Planning a few days in Hobart?

Lucky you! Here is our guide to making the most of your trip.

Whether you’re exploring the city on foot or driving a little further afield, we’ve put together our tips for maximising your mini-break in Hobart (and ensuring you’re well nourished along the way).

So, pop on your extra layers, leave plenty of space in your luggage for some sublime Tassie produce and be prepared for some serious eating and drinking.

• Plan ahead

If you’re like us and plan your holidays around the meals you’ll eat, it really pays to book ahead. Many of Hobart’s best restaurants including Fico, Templo, Aloft and Peppina are often booked out several weeks in advance. You might get lucky by putting your name down on their online waitlists.

• or, just rock up like a local

For those (also like us) who tend to leave things to the last minute, a lot of our favourite places can often cater for walk-ins or late bookings.

In the city, La Sardina Loca is a locals’ favourite for its excellent spritzers, fun wine list and stupendous share plates.

Fico’s younger, cooler sister-venue Pitzi is just around the corner from Fico in the CBD and welcomes walk-ins from 5pm or from midday on Fridays.

In Salamanca Square, head to Suzie Luck’s for Asian-inspired share food (think Chin Chin, but even fresher).

The Den in Salamanca Place is the perfect spot for an afternoon glass of wine and some people watching. If you get too comfy to think about leaving, move inside by the fire and make a dinner of their super-tasty bar snacks.

Another great walk-in option is The Still LARK Whisky Bar on Argyle St for perfect martinis, oysters and snacks (their happy hour from 4-6pm has to be one of the best in Australia).

• FRESH TASSIE SEAFOOD

We’re often asked for seafood recommendations and our top picks are always Blue Eye on Castray Esplanade, The Drunken Admiral on the waterfront (don’t be put off by the quirky kitsch interior) and Mures Upper Deck.

It’s not a seafood restaurant as such, but Urban Greek has arguably the best chargrilled Pirates Bay octopus and also does delicious calamari.

• old school, in a good way

Me Wah in Sandy Bay is old-school Chinese in the best way, with a trad Aussie Chinese à la carte menu juxtaposed with fresh, modern tasting-menu options. Factor in that you’ll need about 30 minutes to peruse the weighty wine menu, say yes to a glass of French champagne on arrival and say yes again to the post-dinner spirits trolley.

The Astor Grill in the CBD has been quietly doing its thing for decades and still delivers big-time. No share plates or hipster drinks - just delectable classic dishes, an impressive wine list and exceptional service.

BYO-friendly Hometown Secret is another CBD gem serving classic dim sum and Malaysian specialties.

• Hit the road

A short road trip and vineyard lunch is a great option if you have a half-day to spare.

If heading south to the Huon Valley, start with a virtuously wholesome and satisyingly delicious lunch at Summer Kitchen in Ranelagh and stop by Willie Smith’s on the way home for a glass of wine and/or one of their famous slices of apple pie.

For lunch with a view, try Peppermint Bay or Bream Creek Vineyard overlooking Marion Bay.

A 40 minute drive west from Hobart takes you to the Agrarian Kitchen in New Norfolk where you can opt for a long set-menu lunch inside or tasty morsels from the outside kiosk.

• start early

Too much good food and too little time would have to be the number one challenge when visiting Hobart. Our recommendation? Start early!

Head to Pigeon Whole Bakers on Argyle St for coffee and the best (seriously, the best) pastries in Australia.

On Sundays go all-out with a cooked breakfast at the Farm Gate Market while soaking up the atmosphere as talented musos busk on the corner and locals buy their fruit, veg, small-farm meats and artisan produce.

From the city, take a short stroll over the Rose Garden bridge and along the Brooker to the Glaetzer-Dixon Family Winemakers tasting room (wine aids digestion right?) and you are sure to be hungry again by lunch.

• Walk it Off

If you want to walk off all those Pigeon Whole carbs, you are in for a treat because the best way to experience Hobart is on foot. Go platypus spotting along the Hobart Rivulet or wander around historic Battery Point before ambling down Kelly’s Steps to Salamanca.

The approximately 30 minute walk from the waterfront to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is worth the effort, but be warned that the signposts are few and far between. Cross the Bridge of Remembrance and follow the Soldiers Memorial Avenue grassland path for about 5-10 minutes until you see a signposted trail leading down to the Botanical Gardens.

If you are heading to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, add in a stroll along the waterfront with a pit stop at the floating Van Diemens Land Creamery ice-cream punt or a sneaky whisky at Lark Distillery.

We’re big fans of the many short walks on Kunanyi/Mt Wellington and one of our favourites is an hour-long loop taking in a waterfall and lush rainforest, finishing with a pale ale and hot chips at Fern Tree Tavern. Start at Fern Tree and follow the Pipeline Track to Silver Falls. From the waterfall, loop back to Fern Tree via Silver Falls Track and Fern Glade Track.