It won’t be wrong to say that Adelaide is a city brimming with flavours, culture, entertainment, and events. It is one of the most diverse cities in Australia and is definitely a must-visit location on your trip down under. From culture buffs to socialites to general globetrotters and even cricket buffs, Adelaide is a city with different charms to lure different sorts of tourists.
When you are in this beautiful city, a not-to-miss thing is the exotic nightlife that it has to behold. It is in fact one of the key highlights of the city. There are so many places to visit and things to do in Adelaide at night that it together can give you a wholesome nightlife experience in the city.
Therefore, in this post, we will be creating a guide for you to explore the amazing nightlife of Adelaide, Australia. So, let’s begin!
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The Best Things to do in Adelaide at Night
Where to Stay in Adelaide
There are some beautiful places to stay in Adelaide that will suit all ranges of budget. Between the north and south side of the city, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding a place to stay. We would also recommend looking at the top places to stay in Adelaide with a pool so that you have somewhere to cool off after a hot day exploring the city. To make it a bit easier for you to choose, we have listed our top recommendations for the city of Adelaide at all price ranges.
Luxury – If you wish to splash out for a special occasion and make your visit to Adelaide one to remember then the best choice of accommodation is the InterContinetal Adelaide. Sitting on the river’s edge in the heart of the city, you can’t get much more central than this. Each room at the InterContinental has beautiful views either of the river or the city itself, and each one has high-speed wifi to enjoy.
Read more about the InterContinental Adelaide and book your stay here.
Mid-range – Located in the centre of South Adelaide is the perfect mid-range option for accommodation in the city. The Hilton Adelaide offers comfortable and reliable accommodation from a world-renowned brand of hotel. This hotel gives all guests access to the heated swimming pool, the 24-hour fitness centre, and an onsite restaurant and bar.
Read more about the Hilton Adelaide and book your stay here.
Budget – For the most affordable accommodation choice in the city centre, you can rely on the branded hotel of the Holiday Inn Express Adelaide. Located in the northern end of South Adelaide, this hotel is the perfect location between the north and south sides of the city. Guaranteed comfort and value, this hotel will be sure to give you a good nights sleep so you are fully prepared for your next day out in Adelaide.
Read more about the Holiday Inn Express Adelaide and book your stay here.
If you are more into the hostel scene when you travel, there are an unbelievable number of funky, cheap, and social hostels spread through the country. Browse the full range of hostels that Malta has to offer and book your stay right here.
Watch a Movie at Moonlight Cinema Adelaide
There is no better way to kick off your nightlife tour in Adelaide than watching a movie in an open sky outdoor cinema, which is Moonlight Cinema Adelaide. It is located in the complex of Adelaide Botanic Garden and Adelaide Zoo.
This means you can explore the garden and the zoo during the day time and in the night time, you can be a part of open sky outdoor cinema. The entry of the cinema opens at 7:00 PM, however, the screening starts after 8:00 PM.
If you are early here, look to enjoy the movie in the best comfort by renting a bean bag and with snacks. Talking about snacks, well, you can either bring your own food and booze or can purchase from the candy bar. On the whole, this is indeed one of the fun things to do in Adelaide at night.
Book your tickets to the Moonlight Cinema right here.
Enjoy the Sunset
Although this isn’t strictly something to do at night, what could be a better way to start off a nightlife tour in Adelaide than relishing the view of the sublime sunset? And if you want to enjoy the city’s most glorious sunset, then there are a number of places to head to.
You can visit the Riverbank to enjoy the vista of sun falling asleep and its shadow getting beautifully displayed on the still waters. There are also many rooftop bars in Adelaide that you can visit to capture the sunset view in your camera lens. If you fancy a sunset view over the sea, westerly facing Glenelg beach outside of the city centre is the best place to head.
There are many great photography locations in Adelaide, especially to capture the sunset so don’t forget to pack your camera.
Visit Point A
Wondering what is Point A? It is a community training house that hosts open training and classes, known to host different one-off workshops. Here, you can take a fire-spinning class (really!), or tumbling or even circus acrobatics.
The place hosts classes for many more activities. So, you can choose the one according to your skill level. However, they have a fixed timetable so it is recommended to check it out before visiting there.
Spend Some Time Relishing The Exquisite Art
You may or may not realise that some of the streets in the city of Adelaide are adorned with exquisite art and murals. Visiting these is probably one of the best Adelaide things to do at night. Of course you can also do this during the day, but there is a magic about it night tour in Adelaide.
In addition to the street art, there are also restaurants some restaurants displaying beautiful murals and art. One of those popular art-themed restaurants is Madame Hanoi’s Vietnamese.
Plan a Food Tour at Adelaide Central Market and Chinatown
For all the food connoisseurs, Adelaide Central Market and Chinatown are the two most sought-after places to enjoy a gastronomic experience in the city of Adelaide. There are restaurants, cafes, food courts, pubs, and bars to enjoy a diverse food experience in Adelaide.
Here, you can expect to savour a wide variety of cuisines ranging from Japanese to Thai to Korean to Vietnamese to Chinese to Indonesian. It won’t be wrong to call this place a paradise for all the food lovers exploring Adelaide on a night tour.
Since you don’t need to pay any entry fee to explore these marketplaces, a food tour can be considered one of the best free things to do in Adelaide at night. However, you still have to pay for the food that you choose to buy. The Central Market is also a popular hotspot for shoppers.
Opening Hours for the Central Markets are listed below –
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 7am–5:30pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–5:30pm |
| Thursday | 9am–5:30pm |
| Friday | 7am–9pm |
| Saturday | 7am–3pm |
Spend an Evening at the Beach
If you are looking for romantic things to do in Adelaide at night, you have to spend an evening at the beach. Believe it or not, those warm, balmy nights in the city of Adelaide make a perfect evening activity for you and a loved one.
If you are wondering which is the best beach in Adelaide for a romantic hideout, it is definitely Glenelg. It is indeed amongst those once in a lifetime moments that you get to spend with your partner.
To satisfy your late-night hunger, there are many restaurants that serve some delectable delicacies to eat. There is also a bar, which is the only official bar on the beach in Australia. You can grab a cocktail to enjoy while gazing at the stars with the beautiful backdrop of ocean waters.
For a more lively evening, there are a number of beach bars in Adelaide with DJs and live music.
Camping Under the Stars or Go Stargazing in the City
How about spending a night camping under the stars? Sounds interesting, isn’t it? So, what about exploring night trails of South Australia’s one of the most exotic national parks? Well, you can experience both activities at a national park.
There are national parks in South Australia where you not just only can camp, but can also go for a night safari. For that, you have to refer to the website of National Park and Wildlife Service South Australia. Besides, you can also plan a stargazing tour as there are a number of observatories located in and around the city of Adelaide.
If you do not want to camp under the sky, you can also look to hire a campervan that comes with all the facilities.
Be a Part of a Sports Event
Adelaide is a city in Australia with a packed sports calendar all throughout the year. From cricket to football, it hosts night matches at Adelaide Oval. This particular sports ground is used for both cricket matches and “Aussie Rules” football matches.
So, all you have to do is check out the calendar and plan a visit accordingly. Also, in January, the city hosts the World Tennis Challenge. If you are not a party lover, then watching a cricket or football match at Adelaide Oval can be a top thing to do on a Saturday night in Adelaide. Just make sure to check whether or not there is a match on the same day.
Enjoy Live Music and Events
Amongst the many things the city of Adelaide is known for, live music is a big one. The live music scene of Adelaide is known to host both international and local acts. However, if you are a cultural lover, then The Art Gallery of South Africa is the place to explore.
The art gallery stays open even after the normal working hours on the first Friday every month. On that particular day, it hosts live music, talks, and interesting exhibitions. Hence, visiting The Art Gallery of South Australia is one of the best things to do on a Friday night in Adelaide.
Check out what is happening in Adelaide this week here.
Go Shopping at The Ebenezer Night Markets On a Friday
Shopping is one of the best free activities in Adelaide to indulge in. Not just this, it is also one of the best things to do in Adelaide on a Friday night. Ebenezer Night Markets are the popular hideouts for all the shopaholics in Adelaide.
Here you can expect to find a wide range of products ranging from jewellery and crafts to artwork. And to finish off your ultimate shopping tour, there are numerous eateries selling a range of delectable delicacies.
These markets are held on Friday and Saturday nights during the summer season. Therefore, it is highly recommended to check whether or not the markets are on when you visit.
Ghost Tours in Adelaide
Ghoulish Ghost Tour is one of the best night experiences that you can be part of in the city of Adelaide, only if you dare to. Adelaide Haunted Horizons is the place where you will get to be a part of an ultimate scary experience.
In total, it offers five great Ghost Tours – Adelaide Arcade, Adelaide Gaol, Railway Museum, Z Ward Ghost, and Old Tailem Town tours.
The best thing about these tours is there are no dramatics, no gimmicks, and no dress-ups. It is a more ‘real-life’ ghost encounter and experience that you won’t get to be a part of at anywhere else. Adelaide Haunted Horizons are known as the best ghost tour providers in South Australia, backed up by the fact that they won the Tourism Awards in 2015, 2016, and 2017!
Plan a Visit at West Terrace Cemetery Tour
Amongst those fun things to do in Adelaide at night, West Terrace Cemetery tour is a popular one. It is located close to the Elephant & Castle Hotel. Here at West Terrace Cemetery, you can enjoy a 60 minutes night tour. On the tour, you can expect to see some really cool and amazing things such as sound effects, special lighting, and even experienced actors dressed in period costumes that tell life stories from the past.
Enjoy Drinks at Bar Torino
A night tour in Adelaide is incomplete without visiting any of its bars or clubs. Bar Torino is one of the most popular places for socializing as well as enjoying drinks. They offer a wide range of cocktails and crafted beers, so there is something to suit everyone’s taste.
Whether you are on a solo trip to Adelaide or exploring the city with your friends or family, this is the place to spend some quality downtime. Aside from the drinks, the food that is also a highlight of this place.
Clubbing at HQ Complex
HQ Complex is the place where all the socialites gather together to have some fun in Adelaide. This is the perfect place to let loose and showcase your moves on a night tour in the city of Adelaide.
The HQ Complex has a really cool vibe that you won’t get in any other club. The best thing about this club is that many different events and programs are hosted at HQ Complex, including sets by the brilliant resident DJ. So, if you are a dancer and are wanting the dance clubs experience, you now know where you should go.
Mary’s Poppin
A popular hotspot for the LGBTQIA+ community in Adelaide is Mary’s Poppin bar. If you are planning to visit this place on weekends, it is always recommended to arrive early as it is often busy. Mary’s Poppin is one of the best places to visit in Adelaide at night.
It includes an inclusive atmosphere which is amazing. Here at this place, you can expect to get reasonably priced cocktails. The high-quality performances are the key highlight of this place that you can enjoy either from the general area or from the VIP booths.
Before You Leave on Your Trip to Adelaide
Before you head off on your trip to Adelaide, there are a few things to organise to make sure your trip runs as smooth as possible. Applying for your Australian visa, what to pack for your trip and where to stay during your trip to Adelaide.
Applying for an Australian Visa
If you have yet to leave for Australia then this is a section of interest for you. There are a LOT of different visa options for people arriving into Australia, from tourist visas to permanent residence visas. The most common visas, however, are the 3-month tourist visa and the Working Holiday Visa.
If you are only visiting Australia for a short period of time then a tourist visa is your best option. These are easily obtained and relatively cheap, costing roughly $140AUD, and allow you to stay in the country for up to 12months. These can be applied for on the government website here.
If you wish to work and travel in Australia, a working holiday visa is your best option. These cost around $480AUD and allow you to stay in Australia for up to 12months, whilst working and earning money to travel. This visa also gives you the opportunity to extend your stay in Australia by up to 24months by working in certain job sectors.
What to Pack for Adelaide
Depending on which season you visit Adelaide, what you will need to pack will vary. During the summer months of December to February, temperatures around this part of South Australia can reach temperatures in the mid-20s.
During the other months, temperatures and weather around this region are rather consistent, fluctuating between the teens. We highly recommend that you pack a rain jacket and some warm layers, however, also pack some light and summery clothing for the days blessed with sunshine.
If you need more inspiration on what to pack for your trip, check out our full packing guides for all-weather conditions over here.
When it comes to toiletries, we recommend that you pack as much sunscreen as you can. The sun in Australia is strong, and even the darkest skin tones can get easily burnt. No matter what the season is or how warm you may feel, you should always wear sunscreen in Australia.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see around the South Australia, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
You can read what else we keep in our camera bag over here.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Shure VP83 Condenser Shotgun Microphone
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 9 Black and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socket
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Adelaide
Whatever type of adventure you plan to embark on, the most important purchase you can make is always travel insurance. Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time, so the last thing you want is to have your holiday ruined by extortionate medical bills. We always sort our travel insurance with Safetywing travel insurance to ensure we are covered for a stress-free trip.
Safetywing travel insurance offers incredibly diverse and inclusive policies combined with worldwide customer support, designed with backpackers in mind. The policies they offer are all very reasonably priced and can be booked from anywhere in the world, even if you are not currently in your home country.
You can get your quote before you leave on your trip right here.
Where to Stay in Adelaide
There are some beautiful places to stay in Adelaide that will suit all ranges of budget. Between the north and south side of the city, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding a place to stay. To make it a bit easier for you to choose, we have listed our top recommendations for the city of Adelaide at all price ranges.
Luxury – If you wish to splash out for a special occasion and make your visit to Adelaide one to remember then the best choice of accommodation is the InterContinetal Adelaide. Sitting on the river’s edge in the heart of the city, you can’t get much more central than this. Each room at the InterContinental has beautiful views either of the river or the city itself, and each one has high-speed wifi to enjoy.
Read more about the InterContinental Adelaide and book your stay here.
Mid-range – Located in the centre of South Adelaide is the perfect mid-range option for accommodation in the city. The Hilton Adelaide offers comfortable and reliable accommodation from a world-renowned brand of hotel. This hotel gives all guests access to the heated swimming pool, the 24-hour fitness centre, and an onsite restaurant and bar.
Read more about the Hilton Adelaide and book your stay here.
Budget – For the most affordable accommodation choice in the city centre, you can rely on the branded hotel of the Holiday Inn Express Adelaide. Located in the northern end of South Adelaide, this hotel is the perfect location between the north and south sides of the city. Guaranteed comfort and value, this hotel will be sure to give you a good nights sleep so you are fully prepared for your next day out in Adelaide.
Read more about the Holiday Inn Express Adelaide and book your stay here.
If you are more into the hostel scene when you travel, there are an unbelievable number of funky, cheap, and social hostels spread through the country. Browse the full range of hostels that Malta has to offer and book your stay right here.
So there you have it, your guide to the best things to do in Adelaide at night. If you are visiting this breathtaking city and have any other questions on what to expect, leave us a comment down below. We love to chat about this stuff! If you have already been, let us know how it was! What was your favourite part of the Adelaide? What sights did you visit? Let us know in the comments below!
Also, remember to share this with your friends and family that you are going to tour with. Sharing is caring and we want to inspire as many people as we can to visit this unbelievable part of the world.
If you are planning an Australia trip soon then check out our other Australia content right here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring. Tag us in your photos from the Fleurieu Peninsula and we will share them with the rest of our community of explorers and backpackers.
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- Kangaroo Island Self-Drive Itinerary – The Perfect Kangaroo Island 5 Day Itinerary
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