From farmers’ markets and leafy parklands to bustling laneways and live music, here’s how to make the most of three days in the city
South Australia’s capital city is proof that good things come in small packages. Adelaide feels intimate yet big enough to hold its own, offering plenty of art, food options and natural beauty. While the nearby wine regions like the Barossa, Clare Valley and McLaren Vale are world-famous, the city itself is worth exploring.
From sweeping hills all the way down to the ocean, Adelaide feels like a microcosm of everything that makes Australia so wonderful, and a weekend here can be both indulgent and refreshingly uncomplicated.
FRIDAY
Morning. Pop into Central Market, the city’s culinary heart, which opens at 7am and where you can easily spend several hours. With over 70 traders under one roof, this vibrant indoor market is a feast for the senses. First order of business? A power breakfast of egg tarts.
Queue up at Saudade Portuguese Custard Tarts, a heritage shop along Grote Street devoted to baking the perfect pastel de nata; take a bite and you’ll see why one tart is never enough.
Spend the better part of the morning filling your basket with weekend picnic supplies: crusty bread and Basque cheesecake from Dough Bakery (stall 45) and a selection of cheeses from Smelly Cheese Co next door.
For brunch, locals swear by the steaming bowls of laksa at Asian Gourmet, while the Market Plaza Food Court offers plenty of options, from dumplings to sizzling plates of black bean beef.
Afternoon. For a dose of art and history, walk a few blocks north of the market to Adelaide’s stately cultural precinct on North Terrace. Begin at the Art Gallery of South Australia. Housed inside a grand sandstone building beside the leafy forecourt of the University of Adelaide, it’s one of the city’s most iconic institutions.
Inside, you’ll find an eclectic collection, from Indigenous carvings and colonial-era paintings to edgy contemporary installations like Chiharu Shiota’s Absence Embodied, a haunting 200km web of red wool, and Evening shadows, backwater of the Murray, South Australia (1880) by HJ Johnstone, the gallery’s first acquisition.
Nearby, you’ll find the State Library’s Mortlock Wing, often counted among the most beautiful libraries in the world. Even if you’re not a bibliophile, the atmosphere (think Hogwarts meets the Downton Abbey estate) is pure magic.
Take a moment to admire some of Adelaide’s historic churches all around you. There’s St Peter’s Cathedral, with its Gothic Revival architecture, and St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, known for its sandstone façade and serene interiors – a nod to Adelaide’s past as the “City of Churches”.
Evening. As dusk settles, Adelaide’s East End comes alive. Rundle Street is aglow with twinkling fairy lights and the warm spill of laughter from curbside tables. Start at one of the small wine bars tucked along Rundle and Vardon Avenue, perhaps Mother Vine or East End Cellars, where candlelight dances on exposed brick walls and bartenders pour South Australian Shiraz by the glass.
Before the night ends, toast the city from 2KW Bar, with sweeping views of the illuminated Adelaide Oval and distant hills. With a glass of wine or mocktail in hand, it’s the perfect end to your first day.
SATURDAY
Morning. Make the most of your morning with a visit to the Mount Lofty Summit, just 20 minutes by car from central Adelaide. Drive east to the trailhead at Waterfall Gully and prepare for a hike that feels like stepping into another world. The trail winds through lush fern gullies and towering eucalyptus trees, with the scent of damp earth lingering in the air.
As you climb steadily upwards, pause to notice the birds flitting through the canopy and to catch glimpses of the city unfurling below. The 4km return hike is steep but rewarding; at the summit, panoramic views stretch from Adelaide’s suburban patchwork all the way to Gulf St Vincent shimmering in the distance. Don’t want to work up a sweat? The summit is accessible by car. The gorgeous Summit Café awaits at the top, a perfect spot for lunch.
Afternoon. Just a short drive from Mount Lofty lies Cleland Wildlife Park, where you can get closer to Australia’s iconic animals than almost anywhere else. Wander through 35 hectares of open bushland and hand-feed kangaroos, wallabies and emus as they roam freely around you. The park is also home to koalas, wombats and rare species like the Tasmanian devil. Hot tip: for an unforgettable experience, book a Koala Close-Up session.
Evening. Explore the city’s West End, starting out at Peel Street, for its hidden bars and stylish eateries. Stay for a drink at Maybe Mae, a subterranean cocktail bar with Art Deco glamour; think plush green booths, dim lighting and an expertly curated drinks list.
Or opt for light bites at Bread & Bone, a loft-style eatery above Peel Street that serves wood-grilled burgers and bar snacks in an industrial-chic space, to set the evening mood. From there, head to Jive, an indie venue with retro décor and a cheerful bar, or The Gov, Adelaide’s premier live music pub where blues, rock and folk spill out onto the street, drawing crowds well into the night.
For a bigger sound, Hindley Street Music Hall brings global touring acts and local legends to its gritty, no-fuss stage. This is Adelaide at its most vibrant: music, laughter and a city with rhythm.
SUNDAY
Morning. Sundays in the city are made for slow starts. Head to the Adelaide Farmers’ Market, a lively open-air market held every Sunday morning at the Adelaide Showground. It’s where local producers showcase the region’s finest, from fresh berries and organic vegetables to handmade pastries.
Pick up something sweet from Jamface, a bustling market stall where MasterChef judge Poh Ling Yeow serves up her signature creations: buttery tarts, glossy cakes and indulgent bakes that disappear fast. Don’t miss her mille-feuille, which is many-layered, decadent and as delicious as it looks on TV.
Afternoon. Depending on the weather, you might want to head down to the picturesque, café-lined streets around Glenelg Beach, about 40 minutes by tram from the central business district. If you’d rather keep it local, take your picnic supplies to the more central Adelaide Botanic Garden.
Unfurl a blanket under the towering Moreton Bay figs, watch as vivid lorikeets and rosellas flit through the branches and enjoy the calm of the Palm House and Amazon Waterlily Pavilion. The garden is one of the city’s green lungs, a lush and peaceful spot ideal for relaxing as the weekend winds down.
Evening. For your final night in Adelaide, treat yourself to the bold, vibrant flavours of Africola, a South African-inspired gem on East Terrace. Helmed by chef Duncan Welgemoed, the restaurant’s eclectic interiors and dynamic menu have drawn global attention, with dishes that are as playful as they are delicious.
Alternatively, savour the authentic tastes of Soi 38 on Pirie Street, where regional Thai cuisine is crafted with sustainably sourced ingredients. Think betel leaf with blue swimmer crab or a fragrant jackfruit and eggplant green curry. Both Africola and Soi 38 are much-loved local favourites, so reservations are recommended to secure your spot.
Where to stay
Adabco Boutique Hotel Adelaide
A Venetian Gothic-style heritage hotel blending old-world charm with modern comfort, perfect for travellers seeking elegance and value in the heart of the city.
Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury
Ideally situated near the city’s food and wine hubs, including Central Market and local wine bars. Cultural hotspots like the Art Gallery, Festival Theatre and Rhino Room are just a short stroll away.
The Playford Adelaide
A luxurious five-star boutique hotel on North Terrace, blending classical style with modern luxury. Its Art Nouveau design is reflected in 182 beautifully appointed guestrooms, studio spa suites and New York-style loft suites.
Where to shop in Adelaide
Adelaide Arcade
A beautiful 19th-century shopping haven filled with independent boutiques and craftspeople.
JamFactory
For beautifully crafted South Australian ceramics, glassware and textiles. Perfect for finding unique, artist-designed souvenirs.
Haigh’s Chocolates
Visit the iconic chocolate factory on Greenhill Road for a taste of South Australia’s finest confectionery. Join a guided tour to learn about the chocolate-making process, sample freshly made treats and pick up beautifully packaged gifts to take home.
