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Photo Credit: Adelaide Economic Development Agency

The perfect destination for unforgettable adventure

Adventures sit at your doorstep in Adelaide. The beguiling mix of art and culture, spectacular nature, plus world-class attractions make this city a popular destination year-round.

There’s no shortage of great places to stay, eat and play. To minimise your dilemmas, we’ve narrowed down the best things to experience in Adelaide—starting with the Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution exhibition.

Get yourself (and your camera) ready to create lasting memories.

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Photo Credit - Left: South Australian Tourism Commission, Right: Adelaide Economic Development Agency

Your adventure starts here. Frida & Diego: Love & Revolution, an Australian exclusive exhibition, is set to take centre stage at the Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA). Curated by the team at AGSA, this immersive experience will run from 24 June to 17 September. Marvel at the illustrious works of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, alongside other captivating pieces by Mexican contemporaries.

For more elbow room, visit the gallery at 10 a.m when it opens. Make your way to Galleries 22, 23 and 25, where you can admire over 150 works from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection. Also, learn more about Mexico’s political, cultural and social identity over the twentieth century.

To avoid long queues, it’s best to buy tickets online. Grab the discounted family bundle, or secure cheaper rates if you’re travelling in bigger groups of eight or more. For all the latest scoop, browse AGSA’s main website.

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Photo Credit: Adelaide Economic Development Agency

After peeling yourself away from the exhibition, continue to discover other Mexican-themed spots in the city.

Extend your walk (about 10 minutes) southwest of the gallery and arrive at Casablabla. Enjoy delicious tapas and wash them down with their famous alcoholic iced tea. If you’re lucky, score a free salsa lesson, watch a bongo drum performance or spot belly dancers in action. Carry the good vibes across the street to Udaberri Pintxos Y Vino, Adelaide’s first pintxos bar. This mood-lit establishment offers fine Spanish and Portuguese wines. Pair them with their monster “txuleta” steaks for an unforgettable experience.

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Photo Credit - First: South Australian Tourism Commission, Second: Adelaide Economic Development Agency, Third: South Australian Tourism Commission

If your legs need a break, hitch a 5-minute drive from the gallery and visit Cumbia Bar Kitchen. Savour tasty Latin American dishes and colourful cocktails. Plus, it’s nestled within the famed Adelaide Central Market, so you can conveniently check this off too. The sightseeing doesn’t stop here, resume your excursion in Chinatown right next door. Be sure to stop by Mexican Society; locals are quick to rave about their elaborate banquet menu. Finally, close out your day’s adventures at the Mediterranean-inspired Bar Torino. Popular for tipples like sherry and vermouth, this social kitchen and bar beckons for its chill vibes.

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Photo Credit - Left: Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets, Right: Adelaide Economic Development Agency

Getting a toasty night’s sleep is essential in prepping for the next day’s adventures. Adelaide is home to a slew of luxury stays, boutique gems and unique hotels—all you have to do is take your pick.

For the budget-conscious, Majestic Minima Hotel ticks all the boxes for a cosy retreat with a quirky edge. The compact studios are embellished with floor-to-ceiling murals, masterfully done by South Australian artists. Beyond spotlighting local talent, this city-fringe hotel draws solo travellers and backpackers for its affordable rates.

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Photo Credit - First: takeus_withyou, Second: Crowne Plaza Adelaide, Third: Majestic Hotels

For the chic trendsetters, post up at Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets—just steps away from Adelaide Central Market. The vibrant wall art in each room adds a fun twist and pays homage to the city’s legendary festivals. If you’re travelling as a family, base your stay at Crowne Plaza Adelaide near Rundle Street. This high-rise hotel—dubbed South Australia’s tallest building—offers spacious rooms and panoramic views of Adelaide’s East End. What’s more, the Adelaide Botanic Garden is a mere 5-minute walk away. Prefer to be near bustling dining precincts? Tack on a few nights at the minimalist Vibe Hotel. Simply walk over to Hutt Street and Vardon Avenue, where iconic pubs and intimate cafés are aplenty.

For the pleasure seekers, Eos by SkyCity exudes creamy luxury at every turn. Indulge in opulent rooms with marble vanities, float in a heated spa pool at the Leisure Deck, and tap on an on-call mixologist. With a suite of “Signature Experiences”, it doesn’t get any better than this.

Relive the day’s highlights at these stellar stays

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Photo Credit - Left: HEY GENTS, Right: South Australian Tourism Commission

Adelaide will entice every member of the tribe, whether you love awe-inspiring art galleries or unlocking new personal frontiers.

Museum-hopping is imperative here. Home to one of Australia's largest art collections (over 45,000 works), the Art Gallery of South Australia can be your kick-off point. Combine your visit with the South Australian Museum next door. Explore the Australian Aboriginal Cultures gallery, and admire one of the world’s largest Aboriginal artefact collections. Later, pop by JamFactory and be mind-blown by their glass-blowing demonstrations. You can always purchase one as a keepsake. As a final tip, stop by Australia’s oldest Aboriginal-owned cultural centre: Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute.

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Photo Credit - First: South Australian Tourism Commission, Second: takeus_withyou, Third: Ben Goode

Avid shoppers can spend a day (or two) at Adelaide Central Market. With over 80 stalls, this is the city’s premier food destination for gourmet goodies, live cooking demos and free snack samples. Once satisfied, continue shopping at Rundle Mall—Australia’s first pedestrian-only mall with over 700 retail outlets, 3 department stores, and 15 arcades. Pro-tip: Take Adelaide Metro's free trams from the CBD, and alight at the mall’s west entrance.

For the oenophiles out there, follow up with a trip to the National Wine Centre of Australia, home to Australia’s largest tasting room experience. Join the Wine Discovery Journey, and sample fine drops from an outstanding selection of Australian wines. Ultimately, end your day on a high with the RoofClimb Adelaide Oval Experience. This unconventional tour combines it all: a sage guide, splendid coastline vistas, and mega thrills. For the most spellbinding sunset views, the RoofClimb Twilight is a must.

Spice up your itinerary and unleash new adventures

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Photo Credit - Left: Josie Withers, Right: Duy Dash

Conquering Adelaide’s diverse culinary scene is a quest in itself. No matter what your budget (or diet) allows, sample your way around the city through memorable dining experiences.

Begin your gourmet hunt at Press* Food & Wine. Delight in vibrant plant-based meals, dry-aged meats and their signature offal. For communal dining, locals suggest Peel Street—the hub of Adelaide’s laneway cafe culture. The Banana Blossom Salad and Lamb Shoulder shawarma are non-negotiable. The Lion Hotel is another hotspot for a casual brekkie, vegan-friendly brunch or hearty pub meal.

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Photo Credit - First:Jonathan van der Knaap, Second:Duy Dadsh, Third:Tripadvisor

If Asian food is what you seek, swing by Daughter in Law for Indian dishes with a Western twist. The namesake cocktail—made with gin, tandoori-fired pineapple and cardamom lime—is sublime. For date night, up the ante on fine dining at Shobosho. An extensive menu featuring sashimi, noodles, yakitori, and dumplings will leave you stuffed to the gills. Spice addicts can’t go wrong with Lantern by Nu’s street-style Thai food or Golden Boy’s contemporary pan-Asian specialties. FYI, the eight-hour beef cheeks with tangerine jus and pickled ginger are to die for.

Yearning for lip-smacking pasta? Look no further than Osteria Oggi. This modern Italian restaurant serves excellent handmade pasta, delectable desserts and great Italian wines. To add, there’s an impressive cheese trolley for post-dinner snacking—need we say more? Alternatively, visit Ruby Red Flamingo—a hip Nonna-style Italian diner that whips up a mean maccheroni eggplant. Conclude your food quest by satisfying those crustacean cravings at SiSea, an open-flame restaurant with a flavourful seafood-strong menu.

Send your taste buds on an epic gastronomic quest

Conclusion

You’re never far from a good time in Adelaide. Australia’s Festival City offers a wealth of incredible holiday experiences—whether it’s exploring immersive galleries, luxuriating in stylish stays or sussing out impeccable dining gems.

On your next trip to this charming city, continue to wander with an open mind and discover with an open heart. There’s certainly more to Adelaide than meets the eye.