Cultural Adelaide Itinerary: 2 Days of Food, Art, and Fun

Adelaide incorporates the true arte de vivre way of life full of culture, history, and tradition that is not to be missed.

To make sure you experience the best the city has to offer, we’ve created a two-day Adelaide itinerary featuring the best restaurants, things to see and do, and where to stay.

Welcome to Adelaide, the city where heritage meets innovation, culture fuses with nature, and gastronomy pairs exquisitely with local wines. An Adelaide itinerary isn't just a schedule; it's an immersion into a lifestyle that harmoniously weaves the urban and the natural, the historical and the contemporary, the serene and the vibrant.

From a morning stroll through the botanic gardens to an afternoon exploring the cultural treasures of the Art Gallery of South Australia, from indulging in the city's gastronomic delights to unwinding at the tranquil Glenelg Beach, your Adelaide sojourn is set to be an unforgettable voyage of discovery.

And when the day's exploration ends, retreat to the luxurious embrace of Sofitel Adelaide, your home away from home. Embark on this curated Adelaide itinerary and let your senses be captivated by the city's distinctive charm.

Start your day with a decedent and authentic breakfast by a Michelin-star restaurant-employed chef at Delicatessen Kitchen and Bar. Indulge in simple comfort foods reflecting French and English cuisines through quality ingredients. Snack on pastries baked in-house, including homemade quiche, Portuguese custard tart, danishes and croissants.

If you are after a more fulfilling start to your day, enjoy a croque monsieur French-style, pan-fried ham and cheese sandwich or cassoulet, including French-style baked beans with bacon, duck confit and pork sausages alongside poached eggs and sourdough toast. Personalise your breakfast with eggs cooked your way to ensure you are completely satisfied with your meal.

Complete your breakfast with barista-made coffee, fresh juices, an array of teas or a breakfast cocktail with a twist. Enjoy the chic yet classic European-style architecture and design as you are catered for by friendly staff as you kick start your day in the best possible way. 

Immerse yourself in the historic culture of South Australia with a morning of exploration at the Art Gallery of South Australia. The grand traditional landmark is a glorious sight itself, clad in traditional sandstone with six iconic pillars fronting the entrance.

Take a tour of the gallery and experience works by Aboriginal and South Australian artists in the Australian Collection. You'll also find European and Asian art among the extensive collection at the gallery, plus a rotating program of exhibitions and events.

Indulge in decadent food and premium wine as you enjoy a gastronomic journey at Adelaide's newest gourmand destination, Garçon Bleu. Located in the Sofitel Adelaide, immerse yourself in the chic, modern ambience with a French twist as you explore the simple yet bold flavours of their re-imagined European-inspired menu.

Dine with elegance as you explore the a la carte or lunch menu, which offers decedent and artistically presented food prepared with the finest local and international products. Enjoy Smokey Bay oysters, a coquilles Saint Jacques scallops, Jerusalem artichokes and olive tapenade. Explore athe decedent mains selection prepared by an award-winning chef. You won't be disappointed by poulet en croute or a premium 250g scotch fillet rich in flavour.

With floor-to-ceiling windows offering an unobstructed exclusive view of the city, sit back and relax as you indulge on great food and service.

Experience the Adelaide coast at Glenelg Beach, a short tram ride away from Adelaide city. Glenelg is full of life with plenty to see and do, from the iconic jetty to boutique shopping and fun Ferris wheel, experience the best of Adelaide's iconic coastal gems.

If you're visiting Adelaide during summer, relax at the Moseley Beach Club as you lounge under a colourful umbrella in a private beach area. Overlook the crystal-clear water and iconic jetty reminiscent of coastal Europe. With loungers and day beds available to hire, immerse yourself in a state of pure relaxation to recover from your busy morning before heading back for the night's activities. 

Experience fine dining like no other at Press Food and Wine, one of Adelaide's finest dining and hospitality institutions. Indulge in elevated comfort and extraordinary, locally-sourced food from a menu that redefines elegance and classic tradition.

Explore the a la carte menu starting with gazander oysters with black pepper vinaigrette, moving onto a main of pork with mandarin, burnt carrot and marigold. Complete your dining experience with a decadent dessert of chocolate, caramel, rosemary and cristoli, or passionfruit and white chocolate.

With exceptional service matched with chic ambience, enjoy the luxury of an elegant dining experience. 

Wander to Paloma Bar on Peel St to complete your night with digestifs showcasing the finest ingredients, premium spirits and unique craftsmanship. Located a short walk from Sofitel Adelaide in the CBD, immerse yourself in an ambience that's light, breezy and fun-loving.

Undergo a journey of heritage with a subtle touch of European influence, as you sip on craft cocktails and fine wines from their exclusive menu. Indulge in a martini your way or with a twist, created to your preferences of premium gin or vodka served wet or dry.

Taste out of the ordinary with a breakfast in Tuscany featuring fig gin, apricot, lemon, bitters and foam. Complete your bar experience with a late-night snack from the elegant charcuterie menu offering a choice of Italian and local olives, assorted European cheese as well as fresh bread served with aged and smoked salami.

The Paloma experience creates an intimate atmosphere to end your night in Adelaide’s small bar precinct.

After a busy day exploring the city of Adelaide, return to your private oasis at the luxurious Sofitel Adelaide. Indulge in an exclusive experience with a stay in a luxury room offering absolute bliss and comfort. The spacious 35m2 luxury room is fitted with the latest smart entertainment system, for you to enjoy as you relax in your spacious open-plan oasis.

Personalise your sleep experience with MyBed technology and the pillow menu for a perfect night of rest. Indulge in the luxury experience with a designer bathroom featuring marble walls, large-scale mirrors and soft furnishings hinting of European elegance.

Those who are ALL platinum members and above enjoy a personalised Club Millesime experience with a private lounge serving complimentary a la carte breakfast, afternoon tea, evening drinks and canapes to make your stay truly magnifique.

Immerse yourself in a luxurious market-style European breakfast experience at Les Deux Coqs in Adelaide Central Market. Indulge in a European-style breakfast with a large selection of charcuterie, cold meats and fresh breads to pair, as well as pastsires and flaky croissants.

Enjoy a real market experience with pantry products spread throughout the store for purchase, featuring an array of international options. From craft terrines and pâté, to decedent cold meats and French soft butter, create your perfect charcuterie selection with the bread of your choice.

If you fancy a sweeter selection, browse their patisserie range such as croissant pudding, zesty lemon meringue tart or a traditional chocolate éclair or crème brûlée. This breakfast experience will transport you to the streets of many European cities as you enjoy the finest produce. 

Experience seasonal events that showcase Adelaide's culture and history. Join in one of Adelaide's biggest art festivals running for 31 days during summer from February to March. 

The Adelaide Fringe festival is filled with events that include cabaret, theatre, comedy, circus, music, and visual arts showcasing an array of artists. The not-for-profit festival invites anyone and everyone to participate as an artist or spectator. Explore Australian history as you enjoy the shows and try a taste of the future through exotic foods from local produce.

Whilst the fringe festival is full of activity and wonder, the organisation is a charity that has been part of the cultural fabric of South Australia since 1960, proving ongoing support for artists, venues, and producers. Immerse yourself in a unique community setting whilst enjoying eye-catching entertainment showcasing the true heart and soul of South Australia. 

Indulge in a traditional, yet elegant dining experience with a little slice of Italy as you enjoy simple family classics from the finest produce. Chianti Italian has been established since 1985 offering several seasonal menus throughout the year.

The restaurant was one of the first in South Australia to be awarded the ospitalita Italian accreditation, presented by the Italian government for delivering the finest authentic Italian food. Their a la carte menu offers a decedent range of antipasti such as mooka oysters garnished with shallot and white balsamic and the massimilianos cured meats with house pickles, whipped ricotta, and grissini.

Indulge in flavourful fresh pasta such as Risotto Milanese with roasted pumpkin or linguine nero with two gulfs blue swimmer crab. Share a wood-roasted chicken or kerwee Angus sirloin to complete your decadent selection. Pair your mouthwatering meal with wine sourced from the old and new world featuring some of the finest Australian and international wines from their incredible reserve list.

Holding the title of one of South Australia's best European restaurants, be sure to enjoy an exclusive experience of quality produce, culture, and fine dining. 

Adelaide is a significant cultural hub within Australia showcasing culture, talent, and history in captivating ways. Close out your Adelaide itinerary with a night out at one of the city's incredible theatres. 

Her Majesty's Theatre is a beautifully restored venue with the grandeur of heritage design and the accessibility and amenities of its modern refurbishment. Located in the heart of Adelaide CBD, Her Majesty's Theatre plays host to a range of shows from plays to live music, film screenings to musicals.

Adelaide is also home to The Queens Theatre which lays claim to being the oldest surviving theatre building in mainland Australia. Its events program spans theatre, live music, ballet, and regular social evenings.