Under $100: Adelaide

South Australia’s capital city is the only one founded by free settlers, as opposed to the rest of Australia’s history as a convict settlement. Adelaide is a city of beaches, architecture, restaurants and nightlife, so here’s how to spend your 140 AUD wisely.

© Takeapicture | Dreamstime

For an early lunch, stop by BBQ City in the heart of Chinatown before heading out for the day. The menu isn’t Asian, as this no-frills restaurant is focused squarely on good barbecue, offering duck, ribs, chicken and more. Grab a mixed platter to go (15 AUD small/22 AUD large) and enjoy a picnic lunch at the nearby Whitemore Square.

Visitors can get around most easily with a 9.90 AUD daytrip ticket, which allows unlimited travel around the metro area, though if you’re staying for a long weekend, consider getting a three-day visitor’s pass. Adelaide is walkable if you plan on staying within the city center, with most of the attractions located between North Terrace and Victoria Square.

The Art Gallery of South Australia © Michael Coghlan | Flickr

Adelaide is one of the best cities for art in Australia, with plenty of museums and galleries to see, many of which are open to the public. The Art Gallery of South Australia is one such museum that is free to enter, showcasing a large collection of Australian, indigenous, British and colonial art. For something more modern, check out Contemporary Art Centre of South Australia, also free to enter, or the Jam Factory, which is a gallery series dedicated to local, national and international art plus design.

To close out the day, stop by one of the hundreds of pubs in Adelaide for some good bar food and a start to your night out. While many of the local watering holes have been pushed south, Rundle and Gouger streets are lively areas for nightlife.

Jam Factory © Michael Coghlan | Flickr