Where to Stay in Adelaide
Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips
Quick Answer
Stay in Gouger Street Precinct
Features a high concentration of affordable eateries and budget-friendly hostels.
See full Adelaide neighbourhood guideTop 3 Areas to Stay in Adelaide
Most affordable areas with the best value accommodation
Gouger Street Precinct
Adelaide's vibrant Chinatown and culinary hub, buzzing with Asian restaurants and eateries.
Our top picks in Gouger Street Precinct
Modern hotel directly opposite the Central Market with stylish rooms.
Book NowReliable mid-range hotel offering good value and a convenient location.
Book NowBudget-friendly hostel located right in the heart of the action.
Book Now
Adelaide CBD
A compact and walkable city center with a mix of heritage architecture, modern retail, and cultural institutions.
Our top picks in Adelaide CBD
Glenelg
A popular beachside suburb with a lively atmosphere, shops, cafes, and a long sandy beach.
Our top picks in Glenelg
Resort complex offering various accommodation types, including cabins and caravan sites, near the beach.
Book NowWe earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Neighbourhood Comparison for Backpackers
| Neighbourhood | Budget | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
#1Gouger Street Precinct | Budget | Adelaide's vibrant Chinatown and culinary hub, buzzing with Asian restaurants and eateries. | foodiesnightlife |
Adelaide CBD | Mid-range | A compact and walkable city center with a mix of heritage architecture, modern retail, and cultural institutions. | first-timersculture |
North Adelaide | Luxury | Leafy, upscale residential area with charming heritage homes and boutique shopping strips. | couplesfamilies |
Glenelg | Mid-range | A popular beachside suburb with a lively atmosphere, shops, cafes, and a long sandy beach. | familiesbeach lovers |
Find budget-friendly hostels in Adelaide
Affordable stays in the best backpacker areas
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Tips for Backpackers in Adelaide
Book Hostels with Kitchens
Self-catering saves significant money in Adelaide. A hostel with a good kitchen can cut your food budget by half.
Walk Where Possible
Many city centres are walkable. Save transport money for longer journeys and use your feet for neighbourhood exploring.
Find Free Activities
Free walking tours, museum free days, parks, and markets are everywhere. Ask hostel staff for the best free experiences.
Carry a Water Bottle
A refillable bottle saves money and plastic. Many cities have free water fountains; check the local tap water safety first.
Find free walking tours in Adelaide
Budget-friendly ways to explore
Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers
Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Adelaide
Gouger Street Precinct
BudgetAdelaide's vibrant Chinatown and culinary hub, buzzing with Asian restaurants and eateries.
- +Incredible food scene, especially Asian cuisine
- +Lively atmosphere, particularly in the evenings
- +Very affordable dining options
- -Can be noisy at night
- -Accommodation options are more limited and can be basic
Adelaide CBD
Mid-rangeA compact and walkable city center with a mix of heritage architecture, modern retail, and cultural institutions.
- +Excellent public transport access
- +Abundance of dining and entertainment options
- +Central to most attractions
- -Can feel quiet on weekends outside of specific hubs
- -Limited green space directly within the core
North Adelaide
LuxuryLeafy, upscale residential area with charming heritage homes and boutique shopping strips.
- +Quiet and peaceful atmosphere
- +Beautiful architecture and tree-lined streets
- +Proximity to parks and the river
- -Fewer budget accommodation options
- -Requires a short bus or tram ride to reach the CBD's main attractions
Glenelg
Mid-rangeA popular beachside suburb with a lively atmosphere, shops, cafes, and a long sandy beach.
- +Direct beach access and ocean views
- +Family-friendly atmosphere
- +Easy tram access to the city
- -Can be very crowded during peak season and weekends
- -Further from the city's main cultural attractions
Daily Budget (Budget)
AUD 100/day
Hidden Gems in Adelaide
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Adelaide Central Market
A bustling hub of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and delicious international foods. It's the perfect place to sample local flavors and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Hahndorf
FREEAustralia's oldest surviving German settlement, Hahndorf offers charming main street filled with artisan shops, bakeries, and traditional German pubs. It's a delightful step back in time.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Adelaide
Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.
Adelaide Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Adelaide on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
View Tour Details
Adelaide Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Adelaide with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
View Tour Details
Best of Adelaide: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Adelaide's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
View Tour Details
Day Trip from Adelaide: Scenic Excursion
Escape Adelaide for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
View Tour Details
Adelaide Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Adelaide's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
View Tour DetailsWe earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
1 area to be cautious about
Read our full safety guide for Adelaide
Backpackers in Adelaide: FAQ
What is the best area in Adelaide for backpackers?
Is Adelaide safe for backpackers?
How much does it cost per day in Adelaide for backpackers?
When is the best time for backpackers to visit Adelaide?
Where are the cheapest hostels in Adelaide?
Found your hotel in Adelaide?
We search 30+ sites including members-only platforms like Secret Escapes and Voyage Privé. Most people save 14-23%.
Plan Your Perfect Adelaide Trip
Tell us what you love and we'll build a personalised day-by-day itinerary with the best spots, tours, and hotels. Completely free.