Stroll through Adelaide’s laneways where warehouses and shops are being transformed into bars serving everything from tapas to Serbian cuisine. Hit the Peel-Leigh Street precinct, kicking off with a wine at Clever Little Tailor before dropping in The Bibliotheca Bar and Book Exchange for a cocktail. Don’t miss Proof, a buzzy little joint.

Marvel at South Australia’s rich bounty of produce – from farm-fresh fruit and vegetables to hormone-free meats, artisan cheeses, smoked meats and seafood. It’s all at the Central Market, where you can stop for an espresso or a bite. Better still, join Mark Gleeson’s early morning tour, sample the produce and chat to the people behind the market stalls.

Discover Port Adelaide’s wealth of 19th-century buildings, classic Australian pubs and atmospheric old wharves. Pick up a self-guided walking map from the tourist office, kayak along Port River (home to a dolphin colony) or drop into the Maritime Museum on Lipson Street. Afterwards, visit the Port Dock Brewery Hotel for a craft beer or two.

Visit Adelaide’s most elegant boulevard, North Terrace, home to the city’s most important cultural institutions. Apart from State Parliament, Adelaide Casino and the Convention Centre, this tree-lined street hosts the Art Gallery of South Australia, the South Australian Museum and The University of Adelaide. Round off your walk by visiting the Botanic Gardens, a legacy of Adelaide’s past with historic buildings and three striking glasshouses on site.

Searching for something quirky? Explore Adelaide’s East End at Rundle Street. Once the site of the Central Market, the area is undergoing a retail renaissance. Check out Bauhaus for gifts, Retro Room for homewares and Leonard St for designer labels. Refuel after a long day of shopping at Nano Café.

When the mercury rises, head to one of Adelaide’s many popular ocean beaches. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Glenelg, or the laid-back vibe of Henley and Grange with wooden piers, beachside cafes and old-school pubs. For the ultimate retro beach experience, drive down to Semaphore. There’s an esplanade, fish’n’chip shops, safe swimming and a park for the kids.

Get a wildlife fix at Adelaide Zoo, a 10-minute walk from the city centre, home to more than 1800 animals, including kangaroos, koalas and other native species. For something more interactive, Temptation Sailing offers dolphin-watching and swimming cruises from the nearby marina.

Hop on one of the free bikes available for daytime hire at depots in the CBD, including Bicycle SA in Franklin Street and local council offices. They are a fun way to explore the city, which is mostly flat, but there’s also a lovely ride to Henley Beach along Linear Park. The trip takes 40 minutes each way.

Long regarded as the prettiest cricket stadium in the world, Adelaide Oval has recently undergone an AUD $610 million make-over. The result is pretty spectacular. Join a guided tour which takes you behind the scenes of this iconic ground. Visit the Bradman Collection, featuring objects and photographs from the private archives of Sir Donald Bradman, the world’s greatest batsman.

Head to the Adelaide Hills — a tranquil place to recharge the batteries. The hills are much more than a geographic backdrop for the city; they provide much of its food and is a major wine growing district with 50 cellar doors. Stop for lunch at The Lane Vineyard or Bird in Hand.