Adelaide, South Australia’s cultured capital, was founded in 1836 as a planned city with grand squares, leafy boulevards, and a free-spirited ethos. Today it’s a gateway to bucket-list wine regions—Barossa, McLaren Vale, and Adelaide Hills—plus wild coastlines and a flourishing small-bar and dining scene.

Beyond wine, Adelaide brims with creative energy. Explore the dazzling Art Gallery of South Australia, stroll the River Torrens promenade, and ride the historic tram to beachy Glenelg. Taste your way through the beloved Central Market (open Tue–Sat), one of the Southern Hemisphere’s great food halls.

Practical notes: the airport sits just 15 minutes from the CBD; the free city tram makes getting around the center easy. Summers are sunny and dry (Dec–Feb), spring and autumn are ideal for vineyards, and winter is cool and cozy by the fire. Book marquee restaurants and popular tours in advance, especially on weekends and festival periods.

Adelaide

Adelaide blends big-city culture with a relaxed seaside rhythm. North Terrace gathers the State Library’s cinematic Mortlock Chamber, the South Australian Museum, and the Art Gallery into an elegant cultural boulevard. East End laneways brim with indie cafes, natural-wine bars, and destination dining.

In a single week you can cruise the River Torrens on the heritage Popeye, scale Adelaide Oval’s rooftop, and day-trip to Barossa or McLaren Vale for shiraz and Mediterranean breezes. When the sun dips, locals drift to Henley Square, Glenelg, or the Peel/Leigh Street small-bar district.

Getting there: Fly into Adelaide (ADL). Compare fares and routes on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop times: Melbourne ~1 hr (from ~A$60–180 one-way if booked early), Sydney ~1.5 hrs (A$80–220), Perth ~2.5–3 hrs (A$120–250), Singapore ~7 hrs (A$300–600+). Adelaide Airport to CBD is ~15 minutes by rideshare/taxi; JetBus services run regularly.

Where to stay (central and convenient):

• The Mayfair Hotel — heritage elegance above Rundle Mall; a favorite for walk-everywhere convenience and a polished rooftop bar.
• Oaks Adelaide Horizons Suites — spacious apartments with kitchenettes on North Terrace; great for longer stays.
• Adelaide Central YHA — clean, social, and budget-friendly near the Central Market.
• Browse more stays on Hotels.com Adelaide or apartment-style options on VRBO Adelaide.

Day 1: North Terrace Icons and Laneway Eats

Afternoon (arrival): Check in and stretch your legs on North Terrace. Pop into the State Library’s Mortlock Wing for a time-capsule reading room, then the Art Gallery of South Australia for standout First Nations, colonial, and contemporary works. Coffee stop: Exchange Specialty Coffee for precise brews and light bites.

Evening: Explore the Peel/Leigh Street small-bar quarter. Dinner at Peel St Restaurant (market-driven plates; try the harissa lamb shoulder or the beetroot and labneh), or book Shobosho for Japanese fire-cooking—yakitori, kushiyaki, and “katsu sando” done right. Nightcap at Maybe Mae, a low-lit cocktail den famous for seasonal produce-driven drinks, or 2KW Rooftop for city views.

Day 2: Markets, River Torrens, and an Adelaide Oval Sunset

Morning: Breakfast inside the Adelaide Central Market (Tue–Sat). Grab a flat white at Lucia’s and a ricotta cannoli, or sit down at My Kingdom for a Horse for scrambled eggs with zhug and house-baked sourdough. Wander Gouger Street’s Chinatown for buns and dumplings to-go.

Afternoon: Stroll the Riverbank promenade, then see the city from the water.

Torrens River Cruise in Adelaide (~40–50 min; about A$25–35). Glide past the Festival Centre and footbridges while learning how the river shaped the city.

Evening: Time it for golden hour at Adelaide Oval, then climb above the stands for a sky-high finale.

RoofClimb Adelaide Oval Experience (~2 hrs; from ~A$120). Sunset sessions are spectacular as the city lights flicker on.

Post-climb dinner in the East End: Africola for wood-fired vegetables, peri-peri chicken, and bold African flavors; or Golden Boy for modern Thai share plates (the “Tuk-Tuk” tasting menu is a fun ride). Gelato at 48 Flavours if you still have room.

Day 3: Full-Day Barossa Valley Wine Tour (with lunch)

Barossa Premium Wine Tasting Tour & lunch (full day; typically 8–9 hrs; from ~A$150–180). Be collected in the CBD and spend the day sipping heritage shiraz and crisp riesling at a curated set of cellar doors—think leafy avenues, old-vine stories, and generous tastings—plus a regional lunch. Many itineraries pass through the pretty villages of Tanunda and Angaston; lookout stops showcase quilted vineyards and rolling hills.

Back in town, keep it light for dinner: Fishbank for SA King George whiting, Coffin Bay oysters, and a serious wine list; or Parwana Afghan Kitchen for soulful mantu dumplings and richly spiced eggplant.

Day 4: Adelaide Hills, Mount Lofty, and Hahndorf

Morning: Drive or rideshare up to Mount Lofty Summit for sweeping Gulf St Vincent views, then wander the cool-climate Mount Lofty Botanic Garden’s fern gullies and rhododendrons. Wildlife enthusiasts can book a koala close-up at Cleland Wildlife Park (check session times in advance).

Afternoon: Continue to Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest German village. Lunch at The Haus (hearty schnitzels and local beer), share a cheese flight at Udder Delights, and browse artisan boutiques along Main Street. If you’re visiting in warmer months, Beerenberg Farm offers seasonal strawberry picking and a farm shop stocked with local condiments.

Evening: Return to the city for pasta and spritzes at Osteria Oggi (try the cacio e pepe and tiramisu), or book Fugazzi for rich ragùs and Italian-American flair. Classic cocktails await at Hains & Co, a maritime-themed gin and rum bar tucked near the laneways.

Day 5: Port Adelaide, Dolphin Sanctuary Kayak, and Henley Sunset

Morning: Head 30 minutes to the Port River estuary for an urban-nature surprise.

Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and Ships Graveyard Kayak Tour (~3 hrs; around A$75). Paddle through mangrove creeks and rusting shipwrecks while spotting resident bottlenose dolphins—one of the city’s genuine “secret spots.”

Afternoon: Explore Port Adelaide’s handsome 19th-century warehouses, the Maritime Museum, and vibrant street art. Refuel at The Banksia Tree Café for local produce plates, or sample craft beers at Pirate Life’s spacious brewery.

Evening: Drive to Henley Beach for a golden sunset over the jetty. Dinner options: Estia for generous Greek platters and grilled seafood or Seamore’s for modern coastal fare with ocean views. Finish with pistachio gelato at Bottega Gelateria on the square.

Day 6: McLaren Vale Vines and a Glenelg Evening

Morning: Slow start in the city at Hey Jupiter (buttery croissants, steak-frites salads, and strong coffee) or Crack Kitchen in a heritage bank building. If you’re keen on wine history, consider a late-morning tasting at Penfolds Magill Estate on the city’s eastern fringe, where shiraz legends were born.

Afternoon: Venture 45 minutes south to McLaren Vale for Mediterranean breezes and sea-view vines. Book tastings at d’Arenberg (the surreal Cube houses a contemporary art space), Wirra Wirra (classic reds), and Alpha Box & Dice (alphabet wines and playful blends). Long lunch ideas: The Salopian Inn for regional produce and an exceptional gin list, or Star of Greece perched above Port Willunga’s cliffs (book ahead).

Evening: Swing back via Glenelg for a stroll along the jetty and the lively marina. Dinner at The Moseley (beachfront grills and a buzzy bar) or Oyster Bar at Holdfast Shores for SA oysters and sparkling. Tram back to the CBD on the convenient Glenelg line.

Day 7: Last Tastes and Takeoffs

Morning: If it’s a market day (Tue–Sat), return to Adelaide Central Market to pack edible souvenirs—smallgoods, local cheeses, native spice blends, and jams. Otherwise, drop into the Art Gallery or Migration Museum for a final cultural fix.

Afternoon (departure): Enjoy a farewell lunch: Chianti on Hutt Street for an Adelaide institution vibe, or a fast, fresh bowl of noodles in Chinatown. Allow ~30 minutes to reach the airport; check Trip.com or Kiwi.com for any schedule changes and gate info.

Trip summary: In one rewarding week, you’ll taste your way through Barossa and McLaren Vale, breathe in cool-climate hills, paddle alongside dolphins, and watch the city glow from a stadium rooftop. Adelaide’s mix of culture, coastline, and culinary talent makes it a city that lingers—long after the last toast.