One night in Hobart: How to see the best of the city on a short trip

You’ve got one night in Hobart, and you want to experience the city as much as you can, but you’re not sure you have enough time. The good news is that you do! A visit to Hobart is always exciting, no matter how fleeting. But, to make the most of your short trip, you’ll need to do some planning.

That’s where we come in. If you want to know what to do, where to eat and where to stay, we’ve got the inside scoop. Hobart’s a small city, but there’s so much to do. While 24 hours isn’t quite long enough to see it all, you can definitely enjoy the highlights.

We’ve picked out the best of Hobart to make sure you have an unforgettable trip to Tasmania’s capital.

What to do

Let’s squeeze as much as we can into 24 hours. Hobart’s small size will work in your favour as you’ll be able to move from one attraction to the next with very little travel time (if any!). We’ve chosen the best attractions within the city to ensure you don’t have to go far to see the best of Hobart.

Morning

For panoramic views of the beautiful city and sea, head to the summit of Mount Wellington/Kunanyi. Don’t be put off by the idea of climbing a mountain. It only takes 30 minutes to reach the top, and it is so worth the climb. With well-established paths and platforms, it’s easy to explore the summit and spend a few minutes soaking up the views.

Hobart offers a unique shopping experience. You won’t find the big chain stores you see everywhere else. With boutique shops galore, Hobart’s shopping district is the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind piece. From fashion to homewares, Hobart is home to many hidden gems designed and manufactured on Tasmanian soil.

It’s not a visit to Hobart without a stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens. You can spend as much or as little time here as you like, but it’s only walking distance from the city and worth making time for. With specialised gardens, unique sculptures and vibrant bursts of colour, the Royal Botanical Gardens is a feast for the senses.

Afternoon

The 25-minute ferry ride to MONA is an experience all by itself. It’s not just any old ferry. It’s a high-speed catamaran that sets sail from Hobart’s Brooke Street Pier. As for the seating – well – how would you like to travel on a sheep or tiger? As we said, it’s not just any old ferry! Feel free to upgrade to the ‘Posh Pit’ where you can enjoy free drinks and snacks in the ritzy part of the boat.

MONA is not your typical museum. It’s more like a museum for people who don’t enjoy museums. Spend a couple of hours here in the afternoon for a totally unique experience. The exhibitions are constantly changing, but they’re always spectacular. With live music daily, fantastic architecture, and art beyond your wildest imagination, you’re sure to have a memorable time here.

Evening

After all that sightseeing, you’ll need some time to wind down. What better way to do this than with a light stroll along the waterfront? Hobart is famous for its historic waterfront, and it’s not hard to see why. Lined with beautiful heritage buildings, the waterfront is one of Hobart’s most stunning locations. If your tired feet won’t go any further, sit on the dockside, watch the sunset, and enjoy the bustle of local fishing fleets coming in for the night.

Where to eat

You won’t have trouble satisfying your cravings while you’re in Hobart. The city is brimming with fabulous eateries. But you won’t have time to look at every menu, so we’ve picked our favourites to get you through breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Breakfast

Waffles anyone? Waffle On Café has an extensive breakfast menu from 8am to 2pm. With everything from eggs benedict to the big breakfast, their signature dishes will set you up nicely for the day. If waffles aren’t you’re thing, swap them out for sourdough or light rye. There are also gluten-free options available.

Lunch

Hobart meets Tokyo at the amazing Ba Wai Izakaya. Serving food from 12pm to 11pm, this is where you’ll find fast, fresh Japanese food and a casual dining experience. Every dish is authentically Japanese and made with Tasmania’s finest local ingredients. Whether you’re dining solo or as part of a big group, Ba Wai Izakaya will be happy to have you.

Dinner

Fico is often touted as the best restaurant in Hobart, and we have to agree. The chefs at Fico use only seasonal and sustainable produce from local growers and distributors. This means their menu changes weekly. Fico goes the extra mile to ensure they produce the freshest and tastiest food, which sets them apart from the rest.

Where to stay

You’ve got plenty to do and exceptional places to fill your belly, but you still need a place to stay for the night. Whether you want something family-friendly, luxurious, corporate, or cost-effective, we’ve picked the best of Hobart’s accommodation for every type of traveller.

Family-friendly

If you’re looking for spacious, laid-back accommodation for the family, the Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel ticks all the boxes. Located moments away from the waterfront, these self-contained apartments are the perfect place to base yourself. The building was originally used for wool treatment and has a long history as a Hobart landmark. Bring the kids, put your feet up and enjoy the comfort of the Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel.

Luxury

If you’re after a little bit of luxury, you’ll get that in spades at the MACq 01 Hotel. Designed to engage your senses, the Hotel’s concept will capture your attention from the moment you set foot in the door. Enjoy the luxurious features of your suite, including waterfront views, in-room massage, on-demand movies, dry cleaning, shoe shining, mini bar, WiFi and games. You may never want to leave.

Corporate

Here on business? Stay at Hobart’s premium corporate Hotel, the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart. Situated right on the waterfront, Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart is the place to stay for easy access to the city centre. After a busy day of work and meetings, let off some steam in the well-appointed gym or take a dip in the heated indoor pool. The Hotel also offers a lavish buffet breakfast and a la carte dining menu. Business or leisure, you’ll get the best of both worlds at Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart.

Affordable

For super cool and affordable accommodation, stay at The Alabama Hotel. This popular Hotel dates back as far as 1867, but it’s been re-established as a budget-friendly boutique hotel. Designed to offer something interesting and quirky, The Alabama Hotel is a favourite among travellers passing through Hobart on short or long stays. With an inner-city location, you’ll be a stone’s throw away from the best that Hobart has to offer.

Make the most of your one night in Hobart

One night may not seem long enough to enjoy a new city, but Hobart’s not like other cities. As many of Hobart’s attractions, eateries and hotels are within walking distance from each other, you can fill your day with some exceptional experiences. Your stay may be short, but it’ll be unforgettable. We know you’ll be back!