Visitor Guide to Salamanca Market

What day is the Salamanca Market on?

The market is held every Saturday from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. The market operates rain or shine, except in extreme weather events.

Why is it called Salamanca Market?

Named for the area in Spain where a famous battle was waged between the English and the French in 1812, the gracious Georgian buildings lining Salamanca Place were originally used for warehousing whale oil, grain, timber and imported goods. Today it is home to bars, cafes, galleries and a vibrant arts centre. This beautiful tree-lined avenue dates to Hobart’s earliest days as a far-flung British settlement.

How many stalls does Salamanca Market have?

At its peak, Salamanca Market has around 300 stallholders. With Covid-19 travel restrictions in place in 2021, the market currently has closer to 200 stallholders.

How long do you need at Salamanca Market?

We recommend starting your morning there, with a hot coffee and freshly baked croissant. Stroll the cobblestone street chatting with locals and visitors alike, proud Tasmanians showcasing their wares. Purchase picnic provisions for lunch along the way, such as local cheeses, salami, sourdough baguettes, berries and sweet treats and a bottle of beautiful local wine or cider. You can easily spend a few hours at Salamanca!

What can you buy at Salamanca Market?

Locally crafted products include Tasmanian timber treasures and homewares, unique clothing and jewelry, fresh and seasonal produce, hot coffee, artwork, leather goods, liqueurs and spirits, ceramics and pottery, olive oil, soaps and hand creams, beer and cider, cakes and sweets, cosmetics and skincare, preserves and condiments, honey, antiques, books, handcrafted toys, breads and pet accessories.

Is Salamanca Market worth visiting?

We think Salamanca Market is a must-do during your time in Hobart! It’s a fantastic way to support local artisans and purchase a treasure to remember your time in Tasmania. The vibrant community feel makes for an amazing atmosphere, and Salamanca Place is such a beautiful and historical location.

How many people visit Salamanca?

Salamanca Market grew from 12 stalls in 1972 to 300 in 2010, becoming Tasmania's most visited tourist venue attracting up to 25,000–40,000 visitors every Saturday.Visitor numbers are lower in winter.

When is the best time to visit?

There are seasonal delights to tempt and inspire you no matter the season! If you visit during the summer months, cool down with a traditionally brewed old fashioned ginger beer or gorge on fresh berries.

For the colder months, we find the best way to warm up is to feast on a bowl of tempura battered mushrooms with wasabi mayonnaise, or enjoy a hot coffee and a Tassie scallop pie.

Is there entertainment?

Buskers bring joy and atmosphere to the occasion every week. A range of music styles and instruments are featured that is sure to please everyone.

Useful information:

There are a number of ATMs located close to the market - ask a crew member for locations. Salamanca Market does not supply plastic bags, so we recommend that you bring your own bag to the market.

Because you are visiting an outdoor market, you should plan to be suitably dressed for the weather, in Tasmania which can be unpredictable.

Visitors are encouraged to use the multiple car parks within the Hobart city centre, or you may find that it is a short stroll from your accommodation - Hobart is a convenient and compact city.

Ready to find out more? Talk to one of our friendly Travel Specialists about your holiday plans. Here at First Light Travel HQ we have dreamt up the best Tasmania self-drive itineraries, to take the hassle out of planning your next trip. No matter the style of Tasmania self-drive holiday you are after, we have the itinerary for you! We can ensure that you’ll be in Hobart during a Saturday so that you can experience the famous Salamanca Market for yourself

Itineraries that include Salamanca Market and Hobart:

8 Day Tasmania Escape Self Drive Itinerary

This is a showcase trip of the history, culture, tasty delights and natural wonders of the beautiful Apple Isle. Visit wineries, wander the historical ruins of Port Arthur and enjoy a scenic cruise of famous Wineglass Bay. There is time to enjoy all that Hobart has to offer, including Salamanca Market, and the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona).

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11 Day Tasmania Unearthed Self Drive Tour

Tasmania packs a punch when it comes to time in the outdoors, this is a magical place where you can experience remarkable natural beauty, with brooding mountains, stunning beaches, and giant rivers, with incredible wildlife such as the endemic Tasmanian Devil. There is also time to relax in Hobart and Launceston, towns buzzing with art and nurturing exciting foodie scenes.

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8 Day Lap of Luxury Tasmania Tour

This Tasmanian itinerary is about the luxury of experience with time to savour gourmet food, incredible bush walks, native wildlife and stunning beaches – oh and seriously luxe lodges. This itinerary has been prepared to enrich your stay and encourage you to experience everything Tasmania has to offer whether it’s romance, adventure, food and wine, pure relaxation or a mixture of them all. 

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