Author: 
Hobart is the capital city of Tasmania, an island state of Australia known for its unspoiled natural beauty. Many visitors are drawn to the island’s beautiful landscape where ancient rainforests, rugged mountains, and unspoiled golden beaches are waiting to be explored.
Hobart City Center is a cultural hub where there’s much to be learned about Tasmania’s penal history. It lies on the island’s southern coast where it overlooks the beautiful Derwent River and has an excellent reputation for art, food, and nightlife.
If you’re planning to visit Hobart for the first time, you might be wondering which part of the city to stay in. There are several excellent neighborhoods to choose from within the city center or just outside of it.
Let’s take a look at Hobart’s best areas for tourists and highlight some of its top attractions and best hotels.
Hobart CBD for First-Timers
Highlights: Salamanca Market, Theatre Royal, Sullivan’s Cove, Tasmanian Parliament, MONA Museum of Old and New Art, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Elizabeth Street Mall, Maritime Museum, Franklin Square
Hobart Central Business District (CBD) is the heart of the city. It’s the ideal place to stay if you’ll be visiting for the first time and are planning on checking out the most popular tourist attractions. Much of the CBD makes it easy to get around on foot but public transport links are great for those who can’t walk far or want to venture further afield. There’s a fantastic atmosphere in the CBD as locals and tourists alike rub shoulders in restaurants, wine bars, and live music venues.
There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Hobart CBD. If you’re a culture vulture you’ll enjoy the MONA Museum of Old and New Art and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. History buffs will enjoy a visit to Sullivan’s Cove, the site of Hobart’s original European settlement, and to the Maritime Museum on Constitution Dock which celebrates the island’s naval heritage.
If you love wandering around scenic city streets and exploring local cafes, shops, and galleries, head to the open-air shopping hub that is Elizabeth Street Mall or visit the waterfront area of Salamanca Place which hosts the busy Salamanca Market every Saturday.
Where to Stay in Hobart CBD
Since Hobart CBD marks the very heart of the city, it has a great range of hotels to choose from. You’ll find both luxury and mid-range options, but budget travelers might have trouble securing affordable accommodation here.
Here’s where’s best to check in when you stay in Hobart CBD:
- The Henry Jones Art Hotel is a historic 5-star hotel with luxurious rooms that feature free-standing spa baths and lovely views over the courtyard or water. Facilities include an on-site bar, a restaurant, a fitness center, and a concierge service provided by the front desk team.
- Crowne Plaza Hobart is a luxury IHG hotel with rooms that offer stunning waterfront views. There’s free WiFi, a fitness center, a sun terrace, and a cocktail bar to enjoy during your stay.
- Best Western Hobart offers comfortable, modern rooms with convenient access to the city’s main sights. It has an on-site pizza bar and grill, a fitness center, and free WiFi throughout.
- Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart is a waterfront property with exceptional views of the city. It has a mix of stylish hotel rooms and suites, a heated indoor pool, and excellent on-site dining facilities including the popular Restaurant Tasman which serves authentic Tasmanian dishes.
- Ibis Styles Hobart is a trendy, affordable hotel with fantastic facilities. It’s the largest hotel in Hobart with 296 rooms, an indoor pool, a fitness center, two saunas, a bar, and a restaurant that specializes in Asian cuisine.
- Macq 01 Hotel offers unique suites and rooms that are each linked to a renowned character from Tasmania’s history. If you want a luxury hotel with a difference on the Hobart waterfront, this is it.
Battery Point for Families
Highlights: Salamanca Arts Centre, Princes Park, Battery Point Sculpture Trail, Hobart Semaphore Station, Narryna: The Merchant’s House
Battery Point is a residential area that lies directly south of the CBD, and it’s the ideal place to stay for those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city center. It was once the city’s maritime hub and although it has been extensively redeveloped, many heritage buildings remain beautifully preserved. This gives the area a historic charm that is amplified by its colorful parks. There’s plenty of space for kids to run around in Battery Point, and its nighttime atmosphere is far more mellow than in the central business district. This makes it a great location for families to stay in.
The waterfront at Battery Point is the perfect place for a stroll to admire the River Derwent. Follow the Battery Point Sculpture Trail to see impressive artworks that represent moments in Hobart’s history. For more art, look out for exhibitions and performances at Salamanca Arts Centre, and learn more about the history of the area at the 1830s Merchant’s House which is Tasmania’s oldest folk museum.
Where to Stay in Battery Point
Battery Point is a relatively small neighborhood so you’ll definitely find yourself venturing further afield to explore all that Hobart has to offer. You can reach the CBD on foot within 10 minutes. There are some good hotels and self-catering apartments here, some of which are very family-friendly.
North Hobart for Night Owls
Highlights: Queens Domain, Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
North Hobart lies north of the CBD and a little inland, meaning that you won’t be within easy walking distance of waterfront views if you stay here. However, the neighborhood lies right next to the sprawling bushland of Queens Domain, known by locals as “The Domain”, where walking and biking trails await you to lose yourself in nature.
This is also where you’ll find the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens which offer 14 hectares of beautifully maintained gardens filled with native and exotic plant species.
There are few big attractions in North Hobart apart from the botanical gardens, but the area makes up for its lack of tourist spots by offering a fantastic atmosphere at night. This neighborhood was once considered one of the grittier parts of the city but recent redevelopment has turned it into a trendy area that’s popular with young travelers.
There are some excellent relaxed eateries, pubs, breweries, bars, and nightclubs in North Hobart, and prices tend to be cheaper than in the CBD.
Where to Stay in North Hobart
You won’t find any luxury hotels in North Hobart, but there are some fun boutique hotels with affordable nightly rates. You also have a good shot at finding rental apartments here since it’s a residential suburb. You can reach the CBD in around 20 minutes via public transport or 30 minutes on foot. This area is also a handy place to stay for convenient access to Hobart Airport which lies around 20 minutes away by road.
South Hobart for Relaxation
Highlights: Cascade Brewery, Mount Wellington Park, Cascades Female Factory Historic Site
South Hobart is a leafy residential area that lies in the foothills of the rugged Mount Wellington. It’s a picturesque suburb with a laid-back atmosphere, making it the perfect base for those who want a peaceful stay in Hobart. You can expect charming Georgian buildings in South Hobart and lots of open bushland, but be sure to stay on marked trails if you go hiking in Mount Wellington Park as the dramatic cliff faces can be dangerous.
The biggest attraction in South Hobart is Cascade Brewery which is the oldest operating brewery in Australia. You can tour its facilities to learn how its beer is made and discover its extensive history, or simply enjoy a few beers with a bite to eat in its bar. Another popular attraction is the Cascades Female Factory Historic Site, which is a 19th-century workhouse where female convicts were held and made to work. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it gives valuable insights into the history of colonial Australia.
Despite its quiet atmosphere, South Hobart is still within relatively easy reach of the city center; you can be in the central business district in just 5 to 10 minutes by car, and within 15 minutes via public transport.
Where to Stay in South Hobart
Our top recommendation in South Hobart is Islington Hotel. Islington Hotel offers elegant rooms that have been finished with original pieces of art and striking antiques. It’s set within beautifully landscaped gardens and features a library with a fireplace, a wellness center that offers spa services, and a very good on-site restaurant that uses locally sourced, seasonal produce.
West Hobart for Local Life
Highlights: The Train Park, Knocklofty Reserve
West Hobart is a hilly suburb west of the central business district and, much like South Hobart, is a great area to stay for rest and relaxation. As a primarily residential area, you can get a feel of local life when you stay here.
The neighborhood was once a farming district but it grew into a residential area as the city’s population expanded. Low rents made it a popular spot for artists and bohemians who gave the area a trendy vibe that continues today.
There’s little in the way of tourist attractions in West Hobart, although you will find some nice green spaces such as Knocklofty Reserve, and you’re within easy reach of Mount Wellington and its extensive hiking trails. Caldew Park, known as The Train Park, is a fun spot to let the kids burn off some steam. Its train-themed play area includes climbing frames and slides that are sure to tire the little ones out, and there are toilets, picnic tables, and barbecue facilities for you to make a day of it.
Where to Stay in West Hobart
West Hobart has some affordable hotels and vacation rentals on offer. If you’re looking for self-catered accommodation that feels like a home away from home, you have a good shot of finding it here. Public transport will take you into the city center in around 25 to 30 minutes.
Sandy Bay for Beach Vacations
Highlights: Short Beach, Nutgrove Beach, Long Beach, Truganini Reserve, Hobart Twilight Market Long Beach
Sandy Bay is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a classic beach vacation near Hobart city center. It’s a sprawling area that lies south of Battery Point and extends down the coast to encompass several beaches. It’s also home to the University of Tasmania.
Most of the beaches in Sandy Bay are set up for lazy days of sunbathing and swimming with excellent facilities. Nutgrove Beach is a particular highlight; it has car parking, toilets, BBQ facilities, and a play area for children, and is pet-friendly. If you enjoy walking, head to the Truganini Reserve where you’ll be rewarded with fantastic river and mountain views when you hike to the Mount Nelson Signal Station.
Foodies should be sure to drop into Hobart Twilight Market Long Beach where you can find tasty international street food along with live music performances and outdoor movies.
Where to Stay in Sandy Bay
There are some excellent hotels in Sandy Bay, some of which lie right beside the beach so you can enjoy waterfront views from your room and get out onto the sand with ease. When you want to explore the sights of the CBD, you can get there in less than 25 minutes via public transport.
Book Your Tasmanian Getaway
There are lots of fantastic attractions to explore in Hobart and the surrounding area, so be sure to choose a hotel or vacation rental that suits your style and pace of sightseeing. Now you’re caught up with the best areas in Hobart for tourists, you can get started planning your visit to this scenic city.
