How to Spend a Weekend Away in Adelaide

Adelaide has a thriving CBD. We’re talking bars, restaurants, festivals, culture and so much more. And once you’re done exploring, its nearby wine regions help you escape the hustle and bustle of city life. There is so much to see and do in Adelaide and during your upcoming visit, you’ll be truly spoilt for choice. Wondering how to spend your weekend away in Adelaide? Keep reading to discover our must-visit places.

Your Adelaide weekend itinerary

Welcome to the cosmopolitan coastal capital of South Australia; Adelaide! Your weekend ahead is filled with culture, packed with atmosphere and plenty of wine.

To help get you started we have narrowed down our favourite things to do in Adelaide and created a fun-filled itinerary that is sure to keep you entertained from start to finish. Taste some of the best food, sip on the finest wines and get to know this incredible city, one day at a time.

Pic credit: Ben Goode/SATC

FRIDAY

Day

Stretch your legs at Adelaide Botanic Gardens

After your journey into the city, there is nothing better than stretching your legs and the Adelaide Botanic Garden’s is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. Discover beautiful and diverse plants from across Australia and around the world. Explore the cactus and succulent garden and the Australian forest, where you will find trees dating back to when the gardens were first developed 150 years ago. There is also incredible architecture to see and a quaint garden kiosk where you can enjoy a coffee amongst the trees, before setting off to explore Adelaide.

Night

Laugh the night away at a comedy gig

After a day exploring the city take it easy at one of Adelaide’s top comedy nights. Adelaide has a thriving comedy scene and hosts some of the funniest local and international stand-up comedy acts. Check out the Rhino Room, located on Pirie St in the heart of the city. Rhino Room is a dedicated live music and stand-up comedy venue which has been running for over 22 years. Head to the Adelaide Comedy Showcase which takes place every Friday night and is the place to go for great energy, good drinks and a lot of laughs!

SATURDAY

Day

Take a trip to one of Adelaide’s Wine Regions

A visit to one of the nearby wine regions is an absolute must during your weekend away in Adelaide. From the Barossa Valley to the Adelaide Hills to McLaren Vale, you will be spoilt for choice. The wine regions are producers of internationally acclaimed wines and are well known for some of the world’s best Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties. Book a guided tour or simply jump on the hop-on/hop-off bus and take it at your own pace.

Whichever region you visit each has some fantastic wineries, from small boutique cellar doors such as Alpha Box & Dice in McLaren Vale to large-scale producers like Jacobs Creek in the Barossa Valley. Taste your way through top-quality wines and enjoy a bite to eat along the way. Many cellar doors offer antipasti boards filled with incredible local cheese and charcuterie, perfect for grazing with a glass of wine.

Night

Wine and dine at Peel Street

Adelaide is home to some vibrant bars and unique restaurants, head to the well-known Peel Street for some of the best food and drink in the city. Peel Street is a narrow laneway in Adelaide’s CBD and is the place to go for a lively atmosphere with people gathering in the street and hopping from bar to bar.

If you are in the mood for a cocktail head to the Therapy Cocktail Bar and choose from their extensive list of over 100 cocktails. If you’re a whiskey or gin lover, then Malt & Juniper is the place to go with a vast spirit list featuring gin and whiskey from across the globe. After a drink (or two!) head to Bread & Bone to try their specialty wood grilled burger or check out Peel St Restaurant, one of the most popular restaurants in Adelaide for simple, fresh and delicious food.

SUNDAY

Day

Take a stroll around Adelaide’s Farmer’s Market

Finish off your weekend away in Adelaide at the Adelaide Farmer’s Market. Located at the Adelaide Showground in Wayville, the market takes place every Sunday between 8:30am – 12:30pm and is free entry. There are around 100 stalls each week offering local and seasonal produce including baked goods, fruit, vegetables, spirits, beer and so much more.  It is the perfect place to grab a freshly made breakfast and a cup of coffee before you head back home.

SA Escapes Top Hotel Pick

Quality Apartments Adelaide Central is in an unbeatable CBD location, making it the perfect base for your weekend away in Adelaide. Set in a beautiful historic building, inside guests will find luxury one or two-bedroom apartments with stylish furnishings and all the amenities needed for your stay.

Discount code: Get 10% off your next stay.  Use the promotional code SAWE10 on our hotel’s website when booking.

For more information on things to do in Adelaide check out our ultimate guide here.