6 Of Adelaide’s Best Neighbourhoods To Explore In 2025

Oh sweet Adelaide—affectionately coined the city of churches, this pocket rocket of a city offers so much more than just stained glass-windows and heritage buildings (although they are beautiful). Adelaide is a bustling melting pot of eclectic wine bars, Nonna-approved pasta joints, vibrant markets and an inspiring arts scene that has so much for visitors to uncover.

Ready to experience it like a local? Discover the city's best neighbourhoods with our insider guide to where to eat, drink, and play for an unforgettable Adelaide escape.

CBD

Image credit: Leigh Street Wine Room | Instagram 

Start the day right with the frothiest of cappuccinos and a side of 60’s Italo-retro vibes at the iconic Lucia’s Pizza and Spaghetti Bar or pick up a conti roll from their sister shop, Charcuterie Traiteur, before shopping up a storm at local boutiques Goodbyes and Subtype on Adelaide’s premier Rundle Mall shopping strip. If you’re looking for a cheeky vino or long lunch, hit up one of Adelaide’s many incredible CBD eateries including Osteria Oggi, Hey Jupiter Brasserie or go all out with an opulent Japanese feast at local hotspot Shōbōshō. Beyond wining and dining, stroll Adelaide’s Botanic Gardens or Art Gallery of South Australia to get those steps up. As the sun sets, it’s time for a visit to one of the favoured laneway bars or local institutions like Leigh Street Wine Room and Africola, or perhaps opt for a  sunset aperitivo and dinner back at Hotel Indigo’s vibrant rooftop bar, Merrymaker, which boasts stunning views overlooking the city. 

Glenelg 

Image credit: Ryan Formosa Photography | South Australia Tourism 

This endearing coastal town looks like something straight out of your favourite Nicholas Sparks film—think relaxing seaside views, heritage buildings, yesteryear charm and its very own ferris wheel. Pack a towel and your bathers and take the tram from the CBD to enjoy the scenic route into town, before heading straight to local hotspot Dante’s Deli. These guys have garnered a massive following for plating up some of the best Italian-style sandos in town—think mushroom ragù and tuna melt toasties or sopressa and mortadella panini, but be prepared to queue. Being by the water, you can’t resist a seafood lunch at The Jetty Bar. Work your way through the seafood platter with South Australian delicacies like Coffin Bay oysters, Venus Bay King Prawns and Slipper Lobster which go down nicely with a few pints or a spritz or two. Wrap up your day with a scoop of maple gelato from Bottega Gelateria—trust us, this sweet indulgence is worth the tram ride to Glenelg all on its own.

Norwood 

Image credit: arkhe | Instagram 

Nestled in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs, Norwood is home to some of Adelaide’s chicest boutiques and finest eateries. On Parade Street, you’ll find some of Adelaide’s best pizzaioli flipping pizzas at Johnny di Francesco’s 400 Gradi. The Norwood-based pizzeria is the award-winning restaurateur's first Australian venue outside of Melbourne and serves excellent Neapolitan style pizza which will go down perfectly with a local vino. Just one block down is Michelin-star chef Jake Kellie’s open-flame dining restaurant arkhé, an Adelaide Institution that swung its doors open in 2021. Pro tip: Go for the Premium Chef’s Selection—a six-course feast showcasing their most luxurious creations—and try to snag a seat at the counter for a front-row view of the chefs in action. CBD favourite East End Cellars has expanded into the neighbourhood with a Norwood outpost—perfectly placed for a relaxed afternoon tipple after a long lunch.

Therbaton

Image credit: Bloom Cafe | Instagram 

Venture west of Adelaide to the inner-city suburb of Therbaton. Considered one of the more hipster locales of Adelaide, Therbaton has had a resurgence over recent years thanks to some exciting new additions in the former industrial precinct including Bloom Cafe. The stunning venue is the latest venture from the brainchilds of CBD hotspot, Peter Rabbit and offers all-day brunch with an incredibly valued Make it Boozy option. Think cocktails and bubbly over a cast iron dutch baby, mushies on toast or pork sausage croissant. Right next door is Brightstar Brewing, a Central European-inspired brewery and taphouse housed in the former Adelaide University laboratories. Limoncello lovers will need to check out South-Australian made and owned, Ambra Spirits recently opened distillery and bar. Soak in the la dolce vita vibes over a limoncello spritz or house negroni with Ambra Blood Orange Gin.

Unley

Image credit: Dolly | Instagram 

Tucked just minutes from Adelaide’s CBD, Unley is like that effortlessly cool mate who always knows where the best coffee, vintage finds, and bites are hiding. Stroll leafy, tree-lined streets, fringed by charming heritage buildings and start your day with a smooth brew and shakshuka eggs at Whistle And Flute. Or snag a window seat and people watch at Pickle In The Middle, while the open kitchen fills the eatery with the scent of freshly made bread—order the towering Reuben sando or their house made waffles topped with passionfruit mascarpone. Walk off your food coma with a stroll through the Emerging Art Walls project—an ever-evolving initiative showcasing vibrant street murals by local artists. Top spots to catch these colourful creations include Wood Lane, the Unley Civic Centre, and Carnevale. In the evening, head to Dolly, a slick, neighbourhood bar slinging local sips and innovative cocktails. Feast your way through their menu of share plates, like fried eggplant with chilli crisp, bean pesto and dill, and mushroom raviolo with truffle cream and sage.

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Henley 

Image credit: Henley House | Instagram 

Looking for a hood that blends beachside charm with buzzing energy? Head to Henley Beach—just 15 minutes from Adelaide’s CBD but feeling like a world away. On a sun-drenched day,  throw a towel down on the grass and get stuck into a good book, or people-watch from the square. Cool down with a dip in the glass-like water, or test your skills with a SUP sesh. Hungry? Smash bottomless mimosas and breakfast tacos at Sunnyside, watch the sky turn into a technicolour dream at sunset with a seaside seat at Henley House (order the SA king prawn toast), and sip margie at neon-soaked Mia Margarita.

Image credit: Hotel Indigo