Adelaide stands out among Australian cities for its compact size, friendly vibe, and diverse attractions. What makes it especially appealing for city tours is how easily you can combine urban exploration with nearby nature and historic villages. We particularly like the Hahndorf and Adelaide Hills Hop-On Hop-Off Winery Tour for its flexibility and scenic wine tastings, and the Discover Adelaide City Walk and Popeye River Cruise for a fun mix of land and water. Whether you want to sip local wines, explore on foot, or paddle along the river, Adelaide offers options that suit different interests and fitness levels.
Quick Overview
Our list features a variety of city tours including full-day wine tasting trips (Hahndorf and Adelaide Hills Hop-On Hop-Off Winery Tour), short city walks (Adelaide: City Walking Tour with Guide), bike rides along the coast (Adelaide City to Sea Bike Tour), water-based kayak adventures (Adelaide: City Kayaking Experience), and comprehensive full-day explorations that combine city highlights with nearby villages (Ultimate Adelaide City and Hahndorf Tour). Each offers a unique way to see and experience Adelaide, whether you’re after a relaxed day of wine, cultural insights, or outdoor activity.
1. Hahndorf and Adelaide Hills Hop-On Hop-Off Winery Tour from City
At number 1 on our list, this full-day winery tour delivers a fantastic way to explore the Adelaide Hills without the hassle of driving. The tour features a looping circuit that stops at 10–15 venues, including wineries, cheesemongers, and even chocolate factories. Most travelers pick about four stops to sample cool-climate wines like shiraz and rosé, which are the region’s specialties.
One big plus is the flexibility to hop on and off, allowing you to spend more time in places like the historic German town of Hahndorf, with its quaint shops and cafes. Guests consistently praise the friendly guides and the scenic countryside, with reviews highlighting how breathtaking the views are and how well-organized the day is. It’s perfect if you want to enjoy wine, local food, and a taste of history, all in one day.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a relaxed, flexible way to experience Adelaide Hills’ best wineries and the charming town of Hahndorf, making it ideal for wine lovers and those seeking scenic serenity.
2. Adelaide: City Walking Tour with Guide
For a quick, insightful introduction to Adelaide’s core, the City Walking Tour is hard to beat. Clocking in at just 1.5 hours, it covers essential landmarks like the Town Hall and Central Market, giving you a solid grounding in the city’s history and culture.
Led by an enthusiastic local guide, the tour wanders through streets accessible only on foot, revealing hidden stories and local quirks. Guests love the personal touch and passionate commentary, making it a great choice if you’re short on time but want the authentic city experience. If you’re after a relaxed, intimate introduction before diving into more extensive sightseeing, this walk is perfect.
Bottom Line: An affordable, lively walk that highlights Adelaide’s key sights and gives you a sense of its character in a short amount of time.
3. Adelaide City to Sea Bike Tour
Number 3 on our list is the City to Sea Bike Tour, which offers a fantastic way to see multiple sides of Adelaide. For around $92, you’ll cycle at a relaxed pace along the River Torrens Linear trail and visit Henley Beach for a laid-back brunch.
The tour’s unique appeal is its combination of urban sightseeing and coastal scenery, with stops at Glenelg and the vibrant Riverside Precinct. The group is small, limited to 10, ensuring personalized attention and a comfortable ride. Reviewers praise the expert guidance and the chance to see parts of Adelaide that most visitors miss, like the beaches and wetlands.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers who want a scenic, outdoor experience combining city sights and the coast in a few hours.
4. Adelaide: City Highlights- Hahndorf and Mt. Lofty Half-Day Tour
This half-day trip is a perfect choice if you want a compact overview of Adelaide’s surroundings. The tour takes you to the summit of Mt. Lofty for panoramic views and explores the German-inspired village of Hahndorf, with its shops, cafes, and gardens.
The guide makes the logistics effortless, letting you focus on soaking up the scenery and local flavor. Guests appreciate the beautiful scenic views and the chance to explore Hahndorf at leisure. Since it’s a shorter tour, it’s great for travelers with limited time but high curiosity about the region’s highlights.
Bottom Line: A well-organized half-day experience that combines nature, history, and charming village exploration.
5. Discover Adelaide City Walk and Popeye River Cruise
This combined walking and river cruise is a fun way to see Adelaide from both land and water. Starting with a relaxed 2-hour walk, your guide shares stories about indigenous heritage, architecture, and quirky city tales. Afterwards, hop on a 45-minute river cruise with Popeye River Cruises for a new perspective on the city’s scenic riverbanks.
Guests love how the tour mixes history with leisure, and the friendly guides make it engaging. It’s perfect for those wanting a diverse, relaxed way to explore Adelaide’s vibrant streets and waterways. The balance of walking and cruising makes it suitable for many fitness levels.
Bottom Line: A lively, informative tour ideal for first-timers who want to see Adelaide from street level and the river.
6. Ultimate Adelaide City and Hahndorf Tour
The Full-Day Ultimate Tour combines city highlights, scenic drives, and a visit to the charming town of Hahndorf. Starting with an overview of Adelaide’s cultural landmarks like the SA Museum and Art Gallery, the tour heads into the hills for panoramic views from Mount Lofty. An added treat is the afternoon tea or beer at Hahndorf Inn, which locals love.
Guests praise the comprehensive itinerary and the knowledgeable guide. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors wanting a complete picture of Adelaide and its surroundings in one day. The tour’s value lies in its variety—urban sights, scenic vistas, and historic villages.
Bottom Line: Best for those who want an all-in-one overview with a relaxed pace and plenty of highlights.
7. Adelaide City Kayak Tour
Number 7 is the Kayak Tour, offering a unique way to view Adelaide from the water. In just 1.5 hours, you glide past iconic sights like the Adelaide Oval and watch local waterfowl, including black swans and ducks. No experience is necessary, as full instruction and equipment are provided.
Guests find it peaceful and different from traditional sightseeing. The small group size (up to 8) ensures personalized attention, with guides sharing interesting insights about the River Torrens’ history. It’s perfect for active travelers looking for a memorable outdoor activity.
Bottom Line: An active, scenic adventure that provides a fresh perspective on Adelaide’s river and landscape.
8. Adelaide: City Kayaking Experience
Similar to the previous, this City Kayaking Experience offers a shorter, 1.5-hour paddle along the River Torrens. With safety equipment and instruction included, it’s a great way to enjoy Adelaide’s waters on a relaxed, guided tour.
Guests value the easy-to-follow guidance and the chance to see the cityscape from a different angle. It’s well-suited for first-time kayakers and anyone wanting a brief outdoor escape.
Bottom Line: A quick, enjoyable way to get some exercise and see Adelaide from the river.
9. Adelaide: City, Adelaide Hills Villages, and Hahndorf Tour
This full-day tour combines city sights, panoramic hill views, and the charming village of Hahndorf. You’ll visit the National Wine Centre, St Peters Cathedral, and stop at Mount Lofty for sweeping views. The tour also includes exploring the main street of Hahndorf, with free time to shop and dine.
Guests note the well-paced itinerary and the opportunity to experience both urban and rural aspects of Adelaide. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive day that balances sightseeing, local food, and culture.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting an immersive, full-day experience of Adelaide and the Hills.
10. Adelaide City Highlights Tour
This 3-hour coach tour provides an efficient overview of Adelaide’s main attractions. It covers Botanic Park, Adelaide Oval, St Peters Cathedral, and the National Wine Centre. Guided commentary makes it suitable for first-timers eager for a quick yet informative experience.
Guests appreciate the convenience of hotel pickup and the chance to see key landmarks without the effort of walking or driving. It’s a good primer before exploring more on your own.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a brief orientation of Adelaide’s top sights, especially if time is limited.
11. Adelaide: Half-Day Highlights City, Mount Lofty & Hahndorf
This half-day tour offers a taste of everything: city highlights, panoramic views from Mount Lofty, and the German charm of Hahndorf. It’s ideal if you want a quick but diverse experience, with optional visits to Beerenberg Farm.
Guests enjoy the comfortable drive and the flexibility for exploring Hahndorf’s main street or sampling local produce. It balances sightseeing with leisure, perfect for travelers on a tight schedule.
Bottom Line: An efficient, versatile tour for those wanting a broad overview with some free time.
12. Adelaide: City and First Nations Cultural Tour
This First Nations-led walk is a rare chance to hear Adelaide’s story from the Kaurna people. The tour covers cultural landmarks, native plants, and indigenous art. Led by experienced guides, it offers a deeply authentic experience.
Guests find it enlightening and respectful, especially those interested in indigenous culture. It’s a slower-paced, educational tour suited for culturally curious travelers wanting to learn more about the city’s original inhabitants.
Bottom Line: A meaningful, culturally rich experience that adds depth to your understanding of Adelaide.
13. Adelaide: City Highlights and Hahndorf Tour with Pickup
This guided tour offers the convenience of pickup and a well-rounded itinerary. You see top landmarks in the city, then head to Mount Lofty for views, and finish in Hahndorf for free exploration.
Guests appreciate the easy logistics and the chance to see multiple highlights without hassle. It’s suitable for travelers who prefer a guided, door-to-door experience and want to explore both the city and nearby villages.
Bottom Line: An all-in-one, hassle-free option that suits first-time visitors wanting efficiency.
14. Adelaide: Adelaide City Guided Cultural Walking Tour
This 1-hour guided walk is led by a First Nations guide through the Adelaide CBD. It emphasizes Kaurna culture, important city sites, and their significance.
Perfect for culturally minded travelers, it provides a deeper understanding of Adelaide’s indigenous heritage and urban landscape. It’s an intimate, focused tour ideal for those seeking a meaningful, educational experience.
Bottom Line: Short but impactful, this tour enhances your urban exploration with cultural insights.
$40 per person
15. Adelaide City Highlights via Hahndorf Half-Day Tour
Last on our list, this half-day tour combines city sights with Hahndorf and Mount Lofty. You visit Adelaide’s central markets, drive to Mount Lofty for sweeping views, and stroll through Hahndorf’s main street, sampling local produce along the way.
Guests love the balanced itinerary that offers a taste of urban and rural Australia in just a few hours. It’s a flexible option suitable for those wanting a quick, rundown.
Bottom Line: An efficient way to see Adelaide’s highlights with time to explore at your own pace.
$107.93 per person
How to Choose the Best Adelaide City Tour for You
When selecting the right tour, consider your budget, time, and interests. For wine lovers, the Hahndorf and Adelaide Hills Hop-On Hop-Off Winery Tour provides a comprehensive tasting experience. If you prefer a shorter introduction, the City Walking Tour or the City Highlights Coach Tour are great options.
Active travelers might enjoy the Bike or Kayak adventures, while those interested in indigenous culture should look at the First Nations Cultural Tour. For families or groups wanting a full day, the Ultimate Adelaide City and Hahndorf Tour covers a lot.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, since these tours tend to fill up quickly. Think about your physical activity level, interest in local food and wine, and how much time you want to spend exploring—Adelaide’s tours are diverse enough to match most travel styles.
In summary, Adelaide offers a variety of tours that cater to different tastes, whether you want to sip wine amid vineyards, walk through historic streets, or paddle along peaceful rivers. A few standout choices include the flexible Hahndorf and Adelaide Hills Hop-On Hop-Off Winery Tour, the active City to Sea Bike Tour, and the culturally rich First Nations Tour. Whichever you choose, early booking and a clear idea of your interests will ensure a memorable Adelaide experience.