Best Things to Do in Hobart: Get Acquainted with Tassie’s Creative Capital

Image credit: Truly Aus, Discover Tasmania, Salamanca Market

Once known as merely the capital of Australia’s oft-forgotten island to the south and now a hotbed full of forward-thinkers and creative types — both homegrown and imported — Hobart has earned itself cult following status. Whilst it’s widely known that it was MONA (once described by the Lonely Planet as the ‘best modern art gallery in the world’) that brought popularity and affordable flights to the city, there’s more to Hobart than meets the eye.

From its flourishing hyper-local food scene to the city’s rich history, it’s a wonder why this place was ever ‘off the map’ to begin with. Think about it — have you ever heard someone return from a trip to Hobart who didn’t ramble on about how amazing it was? Our guess is a resounding no. Here are some of our suggestions for the best things to do in Hobart when you’re planning a holiday in our southern state. Enjoy! 

Best Things To Do In Hobart: Cafes

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Sunbear

This former teddy bear shop was welcomed with open arms by Hobart locals when it opened in 2019. With cosy interiors and some of the nicest staff in the business, you’ll be jostling for a seat at Sunbear.  

An ever-changing seasonal menu highlights excellent local producers. The sunny eggs with local dressed greens are a standout brekky dish, while sandwiches (on famed Pigeon Whole Bakery sourdough) are inventive and packed full of the freshest produce. House-made cakes highlight the best in-season goodies, with past favourites like apricot frangipane tart or peach, polenta and lemon upside-down cake drawing customers back for more.

145 Collins Street, Hobart 

Pigeon Whole Bakers 

The bread that feeds Hobart but it’s not just a perfect loaf of sourdough that makes Pigeon Whole Bakers an essential stop on any ‘best of Hobart’ itinerary. The baker’s whip a plethora of baked goods for all types of occasions and appetites — think bagels, pretzels, pastries, biscuits, cakes, giftware and consistently good coffee. The light-filled environment and friendly staff add to the dreamy carb-filled servings, guaranteed to give you the best start to your day. 

32 Argyle Street, Hobart

Berta

A bright, fresh and local city cafe in the heart of Hobart, Berta works with a network of local and organic Tasmanian producers to shape their seasonal menu. Head to this bright, multi-roomed venue for tasty breakfast fare such as warm coconut rice pudding with Turkish apricots and pecans, mixed local mushrooms and ricotta on toast, and a Lebanese breakfast plate of baked eggs, green herb falafel and chickpeas. Breakfast is better at Berta, but so is lunch, with the team sticking around to serve hearty plates with a slice of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flair. 

119 Liverpool Street, Hobart 

Sisterhood

Designed by Biasol Design, Sisterhood is Hobart’s all-day eatery inspired by Mexico’s dreamy Tulum. The tropical prints, playful colours and rattan furniture make this an Insta-worthy brunch or dinner spot, and with an extensive menu, there’s something for everyone at this Sandy Bay cafe. We’re particularly partial to their avocado toast, with smashed avocado, fragrant herb salad, furikake, sesame miso dressing and lime. Join them for a good time, because everything’s just peachy at Sisterhood – and every day offers bottomless mimosa sessions and a dish for an additional $60. 

4/48 King Street, Sandy Bay 

Pigeon Hole

Come in for a true paddock-to-plate experience at Pigeon Hole. Richard and Belinda Weston of Weston Farm acquired Pigeon Hole to showcase their farm’s fresh produce, and the quality is evident in every bite. The cafe’s menu is ever-evolving, relying heavily on the chefs’ farm knowledge and regular visits to source food, participation in general farming activities, and direct connection with the land. Fully licensed, it’s also serving up some of the best Tasmanian wine, beer and cider. 

93 Goulburn Street, West Hobart

Born in Brunswick

A little slice of Melbourne in Hobart’s north, Born in Brunswick is where coffee is made the right way, with blend and single origin espresso, batch brew and pour over filter coffee. And if you’re after a drink with a bit more spice, take a look at their cocktail selection. From the mural artwork on the building’s façade to timber furnishings and pops of greenery, everything about this cafe is bright, airy and colourfully delicious. 

410 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart

Best Things To Do In Hobart: Restaurants & Wine Bars

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Marla Singer 

Produce-driven food, fun wines, baked goods and specialty coffee in an open and relaxed setting are ready and waiting at this neighbourhood beauty. Marla Singer can do no wrong; the perfect spot to eat and drink, brunch through dinner. Think eggs florentine with spinach and curry hollandaise; housemade crumpets with whipped Vegemite butter; anchovy toast; and black garlic tagliatelle with globe artichoke.  A modern and exciting dining experience that you should have on your Hobart bucket list. 

34-36 Cambridge Road, Bellerive 

Templo

A small neighbourhood 25-seat restaurant in the back streets of Hobart, Templo is where Italian-focused share plates, great wine, communal dining and good vibes are held to hatted acclaim. Here, seasonal and locally sourced produce is celebrated and minimal intervention wines from small producers are considered, slurpable matches. The menu changes weekly, but expect cured meats, seafood and decadent pasta.

98 Patrick Street, Hobart

Sonny

Cosy wine bars are Hobart’s bread and butter, and one of the best in town is Sonny. This tiny space is dedicated to simple pleasures, with records spinning, bespoke wines pouring and minimalist decor bringing the focus to the vibrant buzz of its intimacy. The blackboard is dressed up as an impressive wine list, with over 45 varieties to select from. If you are after a bite to eat, the signature seasonal pasta dishes are essential eating, as are the simple small plates and epic tiramisu spoons. Walk-ins only.

120a Elizabeth Street, Hobart

La Sardina Loca

Serving all things spritz and tapas, La Sardina Loca is an aperitivo and share plates bar found down a carriageway in midtown Hobart. Set within one of the city’s oldest sandstone buildings, pull up a stool in the courtyard, and listen to music while sipping cocktails with friends, or step inside and get comfy in a converted horse stable.

Slinging food and drinks that make them (and you) happy, the menu of small plates is influenced by the cuisines of Spain and the Mediterranean, where food is the centrepiece of every good time. Built on tasty flavours to enjoy alongside your favourite libations, the La Sardina Loca spread champions plenty of great Tassie seafood and local produce.

100 Elizabeth Street, Hobart

Ogee

Euro-Italian vibes abound at this little corner shop, wine bar and bistro. With its simple, honest food and wines, Ogee has quickly reached cult status among Hobart’s slew of impeccable wine bars. With 26 seats, Ogee encourages intimacy and conversation over a Gatsby-style playlist that parleys into ’70s disco as the night discos down. Drop in for a glass of wine and a small plate, or settle in for the evening to work your way through the perfectly curated menu (it changes daily) and wine list.

374 Murray Street, North Hobart

The Agrarian Kitchen 

Ditch the supermarket and dine somewhere that grows literally everything you eat. At a spot like The Agrarian Kitchen, the menu is a love letter to the land — seasonal, sustainable, and sourced straight from the dirt outside. Think slow-roasted veggies still warm from the sun, handmade cheeses, and ferments bubbling away in repurposed farmhouses.

It’s all garden beds, heritage breeds, and the kind of food that makes you want to quit your job and start pickling. More than a meal, it’s a lush, grounded, uniquely Tasmanian experience that feeds your soul as much as your stomach.

11a The Avenue, New Norfolk 

Aloft 

‘Aloft‘ is Old Norse for ‘attic, high place, in the sky’, and this dining room on the top floor of the award-winning Brooke Street Pier is where fine food, a relaxed ambience and stunning views of Hobart’s majestic waterfront have combined spectacularly. Passionate about local produce, the menu reflects the changing seasons and the raw nature of Tasmania. 

Settle in at a window seat to one of Hobart’s most impressive harbour views, or enjoy peeking into the kitchen from one of the bar seats, where you can watch the chefs at work. Share from the tasting menu, or enjoy some snacks with a glass of wine; whatever you decide, this Hobart favourite is not to be missed. 

Brooke Street Pier, Hobart

Peppina

Peppina is the warm expression of whole-hearted Italian feasting, and Tasmanian produce plays a central part in its menu. Pared back and uncomplicated, go for flavoursome antipasti, steaming bowls of gnocchi or the fish of the day, combined with a warm and cosy setting that captures nostalgic old-world hospitality. The kitchen is central to the open, expansive space, which is anchored by two productive olive trees, surrounded by handmade furniture, artisan brick work, leather booths and abundant history. Dining trattoria style has never looked better.

2b Salamanca Place, Hobart

Dier Makr

Dier Makr is a boundary-pushing restaurant, ranking up there with the best of all. Hidden within a grand grey building, with sister wine bar Lucinda spilling out into the street, the set menu here is hyper-local, ambitious, and subject to daily changes. Many of Kobi Ruzicka’s dishes are snackier fare, with only a handful of ingredients used in each, allowing them to shine. This is mind-bending dining.

123 Collins Street, Hobart 

Fico

A stylish neighbourhood eatery with a rotating menu of innovative fare and a robust wine list, Fico is a casual and intimate fine dining experience akin to the tables of Europe. Food and conviviality go hand in hand at Fico; the team endeavours to ensure guests feel like they are entering their home, to experience the best hospitality and culinary expertise they have to offer. Relax, enjoy and have fun.

151A Macquarie Street, Hobart

Moonah Hotel & Cellars 

The Moonah Hotel & Cellars made a much-anticipated return to Hobart’s dining and drinking scene, now featuring a public bar, dining room, beer garden and bottle shop. A proper good pub feed (hello, Wednesday night parmi’s), chill vibes and a seriously impressive drinks list await at this reliable and stylish watering hole.

99 Main Road, Moonah 

Best Things To Do In Hobart: Drink

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Mary Mary

A portal into a world of fine drinking hidden behind the sandstone walls of the old St Mary’s Hospital building in Hobart, Mary Mary is an oppulent cocktail bar housing a curious library of spirits. Pick your poison and escape into the luxurious old-world depths of this moodily lit space, with leather detailing and marble table-tops adding to its allure. 

2a Salamanca Place, Hobart

In The Hanging Garden

Encompassing nearly an entire city block in the centre of Hobart, In The Hanging Garden is an extensive tiered beer garden and cultural precinct, with outdoor dining, bars, markets and live music. Enter the garden of earthly delights and get ready for all the good times to be had within its alfresco dining space, cascading with hanging plants and lighting. It’s ready for all occasions, no matter the season. 

Onsite kitchens include Mother Mexico and By Anju, serving Mexican cantina specialities and pan-Asian delights, plus a variety of cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. Keep an eye on socials – there is always something fun happening at the Garden.

112 Murray Street, Hobart

Manky Sally’s

Manky Sally’s is Moo Brew’s new home, part of the MONA family and one of the coolest bars in Hobart to settle in for a cracking night out. A winning combination of nano-brewery, taphouse and luxuriously styled dive bar, it’s sitting pretty right on Salamanca Place. Come in to marvel at the carpet, grab a pint with friends (or a Moorilla Estate drop), and devour a menu brimming with Tassie oysters, sesame prawn toast and moreish burgers, delving deep into its charismatic, moody surrounds. 

25 Salamanca Place, Hobart

Preachers

Preachers is the kind of place where stories unfold over cold beers and messy burgers, where the hum of conversation fills the air, and where a retired bus in the courtyard doubles as the best seat in the house. A little scruffy, a lot of soul—this is Hobart’s go-to for laid-back revelry. String lights flicker over the beer garden, dogs lounge under picnic tables, and the taps pour nothing but the good stuff.

5 Knopwood Street, Hobart 

Rude Boy

For a taste of the Caribbean and a lively bar scene, head towards Rude Boy, located along Elizabeth Street. This fun and easy-going venue offers a great selection of cocktails, many revolving around the Caribbean’s signature spirit, rum. The interior is easy to love, featuring tropical wallpaper, velvet upholstered booths, and an entire wall dedicated to a gallery of framed Caribbean posters. 

130 Elizabeth Street, Hobart 

The Den Salamanca

The Den opened its doors in late December 2017 and quickly became a favourite with the locals for its moody and romantic vibe. This intimately-lit bar is located in the city’s historic Salamanca Place, and sets the tone as soon as you step into its luxurious sandstone and timber space. The menu here is short, sharp and tasty, suited for sharing, but it’s their selection of classy cocktails where The Den truly shines. Try the Tassie Berry Sour, it won’t disappoint. 

63 Salamanca Place, Hobart 

Stefano Lubiana Wines

A unique vineyard just twenty minutes outside Hobart, Stefano Lubiana Wines offers up one of the purest expressions of Tasmanian wine, set within a Tuscan-inspired estate with cascading views down the Derwent River. Biodynamic and with a progressive, natural focus toward viticulture, these sixth-generation family farmers truly know how to produce some of the finest Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays in the state. They have history and passion on their side, after all.

60 Rowbottoms Road, Granton 

Best Things To Do In Hobart: Explore

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MONA – Museum of Old and New Art

Hobart’s MONA is no ordinary museum—it’s a provocative blend of ancient artifacts, cutting-edge installations, and boundary-pushing concepts. Known as a “subversive Disneyland for adults,” MONA transforms art into an immersive, interactive experience. Start with the scenic ferry ride featuring on-board wine tastings and prepare to be amazed.

What makes MONA uniquely Tasmanian is its commitment to blending the island’s natural beauty with innovative, thought-provoking art, set against the striking backdrop of the Derwent River. It’s a place where the unexpected is always around the corner, embodying the wild and free-spirited essence of Tasmania itself.

655 Main Road, Berriedale

Celebrate Winter at Dark Mofo

Dark Mofo is Tasmania’s wildest, most primal festival—where fire, art, nudity, and ritual come together in an unforgettable celebration of winter’s darkest days. Held annually in Hobart and worth a visit if you time it right, it’s a whirlwind of art installations, massive bonfires, and a sense of mysticism that fills the air. There’s a raw energy, a reckoning with the elements, as the cold bites and the flames crackle. It’s unfiltered, untamed, and undeniably Tasmanian.

Held annually in winter

Hobart, Tasmania

Royal Botanical Tasmanian Gardens

The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is Australia’s premier cool climate garden, with several unique collections including Australia’s only Subantarctic Plant House. With a total of 14 hectares to explore, relax with a picnic surrounded by manicured gardens and birdsong, or tailor a walk based on personal interest.

Guided walking tours available, book here

Lower Domain Road, Hobart 

Hike kunanyi / Mount Wellington

Few cities can match Hobart for the natural magnificence of its backdrop, with kunanyi / Mount Wellington towering 1271 metres above the city. For reference, that’s almost 200 metres taller than the famed Table Mountain in Cape Town. For Hobartians and travellers alike, the mountain provides a place to walk, ride mountain bikes, play in the winter snow, and feel the reviving touch of nature (and it’s only a half-hour drive from the city centre). Much of the mountain is covered by Wellington Park reserve, with the Organ Pipes escarpment running like ribs across the slopes, and trails threading across the mountain. Pick your favourite and spend a magical morning exploring, or head to the summit for a sunset view you won’t soon forget. 

Tour options available here

Lark Distillery

Set amongst meticulously restored historical buildings in Pontville lies Tasmania’s only working whisky village. Just thirty minutes north of Hobart, it’s also the new iconic home of Australia’s oldest and most innovative single malt whisky, Lark Distillery. Residing in buildings that date back to the early 1800’s,  take a tour of the distillery and discover the magic of distillation, then make way into the cellar door for a delightful tasting or two. Make a memory to last a lifetime by blending your own distinct bottle of single malt whisky, or simply wander the historical property and be inspired by the beauty of the landscape and the architecture. The new Lark Distillery is an unmissable experience for whisky lovers and history buffs alike. Don’t miss it.

Distillery tours commence at 1.00pm each day. Book here

76 Shene Road, Pontville

Willie Smith’s Apple Shed

At Huon Valley, make sure to visit Willie Smith’s Apple Shed — the place where the beloved Willie Smith’s Cider is grown and made. Grab a table outside and enjoy the sunshine or keep warm inside the shed before ordering a housemade charcuterie board and tasting paddle. There’s an Apple Museum on site where you can take a self-guided tour anytime, live music every Friday night, and an artisan and produce market takes place on the farm every Saturday from 10.00am with plenty of farm fresh goodness to sample.

2064 Huon Highway, Grove 

Salamanca Market

To market we go! Every Saturday, in the historic Salamanca Place next to Hobart’s waterfront, 300 stalls pop up for the day to showcase Tasmania’s finest (and freshest) farm-gate produce and handcrafted cheese, bread, wines and spirits. While sampling all the delicious goodness at Salamanca Market, you’ll be sure to fall in love with the Tasmanian craftsmanship seen in timber, ceramics, leather, glass, bespoke jewellery and unique homewares. 

Salamanca Place, Hobart

Farm Gate Market

When Sunday rolls around, the locals and visitors of Hobart flock to a cluster of market stalls and food trucks for the weekly Farm Gate Market. Located smack-bang in the middle of the city, with some of Hobart’s historic buildings acting as the backdrop, Bathurst Street is blocked off, making way for the markets to come to life. Grab some breakfast and coffee from one of the stands and take a leisurely walk around to the tune of a market busker.

104 Bathurst Street, Hobart

Battery Point

Before leaving Hobart, a walk through the city’s oldest (and prettiest) streets, found within Battery Point, is a must. With a palpable sense of colonial history, walking around Battery Point certainly gives you an uncanny sense of stepping back in time. Today, the suburb is now home to Hobart’s premium real estate, with its cute cottages and historic precinct, in which the exterior of the buildings and the streetscape is largely unchanged since they were built in the 1800s and early 1900s.

Battery Point, Tasmania 

Best Things To Do In Hobart: Stay

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Slow Beam

A magnificent stay in West Hobart, Slow Beam is an inimitable house that has been created to showcase Australian art & design. Offering visitors to Hobart a unique & luxurious accommodation experience, which connects elegant modern design to its rugged, bush environment, it’s a designer space setting the bar high and stealing all the scenes. Crafted by Hearth Studio, every window has been thoughtfully framed to offer not just stunning river and city vistas, but also serene views of the sandstone and bushland.

Winner of ‘Best Designed Stay’ at the Airbnb awards in 2021, Slow Beam steals the show.

Book your stay with Slow Beam

West Hobart, Tasmania

MACq 01

Nestled in the heart of the historic Hobart waterfront, MACq 01 is a luxurious hotel that combines premium accommodation with unforgettable storytelling. It is just a 5-minute drive from the city centre and famous Salamanca Square. Guests can choose from luxurious suites and rooms, with every room linked to a real character central to the story of Tasmania, from heroes and villains, to explorers, inventors and convicts. Guests can explore captivating stories throughout the hotel while enjoying stunning views of the Derwent Estuary. The property also boasts an on-site restaurant and private parking, making for a truly memorable stay.

Sitchu tip: Discover an exclusive and elevated whiskey tasting experience at the onsite bar, Evolve Spirits Bar. Hosted three times a week by Overeem, Drinks with the Distiller invites guests to sample a tasting paddle of the brand’s top whiskies alongside expert distillers, where secrets and tasting tips are spilled on the unique drink in lush surroundings.

Book your stay with MACq 01

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18 Hunter Street, Hobart

Captain’s Cottage

Captain’s Cottage ticks every box; originally built for a ship’s captain in the mid-1800s, this heritage-listed holiday home is set in the heart of Hobart, within walking distance to Constitution Dock, Salamanca Place and Battery Point. Inside, a mix of natural-textured fabrics and furnishings fills the cottage with warmth, from the timber floors, the velvet sofa, to 100% linen bedding. There’s a charming courtyard garden to enjoy, perfect for taking in that fresh Tasmanian air.

Book your stay with Captain’s Cottage

Hobart, Tasmania

Moss Hotel

Stay in the heart of the city at Moss Hotel, with its prime location a springboard to the best of Hobart’s rich culture, history, world-famous cuisine and the natural beauty of real Tasmania. Designed with incredible attention to detail, every element of your experience here has been thoroughly considered. Thoughtful touches bring nature and heritage into every room, with native greenery, original timbers and stone work.

If you like your sanctuary with a sun-drenched balcony overlooking Salamanca Square, be sure to book building 39. Created within mid-1800s warehouses originally meant for traders, stores and taverns, each space is entirely unique, providing a striking stay. 

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39 Salamanca Place, Hobart 

Lumiere Lodge

At the foothills of West Hobart sits Lumière Lodge, a stunning late 1800s Victorian townhouse in a beautiful wide street filled with historic homes. Authentic old Hobart at its best, hosts Sam and Kerran have created romantic, luxurious boutique accommodation rich in colour and character, with artisan ceramics, fossicked glassware, vintage homewares and artworks creating an old world feel.

As old Hobart town awakens, stay cosied up in bed and watch the morning light play against the large antique windows, then enjoy your morning coffee in the rustic cottage garden. Little luxuries are part of your stay, including Santal 33 amenities, custom bath salts and washed linen sheets, ensuring this Hobart accommodation is a cut above the rest. 

Book your stay with Lumiere Lodge

West Hobart, Tasmania

Henry Jones Art Hotel

A hotel steeped in history, The Henry Jones Art Hotel delivers equal parts nostalgia and luxury. Each of the 56 rooms elegantly combines modern touches with beautiful heritage features, from the 19th-century sandstone and original windows to the contemporary art-adorned walls. To upgrade your experience, stay in one of their four spacious suites. The best feature? The overflowing infinity spa.

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25 Hunter Street, Hobart

The Rox Hobart 

The Rox provides you with an elevated and exceptional stay in the heart of Hobart’s most vibrant neighbourhood. Step back in time with your feet firmly planted in the present in the heritage Elizabeth or Alexander Apartments and bask in the living history of the space. Or, step into the luxurious surrounds of their newest development at the Rox Penthouse or Rox Apartment, where you’ll gaze out over the city streets of storied MidTown. 

Each space blends mixed-use materials for a layered, warm ambience that feels both indulgent and inviting. These dreamy sanctuaries immerse you in the city’s buzz while offering a tranquil retreat to relax and sleep soundly after a day of exploring.

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160/162 Elizabeth Street, Hobart

Villa Howden

For a French-inspired getaway just twenty minutes outside of Hobart, Villa Howden is as impressive as it is chic. Offering ten exquisite rooms, each beautifully appointed with luxurious furnishings and antiques, the elegant Water View and Villa rooms seamlessly blend with the breathtaking scenery. The Tower Room is a unique retreat boasting panoramic views across North West Bay, ideal and oh-so-dreamy for those celebrating a special occasion.

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77 Howden Road, Margate

Thank you for joining us on this extensive tour of the best things to do in Hobart. We hope this has inspired you to book a holiday to Tasmania’s creative capital ASAP, where the best art galleries and hikes will only add to your essential Hobart experience.

Our Sitchu editors work hard to deliver you the best products, events and venues that we hope you will love, each one is selected independently. Sitchu may receive an affiliate commission when you follow some links.