Skip to main content

By Hayley Pearson

787_10153968575394534_5418964326792546957_n

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

12642642_10153968573834534_924183363002873211_n

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.

1384127_10153968575309534_1272260387506367895_n

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….

IMG_7482

ENTERTAINMENT ::

Cats

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!

1936989_10153490574126616_2706790569541058520_n

ADVENTURE ::

Adelaide Oval Roof climb

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 ::

12494935_10153968574519534_6417993102966694846_n

Lindes Lane Bar

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.

1480562_10153968575949534_9170881533060382549_n

12400713_10153968576404534_8563406201525660312_n

Casablabla

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.

12471492_10153806649494534_3036520367643116955_o

KID TIME ::

Adelaide Zoo

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!

IMG_6967

Adelaide Aquatic Centre

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.

10329297_10153968576324534_2253952148457570459_n

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.

561448_10153968574414534_3996167582796686833_n

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 ::

Adelaide Central Market

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!

12003339_10153560033579534_8157208583666647541_nImage credit: CIT Photography

The Market Shed on Holland

10698555_1342802742412858_2239643396118248749_n-1

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.

10392201_10153968573859534_8347451229564141639_n

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!

10294499_858352054207227_4520191137892177672_nImage 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 ::

Hayley Pearson

Hayley Pearson

Co-Creator and Writer for Adelady, she still gets goosebumps that she’s combined her creative passion with sharing the best of her stunning home state.

Leave a Reply