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It isn’t news around here that South Australia is the only Australian state that I haven’t visited yet. I was going to try to visit when I lived in Melbourne, but that didn’t happen. Whenever I return to my homeland, however, I’ll make Adelaide one of my first stops. When I do visit, here’s how I would spend the weekend. Use this guide to plan your ideal trip to South Australia’s capital.
5 things to do with one weekend in Adelaide
1. Visit Central Market
I’m very fond of markets, and I love to enjoy at least one in every city I visit. The Adelaide Central Market is so good it recently won the South Australian Tourism Award for Major Tourist Attraction. Every year, over 8 million people visit the market and walk through the 80 stalls that sell all sorts of delicious food. My sources tell me that the best brunch is at Big Table, and you have to try the chocolate at Haigh’s.
Adelaide Central Market
2. Stay on the River Torrens
Along the River Torrens, visitors will find some of Adelaide’s biggest attractions, including the Festival Centre, Zoo, Botanic Garden, and Adelaide Oval. Fortunately, the InterContinental Adelaide on the River Torrens puts you within walking distance to the best attractions in the city. Plus, the hotel has an outdoor pool and stunning views, which are always positives in my book. A morning walk along the river and an afternoon stroll down North Terrace sounds pretty perfect to me!
Strolling along the River Torrens
3. Check out North Terrace
Speaking of the North Terrace, it sounds like this is one of Adelaide’s best streets. It is considered Adelaide’s cultural hub since it’s where you’ll find the State Library, Art Gallery, Parliament House, and South Australia Museum. Many travellers say they love to visit the central library in major cities since they tend to be in historical buildings with incredible interiors. Adelaide’s State Library definitely fits this description.
4. Head to the beach
I am always happiest by the sea, so I’d definitely want to check out what Adelaide’s beaches have to offer. I’ve heard a lot about Glenelg, which is just a short tram ride from the city. This seaside suburb is home to galleries, museums, hotels in historic buildings, independent cafés, and local boutiques. It sounds like a great place to spend an afternoon and catch the sunset.
5. Enjoy the East End
I love going where the locals recommend, and in Adelaide’s case, East End seems to be that place. It’s located to the east of the CBD and Rundle Mall, and it’s known as one of Adelaide’s premium fashion and café districts. Ebenezer Place is a laneway in the East End that’s filled with independent boutiques and home to a summer night market. The Victorian architecture is a treat for the eyes, while places like Fancy Burgers are a treat for the taste buds. I’ll be eating at this spot, which was voted Adelaide’s best burgers this year.
Compiling this Adelaide wish list just makes me want to jump on a plane homebound! It sounds like my kind of city.
Thank you to IHG for sponsoring this post.
