Things to do in Adelaide
There are so many things to do in Adelaide, a small but vibrant city.
If you want to experience the best of Adelaide, here is our list:
1. Visit Adelaide Central Market
Food, food, food! A compact but richly diverse market. Try fresh off the boat Eyre Peninsula oysters, or aged blue cheese from the Riverlands. Stop for an organic fair trade coffee, or try Baba Ganoush for lunch. From seafood, vegetables, deli and cafes, despite it’s szie it’s easy to spend hours at this place! Located in the heart of the city, the Adelaide Central Market is easy to get to.
2. Enjoy a wine tasting at The National Wine Centre of Australia
Located walking distance from the city, the National Wine Centre is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. A beautifully designed building using materials and textures that reflect a vineyard. A visit to the ‘Wined Bar’ is essential where you can taste from over 120 wines dispensed from the Enomatic wine system. There are also quality meals served from a seasonal menu so you can linger if desired.
3. Take a Tram to Glenelg Beach
The beaches in Adelaide are very good. The pier at Glenelg give a nice perspective and there are enough cafes and ‘The ol Pub’ to keep you satiated if required. There are perhaps better beaches, but they require driving to. So for a quick and easy visit to the sea on a relaxing tram ride, this is it. Check the Glenelg Tram info before departing.
4. Take a Stroll on the North Terrace ‘Art District’
Lined with historic buildings, a late afternoon walk as the sun is setting is rewarding. Starting from anywhere near Morphett Street, head east on the north side. The walk takes you past the new Adelaide Convention Centre, the Old Adelaide Casino (keep going!), then over King William Rd with a view of St Peter’s Cathedral. The historic buildings of the Migration Museum and the Art Gallery of South Australia are on your left and both are well worth a visit. The Art Gallery has a collection of 40,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, sketches, photographs, textiles and design works from all around the world. Continue for a bit further passing the University of Adelaide sandstone buildings. Almost as a reward, pop into the gorgeous Botanic Bar, housing the popular Thai restaurant Golden Boy.
5. Go Cycling!
Adelaide is a great city for cycling. There are a number of routes you could enjoy. We recommend the River Torrens Linnear Park Trail. This off road path follows the scenic River Torrens from the Adelaide Hills, through the heart of Adelaide out to the city beaches. It’s flat, has lovely scenery throughout and ends in the hip beachside suburb of Henley Beach, perfect for a cool drink, coffee or cafe lunch, or even a swim! From the city, choose to go toward the Adelaide Hills, or east toward the ocean.
There are also a number of rail trails in South Australia. The best and closest to Adelaide in the Shiraz Rail Trail in McLaren Vale. It is a 50 min drive to this so we recommend jumping on a day tour where transport, bikes, lunch and wines are all included. Of course we suggest our own Tour de Vines McLaren Vale day tour!
