Best things to do in Adelaide in 2025
Adelaide in South Australia is a sunny city with over 1.4 million residents, surrounded by stunning nature. The city is known for its diversity: from impressive museums and culinary hotspots to vibrant festivals and inviting beaches. On this page, you’ll discover the best things to see and do in Adelaide and its surroundings. You’ll also find great tours and activities you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Adelaide.
Adelaide Central Market
One of the most popular attractions in the heart of Adelaide is without a doubt the Adelaide Central Market. This lively and atmospheric market hall, located in the beating heart of the city, attracts thousands of locals and tourists every day. Visitors come here not only for fresh fruit and vegetables, but also for local delicacies, artisan cheeses, wines, and other delicious treats from South Australia. It’s the place to be for foodies and for anyone curious to discover new flavors and authentic products. Besides tasting and shopping, you can also join a guided tour to learn more about the market’s history and get insider tips on the best stalls to visit. So, if you’re wondering what to do in Adelaide, a visit to the Central Market is an absolute must during your trip.
Adelaide Arcade
In the heart of Adelaide, you’ll find several charming arcades covered shopping passages full of character and history. The most iconic of these is the Adelaide Arcade. Its grand yellow facade immediately catches the eye, and over the years it has become a beloved symbol of the city. Inside, you’ll discover a mix of boutiques, specialty stores, and cozy cafés, making it a delightful place for a leisurely stroll. Even if you’re not much of a shopper, it’s worth a visit. The unique architecture and elegant details make the arcade a perfect spot for a quick photo stop.
Adelaide Botanic Garden
Adelaide’s city centre is full of energy, but if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle, the Adelaide Botanic Garden offers a peaceful haven of relaxation. This green oasis is located right in the heart of the city and is the perfect place to leave the noise behind. As soon as you walk through the entrance, you’re surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, tropical plants, colourful flowers, and shady paths that invite you to take a leisurely stroll.
Just like in other Australian cities, the botanic gardens here are impeccably maintained, making it a true pleasure to wander through. The impressive glasshouses, including the Palm House with its rare tropical plants, are definitely worth a visit during your stay in Adelaide.
River Torrens
The River Torrens plays an important role in Adelaide and is one of the main reasons why the city was originally founded here. The river flows for 85 kilometres, from the Adelaide Hills near Mount Pleasant to the Gulf St Vincent. Today, the Torrens is a popular spot for both locals and visitors. You can enjoy a relaxing river cruise and discover more of Adelaide and its surrounding nature along the way. The green riverbanks are a perfect place for picnicking, walking, or simply soaking up the sun. Plenty of water activities are also organised here, such as rowing. Along the river, you’ll also find the famous Adelaide Oval, where you can catch a sports match, highly recommended.
Art Gallery of South Australia
If you’re a lover of art and culture, a visit to the Art Gallery of South Australia is a must during your stay in Adelaide. This impressive building, located in the cultural heart of the city on North Terrace, houses an outstanding collection ranging from traditional Aboriginal art and Australian works to international masterpieces. The gallery offers an inspiring mix of paintings, sculptures, photography, and contemporary installations. With regularly changing exhibitions, there’s always something new to discover. An added bonus: admission is free, making the Art Gallery accessible to everyone.
Chinatown
Adelaide also has its own Chinatown, a vibrant district where culture, aromas, and flavours come together. At the entrance, you’re greeted by an impressive, colourful Chinese gate, leading you into a street filled with glowing red lanterns and an authentic Eastern atmosphere. Here, you can taste the diversity of Asian cuisine: from steaming dim sum and fragrant noodle soups to refined Japanese sushi and spicy Vietnamese dishes. In addition to the many restaurants and food stalls, you’ll also find specialty shops where you can browse exotic spices, traditional teas, and unique Asian treats.
Adelaide Fringe Festival
A must-see is the Adelaide Fringe Festival. Not only is this the largest annual arts festival in Australia, it’s also one of the biggest fringe festivals in the world. Every year, in February and March, Adelaide transforms into a vibrant creative playground with thousands of performances and events spread across the city. From street theatre and spectacular circus acts to hilarious comedy shows and inspiring live music, the Adelaide Fringe truly offers something for everyone. The lively atmosphere, colourful street decorations, and diverse program make this festival an unforgettable experience you shouldn’t miss if you’re in South Australia during this time.
Rundle Street
Rundle Street is one of Adelaide’s most famous streets, known for its vibrant mix of cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and lively bars. By day, it’s the perfect place to shop or relax at a terrace, while in the evening the street comes alive with a buzzing nightlife atmosphere. During the Adelaide Fringe Festival, however, Rundle Street takes on an extra magical vibe. The street is closed to traffic and transformed into a lively meeting place filled with outdoor seating, atmospheric lighting, and hundreds of sparkling lights. Thousands of people gather here to enjoy the hospitality and creativity that define the city. Definitely a must-visit, if you ask us.
Blackebys Old Sweet Shop
Just like we did, be sure to visit Blackeby’s Old Sweet Shop, a nostalgic candy store that takes you on a sweet journey back in time. The shelves are filled with traditional treats: from old-fashioned boiled sweets and colourful lollies to creamy English fudge. It’s a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth. Missing Dutch candy during your trip? You’re in luck here too. The shop offers a surprising selection of licorice and sweets imported directly from the Netherlands – a little taste of home on the other side of the world.
Glenelg
A visit to Glenelg is an absolute must during your stay in Adelaide. This charming coastal town is only about 40 minutes from the city centre and is easily reached by tram. Upon arrival, you step out into Moseley Square, where you’re immediately greeted by tall palm trees, an impressive monument, and the iconic Ferris wheel that gives the square a lively atmosphere. Glenelg is known for its laid-back vibe, wide sandy beach, and vibrant promenade lined with restaurants, cafés, and boutiques. Whether you’re here for a swim, a stroll along the pier, a drink with ocean views, or simply to enjoy the sunset, Glenelg offers a relaxed way to experience Adelaide. It’s a destination you definitely don’t want to miss!
Staying in Adelaide
Visting Adelaide
As you can see, there’s so much to see and do in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. We were truly amazed by the city’s diversity, from lively markets to beautiful parks and vibrant festivals. Adelaide has stolen our hearts, and we’d go back in a heartbeat. Feeling curious? Discover this charming Australian city for yourself.