The Top Things to do in Adelaide

Location: 285 Rundle Street, Adelaide, SA

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Topping off the pointy end of our list comes another fine dining experience that provides a showcase of Adelaide's dining scene done right – Orana manages to be upmarket yet lively, original yet ambitious, and innovative yet reliably enjoyable.

“You get what you pay for” is often a euphemism for “prepare to be ripped off”, but at this Modern-Australian-themed degustation extravaganza it's more of a way of saying “treat yourself – you won't regret it”.

Orana is truly a world-class restaurant in South Australia's capital that can compare with the best offerings in Sydney and Melbourne and which piles courses upon course into an endless wave of tastes and textures that comprise its degustation offering.

While the combinations of ingredients and flavours might seem unusual at first, this is part of the enjoyment – throughout the experience you'll mix native Aussie food with matches that are unconventional yet which work brilliantly; the further you are willing to go outside your taste comfort zone at Orana, the more impressed you're likely to be.

Snack-sized bites intermingle with main courses served on hand-crafted dishes for an experience that screams “quality” at every level of the dining experience, with the chef themselves making appearances at your table to outline what you'll be eating and why it will delight you.

"Snack-sized bites intermingle with main courses served on hand-crafted dishes for an experience that screams “quality” at every level of the dining experience"

Native Aussie ingredients are utilised in a way that simply wouldn't occur to most, yet it's what makes the likes of smoked beetroot with goat cheese, cockle shellfish, kangaroo with mountain pepper, local squid with sea pearls and other seeming oddities such an enjoyable meal.

Each of these are mixed with an eclectic mix of wines that make for an extravagant dining adventure that's reminiscent of Michelin-style dining experiences all located within relatively sleepy “little” Adelaide.

Big-city thinking and dining comes with big-city pricing as well, however if you look at a meal at Orana as an extended adventure rather than just consuming food, its individuality makes the investment worthwhile.

In all, it's 15 courses of pure dining joy in total for a price of $155 per head; not exactly cheap, but given the small size of the venue (only a few tables) and the talents of both the chef best-possible-service of the expert waitstaff, this is perhaps the utmost of Adelaide's dining offerings that is an “experience” in every sense of the word.

You won't be blamed if you're left thinking “is this really Adelaide?” by the end of it, and thus Orana claims the top spot on our list.

Location: 20 Waymouth Street, Adelaide, SA

Cusine: Mediterranean

“Fine Dining” is something of a cliché term that's thrown around far too loosely sometimes, but there's no better way to describe the experience on offer at Adelaide's George's on Waymouth – an upmarket, sophisticated establishment with obvious and strong Mediterranean influences that pulls no punches when it comes to quality.

The name of the game here is blending high standards with a dazzling level of diversity in menu offerings, and it doesn't disappoint – European fare is taken and both cooked / presented in a wonderful way with inventive use of ingredients and a dose of imaginative flare.

"Fine Dining” is something of a cliché term that's thrown around far too loosely sometimes, but there's no better way to describe the experience on offer at Adelaide's George's on Waymouth."

Each of their standout mains offer something tantalising, whether you opt for the delicious Black Angus scotch fillet, the expertly-done venison carpaccio, their signature lamb dish, the delectable duck or any other offering, and some of the Greek-inspired flavours make each of them unique enough to stand out in their own way.

As with most other quality establishments, George's offers a degustation menu that provides customers with a sampler of various gourmet tastes that would be wonderful to be able to experience on a regular basis – each of which come matched ideally with perfect wine selections. This can be had for $88 per head, which is an entirely reasonable price given both the quantity and quality.

If you're after a meal at what has become something of an Adelaide icon that comes with a classy yet relaxed ambience and lovely interior, and are willing to open your wallet somewhat, George's is basically unmatched in this regard.

Location: 300 The Parade, Kensington, SA

Cuisine: Nepalese

For this little gem you're going to have to head a little out of Adelaide itself, but if you're after another restaurant that offers unique tastes that the rest of the city's dining spots can't offer then you'll want to make the drive to Taste of Nepal.

Located around a 15 minute drive outside the CBD, Taste of Nepal provides quality Nepalese food that takes the best features of most Indian cuisine and adds a different spin on the majority of its dishes to create a range of tastes most westerners will not have experienced before.

This involves a subtle use of spices that Taste of Nepal has down to a tee, and adds an infusion of flavour that makes every dish its own unique experience.

Dishes here are always perfectly cooked and packed with flavour, and there are several essentials on the menu that first-timers will want to try; while there's an array to choose from their undoubted specialty is a goat curry that's one of the more distinctive dishes you'll have had in a while (though it tends to be quite spicy, so ask for VERY mild if you're not a spice fanatic).

If you're unsure what to order, the staff at Taste of Nepal are very helpful with menu choices given most people's lack of familiarity with Nepalese cuisine; alternatively as an easy out, their King Banquet option is good choice for extended all-around sampling.

"Dishes here are always perfectly cooked and packed with flavour, and there are several essentials on the menu that first-timers will want to try."

Food at Taste of Nepal comes in good portion sizes – although they're ideally designed to be augmented with various sides – and the freshness of the food and ingredients contained therein makes a notable difference throughout. Cap off the evening of dining with a special spiced tea and you've got a nice and very Nepalese-style finisher for the evening.

Theming of the restaurant is based around traditional Nepalese culture that comes with an associated incense-tinged atmosphere which is cosy and cute in its own way, and the restaurant's layout itself is spacious and spread out enough that it never feels cramped despite its nearly-always busy nature.

Meanwhile service is quick, friendly and professional – it's some of the consistently best in Adelaide given that the restaurant has been in operation for several years now.

If you're after something different both food and atmosphere wise and not looking to break the bank to do so, head out and get yourself a Taste of Nepal one evening in Adelaide.

Location: 31 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide, SA

Cuisine: Indian

Got a taste for spice? Or simply a fan of the distinctive flavours of continental Asia? Then you'll want to pay a visit to Jasmin Indian Restaurant during your time in Adelaide – an establishment that offers authentic Indian food at its finest and manages to blend the traditional with a dash of creative infusions by its chef to form some truly impressive taste sensations.

Located in Hindmarsh Square in Adelaide's downtown area, Jasmin is a restaurant where every criteria you look for in a dining experience ranges from “good” to “great”, including what are reputed to be some of the hottest curries in all of Australia.

"Jasmin's flavours are refined and delicate as opposed to strong and overbearing, with mild versions of all dishes available on request so that the spice-averse can also appreciate the quality on offer. "

Menu offerings are diverse and incorporate high quality versions of Indian staples such as tikkas, butter chicken, blue cheese naan and curries galore; they're all upmarket versions of common dishes done exceptionally well.

There's also a wide array of dishes available for vegetarians, and none of them feel lacking in effort or presentation when compared to their meat-based counterparts.

In terms of layout, Jasmin lies “underground” with no windows or view to speak of, but its tasteful décor and romantic ambience make up for this – the restaurant has a sophisticated feel that retains an atmosphere of intimacy.

As with all the other restaurants on this list the service here is impeccable, but the Jasmin staff have the principle of “timing” down to an artform – drinks come out at just the right time, and dishes are neither taken away too quickly or left too long without being replaced.

The fact that the restaurant is a favourite venue of the Indian Cricket Team every time they play a match in Adelaide speaks volumes about the quality of Jasmin – if it's acclaimed by people from the homeland, you know you're on the right track for a quality Indian meal.

Location: 140 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA

Cuisine: Italian

Our final Italian entry on this list sits in a great central location near Adelaide's casino and its major railway station, making it one of the easiest to recommend restaurants for those wanting a quality bite to eat that's easily accessible for most first-time visitors staying in the city.

Boasting an overall great value for money compared to some of Adelaide's other Italian restaurants, Parlamento, simply put, offers one of the city's best overall plates of pasta – which is what Italian dining is, essentially, all about. Dishes here are of an extremely large and generous proportion that adds yet more value, and the friendly and upbeat vibe makes it an extremely solid all-round restaurant with few faults.

This consistency extends from entree through to dessert, and you'd be well served to go all-out and enjoy a multi-course meal here; their grilled scallop starter is a must and a worthy introduction for what's to come.

Parlamento's steaks in particular are wonderful, featuring a massive size (reflective of the restaurant's portion sizing in general) and universally tender meat, while many of the other mains that incorporate pasta are a joy for a reasonable price.

"Boasting an overall great value for money compared to some of Adelaide's other Italian restaurants, Parlamento, simply put, offers one of the city's best overall plates of pasta – which is what Italian dining is, essentially, all about."

Their crab pasta is a highlight, while more unique dishes such as squid tubes stuffed with prawn provide alternative and more outlandish meals for those so inclined.

Dishes can be ordered in both main and entree size which adds an extra layer of flexibility to your dining options, as well. BYO is welcome at Parlamento with a corkage fee that's very reasonable, while the wine list is comprehensive and adventurous enough to please all but the fussiest of connoisseurs.

Staff-wise, everyone is friendly with nothing too much trouble and no issue too small to attend to, and they convey an energetic vibe that is reflected in the restaurant's overall atmosphere.

While it can be noisy, it's more of a suits-the-atmosphere noise reminiscent of a restaurant in Italy itself rather than the obnoxious kind of noise, and to be expected given Parlamento's central location – particularly should you take the option of dining outside.

As a tip, it's a great idea to combine a meal at Parlamento with an evening of entertainment at the neighbouring Theatre for a thoroughly enjoyable night out for both the stomach and the eyes. Price, portions, and position are the 3 P's that work in concert to make Parlamento another fine example of Adelaide's quality Italian dining.

Location: 61 Unley Road, Adelaide, SA

Location: Italian

Another Italian entry on our list, La Tombola adds another quality offering to the array in Adelaide as one of the longer-running venues in the city that has been around for a substantial number of years.

There's a variety of reasons for this that range from the very friendly and down-to-earth ownership, the relaxed atmosphere without the high-strung trappings of 5-star dining, and – of course – the food on offer itself. While each of these features are a positive in their own right, it's when they're all combined that La Tombola reaches a level of dining pleasure that sets the restaurant apart.

"There's a variety of reasons for this restaurant's popularity that range from the very friendly and down-to-earth ownership, the relaxed atmosphere without the high-strung trappings of 5-star dining, and – of course – the food on offer itself."

The restaurant is renowned for providing service that involves actual, proper care that is never put on or fake, from the waitstaff to the highly-involved owner who goes out of his way to ensure all guests are enjoying their experience.

Service with a smile and a welcoming atmosphere is one thing, but it's also extremely prompt and fast even in busier times, so you'll never be left too long waiting for a meal. Once you do receive your meal, you'll no doubt be impressed by the many beautiful and original taste combinations on offer here that tantalise the tastebuds without being overpowering or too strong, including some of the most mouth-wateringly tender steak you're ever likely to get your teeth on.

La Tombola boasts a smaller and more focused menu than many other restaurants, which means that each dish has been perfected and refined to its best possible state; while some may complain about a lack of variety before actually tasting one, any of those concerns will soon be allayed.

While the complimentary dishes are all well done (including some of the best homemade salami you'll ever come across and which makes something as simple as a bread-and-salami side highly enjoyable), it's the mains here that will linger in your memory. Our particular recommendation? The fettucini with bug tails is a true standout.

Prices here hover around the mid-to-upper tier range for mains, with the majority in the low-30's, and the wine list is also substantial although on the higher end of the scale. A final, added bonus is the convenient parking that can be had at the back of the restaurant, making access even easier.

If you're looking for tried-and-true Italian food coupled with authentic service and a jovial atmosphere without any of the overly trendy trappings, La Tombola is a great choice.

Location: 20 minutes drive from Alice Springs, NT

Cuisine: Italian

Italian food is one of the most widely-loved cuisines on the planet, with a range of tastes that are generally universally enjoyed and thus feature prominently on lists such as these; Adelaide is home to many quality Italian restaurants, with Andre's Cucina and Polenta Bar ranking highly among them.

What differentiates Andre's from many other Italian establishments is the distinctly Northern Italian blend of flavours – of which polenta, which features in the restaurant's name – is a main calling card. While all the expected Italian dishes are available, they each come with their own distinctive twist that makes dining here a memorable experience.

"What differentiates Andre's from many other Italian establishments is the distinctly Northern Italian blend of flavours – of which polenta, which features in the restaurant's name – is a main calling card."

While the menu is comprehensive in its own right and each individual dish is done well – including some of the softest gnocci you're ever likely to eat - the easy to recommend go-to for most visitors will be the excellently-priced degustation menu that Andre's offers.

The ideal choice for those who are looking to indulge, you'll get to sample the restaurant's unique take on the likes of salmon, duck pasta, gorgonzola polenta and even buffalo mozz capped off with dessert all for an entirely reasonably $59. This is a highly reasonable price and true value for money given the level of quality on offer here.

The rest of the menu is impressive in its own way, and is largely gluten free which is a selling point for many, although it's not cheap; mains hover between the low-$20 spectrum up to $40 for the larger offerings.

As with many Italian restaurants, the wine list is a key focus of the menu and that on offer at Andre's doesn't disappoint either – it's comprehensive and features some interesting and rarer additions from the likes of Venice and Piedmont that serve as wonderful couplings for many of the dishes available. Dessert-wise, be sure to try the original coffee banana donuts which go down a treat with an accompanying hot drink.

Andre's also offers a half-serve option on meals for those stuck between choice of different dishes; it's a wonderful feature that makes experiencing a wider variety of tastes during your visit possible.

If you're looking to attend for the set menu, be advised that the restaurant's cosy size and popularity mean it's almost always busy, and as a result it's better to book the later of its two daily sittings in the evening so that you can maximise your time to digest between courses.

Location: 132 Gouger Street, Adelaide, SA

Cuisine: Asian

Chinese is a cuisine that tends to largely – and, perhaps unfairly – have a reputation for being a “cheap and nasty” option for those times when you're looking for a quick and over-flavoured bite to eat. While this is true in some cases, Adelaide in particular is home to several exceptions to this rule, with Gouger Street's Concubine being one of the most notable.

Separating itself from the pack of Asian restaurants in Adelaide with a classy and mostly subdued atmosphere along with a wonderful layout, this restaurant is an example of Asian fine dining at its best. While it's quite high-end for your typical Gouger Street offerings – and expect higher prices as a result – what you get at Concubine is definitely worth the increased investment.

This is reflected in numerous ways – the ingredients are obviously a great deal fresher than many other restaurants of its ilk, the customer service is first-rate, and a deal of pride is visibly taken in presentation as none of the dishes have that simply “thrown-together” look that's all too common at Chinese restaurants.

Concubine comes decked out with Hong Kong-themed décor without any tackiness, and this attention to detail in all the “surface” things carries over into its actual food as well.

""Separating itself from the pack of Asian restaurants in Adelaide with a classy and mostly subdued atmosphere along with a wonderful layout, this restaurant is an example of Asian fine dining at its best."

All the hallmarks of proper gourmet Chinese food are on display here, and the menu is expansive (with the crispy pork belly, prawn wontons and soft shell crab being particular standouts), and the restaurant's substantial serving sizes mean you'll never need to over-order.

Be selective with your choosing of dishes and you'll likely end up comfortably full while also helping to cut down on the cost of your bill. If you're not entirely sure which dish to order, Concubine's banquet option is a great choice for sampling a wide variety of dishes and comes highly recommended for those not wanting to confine themselves to a single set of flavours.

With a solid selection of wines that staff are always all-too-eager to top up in an entirely unobtrusive way and a menu that's varied and original enough to separate itself from all the tired Chinese cliché dishes, Concubine more than justifies its price point and stands as one of Adelaide's standout Asian restaurants.

Location: 54A George Street, Thebarton

Cuisine: Cafe / Breakfast

Breakfast is often said to be the most important meal of the day, and while the majority of people's attention might shift towards lunch or dinner when looking for a go-to “restaurant”, enjoying a good brekky can go a long way to getting your day off to a good start.

Thus, if you're looking for one of the best breakfast options for a quality bite to eat outside the Adelaide CBD, The Deli in Thebarton is an ideal choice. Featuring a cozy atmosphere despite it almost always being crowded – a sure sign of its popularity – you'll be hard-pressed to find a better price versus quality/quantity ratio for your morning meal anywhere else nearby.

"Featuring a cozy atmosphere despite it almost always being crowded – a sure sign of its popularity – you'll be hard-pressed to find a better price versus quality/quantity ratio for your morning meal anywhere else nearby."

One of the first things you'll notice in this warm and welcoming cafe is the positivity and level of service from its staff – they're friendly, down to earth, and pretty much guaranteed to remember your name on return visits, which helps set the scene for the actual eating experience to come.

The Deli features a fairly wide selection of menu items that includes all the traditional staples (think sourdough, big breakfasts, bacon and eggs and other essentials) as well as a number of health-oriented alternatives that ensures all tastes and dietary needs are catered for.

All of these meals are served in respectably large portions that provide great value for money, with the added bonus of lacking the “high grease levels” that tend to plague other similar establishments.

Add to this the ability for choosing your preferred form of quality refreshment – either from the range of freshly-squeezed juices and lovely coffee – and you've got a wonderful all-rounder venue that makes what might normally be an unglamorous meal of the day into a delight.

Combined with the pleasant atmosphere and convenient location, as well as the option for a takeout service for those looking to eat elsewhere, and anything you could want in a breakfast locale is included here.

While cafe culture is usually most highly praised in Melbourne, don't sleep on some of Adelaide's better offerings – of which The Deli does a great job of carrying the card.

Location: 40 Waymouth St, Adelaide

Cuisine: Australian Grill

Press Food and wine has consistently voted as one of the best restaurants in Adelaide and it is hardly surprising given that it’s a creation of restaurateur Simon Kadachi, wine writer Tim White and head chef Andrew Davies.

Featuring only the best seasonal South Australian produce, adopts the sustainable ‘paddock to the plate’ philosophy striving to showcase a variety of locally sourced steaks and fresh produce on its menus.

Diners are in for a gourmet delight here with the restaurant split over two levels. The downstairs eatery is decorated with high tables and bar stools with an industrial style décor and is the perfect place to stop by for a glass of wine and small plates to eat with no reservations required.

The second floor of the restaurant is loft style with natural light, dressed tables, striking velvet dining booths and makes for a more formal setting for a private dinner or celebratory meal.

"Press Food and wine has consistently voted as one of the best restaurants in Adelaide and it is hardly surprising given that it’s a creation of restaurateur Simon Kadachi, wine writer Tim White and head chef Andrew Davies."

The menu is why locals keep returning with an assortment of culinary delights including raw beef carpaccio, kingfish and snapper, offal selections, steak from the wood grill and several smaller appetising bites to eat.

Considerable effort goes into the wine menu too with an everchanging list that is altered to reflect the seasonal menu and the vintage and grape varieties that are in season or en vogue.

The restaurant is located on Waymouth Street just two blocks from Rundle Mall in the CBD and surrounded by bars if you want to have a post-dinner drink.

Press Food and Wine Bar is open Monday to Saturday from 12 noon to late. Whether you are after a casual dinner or a more formal setting, the clever design of the restaurant makes it a suitable option for both occasions.

Location: Central Adelaide, SA

Victoria Square Adelaide Located smack-bang in the centre of Adelaide, Victoria Square serves as Adelaide's heart and its the site of many special events held in the city throughout the year.

The square's centrepieces - the iconic Victoria Square Fountain and statue of Queen Victoria herself - are instantly identifiable with Adelaide, and the square has seen many significant occurrences take place over the course of the city's multiple-century history.

Recognising the importance of the area to the city, local government recently approved a huge sum of money to go towards redevelopment of Victoria Square, bringing it up to date with more modern facilities and to help reflect Adelaide's growing status as an internationally recognised destination.

Victoria Square serves as Adelaide's heart and is the site of many special events held in the city throughout the year.

Redevelopment of the square was undergone and completed in recent years, and it now includes various new features such as a relocated tram line and extended tram stop, impressive water feature, various garden terraces and perimeter gardens, and have its iconic Three Rivers Fountain (which symbolises the three water sources from which Adelaide draws its supplies) relocated to a different location.

In the mean time, Victoria Square still serves as a great central hub from which to establish your bearings before exploring the rest of the city, particularly for first-timers - and its central location acts as a convenient rendezvous point when looking for a place to meet up with friends or family.

The centre of Adelaide city is full of historical significance and a focal point to many of the sights in Adelaide that should not be missed, with Victoria Square at its epicentre. Add to this the fact that it's easily accessible - both to and from - by public transport, and it's not hard to see why it should be your first port of call upon first arriving in Adelaide.

Location: North Adelaide, SA

One of the newest additions to Adelaide's experience scene, visitors can now take part in one of Adelaide's newest signature experiences and climb to the top of the iconic Adelaide Oval with a RoofClimb experience.

Offering the chance to take in impressive views of the famous oval and the surrounding region with a two-hour climb led by an experienced guide, Sports lovers will revel in the chance to rise above and look down on Adelaide Oval, with all members posing for a group photo once at the top.

The option exists to choose from a day climb or twilight climb, each which offers an entirely different perspective not only on the Oval itself, but the surrounds of northern Adelaide as well.

The option exists to choose from a day climb or twilight climb, each which offers an entirely different perspective.

With a day climb, you'll be able to take in views of the oval and its surrounding region in the best light with the bright green oval looking picture-perfect in front of you.

With RoofClimb's Twilight Climb, you'll embark on around a two-hour journey up the outside of the stadium to the highest point before turning to admire the beautiful colours of the sunset.

Providing you with a unique view of the region, the approximate 2-hour climb includes a group photo at the top of the climb, a completion certificate and a souvenir cap to help remember this incredible experience. The climb is suitable for kids over the age of 8 years with those between 8 and 15 years requiring adult supervision during the climb.

Day climbs depart on a daily basis at 10am, 11am and 3pm, while twilight climbs start from 4pm onwards, with all climbers taking time to get kitted up in climb suits and harnesses before the climb begins.

It's the ultimate perspective on one of Australia's most iconic sporting venues, and a worthy contender for one of the city's top things to do.

Location: Frome Road, Adelaide SA

Perhaps South Australia's most popular wildlife attraction, Adelaide Zoo is relatively small compared to similar wildlife exhibitions in some of Australia's larger cities, however it more than makes up for this by offering a diverse array of animals - the main drawcard of which is, undoubtedly, their Giant Pandas.

In fact, it's the only destination in the country where you're able to get up close with these cute and playful "large teddy bears", so if you've been wanting to see pandas without having to travel overseas, then Adelaide Zoo is an ideal choice.

The zoo also gets extra credit for offering a famously personal touch; the staff there are typically willing to go the extra mile in answering questions and providing additional insight if you ask, and its lush, tropical gardens are meticulously attended to.

The zoo boasts a range of animals that are fairly rare in Aussie zoos, with lions, tigers, macaws and various other exotic species on top of the standard Aussie favourites.

As an added plus, the zoo is also continually being upgraded, which makes for a refreshing change from some of the other wildlife facilities around the country that seem to be content to let them gradually degrade, or at least simply "tread water" while maintaining what they have.

Given its relatively compact size and the ability to get a great view of the vast majority of the animals, Adelaide Zoo makes for a great place to take the kids, and the fact that it's fairly quiet can be a bonus when bringing toddlers or other young ones along for the ride. Add to this the option to visit the animal hospital and talk to one of the vets, and it's a comprehensive zoo experience all situated in a very convenient location.

For the budget-conscious traveller, keep an eye our for the fairly frequent "Adults at Kids Prices" specials which pop up from time to time.

Location: 30 minutes from Adelaide, SA

Hahndorf serves as an enjoyable microcosm of the strong European influence that can be found in the majority of regions throughout South Australia, and serves as the oldest German settlement in the country. The town features a cavalcade of Euro-centric specialty and craft shops, German-style pubs, and various bakeries that accurately reflect some of the key staples of German culture.

Hahndorf's pleasant location amongst the Adelaide Hills means that it's not just the architecture and shopping that makes it special, either; the city features a relaxed blend of natural greenery that make for a delightful place to simply walk around and unwind.

The town's German culture is readily apparent upon arrival, as a vast number of its main architectural features that were established when the town was first constructed still stand - particularly its iconic Lutheran churches - so if you're looking to get a taste of Europe without leaving Aussie shores, there are few better places to do so.

Hahndorf serves as an enjoyable microcosm of the strong European influence that can be found in the majority of regions throughout South Australia.

Like many of the other popular spots in South Australia, wine is a core focus of Hahndorf, and the town and its surrounds feature a variety of quality boutique wineries (such as Hahndorf Hill, The Cedars and Somerled) that are great for indulging the palate.

Hahndorf can be reached in around half an hour's drive to the south-east of the Adelaide CBD and is also accessible by bus (take Bus #864), making it a very viable destination for a day (or at least half-day) trip.

While it's not big on size (it's basically a charming, single glorified street), Hahndorf is certainly big on character, and if you're looking for things to do during your stay in Adelaide, it should definitely be on your list.

Location: North Terrace, Adelaide, SA

For a comprehensive dose of Adelaide-area culture, the excellent Art Gallery of South Australia in the heart of the city more than fits the bill. With more of a cosy, intimate feel than some of the larger and more "clinical" feeling modern buildings that have become synonymous with art galleries, SA's offering features an eclectic mix of both old and new art housed within its older, colonial-style walls.

Many feel that the gallery itself is an accurate reflection of the South Australian people's strong artistic heritage; the region has produced some of Australia's most renowned artists, and the care and variety put into this particular attraction exemplifies that to the fullest.

While the gallery features frequent specialist exhibitions throughout the year which you'll have to pay for, general admission is free and provides you with the chance to encounter enough variety that you can easily avoid paying for the periodic exhibits yet still come away with a satisfying half-day or so worth of artisitic entertainment.

General admission is free and provides you with the chance to encounter enough variety that you can easily avoid paying for the periodic exhibits.

The layout of the Art Gallery of SA is also quite unconventional, with rooms that tend to meander in to one another rather than sticking to a strict path, which somehow gives a more organic and relaxed feel to the proceedings.

Each room has its own theme rather than dividing the paintings and displays up by time period, and the range of displays offer enough variety that there should be something visually appealing enough for everyone.

Lastly, if you're planning to spend a substantial amount of time at the gallery, there is a cafe within that offers enjoyable, properly-prepared food with more of a "restaurant style" vibe as opposed to "cafeteria style", yet it is fairly expensive, with main meals hovering around the $30 mark, so if you're travelling on a budget it may be a good idea to grab yourself something to eat from one of the nearby dining precincts beforehand.

Any conversation about the "Best Wine Region in Australia" typically starts and ends with three places - New South Wales' Hunter Valley, Victoria's Yarra Valley, and South Australia's Barossa Valley, with the Barossa outside Adelaide generally considered the unofficial "wine capital" of Australia due to the sheer volume of wine it produces each year.

While it is responsible for the production of all the major types of wines, the Barossa's specialty has always been Shiraz - largely a result of the region's warmer continental climate.

The quality of the Barossa Valley's wines has reached a high enough standard to rank it on the global map and make connoisseurs sit up and take notice, and it's largely because of this region that Australia has a growing reputation as a quality wine producer.

In short, if you've got an affinity for a drop of the red or amber stuff, the Barossa makes for an ideal day trip from Adelaide.

The Barossa Valley can be reached in around an hour's drive from the Adelaide CBD, and once there you'll come across some of the largest winemakers in the country such as Penfolds, Wolf Blass and Peter Lehmann as well as a huge array of smaller, boutique cellar doors.

In short, if you've got an affinity for a drop of the red or amber stuff, the Barossa makes for an ideal day trip from Adelaide - although you'll most likely want to take a winery tour to avoid needing to worry about your alcohol intake in regards to driving back. You can either opt for a guided tour or explore the different wineries yourself, both of which will allow you to some of the best wines in Australia and learn more about how they are made.

Wine isn't the only focus of the Barossa Valley, however; its variety of locally-produce foodstuffs are also a huge drawcard, with some of the best and richest cheeses, dried fruits, fresh meats and pastries (a direct result of the area's strong German heritage) also a must-try for visitors. Generally, if a food comes from the Barossa, you can be assured that it's of an almost universally high quality (although the price may reflect this, too).

Location: Central Adelaide, SA

Gouger Street is another excellent Adelaide dining precinct featuring a number of popular eateries; however, unlike the aforementioned Jetty Road, it sits almost directly in the heart of Adelaide city, making it one of the most convenient places to access for a quality bite to eat for those visiting Adelaide. If you're welling to take the time, you'll likely discover some of the best restaurants in Adelaide on Gouger Street.

The area is particularly popular for its Asian cuisines - specifically, its range of high-end Chinese restaurants (a result of playing host to Adelaide's Chinatown) - however, there are dining options from the majority of major fares across the globe such as Italian, French, Indian and many more.

The area is particularly popular for its Asian cuisines - specifically, its range of high-end Chinese restaurants.

Some of the top-rated restaurants within this precinct include Concubine Chinese Restaurant, The Thali Room (Indian) and the Loft Oyster and Wine Bar (seafood), to name just a few.

If you're a foodie and wanting a convenient place to encounter a wide variety of options - many of which are within reasonable walking distance of most Adelaide CBD accommodation - your taste buds will definitely be tingling as you walk down this street and experience the mouth-watering aromas drifting your way.

Location: 10 Holdfast Promenade, Glenelg, SA

The waters off the shore of the Adelaide area's Glenelg are rich in marine life, and while the various fish and birds that populate the waters are nice, the area distinguishes itself in large part due to its resident pods of dolphins and colony of sea lions.

The dolphins in particular are a highlight as these playful, inquisitive creatures will often approach boats and other vessels to play in their wake of their own volition - although, given the fact they they're entirely wild, your mileage may vary on just how friendly they are feeling from day to day.

Guided tours are available with operator Temptation Sailing that will take you out on the water from Glenelg aboard sightseeing catamarans with the main goal of seeing the dolphins up close, with options available to swim outside the boat and hopefully come away with a face-to-fin encounter.

These playful, inquisitive creatures will often approach boats and other vessels to play in their wake of their own volition.

The reassurance of a "dolphin sighting guarantee" is also given so that if - on the rare chance you don't see any - you'll be provided with either a refund or at least, a chance to come back again for free. Non-swimmers and first-timers are also generally welcome, as flotation devices provided ensure you'll be able to hop on the water off the back of the boat without much of a struggle.

Aside from the dolphins, the offshore scenery on offer itself is quite striking; you'll come across some great coastal sights as the rugged and rocky shorelines are lashed by the waves, while the region's sea lion colony can be seen bathing in the sunshine at the aptly-named Seal Bay.

A great dose of wildlife and fresh air, don't discount heading out for a day on the water as a suitably enjoyable alternative for some Adelaide-area fun.

Location: Glenelg, SA

Jetty Road Glenelg Jetty Road in Glenelg serves as the main dining and shopping district in the greater Adelaide area - and what an area it is, with an extensive array of restaurants on offer all within a relaxed, beachside atmosphere. Reachable within just over a 20 minute drive from the Adelaide city centre (dependent on traffic), the large thoroughfare offers the chance to enjoy a quality meal, browse through the shops or simply lounge on the beach and soak up the atmosphere.

From highly regarded pizza joints to reasonably priced bistro dining to a vast assortment of international cuisines such as Chinese, Indian, Greek, Japanese, Mexican and everything in between, Jetty Road serves as the ideal showcase of the various culinary delights offered by the greater Adelaide region as a whole.

Jetty Road has an extensive array of restaurants on offer all within a relaxed, beachside atmosphere.

In addition to dining experiences, Jetty Road's magnificent pier is a focal point of the region and is particularly renowned as a popular viewing location for some of the spectacular sunsets that can be witnessed on a regular basis. Featuring several pleasant grass areas, a charming little beach and plenty of live entertainment and street performers, it's a lively area - particularly during the warmer months of the year.

Regardless of the purpose of your visit, Jetty Road serves as both an ideal starting point for exploring the rest of the popular Glenelg area as well as the perfect place to relax and get into your holiday mode.

Location: Central Market Adelaide, Adelaide, SA

For those with a sweet tooth, there are few confectionary outlets in Australia that are as famous and widely-regarded as Haigh's Chocolates in the heart of Adelaide city, just south of the CBD. A chocolate lover's dream-come-true, Haigh's Chocolates are arguably some of the best chocolates in Australia, and its main building adds a dose of historic flair to the proceedings with its interesting architectural flair and location at Rundle Mall.

The store/factory hybrid boasts an impressive range of rich & creamy chocolates and other products that will delight those with a love for all things confection. From typical staples such as truffles and chocolate bars to more exotic offerings, the amount of product means that there should be an item of taste for almost everyone.

Haigh's Chocolates are arguably some of the best chocolates in Australia, and its main building adds a dose of historic flair to the proceedings.

Visitors can can tour the chocolate factory free of charge as a guide takes you around and explains what's what for half an hour. After the tour you will definitely want to buy some chocolate, and it's a delicious way to come away with a keepsake from your time visiting this wonderful stop.

Perhaps the only true downside is that Haigh's chocolates can be slightly expensive - expect to pay far more than you would at the average confectionery store - but the quality is so universally high to justify the spend. There's also a rack where the thrifty shopper can buy the misshapen ones for a bargain.