Itineraries for Your Trip to Adelaide
1 Day in Adelaide for First Timers
During my 2-year “working holiday” in Australia, Adelaide was a city that worked its way onto my itinerary several times. Taking a fruit-picking job in the vineyards outside the city, I’d often sneak away on the weekends to get my fix of city life or enjoy some beach time.
Adelaide might not have the showstopping sights or international reputation of Sydney or Melbourne, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in its friendly, small-town atmosphere and easily walkable center. Before you escape to the coast or the surrounding wine regions, follow this 1-day itinerary for an introduction to one of my favorite Aussie cities.
If you only have time for one thing, make it lunch at the bustling Central Market.
Adelaide’s weather is notoriously changeable, so pack a light raincoat even during the summer months.
Adelaide’s famous Central Market is the place to go for breakfast or brunch, with more than 80 stalls. Join a guided tour to learn about the region’s renowned artisan food producers and sample local specialties. Afterward, take a stroll around nearby Chinatown, full of Asian restaurants, cafés, and bubble tea shops, then continue to Rundle Mall , the city’s main shopping area (about a 20-minute walk or short tram ride). Browse the high street shops, peek inside the historic Victorian shopping arcades, and admire the street art, then zip up to the rooftop 2KW Bar for a coffee or cocktail with a magnificent view over Adelaide.
In the afternoon, it’s time for some proper sightseeing, so join a walking tour to explore more of Adelaide’s CBD. Meet your guide outside Adelaide Town Hall, just a 2-minute walk from Rundle Mall, then set out for Victoria Square, where you can learn about Adelaide’s history while passing by some of its most beautiful heritage buildings. Pass by Adelaide landmarks, including the State Library, the South Australian Museum, and the University of Adelaide; marvel at the grand Adelaide Oval, home of the city’s beloved cricket team; and stroll along the scenic waterfront of the River Torrens.
The beachside suburb of Glenelg lies just a 30-minute tram ride from Adelaide CBD, and it’s the perfect excuse to ride the historic Glenelg tram line (sadly, most of the trams that run today are modern, but it’s still a scenic journey). From Glenelg, set sail on a sightseeing cruise along the coast and glide through the Gulf St. Vincent as you watch the sunset from the water. Return to Marina Pier, where you can choose one of the many seafront restaurants for dinner with a view.
