Awesome Adelaide (And the 11 Tourist Spots for Visitors)
Is Australia next on your to-visit list? We suggest taking a trip to Adelaide, the beautiful cosmopolitan city on the coast of Gulf St Vincent. Its cultural offering is spectacular, but that’s not all you can enjoy.
Adelaide is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Australia, and for a good reason. It’s an ideal mix of culture, fun, and nature. Not to mention that it’s a heaven for animal lovers, especially if you have time to visit nearby places.
Out of all the fantastic tourist spots in Adelaide, you’ll find in the following a list of 11 favorites. These are some of the attractions and places that you simply can’t afford to miss while in this sophisticated city.
1. Central Market
The best place to learn about local food and drinks is the Adelaide Central Market. And if you’re a fan of always lively places, the market is a perfect launching pad for exploring Adelaide. It’s where you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, delicious sweets, and then some.
And if you stop by on a Friday night, you can also enjoy live music. There are also workshops for kids, cooking lessons, and other exciting activities, depending on the season.
2. Glenelg Beach
A metropolis with a beach that’s only 25 minutes away sounds like a dream. And this is exactly what you get in Adelaide.
Glenelg Beach, one of the most famous in all of Australia, is easily accessible by tram and will amaze you with its awesome sunset. It’s perfect for photographers and romantic souls who want to enjoy a cup of coffee or cocktail in one of the cozy cafés along the beach.
3. Haigh’s Chocolate Store
Are you up for fine chocolates? If so, Haigh’s Chocolate Store is a logical stop on your route.
The factory is a family-owned business and is where the best South Australian sweets are born. The factory’s part of a host of Adelaide city tours, and it’s where you’ll learn all about the chocolate-making process.
Haigh’s selection includes more than 250 types of chocolates in all shapes and sizes imaginable. You might want to bring home at least one gift box as a souvenir.
4. North Terrace
Adelaide’s famous boulevard’s filled with historical sites and cultural monuments. And if you’re not sure where to start, this may be perfect. You’ll first see the Parliament House, undoubtedly the city’s most impressive building.
And as you continue the walk, you can visit the State Library of South Australia, various museums and galleries, and the University of Adelaide campus.
You may have to spend a whole day to fully take in these examples of splendid architecture.
5. Art Gallery of South Australia
As you walk down and explore North Terrace, make sure to stop by the Art Gallery of South Australia. Located in Adelaide’s primary cultural area, this Victorian building houses some superb art collections.
You’ll have a chance to see different kinds of artworks – from the colonial days to the contemporary. Whether you favor sculptures, paintings, or photography, you’ll find something to enjoy in this gallery.
6. The Adelaide Oval
There’s something for sports fans as well among the many tourist places in Adelaide. Whether it’s the cricket or soccer season, the famous Adelaide Oval is always packed.
Like in many European cities, the stadium is also a huge tourist attraction. It’s located in the Riverbank Precinct and can hold thousands of spectators. More than 16 sports competitions have taken place at this historic stadium.
7. Barossa Valley
As you know, Australia is one of the world’s major wine-producing countries. The Barossa Valley is the best-regarded wine region in South Australia and has a lot to offer all visitors.
Aside from the remarkable wines to try, you’ll find excellent food and even golf courses and cycling tracks. There are also a few galleries to visit for those who are into art.
If you have the time, you might want to consider spending a few days in this beautiful valley.
8. National Wine Centre
Speaking of Australian wines, the National Wine Centre isn’t off the beaten path and certainly worth a visit.
It’s the place to attend all types of wine events, including tastings and interactive wine discovery journeys. And if you’d like to learn more about wines a bit more, you should know the Centre is also an enology research institute.
9. Adelaide Zoo
One of the unavoidable tourist attractions in Adelaide, Australia is the Zoo. Close to 300 species of animals live here. You’ll catch a glimpse of everything, from local animals to the most exotic, including the southern hemisphere’s only couple of giant pandas.
A visit to the Adelaide Zoo is an excellent choice for families with kids. The tour can include interactive presentations and a petting zoo of farm animals. There’s also a unique vertical garden and a huge terrarium.
10. Botanic Garden
Off North Terrace Boulevard, the Adelaide Botanic Garden has a long history. It’s home to many medicinal plants, for starters. You’ll also find rainforest plants, Amazon water lilies, the oldest fig trees in Australia, and more.
The best thing about the Adelaide Botanic Garden? It’s open all year round and it doesn’t cost a dime! The guided tour is also free.
11. Cleland Wildlife Park
Who knew that a wildlife park could be only 20 minutes away from the city center? While in Adelaide, don’t forget to stop by the Cleland Conservation Park.
At the park, you can get your daily dose of kangaroos, emus, wallabies, and koalas. Not only can you see them up close, but you can also feed and cuddle them.
This park is among the most visited tourist places near Adelaide. It’s fantastic for photographers, as well as kids who want a souvenir photo of them cuddling a koala.
