Best Time to Travel
Some like it hot – and if that's you, come over in January and February to really bask in the summer rays. The beach areas like Glenelg are where you want to be at this time of year. However, most visitors may prefer the milder heat of March and April, when festivals spring up and you can comfortably amble around for hours. Alternatively, you can visit Adelaide in the run up to summer, during October and November, just as it's starting to sizzle and there's a fine, fun vibe all across the city.
Not to Miss
Right in the middle of the city you'll find the lush, flower-filled oasis of Adelaide Botanic Garden. As well as the kaleidoscopic colours of the plantlife, you'll also get to see an intricate Victorian glasshouse as well as the modern Bicentennial Conservatory housing rainforest trees. The beaches close to Adelaide are another must, while if you visit in February and March you can get stuck into the comedy, music, and street shows of the Adelaide Festival and Fringe Festival.
Getting around
Conveniently located just to the west of the urban centre, Adelaide International Airport has connections to a number of Australian destinations including Canberra, Brisbane, and Melbourne. There are also international flights to and from the likes of Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. There are regular public buses running between the airport and city centre, while taxis and rental cars are readily available. The city also has a good tram system, and some of the services are free – making it a doddle to take in the central attractions.
Cuisine
Adelaide is renowned for wine, so you can expect to find plenty of elegant wine bars serving up local and Old World plonk. The National Wine Centre is a must-visit, boasting Australia's largest tasting room where sleek dispensing machines let you sip well over 100 different wines. The restaurant scene is also lively, and you can feast on everything from juicy gourmet burgers to the zingy delicacies served up in the Chinatown district.
Customs and etiquette
As with the rest of Australia, the culture in Adelaide is laid back and very welcoming, so you shouldn't worry about any awkward breaches of etiquette during your holiday. One point of contention is tipping, however. Visitors coming from abroad may be naturally inclined to tip generously and automatically when in bars and restaurants, but actually tipping in this way isn't a traditional aspect of Australian culture. At least, not compared to countries like the US. A rule of thumb is to tip because you want to, rather than just because you think it's expected. Good service always deserves a reward after all.Fast Facts
• Population: 1.29 million
• Spoken languages: English
• Electrical: Australia runs on 220-240V, 50hz current
• Phone Calling Code: +61 8
• Emergency number: 000
