Wondering what to do in Adelaide? The city is bursting with culture, flavours, events and entertainment.
We’ve done the hard work for you and picked out 21 must-do things in the city – whether you’ve lived here all your life or are only passing through. Start working your way through this ultimate Adelaide bucket list…
1. Brave the Adelaide Oval Roof Climb
Climb over Adelaide Oval’s iconic roofline after dark, and celebrate the views with an Espresso Martini in the RoofClimb Centre.
2. See a movie at Moonlight Cinema
You’ve got to check out Moonlight Cinema at Botanic Park where you can kick back with a drink, catch up with friends and enjoy films under the stars in a scenic park.
3. Go fig picking at Glen Ewin Estate…
Fill your basket with fresh figs then head to the Fig Bar for a chilled wine and have your figs served up with a selection of local Adelaide Hills cheeses.
4… Or strawberry picking in Beerenberg
Head to Beerenberg Farm in Hahndorf from November to April for an adventure in the strawberry patch. Pick to your heart’s content and pay $10.95 per kilogram for the bounty you harvest.
5. Spend a morning browsing a food market
Take your pick from Adelaide Central Market, Chinatown, or the Adelaide Farmers Market to stock up on local produce and discover new food and drink.
6. Have a wine and cheese picnic in Kuitpo Forest
It may be 45 minutes outside of Adelaide, but this forest reserve is the perfect spot to have a shaded picnic during the summer. You can even make use of the BBQs here.
7. Drink your way around the West End laneways
Adelaide has fantastic small bars; you’ll find some of its coolest spots in basements, behind secret doors and down unmarked alleyways. Check out Pink Moon Saloon, Peel St, Clever Little Tailor, Rigoni’s Bistro, Hains and Co, Thrift Shop, Udaberri and Mayfair Rooftop Bar.
8. Hike Morialta Falls
Head out of the city and hike the walking routes that pass by these three waterfalls along Fourth Creek.To see the falls at their best, visit the park during spring or winter when the water flow is strongest.
9. Let it all hang out at Maslin Beach
Australia’s first-ever official nude beach is actually a beautifully white sandy stretch that should be on every local’s bucket list in Adelaide. Go on – go free by the sea for a day.
10. Pop by Elder Park for the annual Christmas carols
South Australia’s largest Christmas concert is a heartwarming buzz of candlelight, all your favourite holiday songs and the excuse to wear a Santa hat.
11. Soak up alllll the culture at North Terrace
Stroll along North Terrace – there’s heaps to experience on this cultural boulevard. Top picks include the South Australian Museum, State Library of South Australia, Art Gallery of South Australia and Parliament House.
12. Eat a baked potato at the Royal Adelaide Show
Because for some reason it just tastes way better at the city’s funnest family event.
13. Sip on a rooftop cocktail at 2KW
If you’re looking for a benchmark bar in this town you’ve found – it eight floors above the ground you can sip on boutique cocktails and look out at the sun setting on Adelaide’s skyline.
14. Take a photo with the Mall’s Balls
This famous sculpture in Rundle Mall is a classic Adelaide photo op. Get up close and creative. If all else fails, they’re a handy meeting point.
15. Float down the river on a BBQ Buoy
BBQ Buoys will let your dreams of boozing and barbecuing down a river come true. The floating donut seats up to 10 people around a table, with beverage bowl or barbecue grill floating along the Adelaide Riverbank.
16. Swim with dolphins off Glenelg Beach
Glenelg is known for its stunning beach and the dolphin inhabitants of Holdfast bay. Take a short boat tour into the bay and you can choose from swimming with or watching the dolphins at play.
17. Have the time of your life at Mad March
Adelaide’s annual festival season, known as Mad March, is the time to embrace all the amazing performances and events taking place in venues across the city. From $5 Fringe Festival shows to wild car races, you’ve got to just dive in.
18. Chow down on dumplings in Chinatown
Get your dumpling fix in Adelaide’s Chinatown on a self-guided dumpling trail. Hit up Dumpling King, Ying Chow and Ding Hao for the most droolworthy dumplings.
19. Check out a gig at the Thebby
The ‘Thebby’ (officially known as Thebarton Theatre) is an iconic Adelaide live-music venue with 1920s vibes and an intimate atmosphere, making it perfect for gigs.
20. Make a Christmassy visit to The Lights of Lobethal
If you want to really get into the festive spirit (and we know you do) then make your way to the town of Lobethal for their annual Christmas lights competition. All the houses and businesses get involved to make the town super colourful.
21. Drive through the Adelaide Hills for a DIY wine tour
A beautifully scenic drive (unfortunately no vino for the designated driver!) through Adelaide Hills, stopping off at vineyards along the way, is a must. Check out Adelaide Hills Winter Reds Cellar Door Weekend.
