In recent years, South Australia’s Adelaide has risen high on the list of favoured getaway destinations, especially among young professionals. With one of a kind historical sites to discover and explore, incredible food, wine and chocolates plus abundant shopping, Adelaide is now a hot spot everyone seems to be talking about.

What to do

Explore Port Adelaide‘s wealth of 19th century buildings. The first area in South Australia to be declared an historic precinct, it is home to a substantial amount of colonial architecture. Tour the once-grand customs house, shipping and telegraph offices, lighthouse and a steam tug among other points of interest.

Cellar Door Tours offers a wide array of choices in winery touring and tasting. Savour some of South Australia’s finest offerings while enjoying a relaxing outing among the hills and valleys just outside Adelaide.

With over 38,000 pieces of art located in Adelaide, you can’t possibly see all of them in a weekend but tour a gallery or two, starting with Samstag Museum of Art or The Jam Factory.

Take a shopping tour at Rundle Mall. Sounds absurd, you say? With over 700 retail stores to be explored, a tailored shopping tour for a group of 6 to 8 people can be both fun and educational. Plus, without the tour, you might miss historic Beehive Corner and the famous piece of artwork affectionally called The Mall’s Balls.

If you need help in the wardrobe department of life, see Rundle Mall’s image consultant, Tamara Nicole. You’ll be set on the right path for choosing a wardrobe that is both flattering and fashionable in any situation.

If vintage clothing, old buttons and lace or unique household items are your thing, the Antique Market is the place for you. Get lost for hours among the piles and tables full of goodies.

Grote Street is also a treasure trove for artwork and antiques plus a wide variety of beautiful Australian opals. Both Aussies and tourists love this place.

Dining and relaxing

Sean’s Kitchen, located in the Adelaide Casino, is a New York Brasserie inspired restaurant. Utilising the freshest produce, meats and seafood from South Australia, dishes created by Chef Sean Connolly are truly amazing.

Check out Adelaide Central Market with the largest selection of produce the Southern Hemisphere has to offer. Farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, artisan cheeses, breads as well as smoked meats and seafood are among the numerous delights to be sampled here.

Spend a balmy summer evening at the Gallery on Waymouth. Boasting the biggest rooftop bar in Adelaide, the drinks flow and the food is plentiful at this local fun spot.

Redsalt Restaurant is excellent for the best in South Australian cuisine with a hint of French and Italian nuances. Only the finest locally sourced ingredients go into the excellent entrées served. Your only difficulty will be choosing one.

At The Grace Establishment, snag yourself a schooner of the local South Australian beer and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.

Where to stay

InterContinental Adelaide has a prime location on the River Torrens next to the casino and facing historic Adelaide Oval. With luxurious amenities and an abundance of space plus a big breakfast served daily, it’s the perfect city centre accommodation.

Savvy travellers looking to be in the heart of the city find Crowne Plaza Adelaide to be convenient and beautiful with it’s sweeping views of the city surrounds. In addition to in house and nearby eateries and cafés, fresh healthy meals are available for in-room dining from the Body & Soul Menu.

With Adelaide being so rich in both the arts and culture, there is something for everyone. Come see for yourself all that Adelaide has to offer. It’s so much fun, you’ll be planning your next trip before you arrive home. For additional information regarding special events and festivals in the city, see your travel agent or check with the tourism department of South Australia.

Freya is a coffeeholic freelance blogger, social media specialist, graphic designer and award-winning photographer. When she’s not intriguing strangers with her stories, she’s most likely lifting something heavy in the gym, at the beach or out and about Sydney in search of the perfect coffee. Instagram @freyat and Tweet her @freyacami

Have you been to Adelaide before? I’ve been several times and loved it and I cannot wait to go back!