10 Fun Things To Do in Adelaide

Adelaide, South Australia’s capital, is a vibrant city perfect for exploration. The territory was traditionally owned by the Kaurna people, then occupied by early European colonists (who became its permanent settlers) in 1836. Several waves of immigrants followed, who added to the city’s cosmopolitan population of about 1.3 million people.

The city’s white sand beaches, charming hills, cultural spots, and huge variety of gourmet foods and wines come as a surprise to many first-time visitors. Staying here for more than two days? Here are the 10 best things to do in Adelaide.

Breakfast at the Central Market
Start off your morning with a traditional Australian breakfast at any of the 80 stalls in the Adelaide Central Market. This market has been serving the growing appetite of Adelaidians for gourmet fare and culinary delights since 1869. Travelers voted this market as a top tourist attraction in South Australia in 2016. The market recently won a bronze award of excellence from South Australian Tourism. Be sure to check the market’s website for upcoming events (and sales!) before you visit.

Take a city walking tour
Burn off some calories after having a big breakfast at the Central Market by taking a walking tour around the city’s accessible sights and attractions. As you roam around the city randomly or armed with a map, you will likely stumble upon public artwork, like murals and sculptures. Along the way are unique art galleries and museums, such as Art Gallery of South Australia, National Railway Museum, and Museum of Classical Archaeology where you can easily spend a full day admiring rare exhibits and masterpieces.

Enjoy Australia’s best-known wine behind the cellar doors
First learn about the art and science of wine-making at the National Wine Center of Australia, then head off to the cellar doors of Penfolds Magill Estate Winery to sip some wine paired with the right dish. They will happily teach you some tricks. It’s only a matter of time before you turn into a pro at combining food and drinks. Pop into the gourmet restaurant in the area to ensure that your drinks are tailor-made to your food.

Mingle with locals and tourists in Adelaide’s pubs and bars
You didn’t come all the way to Adelaide only to miss its vibrant nightlife scene. Unwind by sipping premium vodkas and local wines in a sensational, modern venue where Adelaidians and travelers socialize. If you’re overwhelmed by a huge range of options, try any of these: Apothecary 1878, Grace the Establishment, or Casablabla.

Delve into crafts, design, and sports
To get to know more about promising and famous local talents, visit either The Bradman Collection or the Jam Factory Craft & Design Centre. Let your interests guide you. Cricket fans should head off to the Adelaide Oval, and find out more about the Cricket star, Bradman, who donated some of his memorabilia to the State Library. Meanwhile, arts, crafts, and design enthusiasts can’t leave the city without stopping by Jam Factory Craft & Design Centre for heaps of inspiration. The best part? You can take home a piece of their outstanding crafts from their store.

Indulge your chocolate cravings
Staying in the city center and craving some delightful sweets? Satisfy your chocolate cravings on a quick trip to the 150-square-meter Haigh’s Chocolate Visitors Centre, Australia’s biggest chocolate factory. Kick off with a free 20-minute tour around the factory, a journey that is sure to tempt you into sampling lots of chocolate bars and buying some to bring home. Remember to express any dietary restrictions you have to get recommendations suitable to your needs.

Explore Adelaide’s seaside charm, sunset, and sundowners
Do as the locals do on a long weekend, and hop on a tram to Glenelg for an awesome beach night out. Weekends are the best time to hit the beach-side bars and pubs in this famous Adelaide suburb. The Grand Bar, the Pier Bar, and pubs inside beach hotels are open until late at night. Sipping local wines or downing special beers is nothing short of amazing when you’re overlooking the sea and mingling with locals and tourists relaxing just like you.Now that’s the picture of a perfect vacation.

Head up to the hills
Nature trails, wildlife parks, and stunning views! You can find all three if you know where to go. Head to the Adelaide hills, a 30-minute drive from the city center. Visiting in the summer? Or simply seeking for a break from the scorching heat? Soak in the cool air up in the hills, and have a delicious breakfast at Mt. Lofty Summit before the trek. A good map, sensible shoes, and even a hired guide can be a huge help during your exploration of Adelaide’s famous peaks.

Dip your toes in Adelaide’s entertainment hubs
Check Adelaide Review for events and programs that are worth watching. Ballet, concerts, opera…you name it and odds are this underrated city has it. Many visitors are drawn to the city’s performing arts centers, namely Adelaide Festival Centre and Her Majesty’s Theater. Rest your tired feet by watching mind-expanding and stimulating musicals, dance shows, and plays. What a fine way of calling it a day.

Soak up some culture and history at South Australian Museum
Before you leave Adelaide, spend some time exploring the extensive exhibition and collection inside the South Australian Museum. Deepen your understanding of Aboriginal history, humanities, biological sciences, palaeontology, and mineral sciences by checking out the most important items among four million objects stored inside this museum. Don’t worry if you can’t see every single gem stored in this museum; use that as inspiration to come back to Adelaide.

If you are able to check all these exciting to-do’s during your Adelaide trip, congratulations! But remember that you’ve barely scratched the surface, and there’s always more fascinating things happening in South Australia’s humble yet high-achieving city. Been here before? Share your travel experience in the comments below.