Dubbed The Festival State, South Australia’s cosmopolitan capital, Adelaide, is quickly becoming the next hipster coastal city. The beautiful city is surrounded by Adelaide Hills, where wineries and farms dot the area. If you’re looking to travel to Adelaide and not sure what you can do here, don’t fret! We have compiled a list of free things you can do in Adelaide, so you don’t have to worry about burning a hole in your pocket. 🙂 They’re also mostly found in the city centre so you can save on transport!

Visit the Haigh’s Chocolate Factory and learn about their chocolate making history

Haigh’s Chocolates are a well known brand in Australia, especially in South Australia since the founder started making the chocolates here. You can learn all about their chocolate making history and watch how they make their famous chocolates at their very first factory. It happens to be in a very convenient location right on the outskirts of the CBD in the residential estate. Well, that is because the owner demolished his house and built a factory in its stead when they needed more chocolate making space! Whilst many chocolate factories require an entry fee, Haigh’s Chocolate Factory’s tour is completely free of charge, and you can even try their chocolates before buying them! Pick up some of the best handmade chocolates at their shop and indulge in these sinful childhood desires. Here’s a secret tip for you – head to the back corner of the store where they sell their “seconds” at half price! They taste as lovely as the full priced ones but may not look as perfect.

Haigh’s Chocolate Factory | 154 Greenhill Rd, Parkside SA 5063

Buy some fresh fruits and vegetables at the Adelaide Central Market

Adelaide Central Market is one of the largest fresh produce markets in South Australia, and you can find many different produces there, such as cheeses, poultry, fruits and vegetables! Open from Tuesdays to Saturdays, you can get your groceries from these stores. Things can even get real cheap if you chance upon produces that are in season. 😉 Also, South Australians are huge on supporting the local community, so you can be sure that most of the produce sold are sourced from local farms!

Adelaide Central Market | 44-60 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000

Go shopping at Adelaide’s shopping district, Rundle Mall

It’s not really a mall, it’s actually a really long shopping street found on the Northern part of the CBD grid where you can shop for literally anything here. Definitely somewhere you must check out if you’re a shopaholic like us 😉

Rundle Mall |Adelaide SA 5000

Go Cafe Hopping in the CBD

Adelaide’s cafe scene is rising, with many top notch cafes populating the CBD. There are also many amazing coffee places where you can do some work and even pick up a quick cuppa to start your day. We highly recommend Argo on The Square for their amazing smoothie bowls and brunch options. It’s even situated in the middle of the city so it’s definitely a prime spot for business meetings or even just taking a break from exploring the city.

Also, you would have seen CIBO Espresso on almost every other street in the city and they definitely have amazing coffee. We highly recommend you trying their coffee in one of their 16 oz Alto sized mugs because, well, who can ever have enough coffee? 😉

Argo on The Square |4/211 Victoria Square, Adelaide SA 5000

CIBO Espresso | Many locations in Adelaide

Check out the free exhibits at the South Australian Museum

Yup, that’s right. The South Australian Museum is free of charge. Situated near Rundle Mall, you can pop over to the 5 storey museum and check out the different exhibits that are being showcased there. From natural history artifacts to Aboriginal culture, there is definitely something that will spark your curiosity! Honestly, we loved learning about the Aboriginal culture and admiring the different artifacts collected in the past. There is even a cafe and a museum shop for those wanting to buy home a souvenir!

South Australian Museum | North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000

Take a walk in Adelaide’s Botanic Gardens

The Adelaide Botanical Garden is found on the North-Eastern part of the CBD, and yes, also free entry for everyone. Bask yourself in the beautiful greenery at the Botanic Gardens and clear your lungs and mind in this peaceful escapade. You could also bring your family and have a day out, lying on the lawn, snacking on your favourite food, and just enjoying the company of your loved ones.

Adelaide Botanic Gardens |North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000

Take a peek of Japan at the Adelaide Himeji Garden

Fancy finding a Japanese garden in Adelaide? The Adelaide Himeji Gardens is built to commemorate the sisterhood between Adelaide and Himeji, a city in Japan. This beautiful garden brings calmness to anyone who walks in, and you can even take really great photos here too. Immerse yourself in the beauty of sisterhood between 2 cities in this relaxing garden while touring Adelaide.

Adelaide Himeji Garden | South Terrace &, Glen Osmond Rd, Adelaide SA 5000

Glenelg Beach

Situated a short tram ride away, Glenelg Beach is the closest beach to Adelaide CBD. This little beachside town is filled with tons of cafes, bars and restaurants for a perfect weekend brunch or Friday night out. Explore the shopping options the beach offers if you happen to visit the beach on weekends; there might be a market selling curated and handmade knick knacks! Check out their Facebook page to find out when the next market will be happening!

 

Like it? Pin it!