Adelaide City Tour: Top Places to Visit, Mt Lofty & Hidden Gems

If you’re searching for the best things to do in Adelaide, starting your day at Glenelg Beach is a must. This premier South Australian destination perfectly blends a relaxed coastal vibe with vibrant activity.

Your story begins with a scenic transfer from the city to Moseley Square, where the historic tram meets the sea. Start like a local: grab a barista coffee on Jetty Road, the heart of Glenelg’s shopping and dining scene. A stroll along the iconic Glenelg Jetty is a top-rated Adelaide attraction, offering panoramic Gulf views and frequent dolphin sightings.

Feel the soft white sand beneath your feet and admire the grand heritage architecture that lines the shore. Whether you’re browsing boutiques or enjoying the salty breeze, Glenelg captures the effortless charm of the city. Consistently ranked as a top place to visit in Adelaide, it is the ultimate starting point for any Adelaide city tour seeking that quintessential beach lifestyle.

After the seaside charm of Glenelg, we trade the salt air for the rich aroma of Australia’s oldest family-owned chocolate maker. A visit to the Haigh’s Chocolates Visitor Centre is widely considered one of the most delicious things to do in Adelaide.

Located just on the fringe of the city, this iconic Adelaide attraction offers a behind-the-scenes look at the art of premium confectionery. Experience a guided factory tour where you can watch master chocolatiers at work, hand-finishing world-class treats using traditional techniques perfected since 1915.

For travelers seeking the best places to visit in Adelaide, this sensory experience is a must. Sample their famous artisan chocolates and browse the beautiful heritage-listed showroom for a sweet souvenir of your South Australian adventure. It is an essential stop on any Adelaide city tour, perfectly capturing the local heritage and craftsmanship that makes the city so unique.

Leaving the sweetness of Haigh's behind, we glide toward the city heart for a scenic drive along the banks of the River Torrens. This picturesque waterway is a top place to visit in Adelaide, serving as the beautiful green divide between the city center and North Adelaide.

As we cross the bridge, the magnificent Adelaide Oval comes into view—widely regarded as one of the most beautiful sporting stadiums in the world. We pass directly in front of the iconic South Gate, where striking modern architecture meets the historic charm of the nearby cathedral district. Catching a glimpse of this world-class Adelaide attraction is a highlight of any Adelaide city tour.

For sports fans and photography enthusiasts alike, witnessing this landmark in its riverside setting is one of the essential things to do in Adelaide while exploring South Australia. It’s a breathtaking moment that perfectly captures the city’s passion for heritage, sport, and stunning natural landscapes.

From the riverside, we travel to the prestigious North Terrace to visit a true architectural masterpiece: the State Library of South Australia. Stepping inside this grand historic building is one of the most rewarding things to do in Adelaide for history lovers and culture seekers.

The crown jewel of this Adelaide attraction is the world-renowned Mortlock Wing. Often compared to a scene from a classic novel, this Victorian-era treasure features warm dark wood, gold-leaf detailing, and rows of leather-bound history. It is frequently voted as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world and remains an essential place to visit in Adelaide while exploring South Australia.

As you wander through the galleries, admire the intricate wrought-iron balustrades and the peaceful atmosphere of this quiet sanctuary. Including this landmark in your Adelaide city tour provides a stunning glimpse into the rich academic and architectural heritage that defines the city.

Next, follow your senses into the heart of the city’s food scene at the Adelaide Central Market. Since 1869, this bustling hub has been a premier Adelaide attraction, offering a maze of local cheeses, artisan breads, and seasonal produce. Exploring these stalls is one of the most iconic things to do in Adelaide for foodies. You’ll have 90 minutes of free time to enjoy a gourmet lunch and soak in the vibrant, multicultural atmosphere.

If you visit on a day when the markets are resting, we escape to the chic local suburb of Norwood. A stroll down The Parade offers a sophisticated alternative, filled with boutique shopping and upscale cafes. As a top place to visit in Adelaide for locals, Norwood provides a trendy, European-style dining experience that perfectly showcases the city's cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Both options offer a delicious glimpse into the South Australian culinary identity, making this a highlight of any Adelaide city tour.

Please Note : Central markets closed on Sun-Mon

Escape to the chic local suburb of Norwood. A stroll down The Parade offers a sophisticated alternative, filled with boutique shopping and upscale cafes. As a top place to visit in Adelaide for locals, Norwood provides a trendy, European-style dining experience that perfectly showcases the city's cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Both options offer a delicious glimpse into the South Australian culinary identity, making this a highlight of any Adelaide city tour.

After lunch, find your sanctuary in the lush heart of the city at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. This 51-hectare oasis is a premier place to visit in Adelaide, offering a peaceful escape filled with rare plants and stunning landscapes.

The centerpiece of your visit is the exquisite Palm House. This restored 19th-century glasshouse is a breathtaking architectural gem, imported from Germany in 1875. As a unique Adelaide attraction, it is the only one of its kind left in the world, housing a fascinating collection of Madagascan plants within its delicate iron and glass frame.

Exploring these historic grounds is consistently rated as one of the top things to do in Adelaide for nature lovers and photographers alike. It is the perfect moment of serenity before we begin our scenic ascent into the foothills.

We now leave the city floor behind for a scenic drive into the rolling Adelaide Hills, ascending to the spectacular Mount Lofty Summit. At 710 metres above sea level, this is the highest point in the region and a premier Adelaide attraction for breathtaking panoramic views. From the lookout, you can see across the city skyline all the way to the sparkling waters of the Gulf St Vincent, making it one of the absolute best things to do in Adelaide for photography enthusiasts.

Your local journey reaches its grand finale at Carrick Hill, a magnificent historic estate nestled in the foothills. This 1939 manor is a rare place to visit in Adelaide, preserved almost exactly as it was lived in by its original owners. You’ll have the chance to explore the grand English-style mansion and wander through the beautifully manicured "garden rooms" that offer a touch of old-world elegance. It is a sophisticated end to your Adelaide city tour, showcasing the heritage and luxury that define South Australia's history.

Please Note : Closed on Monday and Tuesday for visitors.