A Guide to What You Can Find in Adelaide City Center (CBD)
Adelaide City Center is an amazing gateway to our sunny city. It’s super easy to get around, has loads of cool spots to check out, and is very aesthetically pleasing!
If you want to get a taste of Adelaide’s culture and lifestyle, look no further than our city center! Let me show you the best of what you can find in the heart of the city to make your trip memorable.
The Oval Hotel
Website: https://www.ovalhotel.com.au/
Address: King William Rd, North Adelaide SA 5006, Australia
Phone: +61 8 8368 9900
Operating hours: 24 hours reception
Oval Hotel is near the host of many of Adelaide’s major events: the Adelaide Oval. Being integrated into the stadium, it offers easy access to concerts and games happening there!
Luxury perfectly defines the design of this hotel, both inside and out. Plus, the hotel boasts a breathtaking view of Adelaide’s skyline, ensuring stunning views 24/7.
Pro tip: If you’ll be watching a game at the Adelaide Oval, you might get a package for both a ticket to the event and accommodation at the hotel. Watch out for these deals!
Adelaide’s Trams
Operating hours: Monday-Sunday: 7 AM-12 AM
Riding our quaint yet highly effective trams should be your top choice if you’re new to the city! They travel at a perfect pace for sightseeing and have stops conveniently located near all the major tourist spots.
While this mode of transportation is a relic of the past, Adelaide’s trams are highly efficient, modernized, and air-conditioned. Safe to say, it’s a great choice even during summer!
Pro tip: All methods of public transportation in Adelaide, from trams and buses to trains, are paid through the metroCARD. Be sure to have one that has enough credit for going around town!
Sunny’s Pizza
Website: https://www.sunnys.pizza/
Address: 17 Solomon St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
Phone: +61455522356
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 5 PM-11 PM
- Friday to Sunday: 5 PM- 12 AM
When it comes to food, you can never go wrong with pizza! Sunny’s Pizza is an excellent dining choice, as it perfectly encapsulates our vibrant party culture.
While indulging in their freshly-made Italian grub, you can enjoy the 80’s and 90’s music in the shop. To give you an idea of what to expect in the shop, ponder this: they only open after 5 PM!
Pro tip: Sunny’s Pizza can easily get loud when the party’s in full blast. Save some of the talk for later, and enjoy the music and pizza instead!
Adelaide Botanic Garden
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
Phone: +61882229311
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:15 AM-5:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 9 AM-5:30 PM
Fun fact: Adelaide was made to be a garden city, and boy does it deliver on its promise! There’s no other better showcase of this than the Adelaide Botanic Garden.
Filled with flora and fauna from various species and origins, the garden is truly a haven for any green thumb.
One of its offerings that never fails to captivate me is the Bicentennial Conservatory, known for its impressive plant life as well as its stunning architecture.
Pro tip: The garden is too big to explore completely in one day, so you’ll probably be doing a couple of trips to see every part of it. The good news is that it’s very easy to visit because it’s at the center of the CBD.
Mayfair Hotel Adelaide
Website: https://www.mayfairhotel.com.au/
Address: 45 King William St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
Phone: +61 8 8210 8888
Operating hours: 24 hours reception
Those who want to experience the finer things in life should try the Mayfair Hotel. With its timeless design, it draws tourists from across the globe, offering an unrivaled experience.
This hotel is perfect for guests who prefer to stay in. With a rooftop bar, a day spa, a signature restaurant, and more, every amenity is within arm’s reach, ensuring a lavish stay.
Pro tip: There’s a free mini-bar in some of their rooms that is restocked daily, so feast away on the chocolates and cider during your stay!
North Adelaide Heritage Group
Website: https://www.adelaideheritage.com/
Address: 82 Hill St, North Adelaide, SA 5006
Phone: +61 8 8267 2020
Operating hours: 24 hours reception
If you’re seeking a connection with Adelaide’s Victorian-era history, look no further than North Adelaide Heritage Group. It’s a collection of boutique hotels and apartments, each with its unique touch of elegance and classic beauty.
During my stay here, I had the pleasure of experiencing period mansions that had been beautifully restored to their former glory.
The attention to detail, from the charming fireplaces to the exquisite stained glass windows and intricate cornices, made it an unforgettable accommodation experience for me!
Pro tip: The place is the epitome of cute and quaint! It’s a great idea to dress up and take pictures to have vintage snaps for your next Instagram post.
Adelaide Zoo
Website: https://www.adelaidezoo.com.au/
Address: Frome Rd, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
Phone: +61882673255
Operating hours: Monday-Sunday: 9:30 AM-5 PM
For an adventure suitable for all ages, I highly recommend visiting the Adelaide Zoo! With a diverse collection of over 2,500 animals from around the globe, including beloved local species like koalas and kangaroos, there’s plenty to see here!
My personal favorites are the pandas Wang Wang and Fu Ni! The duo never fails to bring joy as they munch on bamboo leaves and relax, occasionally displaying their distinctive white bottoms for everyone to see!
Pro tip: Some of the animals don’t show themselves on certain days, but no worries! You can always take your young ones to the playground inside the zoo.
Adelaide Central Market
Website: https://adelaidecentralmarket.com.au/
Address: 44-60 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
Phone: +61882037494
Operating hours:
- Tuesday: 7:00 AM-5:30 PM
- Wednesday-Thursday: 9:00 AM-5:30 AM
- Friday: 7:00 AM-9:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 AM-3:00 PM
- Sunday-Monday: Closed
Adelaide Central Market offers a delightful assortment of everything you could possibly desire in Adelaide, including fresh produce, delectable meals, and much more! It serves as a vibrant community hub, celebrating the diverse cultures that thrive within our city.
Some of my favorite things to buy here are meats, fruits, and flowers! Also, the market is filled with many restaurants with different cuisines, so foodies will absolutely love it!
Pro tip: There are plenty of shops offering tasty snacks along the way, so don’t stuff yourself too much when you see a shop you like!
River Torrens
The River Torrens has always been an iconic part of Adelaide because of its natural beauty. Personally, I always enjoy cycling, jogging, or simply strolling along the riverbank while listening to music!
If you’re looking to enhance your experience, I highly recommend renting a paddle boat or embarking on one of the River Torrens Cruises. The latter is especially great if you want to know more about Adelaide’s history.
Pro tip: There are plenty of picnic spots in the river, so bring a basket and snacks when you visit!
Rundle Mall
Website: https://www.rundlemall.com/
Address: Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
Phone: +61882037200
Operating hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 9 AM-5:30 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM-9 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 9:00 AM-5 PM
Rundle Mall is a shopaholic’s paradise in Adelaide, boasting a wide array of retail stores that cater to every taste and budget. Whether you’re seeking boutique treasures or international designer brands, you’ll find it all here!
It’s also very family-friendly, so bringing the kids along is encouraged! I highly recommend visiting during the Christmas season when the mall hosts interactive events that the whole family can enjoy.
Pro tip: Take a pic with one of the iconic golden pigs outside the mall! With their shining round bellies and their big behinds, the chance to take a pic is simply too good to pass up.
Art Gallery of South Australia
Website: https://www.agsa.sa.gov.au/
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
Phone: +61882077000
Operating hours: Monday-Sunday: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
The Art Gallery of South Australia is a captivating haven that encapsulates the artistic wonders of our region, making it an absolute must-visit destination for immersing oneself in our rich culture.
It features lots of art from all over the world, including indigenous Australian art, pieces by Monet, and contemporary art. The museum has monthly events, and I always try to attend one because it’s mostly free and highly educational.
Pro tip: Some of the pieces in the museum aren’t too kid-friendly, so be sure to tell your guide beforehand if you’ll be bringing children!
Adelaide Oval
Website: https://www.adelaideoval.com.au/
Address: War Memorial Dr, North Adelaide SA 5006, Australia
Phone: +61882111100
The sporting culture of Adelaide runs deep in many Adelaidean’s hearts, and there’s no better display of it than the Adelaide Oval. With its state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment, every event held here is an exhilarating experience for the crowd.
Even if there are no events being held, you can still enjoy RoofClimb Adelaide. As the name suggests, you’ll be able to safely ascend to the top of the Oval and enjoy panoramic views of the Adelaide skyline, whether during daytime or twilight hours.
Pro tip: Don’t be surprised if you’re invited to the Adelaide Oval for a wedding or any private parties! There are up to 25 function rooms here.
