“It’s so small.”

I believe that was the first thing I said when I stepped into Adelaide’s Central Business District (CBD).

I’d been told that, actually, Adelaide was just like Melbourne -- just look at Rundle Mall!

"It’s Adelaide’s equivalent to Melbourne’s Bourke Street".

Whoever told me that was a veritable liar. Adelaide has no Bourke Street equivalent. Sure, you have a main street in the city lined with clothing stores but there’s no hustle and bustle and it’s really quiet.

Adelaide is small in every conceivable way. With a population of just 1.1 million (compared to over 3 million each in Sydney and Melbourne), you can cross from the CBD to the airport by car in just 10 minutes -- it’s just 6 kilometres away. If you wanted to go to straight from the airport to Adelaide’s most popular beach, you’d be there within 9 minutes. And, from there, you could be at McLaren Vale winery region in under 45 minutes.

Standing in Rundle Mall on my first day in Adelaide, I realised the appeal of this sleepy South Australian city is not in how similar it is to other Australian capitals but in its differences. You will come to really appreciate this charming city for all of the glistening beaches, chic cafes, delightful day trips and sunshiny weather it has to offer.

Henley Beach

There's one truth about Adelaide that is universally accepted - the beaches are exceptionally beautiful. At Henley Beach, the sand bank is wide and clean and the water is blue and sparkling. Admire the beach from the pristine sandbank, enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk or take a walk down the pier. If you’re in need of refreshment, you’ll find an array of bars, cafes and restaurants lining the beachfront. On any given day, these venues are filled to the brim with smiley patrons admiring the scenery - that’s got to be a good sign, right?

Hahndorf

Hahndorf is a hidden gem, located just 30 minutes from central Adelaide. Australia's oldest surviving German settlement, it is South Australia's little Germany. From gift shops selling handmade cuckoo clocks to restaurants serving up a variety of traditional German dishes -- including bratwurst, sauerkraut, and pork knuckle -- Hahndorf should definitely be on your to-do list for your next visit to Adelaide.

Wineries

Adelaide is known as the city of churches and, controversially, the murder capital of Australia. However, it’s probably equally well-known for its world-renowned wineries. Barossa Valley, Clare Valley and McLaren Vale are some of its most popular wine regions. If you’re a shiraz fan, then any one of these spots is a great option for you. If you only have a weekend in Adelaide, fear not, as you can reach each of these wine regions in 1 to 2 hours.

Food

Melbourne may be rightfully recognised as the brunch capital of Australia but Adelaide may soon take the crown. A prime example of its effortlessly on-trend brunch culture is ‘The Loose Caboose’. Renowned for their lemon and ricotta hotcakes, you’ll find their menu every part as appetising as Melbourne’s infamously busy Top Paddock.