Hobart is a city full of surprises, nestled in the foothills of Mount Wellington and situated on the banks of the River Derwent. It’s the capital of Tasmania and Australia’s second oldest capital after Sydney, with a unique blend of heritage experience and modern luxury. The dynamic city is a must-visit mini metropolis with hills and mountains offering a majestic backdrop against the docks at Hobart’s waterfront. It’s a treasure trove of culinary experiences, World-Heritage sites, and whisky distilleries. Hobart has something to offer every traveller - whether you’re an outdoor thrill seeker or a foodie at heart, it's one of the best places to visit in Tasmania!
While planning for your trip, you might be wondering where to stay in Hobart. There are five main areas visitors tend to stay in Hobart: Hobart CBD, North Hobart, South Hobart, Battery Point, and West Hobart.
Each has its own appeal and advantages. For example, you can be centrally located and tickle your taste buds with Hobart’s bustling culinary scene in Hobart CBD, or South Hobart offers the opportunity to get in touch with nature on a mountain bike trail.
The city offers something for every type of traveller with different accommodation options – whether you’re a solo traveller, on a group trip, on a couple’s getaway or after family-friendly options.
Our in-depth guide breaks down each of these neighbourhoods of the city, and we’ll share what makes each suburb unique, what kind of travellers the area suits, and the different accommodation options you can choose from. Ultimately, we’re here to help you find the best place to stay in Hobart for your budget and travel needs.
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There are five main suburbs for visitors to Hobart: Hobart CBD, Battery Point, North Hobart, South Hobart and West Hobart.
Hobart CBD will put you at the heart of the action, while South Hobart is a must-stay suburb for those looking to escape closer to nature. North and West Hobart tend to have more budget-friendly accommodation options, while Battery Point boasts charm and heritage.
Here’s a brief overview of each, but keep reading on for more detail on each:
- Hobart CBD: The metropolitan hub of Hobart, home to the city’s bustling cultural and culinary scene and its most iconic landmarks.
- Battery Point: One of Hobart’s charming suburbs with 19th-century architecture, quaint cottages, and small streets packed with independent stores. It’s a short distance from Hobart waterfront and the iconic Salamanca Market.
- North Hobart: The perfect spot for foodies with quaint cafes and streets lined with restaurants, bars and pubs to tickle your taste buds. Its emerging nightlife scene makes it popular with younger travellers.
- South Hobart: A quiet suburb surrounded by nature and home to the world-Heritage listed Cascades Female Factory and Cascade Brewery, Australia’s oldest brewery.
- West Hobart: A quiet inner-city region of Hobart tucked away in the hills near the Knocklofty Bush Reserve with stunning city views.
Each area offers a range of accommodation options, whether you’re a budget-conscious traveller, a family looking for an apartment with space, or a couple ready to splurge on a luxury hotel.
The good news is that all are within walking distance of the city centre and are typically between 20 to 40 minutes by car from Hobart Airport.
Hobart CBD
Best for: First-timers and luxury accommodation
Hobart CBD is one of the most popular areas to stay in Hobart with its central location, making it a convenient option for any traveller looking to immerse themselves in the city. Located only 17km from Hobart International Airport, Hobart CBD is one of the oldest areas of Hobart and is famous for its harbourfront views and bustling atmosphere. It’s the city’s commercial hub and home to luxury hotels, shopping districts, and fine dining experiences. Hobart CBD is the best place to stay in Hobart if you’re visiting the city for the first time and want to be within walking distance of the most popular attractions, like the Salamanca Markets.
This area of Hobart is one of the most popular food districts with a range of premium restaurants and casual eateries alongside local bakeries and coffee shops. You’ll also want to check out the Cat and Fiddle Arcade, known as Hobart’s ‘style capital’, with over 70 speciality stores.
Hobart CBD is one of the best places to stay in Hobart without a car, as you can take advantage of public transport and walk to the most popular tourist sites.
You can expect to pay a premium to stay in Hobart CBD, but it’s worth it for the convenience and the stunning city views.
You’ll find all the usual chain hotels dotted across Hobart CBD, but the city centre also stands out for its rich collection of boutique accommodation options.
Things to do in and near Hobart CBD
- Visit Lark Distillery’s Cellar Door for a tasting experience at the home of Australia’s number one luxury single malt whisky
- Head to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery for a crash-course on Tasmania’s history
- Put on your hiking boots and head to Mount Wellington to get an aerial view of the city’s World Heritage sites and its iconic waterfront
- Take the ferry to tour MONA (the Museum of Old and New Art), Australia’s largest private museum with a year-round events program and world-class dining
- Catch a show at Theatre Royal, Australia’s oldest continually operating theatre that was described by Noel Coward as “a dream”
Where to stay in Hobart CBD
If you’re searching for luxury or boutique accommodation in Hobart, this area has got you covered. It’s also the area where most hotel chains are located. It’s worth noting that it’s typically the most expensive area to stay in Hobart, but as you can easily travel around the city on foot, you won’t have to spend a lot on transport. Luckily, there are also plenty of competitively priced and budget-friendly options for every traveller budget.
Best budget-friendly accommodation: The Alabama Hotel, an urban escape within easy walking distance to Salamanca Market.
Best accommodation for families: Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart with family rooms, babysitting services, and an on-site car park.
Best luxury accommodation: The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart, Australia’s first Marriott Luxury Collection hotel offers a first-class experience from its 400-thread count linens to its 1880s sandstone. The MACq 01 is another popular choice for luxury waterfront accommodation thanks to its stunning water views, modern architecture and premium facilities.
Best boutique accommodation: The Henry Jones Art Hotel, where art and history come together at Hobart’s waterfront with stunning courtyard views.
Battery Point
Best for: Families and history lovers
Battery Point is the perfect place in Hobart for those interested in avoiding the bustle of the CBD and staying in an area that oozes charm and heritage. Located just a 25-minute drive from Hobart International Airport, this historic suburb offers a wealth of cultural experiences, from the Narryna Heritage Museum on Hampden Road to heritage buildings, enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.
Battery Point was originally a maritime village, dating back to 1804, and retains its historic charm in the form of 19th-century sandstone architecture and picturesque fishermen’s cottages. Despite the village atmosphere, you’re only a 10-minute walk from vibrancy of the city centre.
As Battery Point is close to Hobart CBD, you can expect to pay a premium to stay in this area. You’ll find several boutique hotels and historic apartments in this region of Hobart with subtle nods to the suburb’s historic ties.
Things to do in and near Battery Point:
- Spend a Saturday exploring Salamanca Market, with over 300 food and craft stalls to keep you busy for hours
- Visit the Narryna Heritage Museum, a restored 19th-century Georgian Home with a vast collection of fine art and decorative pieces
- Sample hand-made whiskies at the Battery Point Distillery
- Take a trip through the village on heritage horse-drawn carriages
- Have a traditional Tasmanian scallop pie from Jackman & McRoss
Where to stay in Battery Point
Battery Point has a quaint charm that makes it one of the best places to stay in Hobart. It’s quieter than Hobart CBD with a range of private houses and estates converted into boutique hotels and luxury apartments. Battery Point tends to have a wider range of independent establishments to choose from, too.
Best budget-friendly accommodation: Shipwrights Arms Hotel, a 5-minute walk from Short Beach with an in-house bar with over 177 years of history!
Best accommodation for families: Salamanca Terraces Hotel, which offers self-contained apartments and fully serviced accommodation near the waterfront.
Best luxury accommodation: Lenna of Hobart Hotel, a sandstone mansion built in 1874, provides a rich experience of Hobart with contemporary comforts.
Best boutique accommodation: Moss Hotel with its subtle nods to Hobart heritage and an Earth-tone scheme that reconnects you with nature.
North Hobart
Best for: Group trips and solo travellers looking for nightlife
North Hobart is the trendiest part of Hobart with an artistic feel. It’s home to some of the city’s most exciting up-and-coming restaurants and bars that will tickle your taste buds. Only a few years ago, Hobart fell asleep at 8 pm – but its early bedtime is no more! This bohemian district offers a blend of international cuisine, independent cinemas, and live music to entertain you into the small hours.
Located just 20km from Hobart International Airport, you can be at your North Hobart accommodation within 25 minutes. It’s also only typically a 30-minute walk between North Hobart and Hobart CBD, making it an ideal area to stay for those seeking more affordable accommodation options without being too far away from the city centre.
North Hobart is popular with younger travellers as it’s an emerging area for Hobart’s nightlife, with bars and nightclubs dotted throughout.
Things to do in and near North Hobart
- Visit the Hobart Penitentiary on a guided tour experience.
- Relax in nature at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, the second oldest in Australia.
- Watch the latest film release at State Cinema, a stylish independent movie house that’s been welcoming visitors since 1913. Grab a drink from the café and enjoy a rooftop screening of the latest blockbuster movie under the stars.
- Refuel and relax at Voodoo Bar. Munch on tacos, nachos, and Instagram-worthy cocktails served in novelty glasses.
Where to stay in North Hobart
Groups of friends and young travellers looking for accommodation that’s close to the buzz of nightlife will be pleased to find that accommodation is slightly more affordable than what you’ll find in Hobart CBD or Battery Point.
Best budget-friendly accommodation: Hobart Tower Motel offers a range of affordable room options, including spacious family suites with two separate bedrooms and double rooms.
Best accommodation for families: Rydges Hobart is made up of heritage listed buildings and has been recently renovated with heritage listed buildings with a range of family-friendly rooms and suites.
Best luxury accommodation: Maylands Lodge is a multi-award-winning hotel and one of Tasmania’s finest Heritage properties with its minimalistic décor and contemporary design.
Best boutique accommodation: Corinda is a boutique hotel with a difference. This family-run private house was built in the late 1870s with private gardens that offer a quiet escape from the city.
South Hobart
Best for: A local experience and for uutdoor adventurers and hiking enthusiasts.
South Hobart, a leafy residential suburb of the city with Mount Wellington as its backdrop, offers a picturesque escape just a 30-minute drive from Hobart International Airport. Known for its tranquil atmosphere and its Georgian buildings, the area is famous for being the home of Cascade Brewery, Australia’s oldest operating brewery. South Hobart is only 3km from Hobart’s city centre and is also close to Sandy Bay’s piers for avid boat spotters.
South Hobartis the best area to stay if want a quieter location for your Hobart holiday - especially if you’d prefer to staying amongst the locals in primarily residential areas with nature experiences like hiking and biking right outside your door.
Things to do in and near South Hobart
- Enjoy a pint at Cascade Brewing Co., the oldest operating brewery in Australia
- Explore Hobart’s stunning natural scenery on two wheels with Tasmanian Mountain Bike Adventures
- Learn about the story of the women of Hobart at the Cascades Female Factory, a World Heritage-listed site.
- Get your steps in by hitting the Cascades Walking Track or to the summit of nearby Mount Wellington.
- Relax at Cascade Gardens with a picnic of treats from Hobart’s independent bakeries.
Where to stay in South Hobart
South Hobart is a quieter and more affordable part of the city with most hotels and apartment options being in residential areas. You’ll find several historic private houses in the area that have been converted into boutique hotels, alongside family-friendly apartments. These hotels are the perfect option if you want a comfortable base for a hiking trip.
Best budget-friendly accommodation: Blue Hills Motel is one of the cheapest hotels in Hobart and has everything you’ll need, including WiFi and daily housekeeping
Best accommodation for families: Belton Apartments offers cottages with a 6-person capacity and a garden area with cots available for children.
Best luxury accommodation: Islington Hotel, a luxury hotel with the finest touches and some of the comfiest beds you’ll find in Hobart.
Best boutique accommodation: Lowena Café and Accommodation is a charming historic house built in 1897 with five bedrooms, a private garden, and an adjourning café for your morning coffee fix.
West Hobart
Best for: Peace and quiet and nature lovers
West Hobart is off-the-beaten-track, located in the hills of the city centre, making it ideal for travellers looking to experience the city like a local or who want a relaxed trip where they can immerse themselves in nature. Situated a 30-minute drive from Hobart International Airport, West Hobart is still conveniently close to Hobart CBD and Hobart’s main attractions but offers a quiet respite from the buzz of the city. Known for its picturesque historic properties and proximity to nature reserves, this area is perfect for a relaxed family vacation, with everything you need on your doorstep and a community feel.
Things to do in and near West Hobart
- Transport yourself to another world at Myrtle Gully Falls, a waterfall area tucked into the foothills of Mount Wellington near the Cascade Brewery.
- Explore Mount Wellington, the most popular tourist destination in Hobart. You can spend the day on the mountain or solo navigate a smaller trail.
- Have a picnic at the Knocklofty Reserve, just a few minutes’ walk from West Hobart.
- Take a trip to Mount Stuart Lookout for panoramic views of Hobart and River Derwent.
Where to stay in West Hobart
West Hobart is a primarily residential area, making it a popular location for apartments and private houses, from contemporary studios that offer outdoor dining to historic buildings with vintage charm. It’s the perfect base for travellers planning to hike Mount Wellington and is surrounded by picturesque scenery.
Best budget-friendly accommodation: Marquis Hotel offers comfort with a buffet restaurant and newly renovated guest rooms.
Best accommodation for families: Bay View Villas offers one-bedroom apartments with a spacious living area and access to a heated indoor swimming pool.
Best luxury accommodation: Slow Beam is a contemporary private house that showcases the best of Australian art with complimentary cocktails and an outdoor terrace dining area.
Best boutique accommodation: Lumiére Lodge offers history, romance, and mystery. It was named as one of the ‘Hot 50 Places to Stay’ by The Australian in 2022.
What is the best area to stay in Hobart?
Hobart CBD and Battery Point are two of the best places to stay in Hobart, putting you at the heart of the city with the most popular tourist sites on your doorstep. That being said, Hobart is a compact city with several suburbs within easy walking distance of the city centre and its main attractions.
If you’re looking for a quieter vacation or budget-friendly accommodation, check out West Hobart as a cheaper suburb and the best choice for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore the city like a local.
South Hobart is the best place to stay for nature enthusiasts and those interested in exploring the city’s wildlife, including hiking to Mount Wellington, while still staying close to the city centre.
For those interested in exploring Hobart’s growing bar and restaurant scene, North Hobart will put you in the middle of the city’s emerging nightlife culture and a stone’s throw away from all the action.