World-class food, hip and rustic breweries, stunning scenery and plenty of history and culture, Hobart is a fascinating city with so much to offer travellers.
But there’s just one problem with Hobart – this small and intimate capital city can be shockingly expensive. Which is exactly why we wrote this guide for where to stay in Hobart.
Our goal is simple – to help you navigate the streets and alleys of this fun and exciting Australian city. With the help of this guide, you’ll know exactly which neighborhood in Hobart is right for you – and hopefully, you’ll save a little money while you’re at it.
So whether you’re looking to eat, drink, or delve deep into history, this guide is packed with all the tips, info, and travel hacks you need for an excellent vacation.
Let’s jump right into where to stay in Hobart, Tasmania.
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Hobart.
If you’re a budget backpacker and worried about money, we’d recommend staying at one of Hobart’s awesome hostels. They’re the most affordable accommodation option in the city but still offer quite a lot of bang for your buck.
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Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse | Best Hostel in Hobart
The Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse is our pick for the best hostel in Hobart. Located in historic Battery Point, it is close to Salamanca Market as well as restaurants, shops and downtown. This hostel offers a variety of private and shared bunkhouses that are equipped with quality mattresses and linen, reading lamps and power points.
The Henry Jones Art Hotel | Best Hotel in Hobart
The Henry Jones Art Hotel is our pick for the best hotel in Hobart because of its fantastic location and excellent on-site amenities. It boasts air-conditioned rooms with modern amenities. There’s also a courtyard, coffee bar, delicious on-site restaurant and a stylish lounge bar.
Cute 1-bedroom flat | Best Airbnb in Hobart
This cute 1-bedroom apartment is the perfect place for your first stay in Hobart CBD. You’re close to lots of nice restaurants and cafes as well as the main attractions. All previous guests said that it’s ideally situated. The apartment’s kitchen is modern and clean, just like the rest of the Airbnb. All of the rooms are flooded with sunshine all day long, making this home very comfortable and cosy.
Hobart Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Hobart
Hobart CBD
Hobart Central Business District (CBD) is the neighbourhood at the heart of the city. It is the oldest part of Hobart and includes many of the city’s original settlements.
West Hobart
Set to the west of the city centre is the bohemian enclave of West Hobart. Originally settled as a farming district, West Hobart is today where artists, musicians and creatives seek inspiration and share their crafts.
North Hobart
North Hobart is a lively and vibrant neighbourhood that is located, as its name would suggest, north of the city centre. Once a downmarket and rough suburb, North Hobart has been transformed into a rustic and creative space that caters to hipsters and Hobart’s coolest residents.
Midtown
Midtown is a small neighbourhood that sits nestled between bustling Hobart CDB and energetic North Hobart. Once an overlooked no man’s land, Midtown was transformed from a tired and rundown area to one of the coolest places to stay in Hobart.
Battery Point
Set south of Hobart CBD, Battery Point is the historic centre of the city. Once a thriving maritime area, Battery Point is a neighbourhood bursting with heritage buildings, charming architecture, and legends around every turn.
Hobart is the capital and largest city in the Australian state of Tasmania. It is by no means a massive city, especially when compared to larger Australian centres, like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. But Hobart is a small and intimate city bursting with history, charm, delicious food, and unique sights. There’s plenty of things to do in Hobart.
The city is built around the estuary of the Derwent River and is set on the southeast side of the island state. Although it covers an area of nearly 1,700 square kilometres, the vast majority of its attractions and activities are located within walking distance of the centre.
Hobart is divided into 17 diverse neighborhoods. In this guide, we’ll highlight the best activities, attractions, restaurants and bars in Hobart’s 5 best neighborhoods.
At the heart of the city is Hobart Central Business District (CBD). This lively and vibrant suburb is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Hobart because it has so much to see, do and experience.
Travel north from here and you’ll arrive in Midtown. One of the coolest places to stay in Hobart, Midtown is an up-and-coming neighborhood packed with restaurants, cafes and hipster charm.
Just slightly north of Midtown is the North Hobart neighborhood. One of the best places in Hobart to stay if you’re looking for nightlife, this neighborhood boasts a myriad of bars, restaurants, shops and galleries.
Set west of the city centre is West Hobart. A neighborhood bursting with bohemian flair, West Hobart is home to a great number of artists and musicians and is the best neighborhood to stay in Hobart if you’re on a budget.
And finally, situated south of the city centre is the Battery Point suburb. Our top pick for where to stay in Hobart with kids, Battery Point is a charming neighborhood with cafes, restaurants, quaint attractions and access to pristine beaches. This is a great spot for day trips from Hobart.
Still not sure where to stay in Hobart? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Want to save money on accommodation?
We got you. For reals.
Hobart’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
In this next section, we’ll take a look in more detail at Hobart’s best neighborhoods broken down by interest.
#1 Hobart CBD – Where to Stay in Hobart for Your First Time
Hobart Central Business District (CBD) is the neighborhood at the heart of the city. It is the oldest part of Hobart and includes many of the city’s original settlements. This is also where you’ll find a great variety of cultural institutions and landmarks as well as an excellent selection of nightlife, entertainment, dining and shopping. This is why Hobart CBD is our pick for where to stay in Hobart for your first time.
The CBD also gets our vote for where to stay in Hobart for one night. Because this district is compact and walkable, you’ll be able to visit its most popular sights with relative ease no matter the length of your visit.
Things to See and Do in Hobart CBD
- Go for a stroll through Franklin Square.
- Shop until you drop at the Elizabeth Street Mall.
- Catch a world-class performance at the Theatre Royal.
- Browse the boutiques in the Cat and Fiddle shopping arcade.
- Dive deep into history at the Maritime Museum of Tasmania.
- Explore the exhibits at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery.
- Enjoy music, pints and snack at the IXL Long Bar.
- Choose from a range of microbrews at Hobart Brewing Co.
- Try local dishes at Dier Makr.
Hobart Central YHA | Best Hostel in Hobart CBD
This awesome hostel is centrally located in Hobart. Just one block from the waterfront, this hostel is a quick walk to great museums, restaurants, bars and attractions. It offers clean and comfortable rooms, a social lounge and communal cooking facilities.
The Henry Jones Art Hotel | Best Hotel in Hobart CBD
The Henry Jones Art Hotel is our pick for the best hotel in Hobart because of its fantastic location and excellent on-site amenities. It has air-conditioned rooms with modern amenities. There’s also a courtyard, coffee bar, on-site restaurant and a stylish lounge bar.
Grand Chancellor Hotel Hobart | Best Hotel in Hobart CBD
The Grand Chancellor Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Hobart because it’s close to everything. Set at the heart of the city, this hotel allows for easy access to restaurants, shops, cafes, museums and so much more. Guests can enjoy relaxing and spacious rooms, an indoor swimming pool, and an in-house restaurant.
Cute 1-bedroom flat | Best Airbnb in Hobart CBD
This cute 1-bedroom apartment is the perfect place for your first stay in Hobart CBD. You’re close to lots of nice restaurants and cafes as well as the main attractions. All previous guests said that it’s ideally situated. The apartment’s kitchen is modern and clean, just like the rest of the Airbnb. All of the rooms are flooded with sunshine all day long, making this home very comfortable and cosy. It’s one of my favourite places to stay in Tasmania for sure.
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View on Osprey View on REI#2 West Hobart – Where to Stay in Hobart on a Budget
Set to the west of the city centre is the bohemian enclave of West Hobart. Originally settled as a farming district, West Hobart is today where artists, musicians and creatives seek inspiration and share their crafts.
West Hobart is also where you’ll find a high concentration of backpacker hostels, which is why it is our top choice for where to stay in Hobart on a budget. In this relaxed neighborhood, visitors can choose from a range of activities and Hobart accommodation without breaking the bank.
This is also one of the best places in Hobart to stay if you’re looking to get back to nature and explore majestic Mount Wellington. The West Hobart neighborhood close to the mountain and is well-connected to a myriad of outdoor activities.
Things to See and Do in West Hobart
- Sip a coffee and enjoy breakfast at Smolt Kitchen.
- Dig into a delicious meal at the Pigeon Hole.
- Sample local brews at Cascade Brewery, Australia’s oldest operating brewery.
- Discover the stories of Australia’s female convicts at the Cascades Female Factory Historic Site.
- Marvel at the architecture of St. Mary’s Cathedral.
- Take a stroll through Caldew Park.
- Stop and smell the roses in Rosedown Gardens.
- Kickstart your day with tasty pancakes and more at The Landsdowne Café.
Cottage with big garden | Best Airbnb in West Hobart
Looking for a place when travelling on a budget? This is the right one for you. You’ll have the whole cottage to yourself. It comes with beautiful river views and an incredible garden – enjoy your coffee in the morning sun. Ideally situated, you’ll have lots of cute cafes around. This Airbnb is someone else’s home when it’s not rented out, so be respectful with the amenities.
The Pickled Frog | Best Hostel in West Hobart
The Pickled Frog is one of the best places to stay in Hobart on a budget because it offers comfortable and spacious rooms at an affordable price. It boasts hot showers and cold beer, as well as clean rooms, super fast internet, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Motel Mayfair on Cavell | Best Motel in West Hobart
The Mayfair on Cavell is ideally located in West Hobart. It is close to the area’s top tourist attractions and there are plenty of shops, restaurants and cafes nearby. This historic property has comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and refrigerators.
Bay View Villas Hobart | Best Hotel in West Hobart
This is our favourite hotel in West Hobart because it has great wellness amenities like a fitness centre and a heated swimming pool. This contemporary property provides air-conditioned apartments outfitted with minibars, spa baths and kitchenette. Guests can also enjoy plenty of shopping, dining and nightlife nearby.
#3 North Hobart – Where to Stay in Hobart for Nightlife
North Hobart is a lively and vibrant neighborhood that is located, as its name would suggest, north of the city centre. Once a downmarket and rough suburb, North Hobart has been transformed into a rustic and creative space that caters to hipsters and Hobart’s coolest residents.
This hip and trendy ‘hood wins our vote for where to stay in Hobart for nightlife. Thanks to its concentration of theatres, bars and breweries, North Hobart is one of the best areas in Hobart to stay in to enjoy a little fun after the sun goes down.
Love to eat? North Hobart is also one of the best neighborhoods in Hobart to stay in if you’re keen to sample delicious and flavourful cuisines from around the world.
Things to See and Do in North Hobart
- Listen to live music and enjoy a few beers at Republic Bar & Café.
- Don’t miss the chicken wings and beers at The Winston.
- Sample a variety of Australian dishes and local wines at Willing Brothers.
- Enjoy great food and entertainment at The Homestead.
- Dig into a delicious breakfast at Room for a Pony.
- Choose from a wide selection of craft beer at T-Bone Brewing Co.
- Excite your sense at Pancho Villa.
- Eat fresh and delicious vegetarian dishes at Rain Check Lounge.
- Sink your teeth into an amazing burger at The Burger Haus.
Argyle Motor Lodge | Best Motel in North Hobart
The Argyle Motor Lodge is our top recommendation for where to stay in Hobart for nightlife. This motel is conveniently located in North Hobart and is surrounded by trendy bars, cool eateries and plenty of places to enjoy a cold brew. It boasts clean and spacious rooms with comfortable beds and private bathrooms.
Black Buffalo | Best Hotel in North Hobart
The Black Buffalo is located in North Hobart, one of the best areas to stay in Hobart. It has some of the neighborhood’s most popular bars and restaurants at its doorsteps, and the top attractions of downtown are just a short walk away. Rooms are modern and well-equipped, and the property offers free wifi.
Private designer room | Best Airbnb in North Hobart
Do you want to experience the busy nightlife of North Hobart but not stay in a basic hotel room? You should have a look at this Airbnb. The private room is stylish and modern, just like the rest of the house. You have access to all amenities and the garden outside. It takes around 2min to walk to bars, pubs and nice places to eat.
The Homestead Hobart | Best Hostel in North Hobart
Although technically in the Midtown neighborhood, this is one of the best places to stay in Hobart if you’re on a budget. This property offers comfortable beds and clean accommodation, as well as free wifi and a communal lounge and kitchen. It is just steps from North Hobart’s best restaurants, shops, breweries and cafes.
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Grab an eSIM!#4 Midtown – Coolest Place to Stay in Hobart
Midtown is a small neighborhood that sits nestled between bustling Hobart CDB and energetic North Hobart. Once an overlooked no man’s land, Midtown was transformed from a tired and rundown area to one of the coolest places to stay in Hobart. Today, Midtown boasts a variety of new breweries and bars, as well as chic restaurants and stylish lounges.
This is without a doubt one of the best areas in Hobart to stay in because of its great proximity to other parts of the city. Within a short walk, you can find yourself enjoy the sights and sounds of downtown, the cool bars and restaurants of North Hobart, or even the bohemian artistry of the West Hobart neighborhood.
Things to See and Do in Midtown
- Indulge in outstanding Greek dishes at Urban Greek.
- Choose for a wide selection of small plates and tapas at Etties.
- Enjoy a quirky and tasty breakfast at Bury Me Standing.
- Kickstart your day with a delicious meal and coffee at The Stagg.
- Experience sublime Australian dishes at Templo.
- Drink local beers at Shambles brewery.
- Excite your senses with lively Caribbean flavours at Rude Boy.
- Dine on sushi and Japanese dishes at Bar Wa Izakaya.
The Lodge on Elizabeth | Best Bed & Breakfast in Midtown
This property wins our vote for where to stay in Midtown because there is a great selection of boutiques, landmarks, eateries and bars at its doorstep. Rooms come complete with modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, blackout curtains, and luxury bed linens. Guests can also enjoy laundry facilities and room service. Among one of the many bed and breakfasts in Hobart.
Artist loft in midtown | Best Airbnb in Midtown
This stylish place is just as cool as the area it’s situated in. You’re close to the best parts of Hobart. You can walk easily walk to the main attraction in North, West and Central Hobart. If you’re looking for great places to eat and drink, you’ll be absolutely happy with this Airbnb. The home itself is very nicely designed with an artistic touch. You can also enjoy free Netflix.
The Waratah Hostel | Best Hostel in Midtown
This thriving and lively hostel is in one of the best areas to stay in Hobart. It is located in trendy Midtown and is close to the top shops, restaurants and bars of North Hobart and Hobart CBD. It provides comfortable and affordable accommodation with modern amenities and features.
Queens Head Hotel Hobart | Best Hotel in Midtown
The Queens Head Hotel is one of our favourite places to stay in the city. It is set in hip Midtown and allows for easy access throughout Hobart. This hotel is comprised of 11 modern rooms with comfortable beds and spacious bathrooms.
#5 Battery Point – Where to Stay in Hobart for Families
Set south of Hobart CBD, Battery Point is the historic centre of the city. Once a thriving maritime area, Battery Point is a neighborhood bursting with heritage buildings, charming architecture, and legends around every turn. Here you can enjoy grand mansions, interesting shops and charming cafes that date back to Hobart’s beginnings.
Because of its excellent seaside location, Battery Point is our pick for where to stay in Hobart for families. Whether your crew wants to spend the day lounging at the beach or shopping in the market, you’ll be spoiled for choice in Battery Point.
Things to See and Do in Battery Point
- Snack and sample your way through the vibrant Salamanca Market.
- Pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Princes Park.
- Catch a few rays and play in the sand at Short Beach.
- See great works by local artists at the Salamanca Arts Centre.
- Step back in time to the 19th-century at the Narryna Heritage Museum.
- Start your day with an unforgettable breakfast at Tricycle Café.
- Indulge in all kinds of sweets and treats at Honey Badger Dessert Café.
- Eat a delicious and filling breakfast at Machine Laundry Café.
Modern villa | Best Airbnb in Battery Point
Looking for a place for you and your family in Hobart? Check out this villa. Newly renovated, you can enjoy high-quality amenities, a great kitchen and an incredible bathroom. The two bedrooms give everyone enough privacy during the day. The living room is spacious and great for socializing at the end of the day. Battery point is a peaceful area, but you’re still in walking distance to the centre.
Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse | Best Hostel in Battery Point
The Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse is our pick for the best hostel in Hobart. It is located in historic Battery Point and is close to Salamanca Market as well as restaurants, shops and downtown. This hostel offers a variety of private and shared bunkhouses that are equipped with quality mattresses and linen, reading lamps and power points.
Salamanca Inn | Best Hotel in Battery Point
The Salamanca Inn is our top choice for where to stay in Hobart for families because it offers comfortable and spacious accommodations at a reasonable price. Each room comes with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV, as well as a kitchen, dining area and refrigerator.
Salamanca Wharf Hotel | Best Hotel in Battery Point
This is one of the best places to stay in Hobart with kids. They provide large and comfy apartments with kitchenettes and free wifi, as well as childminding services. Guests can enjoy a variety of shopping, dining and sightseeing options within walking distance.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Hobart
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Hobart and where to stay.
What To Pack For Hobart
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Hobart
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Hobart
Hobart is a unique, vibrant and thriving city. It is fun and exciting and is packed with world-class food, hip breweries, plenty of sights and lots of local history. Although it’s off the usual tourist path, Hobart is definitely worth the detour.
In this guide, we’ve looked at the best areas to stay in Hobart. If you’re still not sure which is right for you, here is a quick recap.
The Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse in Battery Point is our pick for the best hostel in Hobart because it’s close to great food and lively tourist attractions. It also offers comfortable accommodation with excellent features and amenities.
The Henry Jones Art Hotel is our choice for the best hotel in Hobart because it has modern and well-equipped rooms, excellent on-site amenities, and is close to the best bars, restaurants and shops in Hobart CBD.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Australia.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Hobart.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Australia instead.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Oceania backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
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