Discover Adelaide: our top 10 picks

On the banks of the River Torrens, and surrounded by hills and ocean, Adelaide is abundant in natural charm and beauty. Many come for the wineries but stay for the vibrant art, the laidback atmosphere, spectacular sporting events and world-class restaurants and bars. 

Adelaide is also one of the few cities in Australia where you’ll find city, riverside, wine country and beach within 15 minutes of one another, meaning there are treasures to discover wherever you look.

Starting 11 November 2025, we’ll be resuming flights to Adelaide as a seasonal service until 27 March 2026. Every week, we’ll fly three direct flights to South Australia’s capital. Whether you’re here for a weekend or for a week, here are some of the best things to do in Adelaide while you’re in town.

1. Admire the lush Adelaide Botanical Garden

As one of four National Park Cities in the world, it’s no surprise that Adelaide is home to a plethora of idyllic parks and gardens. Right in the CBD, the Adelaide Botanical Garden boasts 50 hectares of lush grounds for you to wander around and lose yourself in. 

Peruse the rose, dahlia, succulent, cacti and native plant gardens, and be sure to admire the Amazonian water lilies and prehistoric Wollemi pine trees. There are free daily guided walks, an educational children’s space and an award-winning restaurant, Botanic, to keep you busy and full throughout the day.  

2. Dine at Adelaide Central Market 

Find a dizzying array of artisanal cheeses, meats, baked goods, as well as the freshest seafood, fruit and vegetables at the Adelaide Central Market . This market is the perfect place to uncover the best food South Australia has to offer. There is much to savour: indulge in Portuguese tarts at Saudade , bocadillos at SiSea  and Algerian paella from .

Stop by the beloved institution Lucia’s Pizza and Spaghetti Bar , which has been serving up authentic southern Italian fare at the market since 1957. Don’t miss out on their vongole with local pipis and their 14-layer lasagne, available only on Fridays. 

3. Take an art tour at Adelaide’s museums and galleries  

Explore Adelaide’s thriving art scene on foot, starting at North Terrace and heading west. Your first stop is the stately Art Gallery of South Australia , where you’ll find an impressive permanent collection as well as more contemporary works. The South Australian Museum  next door houses the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal art and cultural artefacts. 

Head down North Terrace to the Museum of Discovery , a mind-bending museum where science, art and technology converge. Across the road, you’ll find the Adelaide Contemporary Experimental and craft and design hub JamFactory . 

4. Soak in the views from the rooftop of Adelaide Oval

RoofClimb is an incredible and unique way to see Adelaide from new heights – 50 metres up, to be exact. Offering an unparalleled, 360-degree view of Adelaide’s parklands, foothills, coast and skyline from the rooftop of the Adelaide Oval, RoofClimb can be done during the day, twilight or at night.

AFL fans can also opt to do RoofClimb during a match, where you’ll be watching a full quarter from rooftop seats! For those who prefer to explore the historic grounds on foot, Cathay Pacific’s Cathay members can book a behind-the-scenes tour of the Oval . 

5. Wine and dine through Peel and Leigh Street 

No matter where you go in Adelaide, you can expect a stellar selection of restaurants and bars. That being said, you’ll find many on Peel Street and Leigh Street in the heart of West End. Begin your evening at Leigh Street Wine Room , a moody natural wine bar with a high, arched ceiling and a wall of wine. The menu is short, but always delicious; and if you ever see the chocolate pistachio tart on the menu, order two.

Head a few doors down until you see a timber A-frame and you’ll find one of Adelaide’s best bars, Pink Moon Saloon . Also not to be missed are the Spanish food at Udaberri  and modern Australian fare at Peel St . 

6. Cruise the River Torrens  

Running through the city centre, the 85km River Torrens offers beautiful views of the city and its parklands. Book a river cruise to take in the scenery and learn about Adelaide’s unique history. The Popeye  runs daily cruises, including a unique high tea experience that takes you from The Elder Park Landing along the Adelaide Riverbank, and also offers activities like paddle boating. 

7. Attend Illuminate Adelaide festival  

Adelaide is famous for its annual lineup of festivals which keep the city busy and have earned South Australia the nickname “the Festival State”. In July, look forward to Illuminate Adelaide , which invites homegrown and international artists to create a thrilling programme of events centred around music, technology and art. Expect immersive digital exhibitions, experiences and installations to light up iconic locations around town, such as the Adelaide Zoo and Botanic Garden.  

8. Explore Adelaide’s wine regions

When it comes to wine tasting in Adelaide, you’re spoiled for choice: the Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley are all within an hour’s drive of the city centre. A quick drive will take you to Penfolds Magill Estate , and if you’re in search of a fine dining experience, look to Magill Estate Restaurant . 

At the Hills, Nepenthe  boasts a sleek cellar door, and Bird In Hand’s  terrace and gardens are perfect for a lazy afternoon of tastings. McLaren Vale’s d’Arenberg Cube  is hard to miss – it offers food, wine and art experiences within its five-storey building. 

9. Chill at Henley Beach  

Only 15 minutes from the city lies a slice of paradise. Henley Beach is a lively beachfront suburb with a scenic esplanade and historic jetty. At popular dining and nightlife area Henley Square, you’ll find an array of cafés, restaurants and bars. Grab a seat at Henley House Rooftop Bar  to see the sun set over the horizon with a cocktail in hand, before heading to Estia,  a much-lauded Greek restaurant that has been operating for over 30 years. After dinner, head to Bottega Gelateria  for handcrafted traditional Italian gelato made with local ingredients. 

10. Grab beers at Pirate Life Brewery, Port Adelaide  

While South Australia is well-known for its wine, a successful slew of brewers has put South Aussie beer on the map. One is Pirate Life , which operates a massive brewery and entertainment space in a set of historic woolstore buildings in Port Adelaide.

The brewery is child- and dog-friendly and offers 24 beers on tap alongside hearty pub fare. Work your way through the beer menu, take a brewery tour, play a game of shuffleboard, listen to live music or even get a haircut at the Pirate Life Parlour – there’s truly something for everyone here.

This article was originally published in August 2023 and updated in June 2025.