Adelaide spreads between the Gulf St Vincent on its western edge and the Mount Lofty Ranges to the east, with the city centre laid out on a grid of wide boulevards and public squares, ringed by parklands and cut by the River Torrens. The coast and the hills are both within easy reach, so where you base yourself shapes your trip: beach evenings, hills day trips, or everything on foot downtown.
For a visitor, the practical choice comes down to the central business district and North Adelaide, both well connected by Adelaide Metro buses, trains and trams, with the main railway terminus at Adelaide railway station. The coast pulls you west toward Glenelg, Port Adelaide and Outer Harbor, while Belair National Park in the southeastern suburbs is the closest camping to the city. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, not which property to book.
Best areas to stay in Adelaide
1. Adelaide CBD
The central business district is downtown Adelaide, where activity concentrates along the boulevards of North Terrace and King William Street. It holds the widest range of places to stay, from backpacker accommodation to five-star hotels, and it is the most convenient base if you are in town for business or want the city's festivals, dining and events within reach.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants maximum choice and public transport connections, including services linking to Victoria Square. If you are travelling on business, the city centre generally has more availability than outlying areas.
2. North Adelaide
North Adelaide sits on the other side of the parklands from the city centre and is treated alongside the CBD as one of the best places to find mid-range accommodation. It is often connected to Victoria Square by public transport, so you can stay slightly apart from the downtown grid while keeping the centre accessible.
It suits visitors who want a quieter base with easy access to the city, and it is a sensible option for families or anyone staying several nights who prefers not to be in the middle of the business district.
3. Glenelg
Glenelg is the closest coastal suburb to the city and the obvious choice if you want to stay by the beach. If you are into the beach, you have no choice but to choose the suburbs closer to the coast, and Glenelg is the nearest of them to the centre.
It suits beach-focused travellers and families who would rather trade downtown convenience for sand and sea views. Expect to rely on public transport or a car to reach the city's sights.
4. Port Adelaide and Outer Harbor
Further along the coast, Port Adelaide and Outer Harbor offer alternative coastal bases. Like Glenelg, these are options for travellers who want to be near the water rather than in the city centre.
They suit visitors with a specific reason to be in the port area, or those who prefer a quieter coastal setting and do not mind being farther from the CBD.
5. Belair National Park area
If you are into camping, the closest camping to the city is in Belair National Park in the southeastern suburbs. The park is less than 10 km from the city, and there is a train service near the park.
It suits campers and travellers who want a nature-based stay without going far from town. The nearby train service makes it possible to visit the city without driving.
6. Southern and northern outer suburbs
Backpacker accommodation can be found not only in parts of the CBD but also in some of Adelaide's southern and northern outer suburbs, with a further cluster around the central bus station.
These areas suit budget travellers who are willing to stay outside the centre in exchange for cheaper options, and who can use the bus and train networks to get around.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: backpacker accommodation, with choices around the central bus station and in parts of the CBD as well as some southern and northern outer suburbs.
- Mid-range: the best choice is in the CBD, both the city and North Adelaide, often connected to Victoria Square by public transport; cheaper motel-style accommodation can sometimes be found on the roads leading into Adelaide, and outside the CBD most accommodation is likely to be mid-range, sometimes at slightly lower prices with more facilities.
- Splurge: the usual luxury chains, mostly concentrated in the CBD, with luxury hotels found throughout Adelaide and particularly worth checking in the city and West Adelaide.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself in the Adelaide CBD for a first visit. It has the greatest availability of accommodation across every budget, the strongest public transport connections, and the city's activity concentrated along North Terrace and King William Street. From there you can reach the coast, the parklands and the rest of the metropolitan area without committing to a single outlying district.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay if I want to be near the beach?
You need to choose one of the suburbs closer to the coast. Glenelg is the closest to the city, with further options in Port Adelaide or Outer Harbor.
Can I camp close to Adelaide?
Yes. The closest camping to the city is in Belair National Park in the southeastern suburbs, less than 10 km away, and there is a train service near the park.
Where will I find the widest choice of accommodation?
The CBD has the most options, from backpacker accommodation to five-star hotels. If you are travelling on business, the city centre generally has more availability than elsewhere.
Where can I find mid-range places to stay?
Your best bet is the CBD, both the city and North Adelaide, often connected to Victoria Square by public transport. Cheaper motel-style accommodation can sometimes be found on the roads leading into Adelaide.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide.