Adelaide was the only Aus/NZ city to be featured in NY Times “52 places to go in 2015” – here’s what makes it special.
South Australia’s Adelaide has a bit of a reputation for being pious and stuffy. Adelaideans are quick to remind you that they’re the only colony in Australia that wasn’t founded by convicts and for a while this conservatism has held Adelaide back a bit.
This is no longer true as Adelaide’s rocking and arty scene has turned up its cool factor to 11.
Art Gallery of South Australia
Adelaide is rich in culture and the best way to soak it up is to take a stroll through Adelaide’s North Terrace. Start with the Art Gallery of South Australia whose collection consists of 38,000 works of art with Australian, European, North American and Asian works including paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, textiles, furniture, ceramics, metalwork and jewellery.
The Art Gallery’s collection is free admission but they have some pretty amazing exhibitions that are worth the price of admission for any lovers of art.
South Australian Museum
If you want access to Australia’s natural and cultural heritage then the South Australian Museum is a must do.
Going strong for over 150 years, the museum has become one of the most visited museums in Australia and holds collections of national and international significance, including Australian Aboriginal heritage.
Rundle Street East End
For amazing boutique shopping Rundle St East End is where you need to go. It’s got a very cool vibe surrounded by cafes, burger joints, and restaurants.
Think of brands like Alannah Hill, Morrison, Zimmerman, and the new M.J. Bale store. Don’t forget to check out Miss Gladys Sym Choon a long established fashion juggernaut, its heritage can be traced baack to 1928.
Catch some sun
Adelaide has some of the most relaxed beaches in the country, they’re never overcrowded (although their definition of crowded may differ) and there’s always jetty’s to park your butt under to avoid the heat of the sun.
Head down to historic Glenelg with the family and slide down the huge slides of The Beach House. Eat fish and chips on the beautiful white sand of Henley Beach or go to Semaphore and sample some homemade ice cream.
Gouger Street – Foodie heaven
We can’t talk about Gouger St without mentioning the Adelaide Central Markets where growers from across the state come here to sell fresh produce for your kitchen.
Think fruits, vegetables, to oysters, a selection of olive oils and mouth-watering cheeses.
The street is bursting at the seams with restaurants from Italian to Argentinean, but at its core, this is Chinatown territory and their streets are lined with many Yum Cha establishments.
Book a table at Concubine, a fusion of oriental flavours made with fresh local produce from South Australia.
Haunt the coolest bars in Adelaide
If you’re feeling a bit up market, then check out literal underground bar, Fumo Blu, there they really take their cocktails seriously and you’ll find some of the best bartenders in the business slinging drinks.
Perhaps you’re after something a little bit more casual. Time to hit up, Downtown HDCB, an amazing dive bar that will transport you to USA. There’s great American food to go with your drinks from hot dogs and ribs or for the brave – “f*cking hot Suicide Wings”.
Check out our list of the 5 coolest small bars in Adelaide.
Festivals
The best time to visit the city is during the Adealide Fringe, this year happening from the 13th of February to the 15th of March. This open (non curated) festival is Australia’s largest art event.
Artists from around Australia and elsewhere come to enthrall audiences with cabaret, comedy, circus, dance, film, theatre, music, visual art and design. The fringe takes over the entire city with over 900 events and pop up venues.
March is definitely the time to visit, running concurrently with the Adelaide Fringe is WOMADelaide, from the 6th of March to the 9th. WOMAD is the World of Music, Arts & Dance and was founded by Peter Gabriel in 1982. WOMADelaide takes over the Botanic Park and hosts over 400 performances from contemporary musicians, artists, dancers and thinkers from around the world.
Where to stay
Skip the city and stay beachside at the Oaks Plaza Pier in Glenelg. It’s close to the airport and only a 25minute tram ride to the city. They’ve recently renovated their leisure areas consisting a pool, sauna and gym so it’s all about total relaxation. Opt for an Ocean View room and you can sleep with the sounds of waves filling the air.
