The best places to shop in Adelaide, Australia

Adelaide may not be on the same scale as Sydney and Melbourne, but that’s half of its charm. The so-called City of Churches is low-key and quaint by comparison, with a city centre that’s easy to crisscross on foot or via public transport. For all its humble airs, though, Adelaide is also home to some of the biggest shopping destinations in the country. 

So whether you’re making a beeline for top fashion brands or chasing more bespoke vintage finds, you’ll find a great variety of shopping options in this coastal city, which sits enticingly close to world-class wine producers and stunning natural landscapes. producers and stunning natural landscapes. 

1. Rundle Mall

Open since the mid-1970s, Rundle Mall is still the largest outdoor mall in the Southern Hemisphere, and the busiest shopping precinct in Australia. That’s no surprise, considering that this multi-block destination showcases more than 1,000 businesses – from classic department stores to trendy boutiques. The space itself is a drawcard, complete with ornate arcades, secluded lanes and public art. 

Iconic shoe brands like Nike, Vans and Dr Martens all have flagship stores here, as does H&M. Fashion and beauty shopping is especially well represented – local slow-fashion label Addison Ash is a must-visit in Regent Arcade. And with around 150 restaurants and bars on offer, there’s plenty to stick around for once your bags are full.

2. Harbour Town

Sitting neatly between West Beach and Adelaide Airport, Harbour Town is home to more than 110 premium outlet stores. You’ll find a generous selection of international brands, from Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein to Guess and Polo, plus Australian institutions including RM Williams, Sheike, Witchery, Gorman, Ugg, Gazman and Seed Heritage.  

There’s a strong focus on sporting and shoe brands, thanks to the presence of Asics, Puma, New Balance, Converse, Skechers and many more. With its sheer range of brands and perennially discounted prices, Harbour Town offers the ideal cross section of thrifty and chic. Keep an eye out for special deals and kid-friendly activities during school holidays, along with activations throughout the year.during school holidays, along with activations throughout the year.

3. Adelaide Central Market

Fresh food flourishes at Adelaide Central Market, which dates back to 1869. Today, it stands near Victoria Square right in the middle of the CBD, where more than 70 stalls invite you to taste the very finest seasonal South Australian produce. Beyond the delicious cheese, seafood, meat, baked goods and fruit and vegetables, you’ll find speciality food stores as well as popular eateries offering everything from pizza to sushi.  

If it feels slightly overwhelming, celebrity foodies Adam Liaw and Katie Spain host a free audio tour of the market, balancing playful history with can’t-miss products and insider intel. You can also download a comprehensive map, complete with a handy index of vendors.

4. Elle & Elka

Evelyn Kakkoufas and Leeann Anderson opened Elle & Elka a decade ago, drawing on their shared experience working as stylists for designer labels. Together they co-founded this savvy boutique in College Park, just outside the centre of Adelaide. Elle & Elka stocks high-end brands from around the world, including many local labels hand selected by the pair. Look out for MA Dainty, Adorne, Kinney and Zoe Kratzmann, just for starters.

It’s not only clothing; footwear, eyewear, jewellery and bags are also on offer. While the shop may be closed on Sundays and Mondays, the end of each work week means “Champagne Fridays” for customers. Little touches like that have helped keep this business in locals’ hearts, even as its name continues to gain recognition further afield.   

5. East End

Ten minutes’ walk from Rundle Mall is East End , a compact neighbourhood where arts and culture thrive alongside dining and drinking. There’s plenty of shopping to be done too, starting with fashion boutiques like The Style Capsule and Mr Choon, plus Australian brands like Calibre, Leonard St and Naomi Murrell.  

Music lovers will enjoy digging through indie havens Streetlight and Clarity Records, while devotees of vintage fashion and wares can spend hours browsing at The Retro Room, Pound Puppy Vintage and Midwest Trader, among others. As a fun side quest, visitors can also hit the East End Art Trail and track down 16 unique illustrations, each with a great story behind it.

6. Adelaide Hills 

Around 30 minutes’ drive from the city centre lies Adelaide Hills , a bucolic constellation of around two dozen villages and small towns at the gateway to wine country. Shoppers can track down antiques in Meadows and Woodside, or homewares in Stirling, Balhannah and Oakbank.  

The must-visit destination might be Hahndorf, Australia's oldest surviving German settlement; stroll over to the leathersmith and candlemaker on the main street for an old-world touch. There are also plenty of art galleries, wineries, breweries, country pubs and cosy accommodation – plus an abundance of mouth-watering produce – so don’t be in any hurry to rush through this region.