Adelaide is the capital of South Australia, known for its vibrant arts scene, world-class wine regions, and festivals like the Adelaide Fringe. Often called the “City of Churches,” it’s also famous for its well-planned layout and proximity to stunning beaches and hills.

We had always wanted to visit Adelaide for the wineries but also to see the architecture and churches for ourselves. I love exploring new cities and while we’re living in Australia, I want to see as much of it as possible.

This city FAR exceeded our expectations! We absolutely loved it and could have stayed longer than the five days we had there. It’s such an easy city to navigate, very close to the airport, offered lots to see and had some very friendly people. I will showcase the highlights of our trip by providing the top ten things that we loved. There is so much more to do and see, therefore, we will have to return again in the not so distant future. We actually said we could see ourselves living here, it’s much quieter than Sydney and with less hustle and bustle.

1 – Adelaide Central Market

Bustling with local flavor, the Adelaide Central Market is a sensory feast of fresh produce, gourmet goods, and multicultural bites. It’s the perfect spot to sample the heart of South Australia’s food culture. Our hotel was just across the road so we were able to pop over for breakfast and lunch on a couple of occasions.

2 – Adelaide Botanic Garden

A serene oasis in the city, the Adelaide Botanic Garden features beautifully curated landscapes, historic glasshouses, and an impressive array of plant life. It’s ideal for a peaceful stroll or a quiet moment of inspiration. There was also an art installation when we were there, much to our delight. “Chihuly in the Botanic Garden” was an exclusive Australian exhibition showcasing 15 of Dale Chihuly’s monumental glass sculptures throughout Adelaide Botanic Garden.

3 – Wine Tour

South Australia’s wine country offers an unforgettable journey through rolling vineyards and cellar doors. Whether it’s Barossa, McLaren Vale, or the Adelaide Hills, each sip tells a story of the region’s rich environment. We booked a tour called ‘Adelaide Highlights, Hahndorf & McLaren Vale Wine Tasting and Sightseeing Tour’ with Viator and we couldn’t recommend it enough, too good. We stopped at Dog Ridge in McLaren Vale and The Broad Church (inside an actual church) – both offering delicious wines and a fantastic wine tasting setting.

4 – Hahndorf

Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, Hahndorf charms with its half-timbered buildings, artisan shops, and cozy cafés. It’s a delightful blend of heritage and hospitality. We thoroughly enjoyed strolling through this historic village with its quaint little shops and historic architecture. A lot of history here and having a German background, I really loved this place.

5 – Architecture

Adelaide’s architecture is a thoughtful mix of colonial elegance and modern innovation. From grand sandstone buildings to sleek urban design, the city’s skyline tells a story of evolution and identity. Personally, the University of Adelaide was a stand out feature.

6 – Art

Art thrives in Adelaide, from its dynamic street murals to world-class galleries like the Art Gallery of South Australia. Creativity pulses through the city, making it a haven for lovers of the visual and performing arts. We didn’t have time to visit any galleries this time but the street art was exquisite.

7 – Food & Drinks

Adelaide is a foodie’s paradise, blending local ingredients with global influences. Whether it’s fine dining or a street food stall, every meal is crafted with pride and flavor. A couple of highlights were the markets and The Little Hunter for a good steak dinner and glass of red wine.

8 – Glenelg

A classic beachside escape, Glenelg offers sun, sand, and seaside charm just a tram ride from the city. It’s perfect for a sunset stroll, a swim, or fish and chips by the jetty. We only stopped here for a short time and it was raining but it looked fantastic. This is one place I would love to return to.

9 – Penfolds

One of Australia’s most iconic wineries, Penfolds offers an elegant experience rooted in tradition and craftsmanship. A tasting here is a journey through history, innovation, and world-renowned wines. This was the highlight for my partner, being a complete wine connoisseur and we were fortunate to have a private tasting that was both delicious and informative.

10 – Hotel Indigo

Stylish and contemporary, Hotel Indigo blends boutique luxury with local flair. Its design, dining, and service make it a standout stay in the heart of Adelaide. We absolutely loved staying at this boutique hotel, with its quirky charm, rooftop bar, eccentric restaurant and friendly staff. This is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, making it a very busy spot so it was lovely to be actually staying here. The location of the hotel is great, across the road from the markets and just a stones throw away from China Town. You can also walk to the city centre in about fifteen minutes.

Thank you all for checking out my Adelaide post. I hope you all enjoyed it and maybe feel inspired to visit Adelaide one day. Ps. I will feature this in my Thursday Doors too as I have included a couple of doors 😜 . Be sure to check out some more of my Adelaide doors next week!