Where to Stay in Hobart – A Guide to Tasmania’s Capital
Hobart is the capital and main port of the island of Tasmania. It is located at the mouth of the Derwent River, at the foot of Mount Wellington. It is the second-oldest city in Australia and offers an eclectic mix of incredible nature, weekend markets, tasty seafood, and great galleries and museums. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Hobart.
Hobart’s main cultural attractions include the Museum of Old and New Art, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery or the Maritime Museum of Tasmania. Other places of interest and places worth exploring are Salamanca Market, Constitution Dock, or Cascade Brewery.
For nature lovers, Hobart is the gateway to the impressive natural landscapes and wildlife areas of Tasmania and the city itself and its surroundings offer great attractions such as Mount Wellington, Zoodoo Zoo, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, or Iron Pot.
Hobart has a moderate oceanic climate. Here, the summers (December to February) are warm, while the winters (June to August ) are cool and wet, with snow in the mountains.
Hobart International Airport is the main air hub of the city and connects it with the main Australian cities. It is located 16 km east of the CBD.
As for public transport, Hobart has an extensive bus network that runs through the different urban and interurban roads. Water taxi service is also available from the city’s East Pier. In order to best enjoy the natural wonders in and around Hobart, we recommend renting a car. You can find cheap rental cars in Hobart here.
Hobart is a wonderful starting point to enjoy nature, beaches, outdoor sports, and a wide range of other activities.
The best area to stay in Hobart is the CBD (Central Business District). This lively area offers excellent public transport connections, it’s close to most cultural attractions and has the most vibrant nightlife venues. See accommodation in Hobart CBD.
Other great areas to keep in mind when choosing the best location in Hobart include Sandy Bay and North Hobart.
Keep reading to find out more about the best areas to stay in Hobart, Tasmania.
Offering lovely views towards Mount Wellington, the 1847 Islington Hotel offers luxurious accommodation with original artwork and precious antiques. Just 5 minutes’ drive from Sullivans Cove, it features a restaurant and landscaped gardens with an infinity-edge pond.
Best Location in Hobart, Tasmania: A Quick Guide
Below, you’ll find a list of the best areas to stay in Hobart according to your travel style. Keep on reading below to find more information on each particular suburb.
- Best location in Hobart for sightseeing: Hobart CBD
- Best location in Hobart for first-time visitors: Hobart CBD
- Best location in Hobart for nightlife: North Hobart| Hobart CBD
- Best location in Hobart for nature lovers: Sandy Bay
- Best location in Hobart for business travellers: Hobart CBD
- Best location in Hobart for families: Sandy Bay
- Best location in Hobart for hipsters: North Hobart
- Best location in Hobart for beach lovers: Sandy Bay
Best Hotels in Hobart, TAS by Theme
Got something specific in mind? Here’s a list of some of the top hotels in Hobart. No matter your reason for visiting the Tasmanian capital, we can help you decide!
- Most unique hotel: MONA Pavilions
- Best mid-priced hotel: Central Hotel Hobart
- Best budget hotel: Shipwright Arms
- Best luxury hotel: MACq 01 Hotel
- Best boutique hotel: The Henry Jones Art Hotel
- Best hotel with a pool: Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart
- Best Inn / B&B: Claremont House
- Best backpackers hostel: Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse
The Best Areas to Stay in Hobart, Tasmania
1. Recommended area: Hobart CBD
Hobart Central Business District, also known as CBD or Hobart City Centre is, as its name may suggest, the heart of the city and one of the best areas to stay in Hobart.
The centre of Hobart includes the original settlement (Historic Quarter) and the central business district of the city.
As the oldest part of Hobart, the CBD is home to many of the city’s main institutions and landmarks, such as the Parliament, the Supreme Court, Franklin Square, the Elizabeth Street Mall, the Royal Hobart Hospital, the Royal Theatre, the Library State, the NAB Building, and the cenotaph.
To move between the areas of the CBD, Battery Point and the seafront, travelling on foot is a good option. If you want to visit more remote suburbs, you can always use the bus, taxi or mobile apps.
Hobart’s CBD is also the place with the greatest variety of nightlife and entertainment in town.
Hobart CBD also has the largest offer in hotels in the city, from backpacker options to luxury hotels.
Why is this a recommended area to stay:
- Central location
- Pedestrian-friendly
- Best area for sightseeing
- Connected by public transport
- Close to the attractions
- Wide variety of hotels
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Ibis Styles Hobart
Ibis Styles Hobart is located in the heart of Hobart’s lively business district and next to the Government Center The Commonwealth Government Center. It offers a fitness center, a swimming pool, a car park in the basement and an Asian restaurant.
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Budget
The Nook Backpackers
The Nook Backpackers is located in Hobart, 900 meters from the Royal Theater. Free private parking is available, subject to availability. The rooms have a shared bathroom. The Nook Backpackers features free WiFi.
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Luxury
MACq 01 Hobart
The MACq 01 is a luxury hotel located on the old pier of Hobart and combines first class accommodation with unforgettable stories. It is located just 5 minutes by car from the city center and the famous Salamanca square.
2. Sandy Bay
Sandy Bay is located south of Hobart and a 10-minute-drive from the CBD.
It is Hobart’s beach area par excellence.
This area has some of the most luxurious real estates in Tasmania and it’s considered one of the most prestigious suburbs in the city.
Sandy Bar is mostly a quiet district, but with a good offer of bars, restaurants and cafes.
Sandy Bay is among the best areas to stay in Hobart thanks to its refined atmosphere, lively gastronomic life and the fact that it’s connected by buses to the rest of the city.
This area also includes yacht clubs, busy casinos, souvenir shops, markets and supermarkets.
Accommodation in this area is usually more expensive than the CBD, but its quality and exclusive location makes it worthwhile.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Hobart:
- Beach area
- Exclusive district
- Luxury hotels
3. North Hobart
As its name suggests, North Hobart is located north of the Hobart CBD.
North Hobart has Elizabeth Street as its main thoroughfare. This street crosses the city from north to south and is the main commercial road in the Tasmanian capital.
North Hobart has been transformed in recent years from a decadent area to the hipster area par excellence of the city. Today, it houses theatres, stores and gourmet restaurants.
North Hobart is the best place in the city to taste Italian, Thai, Chinese, Mexican or Turkish dishes.
In addition, this area has the best nightlife in Hobart, with wine bars and breweries in every corner.
North Hobart has accommodations that range from hotels of all kinds to apartments and bed and breakfasts.
Why is this a recommended area to stay:
- Hipster area
- Great nightlife
- Relatively central area
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Argyle Motor Lodge
Just a 5-minute drive from the Hobart Financial District, Argyle Motor Lodge offers rooms with free Wi-Fi and some rooms with a private balcony overlooking the city.
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Budget
The Homestead
Located in Hobart, a 13-minute walk from the Royal Theatres, The Homestead offers rooms with free Wi-Fi. It is 1.7 km from the Hobart Cruise Terminal and 2.1 km from the Hobart Convention and Leisure Centre.
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Luxury
Rydges Hotel Hobart
The Rydges Hotel has a restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, sauna and free parking for its guests. A personalized service is offered to the client and the establishment enjoys an excellent location. It has free Wi-Fi connection.
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