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Adelaide travel guide

You may have heard Adelaide described as the  ‘City of Churches’ and while this hasn’t changed, South Australia’s capital is now defined by so much more. There’s the hip bar scene, the excellent restaurants, the world-class wineries, the cultural festivals like WOMADelaide, the bustling Central Market, the beach and picturesque pier at Glenelg… not to mention the fine hotels dotted all around the city. If you’re planning a visit, explore our Adelaide travel guide and find out how to make the most of your time in this inviting city. We’ve collected the best tips from our travel experts, and have all sorts of suggestions for things to do, the best time to travel, where to stay, getting around Adelaide and more. We even have a guide to Adelaide Airport at your fingertips.

Where to stay

For a short visit or a longer stay, deciding where to stay in Adelaide is simple. Booking your accommodation will depend on your agenda, whether you plan to explore the wine regions or spend more time in the city centre. There’s a wide variety of places to stay in Adelaide, from five-star hotels in the city’s heart through to modern apartments near the beach in Glenelg. All budgets are catered for and you’ll find public transport in Adelaide makes everything easy to get to. If travelling in peak times, such as during March’s festival season, make sure to book in advance.

Things to do

There’s so much to explore and endless things to do in Adelaide. From upbeat shopping precincts to an exciting art scene, the city easily plays host to weekend getaways, extended holidays, and everything in between. Deciding exactly what to see in Adelaide, from the extensive list of options, is the only hard part of planning a trip to this vibrant city!

Getting Around

With buses, trains, trams and taxis available, Adelaide transport is plentiful. The city’s public transport is affordable and easy to use with some free transport options available in the city centre. Most transport services interconnect, making it simple to explore some regions by tram and others by train. You can also jump on a free hire bike to explore the city on two wheels, or sit back in a pedicab and let someone else do the peddling. Explore Adelaide’s pedestrian-friendly design on foot if you prefer walking, or hire a car if you plan to head beyond the city.  

Where to eat

Choosing where to eat in Adelaide is no easy task! The restaurant scene has never been more exciting, with alfresco dining areas and cafes popping up all over the city. From takeaway to tapas, there’s plenty to sample. Check out a trendy cafe for food that looks as good as it tastes, or be tempted by the dishes of gourmet chefs. Traditional restaurants and modern eateries are spread throughout different restaurant precincts, ensuring your tummy will be satisfied no matter when or where hunger strikes. Whether you’re seeking out the best coffee in Adelaide, fresh food markets or...

Shopping

While the city is steeped in history, the modern sophistication of Adelaide’s shopping scene is sure to please you. Rundle Street Mall, home to more than 700 retailers, is the destination for fashion, beauty, homewares, and more. While wandering through the pedestrian mall, the city’s personality shines through in the eclectic mix of sculptures. Stop by the Mall’s Balls, Rundle Mall Pigs, or one of the newer additions, The Rundle Lantern. Venture out to experience Adelaide shopping precincts around the city, offering plenty of options in retail, food, and much more. Choosing what to buy in...

Best time to travel

The weather in Adelaide does vary, with some hot weather in summer and cool winters. There’s something special to experience any time of year, so the best time to travel to Adelaide depends on your agenda. February and March is busy in the city, with arts and sporting festivals bringing many visitors. Autumn and early winter is a beautiful time to enjoy a meal by an open fire, something many restaurants and wineries offer. However, rainfall in Adelaide is highest during the cooler months with June averaging the most rainfall, so be prepared by packing for all conditions.

Parks

The sheer number of Adelaide parks means you may not have time to see them all. It’s worthwhile adding a few to your sightseeing list though! While Adelaide may be known as the city of churches, the stunning park lands spread throughout the city offer a quiet spot to people-watch, to wander and admire, or to simply unwind for a few minutes. Adelaide’s green belt features 29 individual parks that surround the inner city. Each park has its own personality with monuments, garden beds, and picnic areas spread throughout. Take some time to find one you love.