If you've ever wondered what international visitors really think about Adelaide, one Filipino traveller has revealed the most heartfelt (and brutally honest) review of the city - and locals are loving it.
Posting under a pseudonym, the Reddit user shared his personal take after eight weeks in the South Australian capital, visiting relatives.
'Adelaide's got a hold on me,' he wrote, adding that he's lived in both Sydney and Melbourne as well.
'I loved it so much I'm already planning my return trip for Q3 this year.'
From its 'surprisingly easy' public transport system to the 'hella expensive' food prices and occasional 'rank' bus stop, the user gave a detailed, funny and refreshingly balanced rundown of life in RADadelaide, as it's playfully referred to by locals and visitors alike.
'Loved the vibe, loved the family time,' he continued.
'Wanted to share some thoughts/observations, partly for my own memory and partly 'cause I'm curious what you locals think!'
He then continued with a comprehensive breakdown of his highs and lows - receiving a barrage of comments from other invested users praising his refreshing outtakes.
The Reddit user raved about Adelaide's shopping but said activities were expensive. Pictured: The Giant Ferris Wheel in Glenelg (left) and Rundle Mall (right)
Pictured:Adelaide's Chinatown, central market
THE PROS
Cleanliness:For the most-part, he was impressed, but it seems even Adelaide has a dirty side.
'Damn, Adelaide is CLEAN! Seriously impressed. Mostly just natural stuff like leaves,' he said.
'BUT, gotta say, some bus stops were pretty rank (saw everything from coffee cups and food waste to actual poop (?) and vandalism). Bit of a contrast!'
Public transport: While locals often grumble about the city's transit system, this expat was pleasantly surprised.
'Okay, maybe I'm easily impressed as a first-timer, but DAMN, navigating was surprisingly easy! Found routes, schedules, tracking - it worked,' he said.
'I know locals might roll their eyes and say it needs work, but for me? Thumbs up!'
Shopping: 'When shops have sales? They mean it!' he said.
While locals often grumble about the city's transit system, this expat was pleasantly surprised thanks to the 'easy' public transport
Pictured:d'Arenberg Cube, McLaren Vale Adelaide
'Discounts felt genuinely significant, not just a measly 10 per cent.' He even joked that he now 'understands the hoarding hype.'
The Vibe:Although he's lived in Melbourne and Sydney before, it's Adelaide that 'just clicks' for him.
'Call me biased 'cause of family, but the vibe just clicks with me more. Loved the vibe, loved the family time.'
THE CONS
Food costs:This Redditor was not expecting Adelaide's brunch culture to cost quite so much and quipped that eating out was 'hella expensive'.
'OOF. Okay, this was the sticker shock. Like, $7 can get you something basic/decent, but hitting A$30-40+ for a meal is easy peasy. Totally get why groceries are king,' he said.
Finding activities: While he loved the city's clean streets and chill pace, he admitted finding free or low-cost events was tough.
'As a visitor, felt like finding free/low-cost community stuff was tough unless you paid $$, and paid options were often hella expensive too,' he said.
Rude staff: Sadly, the only real sour note in his experience was not Adelaide itself - but the airline staff on the way there.
'Some seriously rude staff,' he wrote. 'But the city itself? <3'
The man's stay in Adelaide also sparked wider aspirations, like possibly sitting in on a Masters course at a local university to test the waters.
But, despite his love of the city, he has no plans to emigrate permanently.
'Super nationalistic and love my home country! That said, Adelaide? It's got a hold on me,' he said.
Locals flooded the comments with warm welcomes, restaurant suggestions, and activity ideas for his next trip - and many agreed that Adelaide's quiet charm is deeply underrated.
As one user summed it up: 'It's not flashy. But it grows on you. Slowly, surely, and then all at once.'
