21 Cool Tourist Places to Visit and Fun Things to Do in Adelaide

January 3, 2022 Mustafa Natalwala 2725 Views

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.

Table of Contents

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.

I suggest you should go for Adelaide Gaol Ghost and Paranormal Investigation Tour

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.

I suggest you should do Segway Tour at Glenelg

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.

I suggest you should go for Mount Lofty Bike Tour

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

Where to Stay in Adelaide?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-range and Budget Hotels in Adelaide. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Adelaide.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Adelaide

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