Best Things to Do in North Adelaide Even a Couch Potato Would Enjoy
- Reach the sky with RoofClimb
- Watch a match or rock it out at the Adelaide Oval
- Admire the style of St. Peter’s Cathedral
- Stop and smell the roses at Wellington Square
- Unleash your inner movie buff at The Piccadilly
- Have a staycation at Majestic M Suites
- Indulge in the sweet life at Chocolatree
- Start the day with a slice of bread from Bakery on O'Connell
- Forget about the sun at the Adelaide Aquatic Center
- Enjoy the city center’s beauty at Montefiore Hill
- Let your kid run wild at Bush Magic Playground
- Kick back and feast on healthy delights at The Flying Fig
- Pack a basket and have a picnic at Red Gum Park
If you think the Adelaide city center is where all the magic happens, we beg to differ. North Adelaide can steal the spotlight, too.
From overindulging at eateries that can mess up your meal plans to scaling the iconic Adelaide Oval like Spider-Man (minus the actual powers), there are countless answers to the question, “What to do up North Adelaide?”
You can find some in our article below, along with tips, locations, and essential info all urban explorers should know!
Reach the sky with RoofClimb
Address: War Memorial Dr
Contact Details: (08) 8331 5222
Operating Hours: Daily – 9 am to 9:30 pm
Website
RoofClimb offers the most epic views of metropolitan Adelaide and its coastlines—if you have the guts to go for it.
The climb takes you 50 meters above the ground, and there are variations to keep things spicy. For instance, there’s the fan-favorite RoofClimb Day, a 2-hour morning climb.
If sunsets are more your jam, RoofClimb Twilight will let you soak in the magical city center and North Adelaide views as the sun goes down.
Lastly, there’s RoofClimb Night for night owls who want to dance under the stars and drink booze at the post-climb party!
Tip: Wear comfy, weather-appropriate clothes under your climb suit and flat, rubber-soled shoes (absolutely no flip-flops or stilettos). You can don glasses, but jewelry is a no-no. Looking fab comes second to not falling off!
Watch a match or rock it out at the Adelaide Oval
Address: War Memorial Dr
Contact Details: (08) 8211 1100
Website
If RoofClimb scares the lights out of you, you can still watch a game or concert at the Adelaide Oval, a beast that can hold 53,583 fans.
The action never stops here, with cricket and Australian rules footballs as the stadium’s primary sports. However, don’t be surprised if rugby, soccer, and tennis matches occur—this spot is as versatile as your mate who swears he can do everything.
Concerts at the Adelaide Oval are also legendary. AC/DC, Adele, and Ed Sheeran have all blown the roof off this place, so don’t take this as a stadium solely reserved for sports junkies.
Tip: Like a cricket match, timing is everything when it comes to the Adelaide Oval. Don’t forget to look at the schedule to see what’s on and what’s coming.
Admire the style of St. Peter’s Cathedral
Address: 27 King William Rd
Contact Details: (08) 8267 4551
Operating Hours:
- Mon – 10:30 am to 1 pm
- Tue to Fri – 10:30 am to 3:30 pm
- Sat – Closed
- Sun – Closed
Designed by architectural legends William Butterfield and E. J. Woods, the Gothic Revival masterpiece that is St. Peter’s Cathedral has always been a showstopper for us.
Intricate stained glass, towering arches, elegant bluestone walls, and soaring ceilings make this spot an architecture lover and photographer’s dream.
For the full experience, hop on a guided tour. In fact, our recent visit was a guided affair, led by experts who spilled the beans on the building’s history, artwork, and deep religious symbolism within.
Tip: Ready to tie the knot? Have a peek at St. Peter’s Cathedral’s wedding services.
Stop and smell the roses at Wellington Square
From keithconlon1
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FUpy39RtDyNeJy5U6
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Website
Sometimes you just need to switch gears and ditch the high-octane stuff for a bit, and North Adelaide’s Wellington Square is one of the best spots for this low-energy but fulfilling escapade.
This garden square is our team’s chill alternative to all the hustle and bustle. We often stroll through the winding paths, read a good book on the cozy benches, and, of course, take in the sweet scent of year-round jacaranda, roses, and cherry blossoms.
When we’re in a biking mood, the cycling trails surrounding this place come in clutch. Plus, there’s a designated doggie zone for our four-legged pals—a huge bonus for fellow fur parents.
Tip: Adelaide can get quite sunny. Don’t commit the rookie mistake of not bringing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, particularly during summertime when the sun can leave you looking like a lobster.
Unleash your inner movie buff at The Piccadilly
Address: 181 O’Connell St
Contact Details: (08) 8267 1500
Website
Whether you’re a film connoisseur or just looking for some casual entertainment, The Piccadilly is a movie house you can’t miss.
For starters, it has Art Deco-inspired materials, geometric shapes, and sharp colors that set the theater apart from the generic-looking ones. It also boasts high-tech screens that can run both 2D and 3D movies.
As for the ticket prices, they range from 13 to 16 bucks, depending on your age or membership status. Students can snag the cheapest stubs, but they’re only available on Tuesdays.
Tip: Want to throw a party that’ll trump your neighbor’s backyard BBQ bash? Rent The Piccadilly as your shindig’s venue!
Have a staycation at Majestic M Suites
Address: 202 Tynte St
Contact Details: (08) 7089 7888
Check-in: 2 pm
Check-out: 2 am
Website
A staycation at Majestic M Suites might just be the answer to your craving for relaxation. Trust us, we had one here last month, and it was downright…majestic.
The most affordable suite options aren’t meh, as they flaunt generous spaces ranging from 50 m2 to 55 m2, comfy king beds, foodie-approved gourmet kitchens, and private balconies where North Adelaide’s green horizons are unobstructed.
For the amenities, the refreshing courtyard garden takes the cake for us. The flora make the space as picturesque as they come, but it’s the silence and sunlight you’ll truly enjoy.
Tip: Staycations can be pricey sometimes. Luckily, Majestic M Suites have promos and discounts that can help you save hard-earned cash without compromising on quality!
Indulge in the sweet life at Chocolatree
Address: 25 O’Connell St
Contact Details: (08) 8367 0443
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 10 am to 11 pm
- Fri to Sat – 10 am to 12 am
- Sun – 10 am to 11 pm
A North Adelaide adventure isn’t complete without experiencing a Chocolatree-induced sugar rush. As the name suggests, chocolate-flavored desserts and cakes are their specialty, and they don’t disappoint.
Their best-selling Mudslide, a decadent Belgian chocolate cake topped with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, and strawberries, made us order countless slices in one sitting.
For rare breeds who hate cakes, Chocolatree whips up alternatives like pancake stacks, French crepes, sundaes, dessert milkshakes, and more indulgent delights to make your trainer and doctor throw a fit.
Tip: Students with valid IDs can enjoy a 5% discount by visiting on Wednesday nights, from 6 pm to 10 pm.
Start the day with a slice of bread from Bakery on O’Connell
Address: 128-130 O’Connell St
Contact Details: Daily – 24 hours
Operating Hours: (08) 8361 7377
Website
North Adelaide mornings are a piece of cake thanks to Bakery on O’Connell.
This award-winning spot is synonymous with “rise and dine,” with a bread and pastry selection brimming with treats like steak pies, donut bombs, apple custard tarts, Nutella hearts, and cheesecakes.
Large groups don’t have to stress over pint-sized servings, too. The bakery has large quiches and fruit pies that can stuff up to 8 people.
Tip: What’s a gathering without pastries or bread? Hit up Bakery on O’Connell’s number to avail of their catering services.
Forget about the sun at the Adelaide Aquatic Center
From itsmarcusryan
Address: Jeffcott Rd
Contact Details: (08) 8203 7665
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 6 am to 9 pm
- Sat to Sun – 7 am to 6 pm
The Adelaide heat is no joke. Seriously, it can be hotter than a dynamite stick with hot sauce (don’t try this at home). Thankfully, this spot has indoor pools that can always swoop in to save us from the elements.
Our go-to summer move is diving into their main pool, where we usually swim laps or simply chill in the water. The dive pool is also terrific for plunging, but we think it’s best reserved for thrill-seekers and those who know how to dive properly.
There’s also the leisure pool, the center’s child-friendly zone where slides and shallow waters are the highlights. Good luck convincing your little ones to leave this area.
Tip: If you’re sweet sixteen or beyond, head to the sauna and steam room—the ultimate unwinding zone after a day of diving and swimming.
Enjoy the city center’s beauty at Montefiore Hill
From littleleezie’s
Address: https://maps.app.goo.gl/giLodqMNnPcvSKnd6
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Who needs a pricey trip when Montefiore Hill is just an 8-minute drive from the Adelaide CBD? It’s free, tranquil, picture-perfect, and ideal for light jogs or leisurely walks.
The Adelaide skyline is the spot’s star of the show. Views like the distant ranges, the Adelaide Oval, and verdant parklands will have you spellbound, particularly during the golden hours.
Tip: Before heading to Montefiore Hill, don’t forget to check the weather forecast. Clear skies enhance the panoramic vistas of Adelaide’s skyline and beyond.
Let your kid run wild at Bush Magic Playground
From this_waye_sa
Address: Jeffcott Rd
Contact Details: (08) 8203 7203
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
North Adelaide has Bush Magic Playground around, so you can forget about theme parks with passes worth a week’s grocery.
With a maze, accessible swings, a sandpit with interactive equipment, slides, swings, see-saws, monkey bars, and a fully fenced, expansive play area, there’s no shortage of adventures to be had here. Just ask any of our kids who never want to leave.
Tip: To access the inclusive Liberty Swing, go to the nearby Adelaide Aquatic Center to retrieve the key. It’s just a 1-minute walk; you don’t have to worry about aching legs or getting lost.
Kick back and feast on healthy delights at The Flying Fig
Address: 161 Jeffcott St, North Adelaide
Contact Details: (08) 7226 1788
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Sat – 7:30 am to 3:30 pm
- Sun – 8 am to 3:30 pm
The Flying Fig is like a NY-style deli without the guilt trip. Their health-conscious menu is packed with food that’ll keep you feeling vibrant and alive—if you catch our drift.
What we love the most is their open-style omelet, loaded with Schug (a spicy Middle Eastern condiment), semi-dried tomatoes, hazelnut, and Persian feta. It’s accompanied by a lemon salad—something zesty and refreshing to balance the robust flavors.
For the brews, we always opt for their blend of smooth Colombian and floral Ethiopian beans, usually blended in their milk-based and black coffees.
Tip: Trying to snag a spot at The Flying Fig?
You must be quick; the cafe doesn’t just attract North Adelaide locals. The fastest way to book is by sending an email to [email protected] or giving them a call.
Pack a basket and have a picnic at Red Gum Park
From adel_park_lands
Address: Prince Alfred College Rowing Shed
Contact Details: (08) 8203 7203
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
There are several picnic hotspots in North Adelaide, but Red Gum Park is our pick due to its gardens, river panoramas, expansive lawn, and overall atmosphere.
Located along Sir Edwin Smith Ave and War Memorial Dr, this park is more than just a pretty face. Here, you’ll find paved paths teeming with locals and tourists blowing cobwebs away through scenic strolls.
On top of that, formal gardens and memorials are peppered throughout the green and calm locale, offering plenty of opportunities to brush up on South Australia’s rich history. This also means spring is the best time to swing by when the flora is in full bloom.
Tip: Remember to bring your bike. The park’s pathways are ideal for cyclists looking for chill rides along the River Torrens.
