A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Adelaide vs. Sydney for Attractions, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Adelaide or Sydney?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Adelaide and Sydney can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a friendly, under-rated, and elegant city. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Sydney

Sydney is a diverse, energetic, and outdoorsy city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Adelaide and Sydney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Adelaide or Sydney?

You'll generally find more things to do in Sydney than Adelaide. Sydney is bigger than Adelaide, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Sydney is more touristy than Adelaide and is popular for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. Also, Sydney is famous for the Sydney Opera House. Adelaide is well known for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events.

How is Adelaide different from Sydney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sydney and Adelaide. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Adelaide or Sydney?

Sydney is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Sydney from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

Adelaide offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Is the Food Better in Adelaide or Sydney? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sydney is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Sydney. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Adelaide. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

Is Adelaide or Sydney Better for Nightlife?

Sydney is renowned for nightlife. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Sydney is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

Adelaide has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

Is Adelaide or Sydney Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Adelaide is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Adelaide is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Adelaide or Sydney Better for Beaches?

Sydney is renowned for its beaches. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beache.

Sydney is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Many people visit Adelaide for it's beautiful beaches. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Is Adelaide or Sydney Better for Hiking?

Sydney is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Sydney. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Adelaide offers some nice hiking trails. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Adelaide or Sydney?

Sydney is renowned for shopping. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Sydney. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

Adelaide is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.

Is Adelaide or Sydney Better for Families?

Sydney is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Sydney is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Adelaide. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.

Is Adelaide or Sydney Better for Couples?

Sydney is renowned for romance. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Sydney is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

Adelaide makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.

Is Adelaide or Sydney Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sydney is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Sydney. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

Plenty of backpackers visit Adelaide. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.

Is Adelaide or Sydney Better for Students?

Sydney is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Sydney is a very popular city for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Adelaide is popular with students. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Is Adelaide or Sydney Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sydney is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Sydney has a great public transit system. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

Adelaide has some very good public transit options. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

Is Adelaide or Sydney a more walkable city?

Adelaide and Sydney are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Adelaide is very walkable. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.

Sydney is a very walkable city. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Adelaide Worth Visiting? and Is Sydney Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sydney or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Sydney?

Both Adelaide and Sydney have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sydney than in Adelaide. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Adelaide, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sydney.

Families should spend more time in Sydney than Adelaide. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Sydney, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Sydney than Adelaide. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sydney that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney than Adelaide if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Sydney.

One day in Adelaide or Sydney?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Adelaide. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Sydney is a big city with plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Adelaide or Sydney?

Adelaide is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sydney is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Adelaide or Sydney?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Adelaide. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Sydney is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sydney, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Adelaide or Sydney?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Adelaide. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Sydney is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sydney has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Adelaide and Sydney, we can see that Sydney is more expensive. And not only is Adelaide much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Adelaide would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Adelaide and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Sydney would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sydney than you might in Adelaide.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Adelaide Expensive? and Is Sydney Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Sydney?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Adelaide. When comparing the sizes of Adelaide and Sydney, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Adelaide or Sydney?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Adelaide or Sydney in the Summer?

Both Sydney and Adelaide during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Adelaide for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Adelaide is generally around the same temperature as Sydney. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 22°C (72°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Adelaide. In the summer, Adelaide often gets more sunshine than Sydney. Adelaide gets 330 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 236 hours of full sun.

Sydney gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Adelaide usually gets less rain in January than Sydney. Adelaide gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Adelaide or Sydney in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Adelaide and Sydney. The autumn months attract visitors to Adelaide because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sydney this time of year.

Adelaide is around the same temperature as Sydney in the autumn. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 18°C (64°F) in April, and Sydney fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

In Adelaide, it's very sunny this time of the year. Adelaide usually receives more sunshine than Sydney during autumn. Adelaide gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sydney receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In April, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Sydney. Adelaide gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Adelaide or Sydney in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Adelaide as well as Sydney. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Adelaide this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Adelaide is around the same temperature as Sydney. Typically, the winter temperatures in Adelaide in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Sydney averages at about 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. In the winter, Adelaide often gets less sunshine than Sydney. Adelaide gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 208 hours of full sun.

Adelaide usually gets more rain in July than Sydney. Adelaide gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Adelaide or Sydney in the Spring?

Both Sydney and Adelaide are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Adelaide for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Sydney in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In October, Adelaide is generally around the same temperature as Sydney. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 16°C (61°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Sydney. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Adelaide. Adelaide usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sydney during spring. Adelaide gets 256 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Sydney. Adelaide gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sydney and Adelaide