In 2017 Lonely Planet named Adelaide’s West End one of the coolest neighborhoods in Australia. More recently, in a study of 140 global cities, Adelaide ranked No. 3 for best lifestyle on The Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2021 Global Livability Index. Located on the west side of Adelaide’s thriving Central Business District, it appears this sun-splashed neighborhood only improves with time.

PHOTO: © ADELAIDE CONVENTION CENTRE,
The West End’s unique pedestrian laneway culture draws residents and visitors with a mix of art galleries, museums, small bars and cafés, live music venues, public art, retail shops and private businesses that give the area a distinct, somewhat hedonistic character. Paradoxically, the West End also includes larger urban structures like Adelaide Convention Centre; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (part of the neighborhood’s BioMed City hub); and the brand-new, 32-story, glass tower Sofitel Adelaide, a 10-minute walk from the Convention Center.
If all this sounds like a cluttered and noisy neighborhood, it is not. Greenery surrounds all four sides of the CBD and its 27,000 residents, with the River Torrens (Karrawirra Parri) on the north and four square miles of city parklands hugging the other three sides like a gorgeous green necklace.
The West End boasts an eclectic mix of residential addresses with modern townhouses and apartments, historic mansions and nicely restored workers’ cottages on the smaller streets and laneways. Almost every type of service lies within walking or biking distance, thanks to Adelaide’s mid-19th-century founders who, purposely or not, created a “15-minute city” lifestyle today’s urban planners can only dream about. Fortunately, Adelaide’s city planners never messed with the original scheme, and about 37 percent of employed neighborhood residents walk to work.
The area welcomes visitors with an enjoyable, energetic vibe. The West Oak Hotel, established in 1838, is the city’s oldest continually licensed venue. No longer a hotel, it offers a beer garden, music, pub food and tapas. Take time to sample the extensive and legendary drinks menu at the Pink Moon Saloon. Cry Baby provides a jukebox filled with 1960s to 1980s rock ’n‘ roll, a good whiskey bar and a packed dance floor. The Adelaide Central Market building opened in 1900 and now houses one of the largest covered fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere, offering locally grown fruit and vegetables, meat, poultry, seafood and beautiful hand-painted murals on the façade.
While the state of South Australia spans 379,724 square miles (roughly the size of Texas and Arizona combined), the West End conveniently sits midway between the cooler temperatures and wineries of the Adelaide hills and the warm beaches west of the city, where sun worshipers and surfers gather year-round. Even Adelaide Airport lies only three to five miles from all West End locations.
Read This Next

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
May 29, 2025You Can Now Take a Private Charter to Tulum’s Casa Xixim Villa
Eco-indulgence reaches new heights with the Go Green Luxury Getaway, a collaboration between Monarch Air Group’s private jet charter service and Casa Xixim eco-luxury villa. After all, it’s a natural partnership: Located in Soliman Bay, Casa Xixim has been extensively lauded for its architecture and environmental practices, while Monarch Air Group offers fully offset carbon emissions, gourmet meals with sustainably sourced ingredients and eco-friendly travel essentials.
Sponsored Content
Explore Europe with the Best River Cruise Line this November
Experience Europe from a fresh perspective with AmaWaterways, just awarded Best River Cruise Line by Global Traveler for the third consecutive year. Step aboard, unpack once and embark on a cruise through iconic capital cities and awe-inspiring landscapes. AmaWaterways' ships, which accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offer a spacious yet intimate setting. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy exquisite farm-to-table dining; unparalleled service; and a variety of included excursions, from city tours for gentle walkers to thrilling bike rides along the rivers.
Daily
May 29, 2025These 5 Hotels Offer Beekeeping Experiences
Find out what all the buzz is about at these U.S. hotels and resorts offering beekeeping experiences.
Sponsored Content
Sail Unique with Explora Journeys
SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel Imagine a place where modern European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea — where time slows down, and every detail is crafted to inspire connection and quiet indulgence. This is Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean brand from MSC Group created to redefine how we explore the world.
May 2025
May 29, 2025Escape to a Private Island For the Ultimate in Seclusion and Luxury
At one time, the only people who might seriously consider vacationing on a private island were escapists looking to indulge their Robinson Crusoe fantasies or billionaires and celebrities in search of a luxurious respite from the cameras.
Tea Time is Tree Time at This Banyan Tree Resort
Daily
May 28, 2025Williamsburg Inn Review
eFlyer Reviews
May 28, 2025eFlyer News
May 28, 2025American Airlines Opens 2 New Lounges at Philadelphia International Airport
On May 22, American Airlines opened two new lounges at Philadelphia International Airport in the A-West Terminal. The Flagship and Admirals Club lounges span 25,000 square feet and have a shared entryway, accessible between Gates A15 and A16.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Next MICE Destination
Seoul has rapidly become a leading global MICE hub, known for its rich culture, advanced technology and strong economy. As the capital of South Korea, it offers a strategic location in East Asia and a booming cultural influence through K-pop, K-movies, Korean cuisine and K-dramas. With its vibrant atmosphere and business-friendly environment, Seoul is increasingly the top choice for MICE organizers and corporate travelers seeking connection and collaboration.
eFlyer News
May 28, 2025Aman Debuts Amancaya, A New Island Sanctuary in the Bahamas
Aman expands its portfolio with its third property in the Caribbean. Set to debut in Exuma in The Bahamas, this luxury property will mark the brand’s first location in The Bahamas. Amancaya will be built across two of Exumas’ most secluded private cays, comprising a 36-pavilion Aman hotel and limited collection of fully serviced Aman Residences.
ShareThis