If you’re like most of us and have felt the pinch of your wallet the last few months, don’t spend thousands of dollars going interstate or overseas on a holiday. Pffft, why would you do that when we have the most exciting and fun city right under our noses!
Here’s a fun game to play: Be a tourist in your OWN city! Seriously, you see things differently. And you never know what you might find.
Here’s something I prepared earlier – an Itinerary! Feel free to use it, steal it and share it. Let’s ALL live like a tourist in your own city, I dare you.
CHECK IN ::
Mayfair Hotel + Mayflower Restaurant + Hennessy Bar
Well if The Mayfair isn’t the coolest AND cutest five star Boutique Hotel we ever did see! From it’s stylish wall paper to it’s door knobs, The Mayfair is filled with character, charm and a dash of sass.
The hotel itself is stunning, with gorgeous rooms, and views of our awesome city. But when you’re not robed up and getting room service, get dolled up and head upstairs. The Hennessy Bar and Rooftop is ridic (as the cool kids say). With a gigantic chandelier, massive rooftop bar and extensive range of drinks to choose from, you won’t want to leave. It’s so freaking cool that you just want to show all your interstate visitors JUST how amazing Adelaide is.
Then, there’s the restaurant – The Mayflower! Just as beautiful as it’s name, the menu is put together using is all local produce so you really do get a taste of SA with every mouthful. It’s also the place to BEE (pun intended).
Highlighting her strong focus on sustainability and local produce,The Mayfair Hotel head chef Bethany Finn, has installed beehives on the roof of the five-star boutique hotel! Freaking BEE HIVES! They make their own honey and you can taste it in their delicious dishes and drinks within the hotel’s venues!
You could stay here the entire holiday, OR you could venture out and explore….
ENTERTAINMENT ::
The Adelaide Festival Centre is Adelaide’s answer to Broadway! There’s always a show, ballet, musical or play on at the Festival theatre and this month it’s the one and only CATS The musical!
ADVENTURE ::
Get crazy, don’t just admire Adelaide Oval from afar, climb it! You can now Climb Adelaide Oval’s unique roofline during the day and enjoy beautiful views of Adelaide. Or if you want to be extra romantic, try the twilight walk, and watch the sunset over Adelaide oval from above!
EXPLORE BY FOOT ::
While you’re busy being a tourist, walk and wander our awesome laneways aimlessly – it’s like a walking street-art gallery and if you’re lucky, you may bump onto one of my fave bars. Lindes lane bar is great for a dink and a delicious feed but if you really want to be mind-blown, go downstairs and discover their hidden Bar! It’s all kinds of awesome! And might I say, perfect for hens, birthday or private function.
Our laneways also are where you’ll find some of the coolest bars and hole in the wall cafes. If you want to really feel like your away, pop into Casablabla and experience world vibes in a laneway locatioNand feast on Spanish fiesta. If you happen to swing past on a Wednesday night you may find yourself on the D-floor at their Salsa Dancing night! Our Adelady Simone Mundy did just that, find out what it’s like HERE.
KID TIME ::
If you want to win the award for best mum or dad in the world, take your kids to the Adelaide Zoo. With a brand new Nature playground, you cannot go wrong!
Depending on how fit you’re feeling on the day, head to the Aquatic Centre for laps or jump in the pools with your kids. You’ll probably burn more calories that way anyway.
FREE FUN ::
While in the process of saving money by holidaying on your doorstep, lap up the free fun in the city too.
You’ve probably driven past the Botanic Gardens a thousand times but did you ever stop and realise just how lucky we are to have a gigantic garden in the middile of our city? Go in, lay underneath the big trees and relax. While you’re there, make any excuse you can to head into the Kitchen Garden – I do warn you though, you will leave DESPERATE to start your own veggie patch. This is a great one to show the kids too, and learn all about where food comes from and how it’s grown. My thumb is slightly more green after visiting.
Another beautiful spot (also free) are the Japanese Himeji Garden just off South Terrace. Super peaceful and ridiculously manicured, it’s the perfect spot to take a coffee (or sushi) and just sit and chill.
Can you believe the Art Gallery is FREE? It’s always my go to place when it’s a rainy day and I’m stuck at home with my two little boys.
MARKET HOP ::
Eat your way through the markets, you have to stop at Lucias for a coffee and can I recommend a super delicious (and slightly unhealthy) Russian Piroshki at Piroshki Cafe? YUM! If you adore food, like us, you can even take a food walking tour with Feast On Foot!
Image credit: CIT Photography
Far. Out. This is the market of all markets. With delicious fresh local produce and the smell of hot organic coffee wofting in the air, it’s love at first bite! You can do your fruit and veg shopping or feast on the most divine food ALL DAY. You must try The Coffee Pedlar and Raw Karma for raw treats – they are there every second Sunday.
TRAVEL IN STYLE ::
Grab an Eco-caddy. Not only do you feel like you’re in a tuk-tuk in the middle of Thailand, but they are super fun to ride. EcoCaddy provides eco-friendly, short-trip public transport always with a view!
Image credit: Eco-caddy
There you go, make your next holiday destination, our CBD and be a tourist in your own city!
Hayley XX
:: Sponsored by the Adelaide City Council ::
