'Adelaide is the best holiday spot in Australia - here's why'
I reckon I've been to Adelaide five or six times in the last few years, and every time I leave, I remember why it's my favourite city in Australia.
When it comes to Aussie cities, Adelaide is pretty much just known as 'the place with good wine'.
But there are so many fun things to do in Adelaide - with friends, with your family, or even on your own. In fact, I think it's the best getaway spot in Australia.
DEAL: Save hundreds on a Queensland holiday with Discovery Parks
Adelaide's bar culture is just as good as (if not better than) Melbourne's. South Australian Tourism Commiss
Though it might not be top of mind when you're planning a weekend away, I'm here to change that.
I get it. Melbourne has the stellar food and dining options, Sydney's beloved for its beaches, and Perth has warm weather.
Adelaide has all that in spades. Plus, the city is small and easy to navigate, hotels are well-priced, and there are about a million great day trips you can take from Adelaide.
Best things to do in Adelaide CBD
If it's your first time to the city, staying in the CBD is a great choice. That way, you can walk around, explore what Adelaide has to offer - and there's a lot.
READ MORE: The unwelcome travel fees costing Aussies thousands on holidays
The Botanic Gardens are a must-see. Dale Chihuly, Glacier Ice and La
Here are some of the best things in the CBD.
Walk around Adelaide's Botanical Garden, a green oasis in the middle of the city that has free entry. Pack a picnic (or pre-order one from Evergreen Deli) and find a sunny patch of grass where you can stretch out and people-watch the day away.
Explore Adelaide Central Market, a maze of stalls selling fresh fruit, veggies, meat, local wines and cheese, chocolate, honey, bread, and more. You can take a guided tour or grab a seat at one of the many eateries inside the market. I recommend Le Souk for North African food or Lucias for great pasta.
Go bar hopping when the sun goes down. The CBD has so many cool bars tucked away down alleyways, or laid-back pubs if that's more your vibe. Leigh St, Peel St and Gilbert Place are great places to start.
There are some great bars and restaurants to uncover. Julian Cebo
Things to do in Adelaide
One of the best things about Adelaide is that it's so small, so everything you'd want to do is never really more than a 20-minute drive away. There aren't many places you can go from sipping wine at a cellar door to eating ice cream at the beach in under half an hour.
Some ideas for your Adelaide getaway if you want to get out of the city:
Catch a tram to Glenelg, then meander out onto the jetty to spot fish and (if you're lucky) dolphins, in the water below. Walk south along the paved path by the beach, soak up the sun, and before you know it, you'll be in Brighton, which is full of cute cafes for lunch. The Seller Door is a local fave.
Glenelg beach has amazingly clear water. South Australian Tourism Commiss
Head into the Adelaide Hills and explore the cute towns. Obviously, there's wine tasting. But you can also go strawberry picking, try local breweries, hike to the summit of Mount Lofty, and have lunch in the charming German village of Hahndorf.
Cleland Wildlife Park, where you can hand-feed wallabies, is a must if you're visiting with international tourists.
Drive to the Morialta Conservation Park where there are plenty of walking trails for all fitness levels - even if you just want to stroll to a lookout. Expect rocky ridges, ancient trees, and gushing waterfalls.
Hahndorf comes alive in autumn. South Australian Tourism Commiss
Best Adelaide restaurants in the CBD
Adelaide has a ton of great spots for foodies. It's impossible to list them all, so here are some gems in the CBD to get you started.
- Africola: A buzzy South African eatery, beloved for their signature crispy chicken tea sandwich
- Fino Vino: Uncomplicated modern food using local ingredients. They have a great wine list.
- Fugazzi: Upscale Italian in a cosy, luxurious setting. Their gnocchi fritto is legendary.
- Golden Boy: Thai fusion and yum cocktails. You'll want to come in a group so you can order as many dishes as possible.
- 2KW: Modern rooftop dining with great views that even the locals love.
- Aurora: Relaxed fine dining with a must-try tasting menu.
- Fasta Pasta: An Italian chain that serves up reliable and well-priced dishes.
Africola is a local fave. Andre Castellucci
What to do in Adelaide in a day
If I only had one day in Adelaide, this is what I'd do.
Start your morning with breakfast and coffee at Peter Rabbit Cafe - their Bloody Marys are also great if you're in the mood.
Walk down to the Adelaide Central Market, and grab some fruit, cheese, and pastries, then head north. You can either go to the Botanic Gardens for a stroll, or find a spot by the river in Adelaide Parklands for a picnic.
Adelaide Central Market is a one-stop-shop for all your picnic needs. South Australian Tourism Commiss
If you like art, pop into the Adelaide Art Gallery which is just nearby; alternatively, you can take a tour of Adelaide Oval.
Jump on a tram and head out to Glenelg. Grab an ice cream, walk along the jetty, then settle in for sunset drinks at The Moseley Beach Club.
Watch the sun go down at Glenelg with a cocktail in hand. South Australian Tourism Commiss
Return to the CBD once the sun is down, then dine at the iconic Africola restaurant.
If you've still got energy, end your day with a nightcap at one of the many chic bars on Leigh Street.
