What to do in Adelaide

Activities, attractions and tours

A red tram on tracks, a historic clock tower, and modern high-rise buildings.
A public square with a prominent clock tower, surrounded by trees and buildings.
A grand library with high ceilings, ornate wooden beams, and rows of bookshelves.
A public square with a large reflective sculpture, a historic building with 'REGENT' signage, and storefronts including 'G.W. COX MY JEWELLER' and 'THE CROSS CUT HAIR SALON'.
A beach with a wooden pier extending into the ocean.

Places to Visit in Adelaide

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Adelaide, South Australia while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Adelaide attractions from NZ$14, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Adelaide tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 315 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Adelaide. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities


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Top places to visit

1. Glenelg Beach

Located on the shores of Holdfast Bay, approximately 10 kilometres from the centre of Adelaide, Glenelg Beach is a popular spot amongst tourists. The town was founded in 1836 by European settlers and has evolved into a thriving tourist beach destination, perfect for water activities, shopping and dining out.
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A public square with a prominent clock tower, surrounded by trees and buildings.

2. Adelaide Oval

Come to the Adelaide Oval to watch sporting legends clash on the hallowed turf during a footy or cricket match. Boo or roar with the excited fans during a home game, or just sit back and enjoy the spectacle.
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A large, empty stadium with tiered seating and a green field.

3. Rundle Mall

Opened in 1976, Rundle Mall is South Australia's premier retail location and meeting spot with over 23 million visitors each year. It was Australia's first pedestrian mall and has become a mecca for cultured shoppers.
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Adelaide Arcade with a prominent dome and ornate architecture.

4. Adelaide Zoo

Just a couple of minutes from the city centre is Adelaide Zoo, the only zoo in Australia to operate on a non-profit basis. Open every day of the year, this 8-hectare conservation area is home to over 1,800 animals across almost 300 different species. Many animals are enclosed in the same exhibits in an effort to stay true to how they would interact in the wild. One of the zoo's most recent enclosures is called Immersion. Here, visitors can seemingly walk through this jungle habitat with animals, like the Sumatran tiger and orangutans, at an arm's length.
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A panda sitting on a branch in a zoo enclosure.

5. Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach is a large, sandy beach with pretty deep water, making it great for ocean swimming and other summer activities. While usually quieter than Glenelg Beach to the north, there is always something to see and do around Brighton Beach’s old jetty. So, grab your togs and check it out.
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A coastal walkway leading to a sandy beach with clear blue waters.

6. University of Adelaide

Explore the University of Adelaide and its main campus, which contains many of Adelaide’s most beloved historic buildings. Stretching from North Terrace up to the River Torrens, the spacious university grounds are an interesting place to visit for historical landmarks and the buzz of the institution’s research and learning.
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A historic church with a pointed steeple and a statue in the foreground.

What to do in Adelaide


Stay near popular Adelaide attractions

Our guide on where to stay in Adelaide

Find the best Adelaide areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Adelaide
Learn more about Adelaide

Adelaide Central Business District

Victoria Square and Adelaide Town Hall are top sights in Adelaide Central Business District, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Victoria Square - Tarndanyangga Tram Stop or Rundle Mall Tram Stop to see more sights in the area.

Glenelg

Enjoy the stunning beaches in Glenelg. Jetty Road is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Jetty Road (Stop 16) Tram Stop or Moseley Square (Stop 17) Tram Stop to see more of Adelaide.

Hahndorf

Unique features of Hahndorf include the spas and bars. Make a stop by Hahndorf Hill Winery or Udder Delights Cheese Cellar while you're exploring the area.

McLaren Vale

Wineries, coffee shops and spas are some highlights of McLaren Vale. Make a stop by Wirra Wirra Vineyards or d'Arenberg Wines while you're exploring.

North Adelaide

North Adelaide is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Adelaide Oval or North Adelaide Golf Course.


 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Adelaide

Frequently asked questions

Is Adelaide worth visiting?
Offering a mix of adventure sports and views, there are plenty of things to do in Adelaide. While you're here, visit Glenelg Beach, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Adelaide?
Once you've checked off top attractions like Glenelg Beach and Brighton Beach, spend the rest of your day enjoying the retail and food options in Adelaide.
What is the top tourist attraction in Adelaide?
Glenelg Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Adelaide and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Adelaide?
You can easily tick off top sights like Coopers Brewery, Her Majesty's Theatre and Glenelg North Beach with a three-day break in Adelaide. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a little longer and check out Adelaide Airport.
Is Adelaide a walkable city?
Some leading attractions in Adelaide, like Her Majesty's Theatre and St Francis Xavier Cathedral, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.80 kilometres from the city centre of Adelaide is Adelaide Central Business District and North Adelaide is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Adelaide with kids?
Planning what to do in Adelaide with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're travelling with teenagers or little ones, there are lots of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Adelaide for adults?
Coopers Brewery and Bird in Hand Winery are just a couple of the things to do in Adelaide. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Adelaide?
From visiting parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Adelaide. If you need new ideas, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Glenelg North Beach is a great spot for anyone wishing to save on their travelling adventures.

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