Where To Stay In Hobart: The Ultimate Neighborhood Guide
Situated along the Derwent River with several national parks nearby, the fascinating city of Hobart is a unique place to visit. The central business district, or Hobart CBD, is home to some of the best cultural attractions in Tasmania, as befits the state capital. Iconic locations like Salamanca Place and its lively Salamanca market, Franklin Square, Battery Point, and the Tasmanian Museum ensure that Hobart's CBD has plenty to offer anyone who chooses to visit.
But with so much natural splendor in the area, visitors to the city soon realize that there's a lot more to Hobart than its city center. If you're planning to spend a few days or more in Tasmania, you may be wondering where to stay in Hobart. Luckily, we're here to help.
Don't forget you can always make your trip easier by taking advantage of Bounce luggage storage in Hobart. Traveling light means you'll be able to explore the various neighborhoods of this fascinating city and see the Tasmanian capital at its best.
Hobart CBD
Hobart CBD, or the Central Business District, is the city centre and the part of town with the highest concentration of tourist attractions. It's home to landmarks like the Tasmanian Parliament, Elizabeth Street Mall, the Royal Hobart Hospital, the Maritime Museum located on Constitution dock, and the Salamanca markets. Therefore, as the heart of this small city, the central business district is centrally located to some of the best attractions in the city. If you want easy access to live music, wine bars, and many restaurants, all within walking distance of your hotel, Hobart CBD may be the best answer for those wondering where to stay in Hobart.
You'll also find many of Hobart's best hotels in the city centre. For instance, the Henry Jones Art Hotel is in the CBD close to Hobart's waterfront and is famous for having more than 500 works by local artists on the walls. Australia's first dedicated art hotel is an iconic place to stay in the central business district. The Crowne Plaza Hobart is another CBD hotel that could hardly be in a more central location, within easy walking distance of Franklin Square, Elizabeth Street Mall, and some of the most unmissable things to do at night in Hobart. If luxury hotels aren't what you're looking for during your stay in Hobart, you could also try a boutique hotel like Hadley's Orient Hotel, one of the best small luxury hotels in the city, or the unpretentious Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse.
If you want your stay in Hobart to keep you close to all the city's top attractions, the central business district is probably the best location in the city for you. You'll find yourself just a short walk from almost everything in this convenient area. However, that can also mean crowds and higher prices. While the CBD is a great place to stay in Hobart for people who want excellent nightlife and endless attractions to visit, it may not be the best part of the city for those on a budget or those wishing to spend much of their time in nature.
West Hobart
Once upon a time, West Hobart was a farming district and the breadbasket of the growing city. However, as the city has grown, this area has grown with it, and now has more of a suburban feel. It has also become one of the more trendy districts in the city, with the low rents making it popular with artists and Bohemians that give the area a unique vibe. In recent years, cutting-edge restaurants and pubs famous for craft beer have made this area increasingly desirable. Plus, located as it is a little way outside Hobart CBD, you can escape some of the noise and high prices of the city centre by basing your stay in Hobart here. Hobart's public transport system makes it easy to explore this and any other area of the city, so you won't miss out by staying here.
In West Hobart, you can decide to splurge or stick to your budget. The Bay View Villas are on the pricier end of the spectrum but offer free wifi and free parking as well as an indoor pool. For something a little more affordable, the Best Western Hobart, Mayfair on Cavell, and the Marquis Hotel-Motel are friendlier on your wallet.
West Hobart is also an excellent location to stay in for nature lovers. With Mount Wellington towering over the area, you know you'll be close to endless parks and hiking trails in this neighborhood. If you're wondering where to stay in Hobart that will keep you close to nature without being too far from the city centre, West Hobart may be your answer.
North Hobart
Hobart neighborhoods may not have the most original names in the world, but they do have the advantage of being clear. As you might have guessed, North Hobart is the area of the city that lies to the north of the CBD. Once upon a time, this was one of the rougher and less desirable parts of the city. But North Hobart has undergone an impressive transformation in recent years and is now probably the trendiest part of the city. Close to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and easily reached from Hobart Airport, this is an excellent place to stay in Hobart thanks to its artistic and countercultural vibe. North Hobart is home to some of the city's coolest residents, and you'll find tons of art galleries, interesting restaurants, and interesting boutique stores in this neighborhood. It's a great place to enjoy the city's nightlife and feel like a local while you stay in Hobart. It's also convenient for one of Hobart's top attractions, the Museum of Old and New Art.
What you won't find here are luxury hotels. North Hobart is more of a boutique hotel or rental apartment kind of place, which is definitely part of its charm if you're into that kind of thing. Establishments like the Queen's Head and the Black Buffalo with their free WiFi and on-site restaurant make for very comfortable places to stay in Hobart while you explore one of the most vibrant and up-and-coming parts of the city.
South Hobart
If you wondering where to stay in Hobart that lets you get away from it all without leaving the city completely, South Hobart is your answer. This is the part of the city where the Tasmanian wilderness begins to encroach, and a stay in this area means you'll be perfectly placed to explore Mount Wellington since this neighborhood ends at Wellington Park. It's also a great location if you're planning to get out of the city and explore iconic locations nearby like Bruny Island.
But don't think that because this area lies outside the city centre, you won't find many tourist attractions. South Hobart is where you'll find the legendary Cascade Brewery and the historic workhouse known as the Female Factory. And just because you're outside of the city doesn't mean you have to skimp on luxury. The Islington Hotel is one of the top hotels in Hobart, with its stunning views of Mount Wellington and its collection of modern art decorating the walls of just 11 spacious rooms. Alternatively, the Clydesdale Manor is the best hotel in Sandy Bay, with seven guestrooms featuring antique furniture and complimentary fudge and port beside the fire in the guest lounge.
Midtown
If you're wondering where to stay in Hobart where you can be close to the action but still a little removed, Midtown could be a good choice. Located between Hobart CBD and all its tourist attractions and the exciting nightlife of North Hobart, you'll be able to enjoy the best of both worlds. You'll also find plenty of great restaurants, and because the city is so small, you won't have a hard time getting to anywhere you want to be. With Elizabeth Street forming the backbone of the neighborhood, you won't have to go far to find an in-demand restaurant, cool café, or trendy art gallery in Midtown. It's also an ideal place to get the best brunch in Hobart thanks to its hipster vibe.
The Allurity Hotel offers no-frills accommodation in this lively area, and The Alabama offers lodgings with more personality befitting this unconventional area. This is a great place to stay if you want to enjoy nightlife and an interesting restaurant scene while still being close to the city's major tourist attractions.
Battery Point
One of the most historic areas of Hobart, Battery Point is also an excellent place to stay for families. Located just to the south of Hobart CBD, this area was once the maritime centre of the city. Now, it's full of heritage buildings that have been beautifully preserved and tons of parks and open spaces where kids can run around. Battery Point is home to some of the city's top attractions, such as Salamanca Market and Narryna House, so it's an excellent place for history buffs to explore the heritage of the city. Plus, the revitalized waterfront of Battery Point is the perfect place to wander with an ice cream after dinner and take in the laid-back but charming atmosphere of the neighborhood. Battery Point is an ideal place to stay in Hobart if you want to be close to major attractions but still enjoy more of a village atmosphere.
If being close to Salamanca Market appeals to you, you can't do much better than the Salamanca Inn. Located just off Salamanca Place, this is the best location to explore one of Australia's most famous food markets. You can't really say you've visited Hobart without seeing Salamanca Market. Plus, the Inn offers large rooms that often have a kitchen and refrigerator so you can purchase food and produce from Salamanca Market and cook up something delicious for the family. With its historic charm and beautiful open spaces along the Derwent River, Battery Point may be the best location to stay in Hobart for both families and anyone interested in history.
Conclusion
Because Hobart is a relatively small city, choosing where to stay in Hobart doesn't need to be a headache. If you want to be in the heart of the city, Hobart CBD is the place to go. If you prefer to be near nature, South Hobart and West Hobart may be better options. And if you want to experience the best of Tasmanian nightlife, North Hobart could be the best choice for you. Meanwhile, Battery Point offers a more family-friendly and laid-back district that contains several worthwhile historic attractions.
But no matter where you choose to stay, you'll be able to take advantage of Tasmanian hospitality, nature, and culture. And getting around Hobart isn't particularly challenging, so you'll have the whole city to explore. Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage, and all of Hobart will be your oyster.