Soak up the atmosphere in Salamanca Place, where Hobart’s historic, creative and cultural heart beats.

By Jennifer Ennion

Once the stomping ground for sailors, whalers and workmen, Salamanca Place in Hobart is now home to a vibrant cultural scene. Pop into warehouse art galleries, theatres, cafés and bars, and pick up boutique jewellery and one-off fashion pieces. Visit on a Saturday and mingle with locals and tourists at the bustling Salamanca Market, or pull up a seat in one of the stylish cafés – the perfect post from which to people-watch.

Don't miss

• Pick up a gourmet treat from Salamanca Market
• Stay at the stylish Salamanca Wharf Hotel
• Listen to gypsy music at Salamanca Arts Centre

Top things to do in and around Salamanca Place

Shop at Salamanca Market

Every Saturday, more than 300 stallholders bring Salamanca Place to life with the bustling Salamanca Market, Tasmania's most famous market. Stock up on fresh produce, take home gourmet delicatessen treats or hunt for an antique as you listen to the tunes of busking musicians. The market is located between Salamanca Lawns and Salamanca Place, and runs from 8.30am to 3pm. 

Shop at Spacebar Gallery

Pick up a pair of glass-bead earrings, a canvas satchel or a quirky print from Spacebar Gallery in Salamanca Arts Centre. Established out of a desire to support independent designers and artists, the centre is housed in a large 1800s sandstone warehouse alongside art galleries, a metal-work co-op and a theatre.

Catch a show at Peacock Theatre

Watch an intimate performance at the popular Peacock Theatre, housed in an historic quarry in Salamanca Arts Centre. Theatre-goers can enjoy an evening of music, dance or film in the small but lively venue. If you're there on a Friday night, be sure to stop by the arts centre courtyard afterwards to enjoy the regular gypsy, jazz and swing music.

Eat lunch at The Brick Factory

There are plenty of cafés and restaurants to dine at in Salamanca Place, and The Brick Factory is a top choice. Serving hearty, à la carte fare, and with an extensive array of beer, wine, whisky and cocktails, you won't be disappointed. Call in on a weekend, grab a cosy booth table and enjoy the live music.

Stay at Salamanca Wharf Hotel

In Hobart, you won't be stuck for choices when it comes to finding a hotel, and Salamanca Wharf Hotel is a stylish option. The studios, apartments and penthouse lofts are outfitted with colourful decor, timber furnishings and inspiring photography. Grab breakfast or lunch at the hotel's ground-floor café, where the menu showcases Tasmania's seasonal ingredients. 

Check out The Taste of Tasmania Festival

Ring in the new year at The Taste of Tasmania festival a week-long summer celebration of Tasmanian food and wine held along Hobart's waterfront. Dine on fresh seafood and sample cool-climate wines and craft beer from close to 70 stalls. Soak up the sounds of local musicians and more than 100 buskers, and don't forget to head down early on New Year's Eve to catch the fireworks show over Sullivans Cove. The festival is held around Princes Wharf No. 1 Shed, a short stroll from Salamanca Place. 

How to get there

Salamanca Place is a cobblestone square in Sullivans Cove, on Hobart's waterfront, a five minute walk from the city centre.