If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Adelaide’s artistic side, you’re in the right place. This guide will take you from the city’s galleries to the streets, where art both classic and contemporary can be found and loved. You can easily do it all in a weekend—especially in a Hertz rental car, which gives you the freedom to jump in when you’re ready, travel as far or close as you want, to your own timetable.
Start the Art in North Terrace
There’s no better place to begin your Adelaide art journey than in North Terrace. Park your rental car nearby and explore the Art Gallery of South Australia, which is home to the city’s most significant permanent collections, plus ongoing exhibitions from big-name artists. For something bold and unpredictable, don’t miss ACE Gallery on North Terrace. As one of the city’s leading contemporary art spaces, ACE regularly showcases emerging artists pushing boundaries across media and themes. Just a few steps away, JamFactory blends art with craft, housing local makers who produce ceramics, glasswork, furniture and jewellery.
Coffee and Creativity in the West End
Head to the city’s West End for a double shot of coffee and street art. After dropping by haunts like Fair Espresso or My Kingdom For a Horse, take a wander along Peel Street and its surrounding laneways and come face-to-face with murals, keeping an eye out for any pop-up galleries or boutique shops that catch your curiosity. 
Hit the Hills, and the Studios
Art doesn’t stop at the city’s edge. Drive your rental for an easy 30 minutes into the scenic Adelaide Hills to visit artists in their own studios. Hahndorf Academy, located in a 19th-century German schoolhouse, features rotating exhibitions and local artisan wares. On weekends, many
nearby artists open their home studios, so keep an eye out for signage along winding roads. It’s a rare chance to chat with makers in their element.
Set the Stage
Performing arts is one of Adelaide’s specialities. Depending on the season, you might catch an indie production at Bakehouse Theatre, a touring act at Her Majesty’s, or an open-air concert in the Botanic Gardens. The Adelaide Festival Centre is the city’s biggest stage, hosting everything from cabaret to ballet. And if your weekend coincides with Fringe or SALA (South Australian Living Artists Festival), you’ll find the whole city buzzing with energy, from car parks to churches turned theatres.
Meander the Markets
Wrap up your weekend with a wander through one of Adelaide’s artisan markets. The Gilles at the Grounds Market is a great place to find handmade ceramics, indie prints, and vintage pieces, with buskers blaring in the background. If you’re heading toward the beach, the Jetty Road Artisan Market in Glenelg is worth the coastal detour. Either way, you’re sure to return with a little something that’ll keep Adelaide’s creative spirit alive in your home. 
Drive Your Creativity with Hertz
In Adelaide, the galleries, live performances, studios and murals are an ever-evolving reflection of the artistic energy that flows throughout the city. And with a Hertz rental car, it’s that easy to jump in and seek them out at a time that works for you, plus reach those faraway places where little artistic gems are hiding. Choose one of our reliable cars here, pack your bags, and get ready to awaken your creative side in Adelaide.
