3 Day Adelaide Itinerary

From pleasant white sand beaches to buzzing laneway bars, you will enjoy exciting vibes, good experiences, and an excellent meal in Adelaide!

Most people start their South Australian adventure with a visit to the vibrant capital, Adelaide. This three-day Adelaide itinerary is your perfect starting point to adventure the city, including the beautiful wine region, charming suburbs, and lively center. While not as famous as Melbourne or Sydney, Adelaide is still a bustling gem with many things to do and see. This itinerary will guide you through the best of Adelaide in three days, making the most of your visit. Whether you are planning a road trip or simply flying in, this place deserves a spot on your Aussie bucket list. Adelaide is the “Capital of South Australia” and is the largest and fifth most populous city. Also referred to as Greater Adelaide, this city is known for its beautiful vineyards. So, we have designed an ideal 3-day itinerary through the finest treasures of Adelaide, ensuring that you immerse in every drop of culture and charm. Let’s get started!

Colorful meals, culture, and wildlife should be on your top agenda list for 1st day in Adelaide. And here’s how you can enjoy the best things to do in Adelaide of Australia Festival City:

1. Communicate with Locals At A Rooftop Bar

Get your hands on the best cocktails in Adelaide with a visit to one of the best rooftops. Enjoy the city views from the city’s liveliest bars, adorned by the fairy lights twinkling contrary to the dusk. You can pay a visit to HENNESSY Rooftop Bar permeated with chill vibes where you will get top-notch cocktails and cityscape views. Or Maybe Mae is another legendary place to enjoy a premier nightlife scene as here you can get your hands on its award-winning and intimate pineapple and Capulet cocktails that will surely blow your travel fatigue.

2. Browse Through The Adelaide Central Market

Nearly every day, Adelaide Central Market comes alive with 70-plus vibrant stalls providing showcasing the best fresh produce of the region. This foodie haven is the city's go-to spot for picking up fresh fruits, veggies, Aussie chocolate, gourmet cheeses and so much more. So whether you want simply one sample of some local treats or a dedicated foodie, Adelaide Central Market is an absolute must-visit place. A morning trip to this market is truly necessary to make a memorable gateway as it is home to extraordinary culinary shows like freshly picked fruits, artisanal cheese, and exotic croc meat—you name it, they have it! You can also check out restaurants like Lucia’s Pizza and Spaghetti Bar, Le Souk, and Cumbia Bar Kitchen, bringing out authentic world flavors.

3. Explore Places Where Creativity and Culture Meet

Pause the sunshine and immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene of Adelaide. Explore the rich natural history of South Australia, marvel at walls decorated with thousands of breathtaking artworks, and let your imagination soar with mind-bending futuristic exhibitions. Explore the city's art galleries like the Art Gallery of South Australia for a perfect fusion of creativity and inspiration. This art gallery is a mashup of meticulously crafted displays and exhibitions, located a short hop away from Adelaide City Center, featuring an amazing 45,000 collection of work from Australia, Asia, Europe, and North America. They even feature a significant Indigenous art collection, standing as an exclusive Australia’s Islamic art gallery.

4. Visit Rundle Mall

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Rundle Mall in the morning, the ultimate hotspot of Adelaide. Wander through its quirky landmarks, unique pop-up shops, and historic arcades, with a plethora of Adelaide activities and stores to explore, you are bound to find the perfect souvenir to remember your trip. Check out the street cafés of Rundle like Café Brunelli and Room 19 where you can fill your mornings with energy with high-end coffee or tea paired with brekkie delights. And if you prefer fresh crisp air, consider visiting Victoria Square and Rymill Park.

5. Stroll through The Botanic Garden

In Adelaide, nature is just a step away. You can join a free guided walking tour of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens and enjoy a walk through a flower garden infused with a refreshing fragrance, some of Australia's most celebrated plant collections, and lush forests. It's the perfect escape where you can reconnect with nature and explore the green heart of Adelaide. Moreover, you can head to Bicentennial Conservatory, a tour of a botanical world set under just a glass roof featuring plants from across the globe. Then, there’s this Palm House as well which is a fanciful glass house from the nineteenth century or you can relax beside the pristine ponds and lily pads at Amazon Waterlily Pavilion.

6. Meet Aussie Wildlife

Get up close and personal with residents of this amazing Adelaide Zoo, housing 2,500 plus animals including adorable koalas and the rare yellow-footed rock wallaby. You can relish complimentary daily keeper talk to learn a lot more regarding creatures from their caretakers.

On the 2nd day of your Adelaide itinerary, you can enjoy the fresh ocean air at the wonderful Henley and Glenelg beaches. Here are a few things to do in Adelaide on the coast.

1. Swim with wild dolphins

Climb aboard a cruise of Catamarans along with Temptations sailing for an absolutely unforgettable marine adventure. Dive into the water and witness parts of playful and friendly dolphins leaping and frolicking in their natural habitat. If your inner adrenaline junkie impatiently waiting to experience something thrilling, you can opt for catching a wave for surfing or enjoy jet skiing for a memorable spin.

2. Hit the cycle paths

Experience a cycling adventure through Adelaide to reveal hidden gems and the stunning coastline. Kick off in the heart of the city, paddle your way to a local's favorite cafe for a pit stop and then cruise down to the beach for a perfect fusion of seaside tranquility and urban exploration.

3. Hang out at Glenelg Beach

Glenelg Beach provides everything you want for a blissful day by the sea. You can enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront, cool off with a swim in calm waters, and enjoy a delicious lunch with remarkable ocean views. At the sunset, you can unwind with a cocktail in hand at the vibrant Moseley Beach Club. Plus, while at Glenelg Beach, you can join a tour of Temptation Sailing and here you will be privileged to catch a glimpse of dolphins. For a legit morning breakfast option, you can head to Bayside Café and Veloce Glenelg, serving morning hearty Aussie mixes, like toast, eggs, bacon, and hashbrowns and antipasto and bruschetta platters headlined with Italian brekkie chow.

4. Walk to Henley Beach

Follow the scenic 5-mile (8 km) coastal path embellished with sculptures from Glenelg to Henley Beach. This relaxing stroll treats you to jaw-dropping views of the picturesque dunes, sandy shores, and inviting cafes where you can refuel with delicious local delights. Enjoy a dinner at either Estia Restaurant or Secrets by the Sea to savor pan-fried chicken liver cooked in olive oil with loukoumades or grilled prawn skewers with beer-battered whiting, respectively.

5. Explore the Fleurieu Peninsula

Just a few steps away from Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula literally feels like a world away. You can walk through the crystal-clear white-sandy beaches, indulge in tastings at rolling vineyards, and get on a coastal hike while treating your eyes to mind-blowing views.

As your last day rolls around, consider spending it exploring the natural Adelaide attractions, top-class wines, and epic cityscapes.

1. Chase waterfalls

Head to Morialta Conservation Park to witness the breathtaking waterfall that cascades through the lush woodlands while catching glimpses of wildlife with trails suitable for all levels. It's just a 2-hour drive from the city center, providing eye-catching views of the journey. Or you can also make your way towards Waterfall Gully, promising to enrich you with more Instagram-worthy pictures and a less-crowded place. As you walk through this fall, you will relish creek crossings, First Falls, and grasslands. Moreover, you will also spot wallabies and Kangaroo relaxing in bushes while kookaburras and colorful parrots frolicking around, and sleepy koalas chilling on comfy gum trees.

2. Go kayaking on the river

Glide past the phenomenal landmarks of Adelaide and delve into the rich history of the city on a kayak tour beside the meandering River Torrens. You will gain insights into the significance of the river through a knowledgeable guide while relishing a unique Adelaide perspective. You can get on the Chalk Hill Wine & Dessert of Popeye Tasting Cruise for a memorable tour, passing Adelaide Park Lands and Elder Park. Chalk Hill Cellars is one of the best places to visit in Adelaide where you can feast on gourmet food complemented with organic wines.

3. Climb To The Top Of The Oval

Experience Adelaide like never before—climb the roof on a RoofClimb adventure for unparalleled views of Adelaide and beyond. From the first rooftop stadium streets of the world, you will witness world-class shows and breathtaking panoramas. Not only this, but many legends like Hobbs, Bradman, Hadlee, and Tendulkar have left their indelible marks. Opt for a morning tour which is among the best things to do in Adelaide to enjoy a scoop inside on this phenomenal ground and off-limit places as well. As you ascend, you will be blessed by the iconic views of the morning sky, lush greenery, and the cityscape majestically embracing the Oval.

4. Go Wine Tasting

Indulge in Adelaide’s year-round wine offerings, where you can explore 40-plus stellar doors in the Adelaide Hills. Here, you can savor exceptional cool climates, red and white amidst rolling vineyards in the picturesque hillsides. You can visit the National Wine Center—with 120 plus wines—to wash your palate with a burst of aroma and flavors of the finest wines of Adelaide, from rich reds of Penfolds to timeless whites of d’Arenberg. Plus, you can also try out their charcuterie boards and braised lamb shoulder.

Last but not least, with a myriad of Adelaide activities, you won’t be sitting idle for even a second. With this 3-day itinerary guide to Adelaide, you are sure to find anything that fits your interest. Whether you want to enjoy an inner-city haven of South Australia at Adelaide Botanic Garden or watch the sun slipping into the ocean at a beachfront with the formation of collages of yellow, orange, and blazing red, you will definitely find these sorts of best Adelaide free things to do. So, let’s soak up the sun at one of the postcard-perfect beaches and enjoy a day and night exploring the best of Adelaide.