Not to miss

Migration Museum

This fascinating and unmissable museum tells the stories of the migrants who came from all over the world to make South Australia their home. There's information on over 100 nationalities in their database, along with poignant personal stories displayed to full effect.

Art Gallery of South Australia

This superb gallery represents all the big names in Australian art, has an impressive international art collection (including Rodin sculptures) and hosts temporary exhibitions. You could easily return here over a couple of days but if you're short on time peruse the Colonial State collections and Australia Federation Landscapes in the Elder Wing. Indulge your tastebuds at the top-notch restaurant, with a menu inspired by the current exhibition.

The free audio-tour of the Australian collection is very insightful, as are the free guided tours which are run twice daily. Peruse the great bookshop and indulge your other senses at the top-notch cafe with a menu inspired by the current exhibition.

Next door is the South Australian Museum, with good Aboriginal and natural-history displays, and a café alongside a giant whale skeleton.

South Australian Museum

This museum, with its huge whale skeleton in the front window, is one of Adelaide's landmarks. The enthralling exhibits showcase Australia's natural history and include a gallery devoted to Antarctic explorer Sir Douglas Mawson (with expedition footage). The absorbing Aboriginal Cultures Gallery displays artefacts of the region's Ngarrindjeri people.