Where to Stay in Adelaide – 5 IDEAL Neighborhoods + Hotels

Most people think Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, is just a business city, but it is one of the most underrated places in Australia. The city boasts fantastic museums, art galleries, a rich food scene, beaches, and gorgeous vineyards. If this sounds like the ideal place for your next trip, it’s time to think about where to stay in Adelaide!

Well, no need to overthink it! I went ahead and compared all the Adelaide neighborhoods and selected the 5 best spots for your stay. 

The ultimate spot to stay in Adelaide is the Adelaide CBD, the city’s Central Business District. In this part of the city, you’ll find many cool museums, important landmarks, and great restaurants, plus you’ll get to stay in some of the best hotels in Adelaide! 

Besides talking about the amazing areas of the city, I also handpicked the top hotels in each recommended area. You’ll find something for every taste and budget, but you need to hurry up and book quickly. Adelaide is a popular destination, and the good hotels sell out fast, so go ahead and secure your stay. 

Ready? Let’s go!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Check out this list of the best hotels in Adelaide CBD, the ultimate area to stay in the city: 

Here’s a map of Adelaide and the 5 best places to stay in the city so you can visualize where you’ll be staying:

1. Adelaide CBD – where to stay in Adelaide for first-timers

Adelaide CBD (Central Business District) is Adelaide’s city center, home to many of the city’s top attractions. Even though this is Adelaide’s commercial hub, the CBD has so much more to offer – museums, art galleries, bars, cafes, and restaurants, and, to top it all off, a very vibrant and lively atmosphere. 

One of the best things about the CBD is that it’s surrounded by green spaces; parks border the neighborhood on each side! You can relax and take the kids to the playground at Bonython Park (map), or if you’re looking for a few extra activities, you should check out Botanic Park (map).

Within the Botanic Park, you can visit the Adelaide Botanic Garden, taste some Australian wines at the National Wine Centre of Australia, and meet the animals at the Adelaide Zoo! 

When you want to immerse yourself in the urban scene of the Adelaide CBD, there’s no better place to start than the Art Gallery of South Australia! Here, you can discover various art collections, including Indigenous works, or you can choose to check out some museums, like the South Australian Museum and the MOD.

Other visit-worthy places in the CBD include the Adelaide Festival Centre, where you can attend many cool events, and SkyCity Adelaide (map), a casino complex in an old railway station. Even if you’re not a gamblee, SkyCity is worth a visit – it hosts a few very good restaurants and live music performances. 

TIP: if you want to dive into Adelaide’s nightlife, head to Hindley Street (map), where you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants for a cool night out! 

Looking to try some local food? Then head to the Adelaide Central Market (map) – you’ll find vendors selling all types of fresh produce and delicious seafood and pasta dishes. For the traditional shopping experience, you should visit the Rundle Mall (map), but if you’re looking for something more authentic, you should explore Chinatown Adelaide (map). 

Now, let’s check out the best Adelaide CBD hotels:

Other accommodation options in Adelaide CBD

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Since the CBD is the most popular area to stay in Adelaide, the best hotels are quick to sell out. I decided to give you a few extra choices in each price category, so even if one of the hotels above isn’t available for your dates, you still have some great alternatives. 

• Hotel Indigo Adelaide Markets ($$$) – this top-rated luxury hotel provides room service and a 24-hour front desk, plus a delicious breakfast. A restaurant, a bar, and a fitness center are also available on-site. 
• The Franklin Boutique Hotel ($$) – a small but classy boutique hotel offering free snacks on arrival, comfortable rooms decorated with unique artworks, and a lovely pub on the ground floor. 
• YHA Adelaide Central ($) – offering both private rooms and beds in shared dormitories, the hostel also has a self-catering kitchen, a common dining room, and luggage storage. 

Things to do in Adelaide CBD

• Spend some time exploring Bonython Park
• Visit the Botanic Park, the Adelaide Botanic Garden, and the Adelaide Zoo
• Sample some Australian wines at the National Wine Centre of Australia
• See the finest art collections at the Art Gallery of South Australia
• Visit the South Australian Museum and the MOD.
• Attend a live performance at the Adelaide Festival Centre or SkyCity Adelaide
• Take a day trip to Kangaroo Island
• Explore Adelaide’s Chinatown and have an authentic Asian meal 

2. Glenelg – best place to stay in Adelaide near the beach

Glenelg is a bayside suburb situated a 20-min drive Southwest of the CBD. One of the main perks of staying in Glenelg is the beach, but the area has much more to offer – an amusement park, water sports, and restaurants! And even though it’s suburban, Glenelg is a very trendy neighborhood, perfect for a holiday with kids or your significant other. 

The first thing to visit during your stay in the area is Glenelg Beach (map). This is a long sandy beach with a playground for kids and a jetty that’s quite popular for sunset-watching and fishing. You can spend an entire day sunbathing on the sand, or you can go for a nice swim – just make sure to stay between the flags! 

If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll definitely want to check out The Beachouse, an amusement park featuring an arcade, mini golf, and water slides. But I can tell you it’s super fun for adults, too! 

A variety of cruises depart from the Holdfast Shores Marina (map), but even if you’re not up for a cruise, you should still visit the marina and enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants. I recommend trying out Sammys on the Marina (map) – not only does it serve delicious seafood, but it also provides stunning views of the water. 

When you’re looking for some other cool spots to visit, I recommend making the 7-min drive along the coast to the suburb of West Beach (map). Here, you can hit the beach, try surfing, and even check out some great golf courses. This is a great opportunity for a day trip, especially if you want to enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere. 

If you decide to spend your Adelaide holiday in Glenelg, it’s good to have access to a car, seeing as it’s a bit further away from the CBD. I highly recommend renting a car so you can explore the city center, as well as the nearby beaches and maybe some of the wine regions around Adelaide. 

Other accommodation options in Glenelg

Things to do in Glenelg

• Spend the day swimming and sunbathing at Glenelg Beach
• Have a fun day at the amusement park, The Beachouse
• Embark on a dolphin-watching cruise from Holdfast Shores Marina
• Enjoy a delicious lunch with a view at Sammys on the Marina
• Take a day trip to West Beach and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere
• Learn more about local history at the Bay Discovery Centre

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3. North Adelaide – best place to stay for families

North Adelaide is a vibrant neighborhood situated just a 15-min bus/metro ride from the CBD. Much like the CBD, North Adelaide is surrounded by green spaces, but at the very heart of the neighborhood, you’ll find many pubs, bars, and restaurants, as well as some cool landmarks. 

The Adelaide Oval (map) is the most notable landmark in North Adelaide; this large stadium hosts football and cricket games, concerts, and other events. The stadium also offers organized tours and even a rooftop climb! 

Another important landmark in the neighborhood is St Peter’s Cathedral (map), an impressive Neo-Gothic cathedral with stained glass windows. 

If there’s one thing you have to explore in North Adelaide, it’s O’Connell Street (map)! Right here on this street, you can see a movie at The Piccadilly (map), then grab a delicious pizza from Tony Tomatoes (map) or get a drink at Royal Oak (map). 

Those of you traveling with kids will be happy to spend time in one of the many parks bordering the neighborhood. Best of all? You’ll be just a short distance away from the Botanic Park and the Adelaide Zoo, which I’m sure every kid will enjoy. North Adelaide is relatively close to the CBD, so you can try to pass the distance on foot. However, the city also offers a free connector bus that operates along several routes. The 98A and 98C routes connect North Adelaide with the CBD and are available every day – you can find more info here.

Other accommodation options in North Adelaide

Things to do in North Adelaide

• Visit the Adelaide Oval and sign up for the rooftop climbing experience
•  Admire the impressive architecture of St Peter’s Cathedral
• Walk along O’Connell Street and catch a movie at The Piccadilly
• Hit the links at the North Adelaide Golf Club
• Get some pizza from Tony Tomatoes, or grab a drink at the Royal Oak
• Head for the CBD and take the kids to Adelaide Zoo

4. Port Adelaide – best area to stay in Adelaide for history

The neighborhood of Port Adelaide is a former industrial district, located about a 25-min drive Northwest of the CBD. This is an eclectic and trendy neighborhood, featuring quite a few historic landmarks and museums, making it the best suburb to stay in Adelaide for history lovers. 

Those interested in the city’s history won’t want to miss Port Adelaide’s top museums: the South Australian Aviation Museum, the National Railway Museum, and the South Australian Maritime Museum. 

Another important historical attraction in the area is the Port Adelaide Lighthouse (map), which features a staircase to the top from where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views over the Port Adelaide River. 

The Adelaide Milling Company Mill (map) is yet another historic building that hosts a variety of events, most notably a Sunday market. So, if you happen to be here on Sunday, make the time to visit the market to try some tasty street food and get some authentic souvenirs. 

If you need to do some more shopping, head to the Port Adelaide Plaza (map), a well-equipped shopping mall with stores, cafes, and restaurants. 

Seeing as Port Adelaide is a bit further away from the CBD, it’s best to rent a car to get around the city. However, you may be concerned about parking, and I totally get you – parking in Adelaide can be hard to find and a bit pricey. That’s why I’ll recommend the Park Adelaide app, which shows all the available parking spaces, prices, and more. 

TIP: If you decide to drive around Adelaide and are concerned about the cost of parking, one of the best things you can do is look for a Port Adelaide accommodation with free parking. Even though you’ll still have to pay for parking while exploring the city, you won’t have to pay for parking overnight or if you’re visiting something nearby.

Other accommodation options in Port Adelaide

Things to do in Port Adelaide

• Visit the South Australian Aviation Museum and the National Railway Museum
• Learn more about the city’s history at the South Australian Maritime Museum
• Join an eco kayaking tour to the dolphin sanctuary
• Hike up to the top of the Port Adelaide Lighthouse and enjoy the view
• Attend the Sunday market at the Adelaide Milling Company Mill
• Do some shopping at the Port Adelaide Plaza

5. Adelaide Hills – where to stay in Adelaide for wineries

The Adelaide Hills are situated East of the city of Adelaide, a 40-min drive East of the CBD. This is a large and lush area, but even more importantly, it’s one of the most popular wine regions in all of Australia. So, if you want to stay in a laid-back environment while sipping delicious wines, the Adelaide Hills are the top choice for you. 

One of the most popular spots in the Adelaide Hills is Mount Lofty (map), a mountain peak that’s very popular among hikers and mountain bikers. If you love outdoor activities, hiking to the top of Mount Lofty is one of the best things to do in the area. 

However, if you like something more relaxing and not as demanding, I suggest visiting Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, dotted with walking paths where you can admire the many different exotic plants. 

And if you’re here for the wine tastings, the area around Mount Lofty abounds with many nice wineries. I’d particularly recommend Pike & Joyce Wines (map) and the Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard (map). 

If you’d like to taste some more South Australian wines, you should also take a trip to the Barossa Valley, a very famous wine region located a 45-min drive North of the Hills. Or, you should head in the opposite direction to the town of McLaren Vale (an hour’s drive from the Hills), which is also famous for its delicious wines. 

And if you want to explore more of your surroundings, I recommend spending a day exploring Morialta Conservation Park (map) or visiting the Gorge Wildlife Park, where you can see varied wildlife and even cuddle a koala. 

Finally, I have to encourage you to get a car (if you don’t have your own) for your stay in the Adelaide Hills. This is the only way to explore this expansive region, visit the various wineries, and take day trips to nearby regions. 

And now, let’s take a look at the best hotels in Adelaide Hills:

Other accommodation options in Adelaide Hills

Things to do in Adelaide Hills

• Hike up to the summit of Mount Lofty
• Spend a relaxing afternoon admiring the plants at Mount Lofty Botanic Garden
• Go wine tasting at Pike & Joyce Wines or the Mt Lofty Ranges Vineyard
• Take a day trip to Barossa Valley or the town of McLaren Vale
• Explore the Morialta Conservation Park
• Cuddle a koala at the Gorge Wildlife Park

FAQs about where to stay in Adelaide

🗺️ What is the best area to stay in Adelaide?

Adelaide CBD is the best place for first-timers to stay in Adelaide due to the many attractions, museums, restaurants, and amazing hotels, such as the Mayfair Hotel and the Holiday Inn Express.

⏱️ How many days do you need in Adelaide?

I recommend staying in Adelaide for at least 3 or 4 days, during which you can see the top attractions in the CBD, visit some museums, and try some delicious Australian wines. 

☀️ What is the best time of year to visit Adelaide?

The best time to visit Adelaide City is between September and February, as the weather is warmest during this period, and many festivals take place during this time. 

 🚶Is Adelaide a walkable city?

Yes, Adelaide is a very walkable city, especially the central neighborhoods like the CBD and North Adelaide. However, if you’re staying further away in Port Adelaide or the Adelaide Hills, it’s best to have access to a car. 

✅ What is the safest area in Adelaide?

North Adelaide is one of the safest and most affluent neighborhoods in the city, but all the areas recommended in this post are completely safe and are good places to stay in Adelaide. 

👨‍👨‍👧‍👦 Where to stay in Adelaide with kids?

The best place to stay in Adelaide for families with kids is North Adelaide, a quiet and relaxed neighborhood close to the Adelaide Zoo. Some of the best family-friendly hotels here are the Oval Hotel and North Adelaide Boutique Stays.

🏢 Where to stay in Adelaide CBD?

🤔 What is Adelaide, Australia, well known for?

Adelaide, Australia, is famous for its great vineyards, beautiful museums, and art galleries. The city is also known for the many festivals it hosts, and it’s often referred to as the ‘festival capital of Australia.’ 

Final thoughts on the best places to stay in Adelaide

Now, we have come to the end of this guide on where to stay in Adelaide. Hopefully, this was helpful, and you’ve decided on a place for your holiday and booked a hotel in Adelaide. 

However, if you still can’t decide, there are my 2 favorite Adelaide hotels, both situated in the CBD: 

• Mayfair Hotel – an upscale hotel with stylish decor and 3 amazing on-site restaurants
• Holiday Inn Express – this comfortable hotel features a fitness center, business facilities, and a complimentary breakfast

Whatever you decide, book quickly! The best accommodation in Adelaide will sell out fast, and you don’t want to miss out on some amazing deals. 

If you have any questions about Adelaide or where to stay, drop them in the comment section – I’ll get back to you right away! 

Have a great holiday in Adelaide,

Hristina

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