Explore Adelaide CBD like a local: Our Go-to Cafes, Shops, and Local Favourites

Credit: Photo by James R

 

When you land in Adelaide, it’s tempting to tick off the usual suspects: Rundle Mall, the Botanic Gardens, maybe even a cheeky wine trip out to the Barossa. Look a little closer and you’ll find the CBD is packed with local favourites and secret spots that rarely make it onto the tourist trail.
From quirky coffee haunts to secret speakeasies, here’s how to experience the city like a local, by a local. Think of this guide as the inside word with recommendations that will give you serious bragging rights when you return home. 
Ready? Let’s explore Adelaide CBD like you actually live here.
 

 

But First, Coffee (And A Quick Bite to Eat)

 

Adelaide takes its coffee culture seriously, and the CBD is dotted with specialty spots worth hunting down. Forget the international chains: this is where locals fuel up.

 

Exchange Coffee

Credit: @exchange.coffee

 

Adelaide’s East End is dotted with cool cafés and indie retailers, and Exchange Specialty Coffee is a true standout. Ranked in the 2025 Top 100 Coffee Shops globally, it’s been leading the charge in the city’s specialty coffee scene since 2013.  

Open every day, it’s the perfect spot for a mid-arvo pick-me-up — or you can take the experience home with a bag of their expertly roasted beans.

 

Bonobo Espresso

Where do locals grab coffee near Currie Street? Right here of course. More of a grab-and-go, Bonobo keeps things simple but seriously good. Specialty espresso is the focus, backed up with made-to-order light breakfast and lunch options. 

Expect organic chai, natural hot chocolate, and plenty of vegan-friendly sweet and savoury choices, all served with a laid-back, local vibe.

 

Peter Rabbit

On Hindley Street’s quieter end, Peter Rabbit is a leafy escape in the middle of the city. The garden-style setting makes it feel like a little pocket of calm, perfect for a long brunch or a lazy coffee. 

Their all-day menu leans fresh and seasonal, with plenty of options for different diets — all paired with specialty coffee done right.

 

Maison Clement

In the heart of Adelaide’s CBD, Maison Clement is a French bistro that brings a touch of Parisian soul to every cup. 

Think rich, velvety espresso, buttery pastries straight from the oven, and that effortless French flair that makes even a quick coffee feel indulgent.

 

Looking for Hidden Gems? Here’s Where to Shop Bookshops, Makers & Vintage in Adelaide CBD

 

Adelaide’s CBD is full of indie gems where creativity and character shine. From long-loved bookshops to vintage racks and locally made treasures, these spots show exactly what to do in Adelaide CBD for adults who want something beyond the ordinary. 

 

Have You Met Charlie?

If you haven’t, you should. This Regent Arcade gem is like a curated treasure chest for indie design lovers. Expect handmade jewellery, quirky ceramics, bold prints and gifts you actually want to take home. Everything here is made by South Australian creatives, so it’s as local as it gets.

 

Imprints & Orchard Bookshops

Two bookstores, two totally different moods: and both worth lingering in. Imprints on Hindley Street is a long-time favourite, with shelves stacked high in a cosy, old-school way. Orchard, hidden in Adelaide Arcade, includes handpicked titles and curiosities that make it easy to lose track of time.

 

Mist Jewellery

Minimalist but never boring, Mist Jewellery is all about pieces that feel modern, thoughtful, and wearable every day. Think delicate rings, sleek necklaces, and designs that quietly elevate an outfit without screaming for attention. Perfect if you want a souvenir that feels personal rather than touristy.

 

Bearded Dragon Gallery

Credit: IG @beardeddragongallery

 

Step inside and it’s like walking into Adelaide’s creative attic. Bearded Dragon Gallery is packed with handmade art, quirky crafts, and one-off pieces from local makers. It’s the kind of place you can wander through for ages and always find something unexpected to take home.

 

Chaos Bazaar Vintage

If hunting for vintage is your thing, Bazaar Vintage is a goldmine. Racks are packed with bold prints, denim, and retro finds that feel one-of-a-kind. It’s less about fast fashion, more about finding something you’ll brag about for years.

Keep in mind that Chaos Bazaar Vintage is only open Saturdays, so keep the morning free to explore everything vintage here.

 

Shin Tokyo & Mad Zombie Collectables

For pop-culture fans, Adelaide CBD has not one but two treasure troves: Shin Tokyo and Mad Zombie Collectables. Think action figures, Funko Pops, posters, and memorabilia from franchises you didn’t even know still existed.

Buyer beware: It’s the kind of shop you walk into “just to look” and walk out with an armful of nostalgia.

 

Raw Space

Part gallery, part creative playground, Raw Space is always shifting. One week it’s hosting a photography exhibition, the next a pop-up market. It’s where Adelaide’s creative scene shows off its newest, quirkiest ideas, so no two visits are ever the same.

 

Adelaide After Dark: Bars Locals Actually Rate

 

When the sun dips, Adelaide’s CBD shifts gears, and the city’s bars start buzzing.  The main strips stay lively and well-patrolled until late, so it’s generally safe to walk around Adelaide CBD at night and between venues. If you’re looking for the best-hidden bars in the CBD, we know where to find them.

 

Maybe Mae

Slip down Peel Street, duck through an unmarked tunnel, and you’ll land in Maybe Mae, Adelaide’s modern take on the speakeasy. Cocktails here are crafted with the kind of precision that’s earned them eight consecutive ‘South Australian Cocktail Bar of the Year’ titles (yes, really!).

 

Fumo Blu

Credit: IG @fumoblu_

 

Fumo Blu is neon-soaked nostalgia: think retro booths, playful cocktails, and a late-night vibe that feels equal parts underground club and 80s fever dream. If you like your drinks colourful and your nights long, this is your spot.

 

Bars for Every Vibe in the CBD

This cluster of bars proves Adelaide CBD has a soundtrack for every kind of night. Want free jukebox rock and roll? Head to Cry Baby. After something stylish but fun? Try Cherry. Looking for bold cocktails in a moody space? Trap and Therapy deliver. 

For something edgier, Velvet Underground and Paradigm lean into eclectic beats and late-night energy. Pick your vibe, pick your playlist: there’s no wrong choice.

 

Switch Off & Play On: Fun Games in the CBD

 

Not fussed about coffee or cocktails?  Here’s what to do in Adelaide CBD when you just want to switch off. Whether that means arcade games and bowling, puzzling your way out of an escape room, or zip-lining through the treetops, the city has plenty of ways to play.

 

Archie Brothers

Part arcade, part bowling alley, part bar: Archie Brothers is pure chaos in the best way. Think neon lights, retro games, and cocktails served alongside cheeky milkshakes. It’s a night out that feels more like a theme park, perfect for couples, groups, or anyone who still believes adults should get to play, too.

 

Escape Rooms

Lock yourself in, think fast, and hope your friendships survive. Adelaide’s escape rooms (like Paradigm or Escaplex) throw you into themed puzzles where you’ve got an hour to crack codes, solve mysteries, and get out. Choose your adventure (spooky, sci-fi, or just plain silly) and prepare for a lot of laughs.

 

TreeClimb

Credit: TreeClimb Adelaide

 

Yes, you can climb trees in the middle of Adelaide. TreeClimb’s CBD course takes you off the ground and into a web of rope bridges, zip-lines, and obstacles suspended in the canopy. It’s part workout, part adventure, and totally unexpected in the heart of the city.

 

Little Secrets That Tourists Usually Miss (But Not You)

 

Skip the obvious: these are the sneaky detours and hidden gems locals actually rave about.

 

Laneways With More Than Meets the Eye

The City of Music Laneway Trail includes murals in places like Gawler Place, Register Street, Twin Street, etc. You’ll find works by artists like Jasmine Crisp, Vans the Omega, Order55, and  Leah Grant.

Walk along Eliza Street, Topham Mall, or Union Street near Rundle Mall and you’ll stumble across colourful murals and tucked-away cafés that feel like little wins waiting to be found.

Pro tip: check Adelaide’s arts listings, especially during Fringe or South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival, when the city turns into one big gallery.

 

Weekend Artisan Markets

Adelaide knows how to do markets, and the CBD has some of the best. The Adelaide Central Market is the city’s classic: buzzing with fresh produce, artisan goods, and food stalls that locals swear by. 

For something more design-focused, the Gathered Design Market at the Torrens Parade Ground brings together local makers and creators with pieces you won’t find mass-produced. 

And if your visit falls on the right Sunday, Gillies at the Grounds transforms the Old Brick Dairy at the Adelaide Showgrounds into a lively hub of pre-loved fashion, homewares, arts, and food, all wrapped up in a laid-back, community vibe.

 

How to Spend a Day in Adelaide City

 

If you’re wondering what to do with 3 days in Adelaide, here’s what we think works perfectly:

 

Day 1: Caffeine, Culture & a Cocktail to Finish

Start your day with a caffeine hit at a CBD favourite like Exchange, then wander through the Orchard Bookshop for a slow browse. From there, hop between boutiques like Bazaar Vintage and Mist Jewellery to find something truly local.

 By the time the afternoon slump hits, slide into Maybe Mae or Cherry for a cocktail that doubles as a reward for all that exploring.

 

Day 2: Swap the Shops for Games & Giggles

Traveling with kids or teens? Swap the boutique hopping for hands-on fun. Try Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq for arcade games and bowling, or lock yourselves into an escape room like Paradigm for an hour of puzzles and teamwork. 

Add in a treat from Central Market and you’ve got a day the whole crew will remember.

 

Day 3: Start Late, Stay Out Later

Sleep in, then grab a late brunch at Peter Rabbit before boutique hopping in the evening, when the city feels a little quieter. Then, instead of calling it a night, finish strong at a speakeasy-style bar like Maybe Mae or go neon at Fumo Blu.

 

Getting Around Adelaide CBD

 

Adelaide’s CBD is compact, flat, and easy to navigate, so exploring feels more like a wander than a workout. Whether you’re chasing coffee, cocktails, or a quick market dash, here’s how to move through the city without stress.

 

Walk Most of It

Adelaide’s CBD was designed as a neat square mile, so most of what you’ll want to see is within a 10–15 minute walk. Comfy shoes will take you from Rundle Mall to the Central Market with no problem. For anything beyond that, rideshare is your best friend.

 

When Public Transport Helps

Public transport can be handy for slightly longer stretches. The free City Connector bus loops around the CBD and North Adelaide, while trams run straight through the city (and the short inner-city section is free). 

If you do need to pay for a bus, train, or tram, just grab a MetroCARD.

 

Handy Spots to Pause

Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga and the Botanic Gardens are perfect shady spots to regroup. Benches line Rundle Mall if you want to people-watch, and for quick toilet stops, shopping centres like Rundle Mall Plaza or the Central Market have clean, easy facilities

 

Where to Stay in Adelaide CBD

 

After a day of coffee runs, boutique hopping, street art detours, and late-night cocktails, the last thing you want is a long trek back to your room. That’s why staying central matters. And in Adelaide, it doesn’t get better than The Chancellor on Currie.

 

Check in, Step Out With the Chancellor on Currie

 

 

When you’re exploring a city, having the right base makes all the difference. In Adelaide, staying in the CBD means you’re in the middle of it all: cafés, bars, boutiques, and laneways right at your doorstep. That’s why spots like The Chancellor on Currie are such a win. 

You can drop your bags, grab a coffee around the corner, and start exploring without missing a beat. From sunrise lattes to late-night speakeasies, everything is just a short stroll away. Step outside and you’re already in the thick of the city’s best food, shopping, and nightlife.

Ready to book your Adelaide stay? The friendly concierge team can provide insider tips on lesser-known spots worth adding to your itinerary. Check in, step out, and get ready to explore Adelaide like you already belong here.