through the Adelaide CBD to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre..........this provides easy access to a lot of other attractions.
8. Himeji Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 332 reviews
Reviewed By PaulS803 - Adelaide, Australia
My wife and I visit this lovely garden on a Saturday afternoon. We have always found street parking along South Terrace, and access to the garden is level and easy. Entry is free. This walled garden is such a delight. It is a place to spend time, to enjoy, to contemplate. The well made paths wind amongst the cared-for gardens, and always there is the sound of water. In one part a sheltered seat looks out over raked gravel: a sea with islands. Our impression is that this is a garden which is loved and looked after. Definitely worth repeated visits.
9. Waterfall Gully
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 396 reviews
Reviewed By Awsomeal - Adelaide, Australia
We came here to do the walk up to Mount Lofty it’s about 7.5km and the last part up to mount lofty is step . Will take about 2hr to 2.5 hrs .. But it’s a beautiful walk and very enjoyable. We ran into a couple of wallabies. Fitness anyone can do it just take your time enjoy the view..
10. Rundle Mall
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,631 reviews
Reviewed By 722lr - Gold Coast, Australia
Taking a slow walk through Rundle Mall is worth the time because there is lots to see. Shopping stores, tourist stores, eating places, side street malls, plus numerous street performers & interactive art displays (large, life-size walk-through doll house when we visited). Interesting and fun.
