What to do in Adelaide

Activities, attractions and tours

Adelaide Central Business District
Adelaide Central Business District
Glenelg Beach showing a city and a park as well as a large group of people
State Library of South Australia featuring interior views and heritage elements
Rundle Mall showing night scenes and outdoor art

Adelaide Tourist Attractions & Activities

It won’t come as a surprise to anyone who lives there, but Adelaide is on the rise. The South Australian capital has always had spectacular food and wine, an internationally renowned stadium, and tons of top-notch museums, but now the rest of the world is starting to notice. Trendy cafes and cocktails bars are popping up all over. Yes, Adelaide is moving far beyond its “City of Churches” nickname, but that doesn’t mean it’s forgotten its past. A stroll through historic Port Adelaide or North Terrace will remind you of the classic elegance and charm of this big city with a small-town atmosphere. Whether you’re a local already familiar with all the hidden laneways or a visitor wondering what to do in Adelaide, put your plans in the expert hands of Expedia.com.au. You’ll love what you find.

Fun Things to Do in Adelaide

For those who want to start where it all began, make your way to the city’s heart: Victoria Square. Relax on the lawn and enjoy the gardens and fountains, and you’ll feel like a local in no time. A stroll up King William Street will bring you through the never-ending shops of the pedestrianised Rundle Mall, past the bright façade of the beautiful Beehive Corner building, and on to the historic Parliament House. The nearby Trinity Church is the oldest in the city, and if you continue north, you’ll find the impressive, neo-Gothic St. Peter’s Cathedral. This city is supremely walkable, but the easiest way to see all of these top Adelaide attractions is on a sightseeing tour.

If you’ve got an interest in cricket or Australian rules football, you’re in the right place. Catch a game or take a tour of the legendary Adelaide Oval, hearing one-of-a-kind stories of its players and history. Prefer to “wine” the day away? McLaren Vale wine region, famous for its dry reds, is just south of the city. Stop off in the beach neighbourhood of Glenelg to soak up some rays or enjoy outdoor dining in Moseley Square. And for an outdoor adventure unlike any other, take a day trip to Kangaroo Island, where you can befriend not only its namesake marsupials, but wallabies, echidnas, and fur seals.

Don’t wait another minute to start exploring Adelaide. This up-and-coming city in the south has it all—and Expedia.com.au has all the best deals and offers on activities here. Start with the fun stuff, then check out our hotels and airfares, too. We’ve got it all right here.


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Top places to visit

1. Glenelg Beach

The coastal town of Glenelg is a local favourite, ideal for swimming, dining and entertainment. When Europeans first settled in South Australia in 1836, they chose the sandy white shores of Holdfast Bay to build their homes. Almost 180 years later, the town they formed, Glenelg, remains one of the most popular coastal regions in the state.
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Glenelg Beach showing a city and a park as well as a large group of people

2. Adelaide Oval

Come to the Adelaide Oval to watch sporting legends clash on the hallowed turf during a footy or cricket match. Boo or roar with the excited fans during a home game, or just sit back and enjoy the spectacle.
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Adelaide Oval featuring modern architecture

3. Rundle Mall

When a 550-metre stretch of one of Adelaide’s main streets was closed off to cars in 1976, it created more than just a premier shopping precinct. It fused a century of history with contemporary cosmopolitan entertainment, making Rundle Mall the heart of the city.
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Adelaide Central Business District

4. Adelaide Zoo

Adelaide is home to Australia’s only not-for-profit zoo, a leader in modern zoological techniques. The Adelaide Zoo features some 300 species, with a total of 1,800 animals inhabiting over eight hectares ( 20 acres).
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Adelaide Zoo featuring zoo animals and land animals

5. University of Adelaide

Explore the University of Adelaide and its main campus, which contains many of Adelaide’s most beloved historic buildings. Stretching from North Terrace up to the River Torrens, the spacious university grounds are an interesting place to visit for historical landmarks and the buzz of the institution’s research and learning.
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University of Adelaide which includes a church or cathedral, a statue or sculpture and heritage architecture

6. Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach is a large, sandy beach with pretty deep water, making it great for ocean swimming and other summer activities. While usually quieter than Glenelg Beach to the north, there is always something to see and do around Brighton Beach’s old jetty. So, grab your togs and check it out.
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Brighton Beach which includes general coastal views and a sandy beach

7. Adelaide Botanic Gardens

The sprawling Adelaide Botanic Garden flanks the northeast edge of the city. This extensive green space is made up of 48.5 hectares (120 acres) of landscaped parklands, glass houses and scientific research facilities. Founded in 1857, as envisioned by Adelaide’s original planner, Colonel William Light, the garden has a rich history of providing conservation, education and fascination.
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Adelaide Botanic Gardens which includes forests

What to do in Adelaide


Discover the most popular places to visit in Adelaide

Explore areas of Adelaide

Rundle Mall featuring nightlife, night scenes and street scenes

Adelaide Central Business District

4/5(3,920 area reviews)

Adelaide’s inner sanctum is a treasure-trove of heritage buildings, cafés, bars, green spaces and seasonal festivals.

Adelaide Central Business District
Glenelg which includes heritage architecture and a park

Glenelg

Enjoy the delights of the ocean, a pretty coastline, heritage architecture and a fun-filled amusement park at this charming beach resort on the edge of Adelaide.

Glenelg
McLaren Vale featuring farmland

McLaren Vale

Enjoy watersports, visit historical buildings, explore a shipwreck and go on wine-tasting tours in one of South Australia's oldest wine regions.

McLaren Vale
Hahndorf

Hahndorf

Dust off your dirndl and get a little taste of Europe in Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest remaining German settlement.

Hahndorf
Aldinga Beach

Aldinga Beach

Visit a beachside suburb of Adelaide that offers plenty of watersports action, maritime history, countryside exploration and beautiful sea views.

Aldinga Beach
St Peter\'s Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, religious elements and heritage architecture

North Adelaide

North Adelaide is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Adelaide Oval or Carclew Youth Arts Center.

North Adelaide

 

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Day trip destinations from Adelaide

Frequently asked questions

Is Adelaide worth visiting?
Offering a mix of adventure sports and views, there are plenty of things to do in Adelaide. While you're here, visit Glenelg Beach, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Adelaide?
Once you've checked off top attractions like Glenelg Beach and Brighton Beach, spend the rest of your day enjoying the retail and food options in Adelaide.
What is the top tourist attraction in Adelaide?
Glenelg Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Adelaide and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Adelaide?
You can easily tick off top sights like Coopers Brewery, Her Majesty's Theatre and Glenelg North Beach with a three-day break in Adelaide. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a little longer and check out Adelaide Airport.
Is Adelaide a walkable city?
Some leading attractions in Adelaide, like Her Majesty's Theatre and St Francis Xavier Cathedral, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.80 kilometres from the city centre of Adelaide is Adelaide Central Business District and North Adelaide is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Adelaide with kids?
Planning what to do in Adelaide with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're travelling with teenagers or little ones, there are lots of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Adelaide for adults?
Coopers Brewery and Bird in Hand Winery are just a couple of the things to do in Adelaide. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Adelaide?
From visiting parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Adelaide. If you need new ideas, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Glenelg North Beach is a great spot for anyone wishing to save on their travelling adventures.

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