Sprawling South Australia’s thriving capital city, Adelaide is a wonderful destination for keen culture buffs and foodies. Once famed for its abundant religious architecture, the city is increasingly embracing the importance of its pre-colonial past, and acknowledging the Kaurna Aboriginal heritage of its land through exhibitions and cultural events. Leafy and appealingly walkable, this is a brilliant city for families, couples or groups of friends to explore, and a burgeoning crop of great hotels await. See our list of the best places to stay in Adelaide for charming B&Bs and swish city boltholes aplenty.

Delve into Adelaide’s fascinating identity with visits to the Art Gallery of South Australia and the South Australia Museum, or guided walking tours of the city’s heritage landmarks. A well-established network of self-guided tours also allow visitors to discover the city’s street arts and music scene. Foodies will find delectable fresh produce at the 150+ stalls of the bustling Adelaide Central Market, whilst the Botanic Gardens will delight nature enthusiasts.

Central Adelaide is fringed with verdant parkland, perfect for scenic strolls, runs or cycle rides. The banks of the River Torrens offer a scenic walking route, whilst the picturesque Adelaide Hills are criss-crossed with beautiful trails. Head to the Clare Valley and McLaren Vale for wine tours and tastings at some of South Australia’s top vineyards, or venture to Adelaide’s expansive beaches for afternoons of swimming, sandcastle-building and water sports. The annual Adelaide Festival takes place in February & March; expect the best places to stay in Adelaide to fill up fast at this time!

The Best Places to Stay in Adelaide

For City Style

• Soho Hotel is a smart city pad with 29 guest rooms close to East End Park. Interiors are done in crisp white and grey tones, with all the mod cons. The best have spa tubs and private balconies. Guests share access to a rooftop pool with expansive city views. A contemporary bolthole for business or leisure.
• Oval Hotel offers a seriously special stay in a stylish modern building, wrapped around the iconic Adelaide Oval. Swish rooms and suites face the city's leafy parkland and the cathedral. The Five Regions Restaurant is an Adelaide favourite, serving mouth-watering gourmet cuisine and collaborating with South Australian wineries.
• Mayfair Hotel, tucked behind a landmark 1930s façade, has sophisticated rooms and suites with a classic contemporary feel. Decorated in cream and grey tones, this feels like a very grown-up hotel. The Mayflower Restaurant highlights top regional produce, and the Hennessy Bar is a cracking starting point for an evening out.
• The Playford Hotel is an elegant Art Nouveau hotel with glamorous rooms and suites featuring organic shapes and soft pastel shades. Think velvet-upholstered armchairs, brass accents and dark marble bathrooms, perfect for a romantic city break. The spa is superb.

For Art Lovers

• The Watson, in the lively Walkerville district, showcases the work of celebrated Aboriginal artist Yannima Tommy Watson. Airy suites and studios have white-painted walls and soothing earthy tones, allowing the art to take centre stage. Guided art tours and talks will delight keen culture aficionados.

For an Intimate Hideaway

• The Fire Station Inn offers three uniquely appointed self-catering apartments in a converted 19th-century fire station. Pick this place for its fascinating history and unusual design, complete with red-and-white interiors and fire engines in spacious rooms. An intimate family favourite.
• Athelney Cottage B&B also has three guest spaces. Cosy self-contained cottages with wood burning stoves and antique furnishings, these are wonderful for romantic couples or groups of friends seeking additional privacy. Charming and well-located, close to the city's parklands.

For a Seaside Stay

• Largs Pier Hotel is an iconic, 130-year-old landmark, facing the ocean on Largs Bay. 30 minutes from central Adelaide, it's a brilliant base for heritage buffs, keen beachgoers and music fans, who will adore the live gigs and retro feel. The likes of AC/DC & Cold Chisel have played at the bar!

For Great Value

• The Franklin has just seven quirky rooms, each with moody, dark-painted walls and an industrial feel. Small and friendly, the hotel is set around a buzzy pub, where you can expect cracking craft ales, live music and sports broadcasts. An affordable choice in a great location with a sociable atmosphere.
• Marion Hotel is a hip, contemporary spot in south-western Adelaide. Light-filled rooms have an industrial edge, whilst indulgent bathrooms have big, sink-into tubs. The real appeal is the convivial feel, with acoustic sessions, regular events and a lively bar. Well-priced and great for trips with friends.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY Villa

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Adelaide?

• Fly to Adelaide International Airport, just under 6km from the city. Catch an airport shuttle, take a taxi or speak to your hotel in advance about arranging an airport pick-up. Alternatively, catch a train to Adelaide with rail links across Australia including to Melbourne and Sydney.
• South Australia is wonderful for a road trip, and Adelaide makes an excellent starting point! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Visit during the summer, spring or autumn months for sunshine and pleasant temperatures. Winters (June to August) are cool and can be rainy.

Still Not Sure?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Kangaroo Island.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in South Australia.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Adelaide