Joanna James
Celebrated for its diverse food culture, festivals, and natural landscapes, the city of Adelaide has become the lifestyle capital of Australia. Here are some fun things to do in the city.
A tourist attraction, or a shopping opportunity? It's hard to tell at Adelaide's Central Market where visitors can marvel at the rows of fresh produce ranging from farm fresh fruits and meats, artisan cheeses, fresh breads, smoked meats, seafood straight from the harbour and much more! The market is conveniently located near several hotels and serviced apartments in the Adelaide CBD, such as the contemporary Oaks Embassy, and includes several cafes and restaurants that serve up amazing cuisine. There are over 250 stalls at the market, each one paying homage to fresh, seasonal, Australian produce. Cruise down the walkways, grab a bite to eat, and then sit back with a cup of local brew as the busy chatter of the market surrounds you.
Regarded as the most beautiful cricket stadium in Australia, the Adelaide Oval is pretty stunning, and even if you are not much of a cricket fan, it's worth seeing. Join one of the guided tours that take you around the iconic grounds and hear all the stories that have made the oval what it is today. Don't forget to check out the Bradman Collection, which displays objects and photographs belonging to private archives of Sir Donald Bradman, Australia's legendary batsman.
Forget the world around you and wander through the lush greenery of the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. Highlights here include the water lily pavilion, the Museum of Economic Botany, a restored palm house dating back to 1877, and the Bicentennial Conservatory, home to a tropical forest and a mesmering steel-and-glass arc. Visitors can make use of the free guided walks, available daily, to learn more about the gardens.
The Adelaide Hills are a quiet and beautiful location to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Aside from being a scenic backdrop to the city, the Hills are also home to several vineyards, some of which are open to guests for a meal and some wine tasting.
Take a stroll through Adelaide's famous Laneway where you can find a host of warehouses and shops that have been converted into modern, chic eateries and bars that serve everything from French tapas, to Chinese food. Bar-hopping has never been more fun as you take in the sights, sounds, and amazing flavours of Laneway.
If you enjoy cycling, then you will definitely love Adelaide. Cycling is made easy thanks to the free bicycles available during the day at a number of depots and council offices around the CBD. This is a fun and relaxing way to explore the city, which is mostly flat, with several bike lanes passing through park lands. In addition, there's also a great trail to one of the beaches that takes you along Linear Park.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
