What’s a maritime city without a host of hearty taverns in which to drink ale and sup drams of whisky? Do exactly that at the convivial Hobart Brewing Co., which serves the frothy stuff in a generous beer garden that’s often filled with live music, and the waterfront whisky bar, Lark Distillery, known for its award-winning drops as well as 250 international whiskys, which can be cherry-picked to create a personalised tasting flight.

Hobart’s top restaurants and chefs are obsessed with hyper-local, seasonal produce. So opt in if they offer a “feed me” dégustation that shows off whatever’s growing prolifically right that minute. A masterclass in each chef’s own flair and flourish, the multi-course menus at “fun diner” Fico and inner-city bistro Dier Makr are among the best around.

There are dozens of great coffee spots in the Tassie capital but Pilgrim Coffee, which opened in 2011, can rightly claim to be an institution. Owner Will Priestley is an Australian latte art champion who serves expertly brewed cups of black gold alongside flavour-packed snacks such as housemade focaccia and locally baked croissants. Caffeinating on the fly? Call by hole-in-the-wall Ecru Coffee – also in the CBD – and the team will have a single-origin long black or flat white in your hands in no time.

Every luxury hotel has elegant interiors, chic places to drink and dine, plus impeccable service. MACq 01, which sits on the Hobart waterfront, has all of these things and more. Each of the hotel’s 114 rooms is identified with a door plaque that commemorates well-known Tasmanians, such as cricketer Ricky Ponting and former prime minister Joseph Lyons, and guests can take complimentary walking tours with local storytellers who will explain the rich history of Hobart.

The mantra at Sonny is simple: wine, vinyl, food, walk-ins only. The tiny 18-seater bar on the edge of the CBD does exactly what it says on the tin by stocking inventive wines, with an emphasis on natural and skin-contact, next to tasty snacks, such as handmade pasta, crudo and crunchy toasty things. It’s the perfect place to kick off an evening before dinner or wind down with a nightcap to the sounds of the Beatles or The Blackbyrds.

There’s no market in Australia quite like Salamanca Market, held every Saturday. The Tasmanian handicrafts, particularly anything woollen or wooden, are exceptional but it’s the fresh produce that’s a real drawcard. And if you want to shop with the locals, hit the Farm Gate Market on Bathurst Street on Sunday mornings for cheese, bread, fruit and more, with a serve of live music and banging breakfast treats on the side.

It’s the punchy pan-Asian share plates that bring people through the door at Dāna Eating House in Hobart’s CBD – Filipino-inspired kinilaw ceviche or Vietnamese-style bun bo hue short ribs are two standouts. But just as comforting as the comfort food is the knowledge that part of each purchase goes to a charitable partner, such as the local not-for-profit The Women’s Health Education Network and Lifeline Tasmania.

Anywhere on Constitution Dock is pretty much guaranteed to offer caught-that-day seafood, from natural oysters to fish and chips, all served from the city’s unique floating punts. If you’re further out of town, Kraken Fish and Chips in North Hobart does traditional fare as well as panko-crumbed squid, burgers and vegetarian and gluten-free options. In winter, they have even been known to serve their take on the Scottish classic, haggis.

It may look like a regular vintage pub from the outside but Tom McHugo’s Hobart Hotel is the hospitality crowd’s hangout of choice – and that’s how you know the food is going to be great. On any day the team from The Agrarian Kitchen may be at one table, indulging in confit rabbit with borlotti beans and tomatillo, while at another the crew from Our Mates’ Farm in the Huon Valley is tucking into smoked beef topside with corn and peppers.

Battery Point is where to head for handmade curios, often tucked into the storybook-pretty colonial cottages that characterise this part of the city. Toko is one, a collection of Tassie treasures, such as fashion, homewares and toys. If you’re the type who likes to buy fresh new pyjamas while travelling – nothing feels better in crisp hotel sheets – Smitten Merino in Salamanca Place makes the softest Tasmanian wool sleepwear and robes.

15 Unique Tasmanian Stays for Your Next Getaway