Adelaide is state capital city of South Australia in the nation of Australia. Some of the best things to do in Adelaide, Australia include beach leisure, water sports, wildlife safaris, wine tasting, historical museums, art galleries and nature exploration. You can segregate Adelaide sightseeing in 3 parts: coastal area, Adelaide city and Adelaide hills.
The city was founded in 1836 and named after Queen Adelaide. It was designed to be a planned capital for freely settled British province in Australia. You will come across signs of its early settlement history at many of the best places to visit in Adelaide. Prior to British settlement, the area was already inhabited by Kaurna people who called this region Tarndanyangga, meaning “Place of the Red Kangaroo”. If you wish to learn more about them you can explore Adelaide tourist attractions like the aboriginal cultural center and South Australia museum. On the edges of the city, you will come across several wineries. Wine tasting is among the most popular stuff to do in Adelaide. You will find locally prepared wines and you can explore the entire process at these places. The city is also filled with some incredible wine tasting venues which are Adelaide tourist spots in their own right.
Once you are done exploring the city you should head to the coast. You can explore fun activities in Adelaide including water sports, surfing, coastal hike trails, coastal bicycle trains, scuba diving, boat cruises, marine wildlife cruises and more. Beaches in Adelaide are some of the finest in Australia. You will find lots of leisure, dining and nightlife facilities along the beaches.
Towards the east of the city you will find a lot of cool things to do in Adelaide hills. This region holds several national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, nature conservation parks and recreational parks. This is the region you explore for outdoor activities to do in Adelaide.
The Best 21 Tourist Places to Visit in Adelaide in 3 Days (Trip Itinerary)
Day 1
1. North Terrace
This district is an ideal place to begin Adelaide sightseeing. While walking this mile long boulevard, you will come across several historical landmarks such as a 19th century church, colonial houses, restored railway station and more. You will need about an hour for this place when you visit Adelaide.
2. Art Gallery of South Australia
This art gallery holds 38,000 pieces of artwork from local and international artists. Exhibits include Australian, Aboriginal, European and Islamic art. It also has live music and guided tours along with a few discussion sessions. It is one of the best Adelaide tourist attractions and will require about 2 hours to explore.
3. South Australian Museum
This museum exhibits about 150 years of history, art, culture, science and heritage. It is one of the best places to visit in Adelaide to get to know the region and its people. It will take 2 hours or so to explore this museum.
4. State Library of South Australia
This is the biggest library in South Australia. It is dedicated to collection and preservation of documents and media concerning history and heritage of the region. Even if you are not interested in libraries and documents, you should include this state library among places to go in Adelaide to see the Story Wall. You will need about 30 to 45 minutes for this place.
5. Migration Museum
This museum is focused on various people from different countries who had migrated to Australia. The museum features documents, tools, weapons, clothes, household items and so on. You will need an hour to see this museum during Adelaide travel.
6. National War Memorial
This memorial is dedicated to soldiers from South Australia who served in the first World War. It is one of the Adelaide attractions you can visit to pay respect to brave soldiers. You will need 10 to 15 minutes here.
7. Adelaide Central Market
This is the largest market in the country and the venue for several top things to do in Adelaide, Australia including shopping, street food, dining and entertainment. You will need an hour to explore this market.
8. Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga
This public square is a popular leisure spot in the city. It is well known for its magnificent fountain, which is one of the prettiest things to see in Adelaide. You would 20 to 30 minutes for this park and fountain.
Day 2
1. Himeji Garden
This Japanese garden is one of the most blissful Adelaide tourist spots. The garden has a wonderful ambiance with lakes, picnic spots and terraces. You would need 30 to 45 minutes for this garden.
2. Adelaide Gaol
This is the oldest public building in the city. It used to be a prison and was also used for public executions. Aside from being one of the tourist places in Adelaide, it is also considered the most haunted sites in South Australia. It will take you an hour or so to tour this building.
3. St. Peter’s Cathedral
This anglican cathedral was built in 1878. It is among the most beautiful places to see in Adelaide for its stained glass works, sculptures and Neo gothic architecture. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this church.
4. Glenelg
Among all the best things to do in Adelaide city, the beaches are probably the most popular. This beautiful beach has both indoor and outdoor dining, entertainment and leisure facilities. You can easily spend a couple of hours relaxing at this beach.
5. South Australian Aviation Museum
If you are interested in planes and aircrafts, this museum will truly be among the best places to visit in Adelaide. This museum has aircrafts going back to 1940s including spitfires, fighter planes, bombers and more. This museum will require an hour to explore.
6. National Railway Museum
This is the largest museum in the country and focuses on commonwealth, private and state railway system. This Adelaide tourist attraction will require an hour of time.
7. South Australian Maritime Museum
This museum is dedicated to the seafaring history of the country and is one of the top things to do in port Adelaide. The museum exhibits ship parts, documents, maps and maritime equipments. You can also find boats and ships as part of the museum. You will need about an hour and half for this museum.
Day 3
1. Mount Lofty Summit
The mountain is great place for fun activities in Adelaide. The top rises 710 meters above sea level is visited for hiking, camping, bird watching and mountain climbing. You would need 2 to 3 hours to explore this mountain.
2. Adelaide Botanic Garden
This garden has an extensive collection plant species brought from several places around the world. The park is also beautifully designed It will take 30 to 45 minutes to explore this garden.
3. The National Wine Center of Australia
If you like wine tasting, you will love this place. You get a fine collection of 120 wines and also has the largest wine tasting room in the country. It is definitely tops all cool things to do in Adelaide, Australia.
4. Ayers Historic House Museum
This museum recreates 19th century Victorian life in the city. The building housing this museum is the only surviving 19th century mansion in the region. It is one of the most interesting things to see in Adelaide. You will need an hour for this museum.
5. Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute
This multi-arts center is the oldest one in the country. It is one of the best places to go in Adelaide to learn about history and culture of aboriginal people. It will take you an hour or so for this cultural center.
6. Haigh’s Chocolates Visitors Centers
This is the largest chocolate shop in the country. You will need an hour for this shop. It is one of the best tourist places in Adelaide to shop for fine chocolates. It will take you an hour for this shop.
If you are looking for more top things to do in Adelaide, Australia check out the section below.
Things to do in Adelaide
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Adelaide
- Art Gallery of South Australia
- South Australian Museum
- Adelaide Gaol
- National Railway Museum
- Migration Museum
- South Australian Maritime Museum
- St. Peter’s Cathedral
- Samstag Museum of Art
- South Australian Aviation Museum
- Tandaya Aboriginal Cultual Center
- The David Roche Foundation
- State Herbarium of South Australia
- Bicentennial Conservatory
- Jam Factory
- Museum of Economic Botany
- MOD Museum
- Flinders University Museum of Art
- National Military Vehicle Museum
- The Tramway Museum
- Adelaide Milling Company Mill
- Hugo Michell Gallery
- St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral
- Clipper Ship City of Adelaide
- Port Adelaide Lighthouse
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Adelaide
- Cleland Wildlife Park
- Mount Lofty
- Belair National Park
- Morialta Conservation Park
- Cleland Conservation Park
- Gorge Wildlife Park
- Onkaparinga River National Park
- Hallet Cove Conservation Park
- Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary
- Para Wirra Conservation Park
- Glenthorne National Park
- Anstey Hill Recreation Park
- Sturt Gorge Recreation Park
- Shepherds Hill Recreation Park
- Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary
- Aldinga Scrub
- Cobbler Creek Recreational Park
- Black Hill Conservation Park
- Brownhill Creek
- Fleurieu Peninsula
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Adelaide
- Adelaide Zoo
- Adelaide Botanic Gardens
- The Oval
- National Wine Center of Australia
- Mount Lofty Botanic Garden
- d’Arenberg Winery
- SkyCity Adelaide
- The d’Arenberg Cube
- Big Rocking Horse
- Himeji Garden
- Wirra Wirra Vineyards
- Penfolds Magill Estate Cellar Doors
- The Beachhouse Amusement Park
- Adelaide Festival Center
- Alpha Box and Dice Winery
- Maxwell Wines
- Oliver’s Taranga Vineyards
- Adelaide Parklands
- Samuel’s Gorge Winery
- Hugh Hamilton Wines
- Woodstock Wine Estate
- Treeclimb Adventure Park
- St. Kilda Adventure Playgrounds
- Beach Road Wines
- Paxton Wines
- Wittunga Botanic Gardens
- Fox Creek Winery
- Chapel Hill Winery
- Deviation Road Winery
- Ashton Hills Vineyards
- Adelaide Entertainment Center
- Primo Estate Winery
- Patriti Winery
- Hardy’s Wine
- Kay Brother’s Winery
Shopping in Adelaide
- Adelaide Central Market
- Rundle Mall
- Rundle Street
- Burnside Village Shopping Center
- King William Road
- Jetty Road
- Norwood Parade
- Harbour Town
- Magill Road
Beaches in Adelaide
- Semaphore Beach
- Port Willunga Beach
- Southport Beach
- Grange beach
- Glenelg Beach
- Brighton Beach
- Port Noarlunga Beach
- Shell Beach
- Henley Beach
- Aldinga Beach
- Blowhole Beach
- Waitpinga Beach
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Adelaide
- Beach Sports
- Water Sports
- Hiking
- Camping
- Trekking
- Wildlife Safari
- Boat Cruise
- Marine Wildlife Safari
- Scuba Diving
- Surfing
- Kayaking
- Bicycle tours
- Skydiving
Sightseeing in Adelaide
- Victoria Square
- Carrick Hill
- Adelaide Town Hall
- Elder Park
- Peel Street
- Botanic Park
- Rymill Park
- Chinatown
- Bonython Park
- Moseley Square
- Port Adelaide
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Adelaide
- Africola
- Anchovy Bandit
- Shobosho
- ITL Italian Kitchen
- Madre
- Madre Lievito
- Fishbank
- NOLA
- Fino Vino
- Bottega Bandito
- Osteria Oggi
- Singapore House
- Gaja by Sashi
- Pizzateca
- Sunny’s Pizza
- Midnight Spaghetti
- Parwana
- Tony Tomatoes
- Golden Boy
- Nordburger
How to Reach Adelaide?
By Air
The city’s international airport is the easiest way for Adelaide travel. The airport receives direct flights from Auckland, Hong Kong, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Kuala Lumpur, Denpasar, Darwin, Delhi, Canberra, Newcastle, Doha, Singapore, Dubai and more. You can get cabs and buses to visit Adelaide tourist attractions directly from the airport.
By Road
You can get direct trains to visit Adelaide from Alice Springs, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth, Broken Hill and Sydney. You would get connecting trains from several other cities in Australia. The bus network is far more widespread and encompasses several cities and towns for Adelaide sightseeing. There are both public and private transport buses available. You can also find day tour buses for top things to do in Adelaide city from nearby regions.
If you plan to travel by road, you can choose between routes A13, M2, M1, A3, A20 or A1.
By Water
There are several domestic and international cruises which make stay at Port Adelaide and Port Lincoln. Many of these cruises allow for a day or two for Adelaide sightseeing. You can also get ferries to and from Kangaroo Island and Penneshaw.
Image Reference
- North Terrace – Anthony Kernich / Flickr
- Art Gallery of South Australia – Jenny Scott / Flickr
- South Australian Museum – David Hearle/ eGuide Travel / Flickr
- State Library of South Australia – Jenny Scott / Flickr
- Migration Museum – Jenny Scott / Flickr
- National War Memorial – denisbin / Flickr
- Adelaide Central Market – raider of gin / Flickr
- Victoria Square / Tarntanyangga – Jason Pitcher / Flickr
- Himeji Garden – Katie Hannan / Flickr
- Adelaide Gaol – Michael Coghlan / Flickr
- St Peter’s Cathedral – Luke Anderson / Flickr
- Glenelg – Wei Zhang / PixaBay
- South Australian Aviation Museum – Alec Wilson / Flickr
- National Railway Museum – OZinOH / Flickr
- South Australian Maritime Museum – SA Maritime Museum / Flickr
- Mount Lofty Summit – jim.tavasci / Flickr
- Adelaide Botanic Garden – denisbin / Flickr
- The National Wine Centre of Australia – David Hearle / eGuide Travel / Flickr
- Ayers Historic House Museum – SCHolar44 / Wikimedia Commons
- Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute – Sheep”R”Us / Flickr
- Haigh’s Chocolates Visitors Centre – Shou-Hui Wang / Flickr
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