Top Things to do in Adelaide
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Top 10 Free Things to do in Adelaide, South Australia
The capital city of South Australia is simply enchanting, a treasure trove of shopping, fine arts, gastronomy and outdoor activity. Adelaide is the heart of the world's opal industry, selling gorgeous stones from South Australian mines. Be sure to hike the aptly named Mt. Lofty Ranges and catch a wave off the Fleurieu Peninsula. Indulge your adventurous palate and traipse into nearby wine regions like the famed Barossa Valley to pick up a deliciously drinkable souvenir.
Restaurants in Adelaide
1. Art Gallery of South Australia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,839 reviews
A must-see in the city of Adelaide not only because it holds one of Australia's finest art collections, but also because it offers a variety of activities for all ages.
Reviewed By kirstynm2018
Such a great variety in styles of art! Free entry and helpful staff that will teach you about the art you are seeing. We visited the student showcase and there were some great pieces to vote on. We spent 1.5 hours enjoying the facility but you can definitely spend longer.
2. Adelaide Botanic Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,912 reviews
In the heart of the city but another world away ... Take time out to explore the beauty and diversity of plants from across Australia and around the world. Spend an hour or spend the day among the 50 hectares of magnificently maintained gardens and stunning architecture. Relax in the shade or enjoy a coffee among some of Australia's finest plant collections.
Reviewed By Michellenrob - Adelaide, Australia
If you work your way down North Terrace, east you will come to the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. this is a quiet and beautiful oasis in the city and borders on botanic Park and the Zoo. It makes for a great day out for families all within about a 5 minute walk of the city center. It houses an original Victorian glass house with a famous Amazon lily, big lawned areas, water lily ponds and lovely mature trees dating from the 1850's ( Adelaide was settled by private charter in 1836). The botanic gardens then exit onto botanic park at the northern boundary. Botanic park is a large grassed park with lovely big shade trees and is popular with locals for picnics. A short walk across the park and you can visit the very good Adelaide Zoo to see lots of native animals as well as all the usual suspect. A great day for a family if visiting Adelaide.
3. Migration Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 497 reviews
Established in 1986 and built on the site of the former Adelaide Destitute Asylum, the Migration Museum was the first museum dedicated to the social history of migration in Australia. The Museum works towards the preservation, understanding and enjoyment of South Australia’s diverse cultures. It is a place to discover the many identities of the people of South Australia through the stories of individuals and communities. Its nine galleries, which include permanent and changing displays, trace the history and culture of Aboriginal peoples in Australia prior to colonisation, the history and impact of immigration from the nineteenth century onward, as well as the history of the site. The Museum is just a short walk down Kintore Avenue from North Terrace and is easily accessible by public transport. All of the Museum's galleries have disabled access. Entry to the Museum is free, with an optional gold coin donation. Tour groups are welcome but must book in advance. Members of the public can book a guided tour of the Migration Museum with a minimum of ten people per booking and a cost of $10 per person, concession rate $5 per person.
Reviewed By parbendra - Sydney, Australia
Has a lot of information on how people came to settle in Australia. Worth a visit to understand Australia's migration flow and confronting if you are no 'white'. It is the museum art gallery precinct and a good short stop.
4. South Australian Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,405 reviews
The South Australian Museum has been committed to making Australia’s natural and cultural heritage accessible, engaging and fun for over 150 years. It is a place where families can learn and grow together. Today the Museum is one of the most visited museums in Australia and holds collections of national and international significance, including the world's most comprehensive collection of Australian Aboriginal cultural material. It is a leader in remote and regional community engagement, and in Australian Aboriginal heritage and scientific research.
Reviewed By lorenp512 - Currituck, United States
This free museum has it all. It has two sections dedicated to aboriginals dating from early man, to colonial times, to contemporary artifacts. It has a huge display of Pacific islands history to include artifacts for daily living, hunting and fishing, war, and inter island transportation. There were huge sections dedicated to gemological history and Antarctic exploration. A must see in Adelaide.
5. Adelaide Central Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,758 reviews
With over 70 traders under one roof, the Adelaide Central Market is one of the largest undercover fresh produce markets in the southern hemisphere, buzzing with life and colour all year round. The Market offers a huge range of fresh food including fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, seafood, cheeses, bakery, smallgoods and health foods, along with some of Adelaide’s most popular cafes and eateries. With over 9 million visitors every year, the Adelaide Central Market remains Adelaide’s premier food destination for multicultural cuisine and fresh produce.
Reviewed By coljoy456
It is, of course, my opinion that the ACM is the best, as we have been going there each week for 30 years. There is a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, small goods, great pasta, breads, fabulous cheese, vegan and vegetarian foods, herbs and spices, great coffee and snacks. Lucia's cafe serves coffee and cakes but specialises in big breakfasts and Italian food for lunches The market backs onto China Town with its specialty shops and eateries. Regular market tours are available by contacting the administration, there tours are conducted by expert guides and allow tastings of produce. Overseas visitors should put it on their agenda. A visit to the market is no cost unless you wish to buy some of the goodies.
6. North Terrace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 589 reviews
This mile-long avenue has a number of historical buildings, including an 1838 church, the colonial-era Ayers House and the Adelaide Casino in a restored 1920s railway station.
Reviewed By CarolDM1900 - Montpelier, United States
If ever there was an antidote to the long plane or train ride needed to get here "from away," it is this beautiful boulevard. Walk a single block from King William Road to Kintore Avenue, along the brick wall protecting the grounds of South Australia's Government House, and you will be treated to a cool, shady, park-like stroll past impressive statuary, historic architecture, and cultural quirks that add human interest to the "story" of this city. Continue another 3 blocks and you'll reach the Botanic Gardens, maybe stopping along the way to visit the South Australia Art Gallery. If that's too much, just turn left at Kintore, and you'll find many points of interest there, to include very impressive war memorials, both old (1931) and new (2016), the lovely Institute Building of the State Library, and the fascinating Migration Museum. Any combination works, especially if you are lucky enough to be visiting on one of those days graced by Adelaide's remarkably blue skies, as we were. We had arrived via the Indian Pacific from Perth, more than 1500 miles away. After 3 nights on a train, we felt ready to stretch our legs. We were immediately impressed by the historic architecture. The Adelaide Club (1864) was a social venue for the city's prominent male politicians and their cronies (Parliament and Government House are immediately nearby). It's built of stone from nearby Dry Creek, with rust-colored brick trimmings to give it a dash of color. We loved the natural stone on so many of Adelaide's old buildings, and the durable materials helped them to survive. This gives the city a more interesting look, both old and new, in very appealing combination. The Institute at the corner of North Terrace and Kintore is another gem, more for its interiors than its exterior. Local people told us that some of the Hogwarts library scenes from the Harry Potter movies were filmed there. I don't know if that's true, but the Mortlock Chamber certainly looks like it COULD have been in those magical films. Of the figures memorialized on North Terrace, we particularly admired Canova's Venus, the city's first public street statue (1892), which put a classical stamp on the terrace's cultural transformation. The relaxed, very approachable pose of Dame Roma Mitchell, a pioneer of women's rights, with a sheaf of Parliamentary correspondence dropping down the pedestal from her lap, was warmly charming. The life story of geographer-explorer Matthew Flinders, who proved Australia was one continent by circumnavigating it, was fascinating in its ups-and-downs, including a 7-year imprisonment on Mauritius during the Napoleonic Wars, which broke his health but did not prevent him from finishing his masterwork "Voyage to Terra Australis" and its accompanying atlas. By far the most impressive thing we saw was Adelaide's 1931 War Memorial, just around the corner on Kintor Avenue. In a beautiful art nouveau style, it conveys the experience of World War I and of all subsequent conflicts by presenting both Prologue and Aftermath. Be sure to walk around the memorial to see the back, and not just the front. And, if you have the time, do continue the detour down Kintor to the brilliant new ANZAC centenary wall, with its 100 characters etched on local black granite to represent both those who served in and those who were affected by war. It is stunning. There is much more that I could write, but the point is to explore this beautiful boulevard on your own, at a leisurely pace, spontaneously to take in what matters to you and to pass by what does not. It's pleasant and refreshing walk in a great urban environment.
7. State Library of South Australia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 440 reviews
Reviewed By 888jacquelinef - Port Noarlunga, Australia
The state library is a treasure trove of info. The Mortlock wing has to be seen to be believed. I cant help thinking that more people should visit. Its quiet and steeped in history.
8. Botanic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 341 reviews
Reviewed By wendy505007 - Adelaide, Australia
This is a great place for a picnic. The large old trees give beautifly shade and are a great place for young children to play.
9. St Francis Xavier Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By 619jeffry - Essendon, Australia
St Francis Xavier Cathedral is the oldest Catholic cathedral church in Australia,It Is named in honor of St Francis Xavier, the Apostle to the East. St Francis was Spanish; he was a member of the Society of Jesus, often called the Jesuits. This magnificent church is well worth seeing, even if you are not Catholic. It is active in its ministry to the people of Adelaide -- "weddings, funerals, everything."
10. JamFactory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 66 reviews
JamFactory supports and promotes outstanding design and craftsmanship through its widely acclaimed studios, galleries and shops. A unique not-for-profit organisation with two locations in Adelaide city centre and one at Seppeltsfield in the Barossa, JamFactory is supported by the South Australian Government and recognised nationally and internationally as a centre for excellence. For over 40 years JamFactory has been presenting outstanding exhibitions and public programs and nurturing the careers of talented artists, craftspeople and designers. 19 Morphett Street open Mon-Sat Rundle Plaza open 7 days, and until 8PM on Fridays
Reviewed By mpd771
This has a great display of bowls, mugs, and everyday items from local artists. Many very beautiful handcrafted items. Priced quite reasonably (you could pay as much for a high-end factory version). Great place to buy local gifts for visiting friends overseas,
