The City East Quarter is the premier shopping district in the City with over 700 shops including 9 levels of department store shopping in David Jones and Myer, Target, Kmart, fashion designer brands, 15 arcades and centres in two important precincts Rundle Mall and Rundle Street, Uniqlo, H&M, Sephora, Mecca, Gorman, Morrison, Tiffany, Ted Baker attract over 20 million shoppers and visitors per year.

The Mall, historic Adelaide Arcade, Regent Arcade, Rundle Place, Adelaide Central Plaza, Rundle Mall Plaza, Myer Centre and City Cross accommodate over 700 retailers and specialty shops in Rundle Mall while fashion boutiques and designers are clustered together in Rundle Street near the Palace Cinemas. Unique business opportunities exist in these arcades and Gawler Place used by numerous City workers accessing the Mall shops, cafes and international food courts. North Terrace is the cultural boulevard of the City because the Art Gallery, State Library and SA Museum are located there alongside the University of Adelaide and the beautiful Adelaide Botanic Gardens. The National Wine Centre, Ayers House and Lot Fourteen the innovation hub and home to the Australian Space Agency are within walking distance of the Adelaide Zoo, a major destination for families. A new 326 room Crowne Plaza is located between North Terrace and Rundle Street.

Pirie Street is an up and coming street with new restaurants, small bars and offices opening there including Gaja Indian Brasserie, Abbots and Kinney, Osteria Oggi and Golden Wattle. The Telstra Offices and City of Adelaide offices are located on Pirie Street. South of Pirie Street is Flinders Street that links King William Street with Hutt Street and accommodates the Flinders Street Project, Messy Tomato, Blefari Café, Santos Office and Peoples Choice Offices.