7 Travel Tips For Your First Trip to Adelaide

 

Planning your first adventure to Adelaide? You’re in for a treat. Smaller than Sydney or Melbourne, Adelaide is often overlooked as a travel destination. It's famously misrepresented as a 'sleepy city' without enough to entertain, but this couldn't be further from the truth.

From quick weekend getaways to wider South Australia explorations, a visit to Adelaide will check every box. We've compiled 7 insider travel tips to help you make the most of your Adelaide experience.

 

1. Explore Adelaide’s Must-See Attractions

 

Adelaide Central Market

Why visit the Adelaide Central Market? Open since 1869, this place is the beating heart of the city’s food scene. With over 70 traders under one roof, you’ll find everything from artisan cheeses to freshly baked pastries and stalls piled high with South Australian produce.

Go early to watch local chefs and home cooks stocking up, or stay late and grab a seat at one of the wine bars for an afternoon platter. It’s a must for anyone keen to dive into Adelaide’s culinary culture.

 

Glenelg Beach

Credit: City of Holdfast Bay

 

No Adelaide trip is complete without hopping on the tram and heading to Glenelg Beach. But what's special about Glenelg Beach? What makes it so iconic? 

Just twenty minutes from the city via tram, this breezy seaside suburb is all about classic beach vibes. Enjoy jetty walks, fish and chips, boutique shops and beachside pubs. Sunsets here are pretty spectacular too. 

Glenelg truly comes alive in the warmer months, with Moseley Square and the Glenelg Foreshore Playground buzzing with energy and family-friendly fun. Swim with wild dolphins, go diving and snorkelling, or head out on a fishing charter.

Prefer to take things slow? Explore Glenelg’s fascinating past through local museums, galleries or leisurely self-guided walking tours that wind through this charming seaside suburb.

 

Art Gallery of South Australia

Located on North Terrace in the heart of Adelaide’s cultural precinct, the Art Gallery of South Australia is a must-visit for anyone with a love of creativity and history.

Home to one of Australia’s finest art collections, it features everything from European masterpieces and striking contemporary works to an outstanding display of Indigenous Australian art. 

Wander through elegant galleries filled with sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts, or join a free guided tour to dive deeper into the stories behind the pieces. Just a short stroll from The Chancellor on Currie, it’s an inspiring way to spend a few hours in the city.

 

RoofClimb Adelaide Oval

For a truly unforgettable way to see Adelaide, head to the top of its most iconic landmark. RoofClimb Adelaide Oval lets you step beyond the stands and onto the rooftop of this historic stadium, where you’ll enjoy sweeping 360-degree views stretching from the city’s rolling foothills to its sparkling coastline. 

Guided by expert RoofClimb Leaders, you’ll hear fascinating stories as you traverse the Western Stand and settle into the world’s first rooftop stadium seats perched 50 metres above the famous turf. 

By day, it’s a breathtaking city tour in the open sky; by twilight, you’ll watch Adelaide transform under a canvas of sunset colours. 

It’s an experience that’s equal parts thrill and wonder, capped off with a celebratory drink in the Climb lounge, perfect before exploring the nearby small bar scene just a short stroll across the Riverbank.

Choose from a Day Climb, Twilight Climb or Night Climb. All climbs are suitable for kids 8 years and older, though the nighttime climb is recommended for 18+. 

 

2. Take Time to See Adelaide's Historic Churches

 

Credit: The Adelaide Review

 

Known as the City of Churches, Adelaide lives up to its name with stunning 19th-century cathedrals and churches dotted across the skyline. Close to The Chancellor on Currie, you'll find:

 

3. Taste the City’s Best in Food and Wine

 

Credit: Maison Clement

 

From elegant European bistros to vibrant Thai hotspots, Adelaide is home to an impressive dining scene that’s every bit as diverse as the city itself. And if you’re looking for after-dark bites and entertainment, Adelaide sparkles with bars, clubs and nightlife delights.

 

Maison Clément

Right in the heart of the city, you’ll find Maison Clément, a charming French bistro nestled inside The Chancellor on Currie. This award-winning spot serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner, with the menu paying tribute to classic French flavours. 

There are buttery croissants, hearty boeuf bourguignon, indulgent baked camembert, and confit duck à l’orange. It’s a little slice of Paris just steps from your hotel room.

 

Osteria Oggi

Step into Osteria Oggi and you’ll feel transported straight to an Italian piazza. With a cobblestone floor, archways, and even a private cellar, this CBD favourite is all about authentic Italian dishes made with today’s best local produce. 

Their house-made pasta is a standout, paired perfectly with a thoughtful wine list. Try the smoked kingfish crostino, wood-grilled sirloin, or oven-baked reginette pasta for a true taste of Italy in Adelaide.

 

Herringbone

For something a little more rustic, Herringbone offers seasonal South Australian produce in an elegant yet unpretentious setting. Inside, a bright atrium houses a ceiling-high tree, while outside, relaxed street seating lets you watch the world go by. 

The menu changes with the seasons but can include local Coffin Bay oysters and Spencer Gulf prawns cooked in a number of delicious ways.

 

Part Time Lover

This breezy all-day diner combines a touch of California cool with South Australian heart. Part Time Lover features blonde wood, stone finishes, and a welcoming vibe that makes it easy to linger over breakfast, lunch or dinner. 

From blue swimmer crab scrambled eggs and salt & pepper bug rolls to slow-cooked pork scotch, every dish is primed to be paired with a pour of Riot Wine, a classic cocktail, or a Five Senses coffee if popping in for breakfast.

 

Golden Boy

For contemporary Thai dining at its best, head to Golden Boy in Adelaide’s iconic East End.

This lively restaurant is beloved for its fresh, flavour-packed take on Thai cuisine—pork shoulder pancakes, banana blossom salad with coconut poached chicken, and silken tofu in green curry are just a few highlights. 

Looking for something more intimate? Slip downstairs to the neon-lit Cellar Bar for cocktails and small plates in a plush booth, and soak up the warm, buzzing atmosphere.

 

4. Sip on Adelaide’s Renowned Coffee

 

Credit: Exchange Coffee

 

Adelaide has a serious café culture, so expect your morning flat white to be nothing short of excellent. Wondering where to find the best coffee in the city?

Within walking distance of The Chancellor Currie, you'll stumble across some of Adelaide’s best cafés serving up incredible coffee and delicious breakfast, brunch and lunch.

 

Elementary Coffee

Take a seat opposite the rustic brick feature wall of Elementary Coffee and enjoy the cosy hospitality of these nationwide small-batch specialty coffee roasters. Pair your expertly brewed coffee with a flaky pastry or crusty toasted sandwich.

 

Coffee Branch

Urban chic and ultra cool, Coffee Branch breathes new life into the classic hole-in-the-wall espresso bar. It’s been an Adelaide city staple for nearly 15 years, and there’s a reason locals flock here every morning. Perfect for takeaways or quick sit-down starters.

 

Please Say Please

Unassuming from the outside, Please Say Please is another local favourite for Adelaide city dwellers. Take a seat inside or people-watch from the sidewalk tables as you sip a coffee and munch on a fresh toastie.

 

Exchange Coffee

The epitome of trendy Adelaide luxury, Exchange Coffee boasts a wide variety of sustainably sourced specialty coffee and a moreish breakfast and lunch menu. The Fermented Chilli Scramble and Buttermilk Fried Chicken are our favourites!

 

5. Make the Most of Day Trips From Adelaide

 

Adelaide is your launch pad to some of South Australia’s most spectacular landscapes and flavours.

Part of what makes the city so unique is its close proximity to renowned Australian wineries and hinterland areas—stay in the city and be at most of these iconic destinations in an hour or less.

 

Credit: Barossa Australia

 

Barossa Valley & McLaren Vale

Famous for their bold reds, boutique wineries and paddock-to-plate dining, both of these world-famous regions are a must for any wine or food lover.

Enjoy cellar door tastings set among rolling vineyards in the Barossa Valley, or long farmhouse lunches and charming local markets bursting with regional produce in McLaren Vale.

 

Adelaide Hills & Hahndorf

Just a short drive from the city, the Adelaide Hills feel a world away with quaint villages, orchard cafés and cool-climate cellar doors.

Visit historic Hahndorf for artisan treats and German heritage, then wind through scenic backroads dotted with farm gates and beautiful autumn leaves.

It’s the perfect region for slow lunches and even slower afternoon drives.

 

Kangaroo Island

A little further out and best suited to a multi-day escape, Kangaroo Island is a wild paradise of rugged coastlines, pristine beaches and thriving wildlife.

Meet sea lions on secluded shores, sample honey and gin straight from local producers, and be awed by striking natural landmarks like Remarkable Rocks.

It’s a true taste of untamed Australia, right on Adelaide’s doorstep.

 

Victor Harbor

A charming seaside town just over an hour from Adelaide, Victor Harbor invites you to wander along the historic causeway to Granite Island or ride the heritage horse-drawn tram.

In winter, keep your eyes peeled: this coastline is one of the best places in South Australia to spot migrating southern right whales. 

With fresh seafood, breezy cafés and coastal walks, it’s the ultimate relaxed day trip.

Keen to discover more incredible day trips from Adelaide? Check out this blog post.

 

6. Visit During Festival Season (If You Can)

 

March is when the city comes alive with the Adelaide Festival, Adelaide Fringe, and WOMADelaide, drawing performers and visitors from all over the world. 

 

Adelaide Festival

Typically late February to mid-March

 

Recognised as Australia’s premier arts festival, the Adelaide Festival stands proudly alongside global greats like Edinburgh and Avignon, offering a stacked lineup of theatre, opera, dance, music, visual art, and more.

Every year it draws world-class artists and veritable celebrities like Nina Simone, Isabella Rosellini, Philip Glass, the Scottish Opera, Lyon Opera Ballet, Bangarra Dance Theatre and plenty more.

There’s live theatre and dance, music concerts, art installations, workshops, talks…all woven together with Adelaide’s buzzing hospitality scene as local bars and restaurants join the fun.

 

Adelaide Fringe

Typically mid-February to mid-March

 

Happening alongside the Adelaide Festival, Adelaide Fringe is Australia’s biggest arts festival and a true cultural playground. This open-access festival has been lighting up the city for over 60 years, drawing thousands of artists from all over the world. 

Expect everything from pop-up cabarets and street performers to comedy, theatre and wild installations in unexpected places.

 

WOMADelaide

Typically early March

 

To cap off the March Madness season, WOMADelaide (the World of Music Arts & Dance in Adelaide) brings a unique slice of charm and culture to Australia’s festival landscape. 

Since 1992, the four-day event has brought together artists and audiences from over 30 countries, filling the park with incredible performances, thought-provoking talks, cooking demos, and family-friendly fun in the KidZone. 

 

7. Start Your Adelaide Adventure at The Chancellor on Currie

Adelaide has it all: award-winning restaurants, art gallery delights, beautiful beaches and rolling hill wineries just beyond its city borders. It’s packed with cultural gems and natural wonders, and doesn’t demand weeks or months to explore all the best attractions.

In short, Adelaide is all too easy to love. And when you stay at The Chancellor on Currie, you’re right in the heart of it all—close to cultural hotspots, shopping, restaurants and public transport. We’ll make sure your South Australian escape is as comfortable and memorable as it should be.

Book your stay now and see for yourself why Grand Chancellor Hotels are the perfect choice for your next getaway.

 

Adelaide Travel Guide FAQs

What is the 333 rule for travel?

It’s a handy guide: travel no more than 300 km, check into your stay by 3 pm, and stay for at least 3 days. Adelaide fits that perfectly—no rushing needed.

 

Is Adelaide worth visiting?

Absolutely. It’s a blend of culture, coast and countryside you won’t find anywhere else in Australia. The locals are welcoming, the wine is world-class, and you can mix big city experiences with laid-back escapes all in one trip.

 

How many days is enough to visit Adelaide?

If it’s your first time, aim for at least three to four days - giving you time to explore the city, take a day trip to the nearby wine regions, and maybe even dip your toes in the sea at Glenelg.

Even if you're only here for a day or two, though, there's plenty to fill your itinerary without overwhelming it. As a '20-minute city', Adelaide easily caters to shorter trips as everything is so close and easily accessible.

 

Is it easy to get around Adelaide without a car?

Very. Between trams, buses, e-scooters and how walkable the city is, you’ll find it easy and stress-free. But if you're planning on travelling further afield to the Barossa or McLaren Vale for day trips, you'll need to hire a car.

 

When is the ideal time to visit Adelaide?

Any time of year is wonderful to visit Adelaide; it really depends on your vibe and desired itinerary.