If you are in Adelaide for The Ashes, you have picked a brilliant time to visit. The city is buzzing with warm weather, outdoor energy and plenty happening day and night.
You will find rooftop bars with skyline views, laneway dining, river cruises, sandy coastlines, cultural festivals and some of Australia’s most beautiful wine regions just a short drive away. To help you make the most of your stay, we have curated our top places to eat, drink, explore and escape, all within easy reach of the action.
Enjoy the city, enjoy the volleyball, and enjoy a little Adelaide magic while you are here.
- 5 Best Adelaide City Bars
- 5 Best Hotel Bars
- 5 Best City Restaurants – High End
- 5 Best City Restaurants – Casual
- 5 Top Adelaide City Tourism Attractions
- 5 Top Tourism Attractions Within A 2-Hour Drive Of Adelaide
- 5 Great Things to Do with Kids in the City
- 5 Shopping Destinations (In and Outside the City)
- 5 Other Major SA Events Happening During the Ashes Period
- Wine Regions To Visit in South Australia
5 Best Adelaide City Bars
Hains & Co
Follow the glow of Gilbert Place and you will find Hains & Co, a nautical inspired bar that takes its drinks seriously but keeps the mood delightfully relaxed. Settle inside among maritime touches or enjoy the alfresco deck out front. The team specialises in gin, rum and classic cocktails made with care. Open seven days from late afternoon until well after midnight, it is a reliable stop for a polished night out.
For more information, click here.
Bank Street Social
Tucked beneath the city’s West End, Bank Street Social is where Adelaide’s night owls and cocktail lovers happily lose track of time. The bar champions South Australian craft beer, cider and boutique wine, alongside an impressive back bar of gin and whisky from Australia and abroad. Fresh wood-fired pizza keeps everyone fuelled, and on weekends the late-night DJ sets add just the right amount of vibe. Expect house and disco that keep the room feeling alive.
For more information, click here.
Bibliotheca Bar & Book Exchange
Small and intimate Bibliotheca is where you go when you want a drink with character. Shelves of books, candlelit corners and bartenders who know their classics make it feel like a secret library for grown ups. Cocktails are refined and thoughtful, whisky is treated with reverence, and conversations tend to run late. For something a little more spirited, its neighbour La Buvette Drinkery offers French accented charm and a touch of Parisian ease.
For more information, click here.
SORA
Sitting high above the city on the rooftop of Pirie House, SORA blends modern Asian dining with a lively late night energy and sweeping skyline views. Sip signature cocktails as the sun sets, stay for dinner, then linger as the tempo builds. It is elegant without being pretentious, social without being chaotic, and ideal for making a night feel special.
For more information, click here.
Jennie Wine Bar
Just off Peel Street’s buzzing bar corridor, Jennie has quickly earned its reputation as one of Adelaide’s standout wine bars. The focus here is on wines with personality. Small producers, expressive vintages and bottles that speak of their origins. The room is warm, the team knowledgeable, and the pours always thoughtful. Whether you are a casual sipper or someone who loves to deep dive, there will be something here that feels just right.
For more information, click here.
5 Best Hotel Bars
Hennessy Rooftop Bar, Mayfair Hotel
Sitting at the top of the Mayfair, Hennessy Rooftop Bar is where Adelaide comes to feel a little polished. Inside, crystal chandeliers and soft light create a warm glow, while the outdoor terraces open to sweeping views across the city skyline. The cocktails are elegant, the wine list leans local, and the mood is always a touch celebratory. A refined spot for pre dinner drinks or a late night moment.
For more information, click here.
Merrymaker Rooftop Bar, Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets
Sixteen floors up and buzzing with energy, Merrymaker brings rooftop joy with style. Colourful cocktails, craft beer and a wine list that highlights South Australia make for easy sipping, especially as the sun drops behind the Adelaide Hills. The food celebrates Italian street favourites, made to share and full of bold flavour. It is lively, social and ideal for nights that start casually and end with a story.
For more information, click here.
Sol Rooftop Bar, Eos by SkyCity Adelaide
Perched high above the city, Sol Rooftop Bar is pure sophistication with a side of South Australian sunshine. The space blends sleek design with breathtaking views across the riverbank. Seasonal produce and premium local spirits shape a cocktail list that’s inventive and refined, while curated small plates showcase the best of the state’s flavours. Whether it’s a golden hour drink or a late night celebration, Sol delivers luxury with a local soul. It also has cracking views of Adelaide Oval, and the BVWC Pinky Flat Central Beach District.
For more information, click here.
ela Bar, Hotel Alba Adelaide
ela brings Mediterranean ease to the city, with an open air terrace that feels built for sunshine, slow afternoons and relaxed evenings. Expect South Australian wine, thoughtful cocktails and classic aperitivo snacks. It is breezy, warm and welcoming. The kind of place where one drink easily becomes three.
For more information, click here.
Bespoke Kitchen & Bar, Oval Hotel
Located within the Adelaide Oval precinct, Bespoke has sweeping stadium views and an upmarket but comfortable feel. Ideal for a glass of wine by the fire or a relaxed drink, the menu highlights fresh, seasonal produce with a modern Australian approach. Whether you drop in briefly or settle in for a long lunch, the setting always feels memorable.
For more information, click here.
5 Best Adelaide City Restaurants – High End
Fugazzi – Leigh Street
A little bit New York swagger, a whole lot of Italian soul. Fugazzi is bold, plush and always buzzing, with deep red tones, polished stone and a bar that invites you to linger. The menu is indulgent yet playful, with dishes that celebrate flavour and always delight. Do not leave without ordering the gnocchi fritto. It is the kind of dining room that feels glamorous without trying too hard, and perfect for a long lunch that accidentally becomes dinner.
For more information, click here.
Station Road – Festival Plaza
Right in the revitalised Festival Plaza precinct, Station Road delivers European comfort with a modern edge. The menu is designed for sharing, with small, medium and large plates that suit both a relaxed bite or a longer feast. Expect recognisable flavours elevated with care, and a wine list that moves confidently between South Australia and abroad. Add a cocktail from the bar team and you have a great night.
For more information, click here.
Shiki – InterContinental Adelaide
Shiki is dinner and a show, but in the most elegant way. Teppanyaki chefs work at the grill right in front of you, turning fresh seasonal produce into dishes that highlight precision and technique. The experience is immersive, thoughtful and theatrical. If you want a meal that feels like an occasion, with exceptional service and food prepared with artistry, this is the spot.
For more information, click here.
Restaurant Botanic – Adelaide Botanic Garden
Dining at Restaurant Botanic feels like stepping into another world. Surrounded by lush greenery and filtered natural light, the setting within the Adelaide Botanic Gardens is intimate and quietly breathtaking. The multi-course degustation draws on native and hyper-local ingredients, transforming Australia’s diverse landscapes into a sensory journey on the plate. It is thoughtful, inventive and deeply connected to place, making it one of Adelaide’s most extraordinary dining experiences.
For more information, click here.
Yakisan – North Adelaide
Yakisan blends contemporary Japanese dining with warmth and ease. Three open kitchens bring the atmosphere to life, with dishes guided by flame, seasonality and a commitment to clean, balanced flavours. The menu is refined without being intimidating, and the dining room holds a calm energy that feels sophisticated but relaxed. Ideal for a special night with friends.
For more information, click here.
5 Best Adelaide City Restaurants – Casual
Botanic Lodge – Adelaide Botanic Garden
Botanic Lodge sits lakeside within the Botanic Garden, offering one of the most peaceful dining settings in the city. During the day it’s a lovely stop for coffee or a relaxed lunch, but dinner is where the magic happens. Guests can stroll through the gardens at dusk before sitting down to a menu that reimagines classic South Australian dishes with seasonal finesse. Quietly charming and entirely transportive.
For more information, click here.
Sofia Bistro – Hutt Street
Sofia Bistro brings a relaxed, modern Mediterranean feel to one of the city’s most loved dining strips. The menu is made for sharing, with small plates, house sopressa, marinated olives and warm fermented flatbreads to start. Larger dishes lean generous and hearty, like whole fish or a perfectly grilled steak. It’s unfussy, social and built for those long, chatty meals where dishes land in the middle and everyone reaches in.
For more information, click here.
Latteria – Hutt Street
A fresh take on Italian dining, Latteria brings a touch of Milanese charm to Hutt Street. Bright, modern and full of energy, it’s the kind of place that feels equally right for a quick espresso at the counter or a long lunch that lingers into the afternoon. The menu celebrates simple, honest flavours – handmade pasta, creamy burrata, and perfectly balanced spritzes – all crafted with local produce and Italian flair. With its pared-back interiors and warm hospitality, Latteria captures the joy of everyday dining, done beautifully.
For more information, click here.
Kiin – Angas Street
Kiin means “eat” in Thai, and this spot encourages exactly that. Think warm hospitality, vibrant flavours and dishes that bring a fresh, contemporary edge to Thai dining. Cocktails are well considered, the wine list plays nicely with spice, and the dining room has a calm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s the kind of place you settle into and realise you’ve happily stayed longer than planned. Sit in the window seats and enjoy the people watching.
For more information, click here.
Africola – East End
Colourful, loud, lively and full of personality, Africola is one of Adelaide’s great dining rooms. The open kitchen, wood-fired cooking and bold flavour combinations create a high-energy food experience that always feels like a celebration. Expect big spice, smoky vegetables, and dishes that arrive with confidence. It’s joyful, generous and unforgettable—bring friends who love to eat.
For more information, click here.
5 Top Adelaide City Tourism Attractions
Adelaide Central Market
A visit to Adelaide isn’t quite complete without a wander through the Central Market. With more than 70 traders under one roof, it’s a vibrant gathering place filled with fresh produce, artisan goods, bakeries, cheesemongers and specialty stalls that celebrate the flavours of South Australia. It’s lively from morning to late afternoon, full of colour and the warmth of regulars who have been shopping here for generations. Visit hungry.
For more information, click here.
National Wine Centre
The National Wine Centre is an iconic wine destination located in the Adelaide CBD, on the doorstep of the Botanic Gardens, and home to the largest tasting room in Australia, showcasing over 100 diverse and exciting wines from the country’s 65 regions.
For more information, click here.
North Terrace Cultural Precinct
Stretching along the northern edge of the city, North Terrace is Adelaide’s cultural heart. Here you’ll find the Art Gallery of South Australia, the Migration Museum, the State Library, the South Australian Museum and the Adelaide Botanic Garden, all within a leisurely walk of one another. The Botanic Garden is a beautiful pause in the city, while the National Wine Centre offers an introduction to South Australia’s world-renowned wine regions. Take your time—this is a part of Adelaide best enjoyed slowly.
For more information, click here.
Adelaide Zoo
Nestled beside the Botanic Garden, Adelaide Zoo offers an intimate wildlife experience right in the CBD. Home to over 2,500 animals including giraffes, tigers, lemurs and the beloved Giant Pandas, it’s a place of discovery for all ages. The grounds are lush and walkable, making it easy to spend a full morning or afternoon exploring habitats from around the world.
For more information, click here.
Adelaide Oval
One of the most picturesque sporting venues on the planet, Adelaide Oval is a landmark. Take a behind-the-scenes tour to learn its stories. For something unforgettable, try the RoofClimb and watch the city unfold from above. It’s a breathtaking way to see Adelaide from a new perspective.
For more information, click here.
5 Top Tourism Attractions (Within a 2-Hour Drive of Adelaide)
Monarto Safari Park
Monarto Safari Park offers a wildlife experience on a grand scale, with open plains and wide horizons that feel worlds away from the city. Home to more than 500 animals including lions, rhinos, giraffes, meerkats and chimpanzees, the park is designed for adventure at your own pace. Wander along walking trails, or hop aboard the Zu-loop shuttle for guided views across expansive habitats. It is easy to spend a full day wandering, watching, learning and simply taking in the space. Family friendly.
For more information, click here.
d’Arenberg Cube, McLaren Vale
Set among the vines of McLaren Vale, the d’Arenberg Cube rises from the landscape like something from a dream. The five-level building holds art installations, tasting spaces and surreal design touches that make the visit feel playful and imaginative. Stay for a glass or a guided tasting, then explore more of the region. Chalk Hill, Wirra Wirra, Bec Hardy Wines and Oliver’s Taranga are all close by and well worth a stop as you move through the region.
For more information, click here.
Woodhouse Adventure Park, Piccadilly
Just 25 minutes from the city, Woodhouse Adventure Park is where nature and fun collide. Spread across 54 hectares in the Adelaide Hills, it’s a playground for all ages – think tube slides, obstacle courses, hiking trails, and giant outdoor challenges that bring out everyone’s inner kid. Families, schools, and groups come here to disconnect from screens and reconnect with the outdoors. Whether you’re conquering the Challenge Hill course or toasting marshmallows by the campfire, Woodhouse is the ultimate dose of fresh air and adventure. Family friendly.
For more information, click here.
Cleland Wildlife Park, Crafers
A South Australian icon, Cleland Wildlife Park offers an unforgettable encounter with native animals just 20 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD. Wander through open enclosures where kangaroos, emus, and wallabies roam freely, and don’t miss the chance to hold a koala or hand-feed friendly locals. Set within the stunning bushland of Cleland Conservation Park, it’s an immersive way to experience Australia’s wildlife in a natural setting. Perfect for visitors and locals alike, it’s one of those places that never loses its charm. Family friendly.
For more information, click here.
Hahndorf – Adelaide Hills
Just a short drive from Adelaide, Hahndorf is a storybook village that blends heritage charm with modern country life. Its tree-lined main street is filled with German bakeries, cosy pubs, boutique shops and artisan galleries that invite slow wandering. Families will love the hands-on fun at Hahndorf Farm Barn, where little ones can feed animals and enjoy pony rides, while Beerenberg Farm offers the sweetest stop for fresh strawberry picking or a classic Devonshire tea. Make time to explore Grunthal Brew, home to a cheese cellar door, distillery and microbrewery under one roof, or unwind at Jurlique Farm nearby, where visitors can discover the origins of the world-renowned skincare brand amidst rolling hills and lavender fields. Hahndorf is where the simple pleasures of the Adelaide Hills come together — food, nature and a touch of nostalgia.
For more information, click here.
5 Great Things to Do with Kids in the City
Get On The Water! Paddleboats, BBQ Buoys & The Popeye – River Torrens
The River Torrens is one of the most charming ways to experience the city, especially with kids in tow. Hop aboard a paddleboat for some gentle pedalling beside the Festival Centre and Adelaide Oval, or gather a group and float along in a round BBQ Buoy complete with your own snack table or mini grill. For something relaxed and scenic, The Popeye offers daily narrated cruises that glide along the river, sharing stories of Adelaide as the skyline drifts by. It’s simple, outdoorsy fun with great views along the riverbank.
For more information, click here.
Adelaide Zoo
Right next to the Botanic Garden, Adelaide Zoo is a favourite for families. Home to more than 2,400 animals including giraffes, pandas, lemurs and lions, it’s a place where every path leads to a new little moment of wonder. Guided tours run throughout the day, and the Nature’s Playground gives kids a chance to climb, play and explore while adults enjoy a breather in the garden surrounds. Easy to reach, easy to explore and always a hit.
For more information, click here.
Hijinx Hotel – Rundle Mall
Hijinx Hotel turns play into an adventure. Each themed room offers a quick, quirky challenge—from giant ball pits to oversized musical instruments and puzzle games designed for teamwork. It’s silly, energetic and wildly entertaining, perfect for families with plenty of enthusiasm. The sessions are bite-sized and lively, making it great for rainy days or when you just want something completely different.
For more information, click here.
Fox in a Box Escape Rooms – Hindley Street
If your crew loves solving puzzles together, Fox in a Box offers immersive escape room adventures built for teamwork. Each room has its own story, setting and challenges, with game masters there to help guide the fun. Work together, think fast and celebrate those eureka moments when a clue clicks. Open every day and into the evening, it’s a great way to bond, laugh and try something unique as a family.
For more information, click here.
P1 Electric Indoor Karting & Indoor Golf – Hindmarsh
For a dose of high-energy fun just minutes from the city, P1 Electric Indoor Karting & Indoor Golf delivers thrills on every level. The state-of-the-art electric go-karts are fast, smooth and whisper-quiet, letting you race through tight turns and long straights with instant torque and precision handling. Once you’ve crossed the finish line, head next door to the cutting-edge indoor golf simulators – complete with world-famous courses and realistic gameplay that suits both beginners and seasoned players. Whether it’s a group outing, a date night with a twist or a rainy-day adventure, P1 brings the excitement indoors, all year round.
For more information, click here.
5 Shopping Destinations (In and Outside the City)
Rundle Mall – Adelaide CBD
Rundle Mall is the heart of city shopping, always lively and always full of movement. More than 700 retailers line this pedestrian strip, from fashion and beauty to homewares and specialty stores, along with buskers and street performers adding to the atmosphere. It is the place to wander, browse, grab a bite and people-watch. If you need new sunnies for watching the volleyball action outdoors, Shades in the Mall has you covered.
For more information, click here.
The Parade – Norwood
Just minutes from the CBD, The Parade blends fashion shopping with a strong café culture. Boutique stores sit alongside relaxed eateries and refined restaurants like arkhé, making it easy to spend a full afternoon moving between browsing and grazing. Stop in for coffee, lunch or a pre-movie bite before catching a film at Hoyts. Think relaxed suburban charm with plenty of style.
For more information, click here.
Burnside Village – Glenside
Set beneath its iconic glass atrium, Burnside Village offers a curated mix of premium luxury retailers. Here you’ll find international names like Zara, Tiffany, Tommy Hilfiger, Camilla, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Oroton, Solomon, Mecca and more, alongside local favourites and modern dining. It’s polished and calm, with leafy surrounds and a refined shopping experience just a short drive from the city.
For more information, click here.
Harbour Town Premium Outlets (Airport Precinct) & The District Outlets
If you love a good deal, Adelaide’s outlet hubs are the place to go. Harbour Town, near the airport, offers major brands at permanently reduced prices in an open-air setting, plus access to a Tourist Lounge for luggage storage and a refresh between flights. The District, in the north, is fully undercover and home to big-name casual fashion, footwear and lifestyle stores. Both are ideal for travel-friendly bargains and activewear refreshes.
For more information, click here for Harbour Town. Click here for The District.
Westfield Shopping Centres – Marion, Tea Tree Plaza & West Lakes
Westfield’s trio of Adelaide shopping centres/malls make retail therapy a full-day affair. At Westfield Marion, discover the state’s largest collection of fashion, dining and entertainment all under one roof, including a rooftop dining precinct and luxury cinema experience. Westfield Tea Tree Plaza in the north combines big-name brands with boutique finds and a vibrant dining terrace perfect for post-shopping catch-ups. Over west, Westfield West Lakes brings a relaxed coastal vibe to the shopping mix, with airy interiors, lifestyle stores and family-friendly cafes. Wherever you go, expect the latest fashion, local favourites, and everything from beauty salons to gourmet treats — making Westfield the go-to for effortless style and convenience.
For more information, click here.
5 Other Major SA Events Happening During The Ashes Period (17–21 November)
Breakfast with the Rivals – Wednesday 17 December from 7am-9:15am at EOS Ballroom, SkyCity Adelaide
As the 2025–26 Ashes series heats up, enjoy Breakfast with the Rivals – an exclusive charity event supporting bowel cancer prevention and early detection. Enjoy a hot plated breakfast, coffee, tea, and a cheeky beverage, while soaking up banter and behind-the-scenes stories from cricket legends Lord Ian Botham and Damien Fleming, hosted by sports presenter Max Burford. Tickets include breakfast + drinks.
For more info, click here.
Ricky Ponting Cricket Dinner – Thursday 18 December
For one night only, guests can enjoy one of the city’s most exciting Japanese dining spaces, where Executive Chef Adam Liston will showcase a three-course menu paired perfectly with the richness, structure and character of Ponting Wines. At $170 per person, you’ll get to experience a mix of great food and wine with cricketing history.
For more information, click here.
ILA’s ‘Immersive Table: Yuletide’ – Thursday 18 December
Located beneath 50 square metres of LED screens, Yuletide is redefining festive dining through light, sound, and flavour. For $179 guests will enjoy a five-course meal that unfolds as part of a visual and sensory journey. Diners will be surrounded by glowing candles, falling snow and soft lighting that shifts and shimmers with each dish.
For more information, click here.
Friday Knock Offs at Station Road, Festival Plaza – Friday 19 December from 4pm til late
Next to SkyCity Adelaide, and the Adelaide Oval Footbridge, you’ll find Station Road and Festival Plaza. From 4pm on Friday, it becomes a weekly after-work event where you can kick back, relax and ease into the weekend. The plaza will come alive with outside bars, rotating line-up DJs, live music, food stations and good vibes.
For more information, click here.
Vardon Street Party – Friday 19 December and Saturday 20 December from 4pm-11pm
East End Cellars, Mother Vine, NOLA, Enoteca and El Cheeky Flamingo will all be spilling onto the street for a relaxed rendition of their famous warm-weather parties. The avenue will feature extra tables and benches, which if previous years are anything to go by, will have no trouble filling up. From experience, it’s a vibe, and if you’re forever racking your brain for a spot to meet friends for Friday knockoffs, consider your search over.
For more information, click here.
A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland – Saturday 20 December
A Celtic Christmas is a celebration of Irish culture wrapped in the warmth and nostalgia of the holiday season. With fantastic vocals, storytelling, dance and classic Irish humour, it’s the kind of show that will stay with you long after the curtain closes.
For more information, click here.
For all other events happening in SA this November, check out our Top 10 Event Guide, What’s On This Week Guide, and our full calendar here.
Wine Regions To Visit in South Australia
Adelaide Hills
- Yangarra Estate Vineyard – Visit Yangarra Estate’s architecturally designed cellar door in Blewitt Springs to experience award-winning wines that celebrate Old Vine Grenache and Rhône varietals grown on ancient sands.
- Golding Wines
- Cobb’s Hill Estate
- Mt Bera Vineyards
- The Lane Vineyard – Immerse yourself in a sensory journey as you explore their world-class restaurant and tasting room, offering a delightful culinary experience and showcasing exquisite wines.
- Paracombe Wines (appointment only)
- Petaluma Wines – Make a day of it at Petaluma’s Adelaide Hills cellar door, think beautiful views, exceptional wines, and plenty of reasons to linger longer.
Barossa Valley
- Corryton Burge
- Jacob’s Creek – Enjoy great tasting wines, immersive experiences and a rich history, all while taking in breathtaking vineyards and views of the Barossa Ranges.
- Irvine Wines
- St Hugo & Grant Burge Wines
McLaren Vale
- Maxwell Wines – Crowned 2025 global leader in wine tourism in France, with their restaurant named in Australia’s Top 10 fine dining destinations, Maxwell Wines is a must-visit.
- Chalk Hill Wines (& Never Never Distilling based at the same location as a bonus) – Recipient of the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2025 and Twice awarded Best Wine of Show at the McLaren Vale Wine Show (2020 and 2023) and winner of Best Grenache at the 2024 National Wine Show, alongside numerous other domestic and international accolades.
- Bec Hardy Wines
- Beresford Estate
- Oliver’s Taranga – Award winning wines and customer service- a must visit!
- Wirra Wirra Wines – For over a century, Wirra Wirra have crafted iconic wines at the heart of McLaren Vale. Making wine is what they were put on this earth to do.
- d’Arenberg
- Chapel Hill – Discover an enchanting Cellar Door within a 150-year-old chapel, where fine wine, art, and history converge in a timeless celebration of the senses.
- Hardys Wines
- Serafino Wines
Clare Valley
- Kilikanoon Wines
- Taylor’s Wines
Whether you are here for a few days or settling in for a longer period, Adelaide offers plenty to fill your days and nights with great food, relaxed adventure and memorable experiences. From city laneways to coastal sunsets, wine country escapes to festival energy, the best of South Australia is right at your fingertips. We hope this guide helps you discover new favourites, meet the locals and enjoy the atmosphere both on and off the sand.
Enjoy The Ashes, and enjoy Adelaide!
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