Explore Adelaide’s Must-Visit Attractions for an Unforgettable Stay
Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission
Welcome to Adelaide, a city where charming heritage meets modern vibrancy, and every corner invites you to explore. Adelaide offers a rich blend of culture, history, cuisine and outdoor adventure, making it one of the most engaging cities on Australia’s southern coast.
From world‑class institutions and free attractions to off‑the‑beaten‑track experiences, there is no shortage of memorable places to visit in Adelaide.
What Makes Adelaide a Top Travel Destination?
Adelaide regularly appears on lists of the world’s most liveable cities, thanks to its efficient transport, friendly atmosphere and high quality of life. With its Mediterranean climate, friendly locals, and an ever‑evolving culinary scene, Adelaide consistently ranks among the most liveable cities, and once you explore, you’ll see why.
Beyond these accolades, several factors set it above more internationally known Australian cities like Melbourne and Sydney.
Compact City Layout
The main cultural precinct along North Terrace, the lakeside festival zones, and the restaurant-lined East End are all within easy walking distance. You won’t waste time commuting, which means more time enjoying the city.
Incredible Festival Calendar
Adelaide Fringe, WOMADelaide, the Adelaide Festival and many more events bring international artists and performers year‑round. Whether you’re into theatre, music or visual arts, there’s always something happening.
World-Class Gourmet Scene
Adelaide’s proximity to the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills delivers an abundance of fresh, local produce. You’ll find acclaimed wineries, boutique breweries and farm‑to‑table restaurants across the city.
Surprising Affordability and Value
Compared to other Australian capitals, Adelaide's accommodations, dining, and activities offer excellent value, allowing you to pack more experiences into your stay.
Credit: Carl Vester, Artist Rio 40°, South Australian Tourism Commission
Best Free Attractions in Adelaide
Living up to its affordable stature, Adelaide is filled with free attractions and things to do, ensuring that fun doesn’t cost a fortune.
Art Gallery of South Australia (Mod.)
Entry to the permanent galleries at the Mod. is free. You can admire Indigenous masterpieces, European Old Masters and cutting-edge contemporary installations without spending a cent. The gallery’s rotating exhibits often feature local artists and community collaborations.
State Library of South Australia
The State Library of South Australia on North Terrace provides complimentary access to special collections, digital archives and exhibition spaces. Its sleek, modern wings house local history rooms, digital archives, and free exhibitions that showcase everything from indigenous heritage to contemporary art.
Explore historical photographs of early settlement, displays on modern South Australian literature, and more. The State Library of South Australia truly is a treasure trove for curious minds.
Adelaide Botanic Garden
Adelaide Botanic Garden sits at the heart of the city and provides a perfect, no‑cost oasis. Wander through themed gardens, marvel at the Bicentennial Conservatory’s tropical haven, or simply find a shaded bench beneath ancient Moreton Bay figs.
Due to the blissful Mediterranean climate the city boasts, the Adelaide Botanic Garden is a wonderful space to picnic and peruse almost every day of the year.
Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission
Must-See Landmarks in Adelaide
Adelaide unfolds as you explore its museums, galleries, festivals, and more - it's what makes this city truly unique compared to other Australian destinations.
Add the following places to visit to your next Adelaide itinerary.
Festival Centre
The Adelaide Festival Centre is a performing‑arts venue and architectural landmark that shaped Adelaide’s reputation as Australia’s festival city.
Here in the Festival Centre, you can catch a ballet, a classical concert or a stand‑up show in one of its five theatres. Timetable release aligns with major festivals, but there are performances all year. Find what’s on for your next Adelaide trip.
Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission
Adelaide Oval Roof Climb
Designed for all fitness levels, the RoofClimb Adelaide Oval takes you along secured catwalks to the peak of the stadium roof. Expert guides reveal stories of legendary matches and architectural secrets while you gaze out across the city skyline, the parklands and Gulf St Vincent.
South Australian Museum
With free general admission, the South Australian Museum is consistently rated as one of the top free attractions in Adelaide. Across five levels, view the internationally significant Pacific Cultures and Aboriginal South Australian galleries, then explore rotating exhibitions on natural history, biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Popeye River Cruise Adelaide
The Popeye River Cruises have been sightseeing along the River Torrens since the 1930s. A guided Popeye River Cruise Adelaide includes onboard commentary about Adelaide’s founding, the role of the Torrens weirs and both historic and contemporary landmarks.
For those who love a sip of the city while you sail the seas, enjoy a tour paired with local wine, tea, or spirits tasting to truly soak up Adelaide.
Art and Culture Hotspots Worth Checking Out
Adelaide’s museum quarter really highlights how accessible and wonderfully designed the city’s landscape is! Located along the North Terrace, it makes for a day of discovery that’s truly exciting and full of possibilities. Beyond the aforementioned museums, explore these points of interest to gauge a deeper understanding of Adelaide culture and history.
Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission
Migration Museum
Located in an old customs house, the Migration Museum is an interesting view into the history of the city. Through the use of interactive displays and audio stations, the museum gives voice to firsthand accounts of hope, hardship and community that built the city that we now know and love.
National Wine Centre
As one of the world’s most famous wine regions, it’s only fitting that Adelaide has its own centre dedicated to winemaking. A love letter to wine aficionados, the National Wine Centre venue integrates multimedia presentations on soil types, grape varieties and winemaking techniques — essential for any oenophile interested in the region’s world‑renowned vintages.
Shop, Sip & Snack: Markets and Local Delights
Adelaide Central Market
Over 80 stalls make this a foodie’s paradise. One of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest undercover markets, it’s a foodie paradise. Sample artisan cheeses, local fruits, and decadent pastries as you wander colourful stalls.
Look for local specialties such as Coopers beer cheese, seasonal stone fruits and freshly baked sourdough.
Credit: Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission
Haigh’s Chocolates
Stop by the original Haigh’s Chocolate on King William Road for a free tasting of handcrafted delights and a behind‑the‑scenes look at chocolate-making.
Established in 1915, Haigh’s remains family‑owned. The flagship store on King William Road includes a glass‑walled factory where you can observe chocolatiers at work.
Rundle Street & East End
Independent fashion boutiques like Shop Pond, Subtype, and Assembly Label line the precinct. Be sure to peek into the arcades for hidden artisan studios. Rundle Street is the perfect spot to pick up unique souvenirs and artisanal gifts.
Hidden Gems Only Locals Know About
Adelaide Opal Mine Experience
Unlike typical day tours, Unique Opal Mine allows hands‑on fossicking. Under the bustling Rundle Mall, you can sift through discarded rock to find precious opals, guided by experienced miners.
This free attraction in Adelaide is often overlooked, but is sure to surprise and delight any traveller worth their stones.
Credit: Tourism Australia / South Australian Tourism Commission
TreeClimb Adelaide
From mining under Adelaide’s street, take to the skies with the ultimate treetop adventure.
TreeClimb Adelaide is a high ropes course for thrill seekers that weaves through Kurrangga Park in the Adelaide City Park Lands. Here you can challenge yourself with swinging bridges, zip‑lines and an adrenaline jump—suitable for ages eight and up.
Book TreeClimb Adelaide for your next sky-high adventure.
Your Adelaide Adventure Awaits - Book Your Stay Today
Adelaide is a wonderful city that truly rewards those who are curious and adventurous! It beautifully blends cultural landmarks and stunning natural scenery, inviting you to embrace unexpected journeys. What exciting places will your next stay in Adelaide lead you to?
Book your stay at Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide today and begin your Adelaide adventure!