Where to stay in Split

If you’re planning a trip to Split and wondering where to stay, you’re in then I’ve got you covered.

I’ve visited Split more than six times, watching it change from Croatia’s second city, into a buzzing Adriatic hotspot. Over the years, I’ve tried every type of accommodation: camping in Stobreč, hotels in the heart of the Old Town, and cozy guesthouses by the beach.

Whatever your travel style, I’ll help you find the perfect neighbourhood and place to base yourself in Split.

Where is the best place to stay in Split?

The best place to stay in Split is the Old Town, where you’ll be within steps of Diocletian’s Palace, cafés, restaurants and nightlife. It offers unrivalled walkability and historic atmosphere for first-time visitors.

That being said, Split has something for everyone, and despite being so compact, it is divided into eight distinct neighbourhoods, though there’s really only 5 that will be of interest to the traveller. These are:

1. Old Town and Riva – The historic heart of Split and the best base for first-time visitors, packed with Roman ruins, lively squares, and countless restaurants and bars.
2. Bačvice – Best known for its sandy beach and vibrant nightlife, this neighbourhood is ideal for beach lovers and younger travellers.
3. Meje – This quiet, upscale neighbourhood is west of the city centre, with seaside villas and access to Marjan Park. It’s the best for access to beaches and nature.
4. Veli Varoš – A traditional area west of the Old Town with narrow alleys and stone houses, perfect for a quiet stay within walking distance of the centre.
5. Stobreč – A former fishing village now considered a suburb of Split, located to the southeast. It’s quieter and ideal for those looking for a small-town vibe with good transport links into the city. It’s also the only place to camp in Split.

Split at a Glance

Population: 180,000 residents
Language: Croatian (English widely spoken in tourism)
Currency: Euro (€)
Best time to visit: May–June & September–October (ideal weather, fewer crowds)

Split’s core is Diocletian’s Palace, with ancient Roman, bustling cafés, shops, and UNESCO sites. Surrounding areas offer leafy hilltop retreats, local village vibes, and beachfront resorts. The challenge isn’t finding somewhere to stay, but finding the perfect base your trip.

Best area and hotels to stay in

Old Town & Riva – Best for first time visitors

Nested within the towering walls of an ancient Roman palace, Old Town & Riva pulse with history and modern life. Mornings bring church bells and market chatter; evenings light up with al fresco dining and live music along the waterfront promenade. Its mix of cobbled lanes and seaside cafés makes it a sensory playground.

• Who it suits: First-timers, culture buffs, nightlife seekers.
• Highlights: Saint Domnius Cathedral, Peristil Square, Marmontova shopping, daily fish market at the Green Market.
• Accommodation types: Heritage hotels, boutique apartments, luxury suites carved into palace walls.
• Price range: Mid-range: €100 – €180 per night // Luxury: €200 – €450+ per night

Top Picks

Judita Palace Heritage Hotel (Booking.com)
Located in the heart of the Old Town, Judita Palace is a restored 16th-century home blending traditional Dalmatian style with modern comforts. Each room features exposed stone walls, hand-carved parquet flooring, and marble-clad bathrooms.

Breakfast is served in a vine-draped courtyard with local cheeses, prosciutto, and homemade marmalades. Rates from €220/night.

Golden Gate Luxury Rooms (Expedia.com)
Perched above the Iron Gate, Golden Gate Luxury Rooms offers sleek, contemporary suites inside UNESCO walls. Suites include Nespresso machines, underfloor heating, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking palace ruins. Concierge can arrange private early-entry palace tours. Rates from €180/night.

Budget Options

• Cross Paradise Hostel: dorm €20, private €50; rooftop terrace, walking tours.
• Hostel Split: dorm €18 – €25, private €60+; communal kitchen near Fish Market.
• Boutique Urban Rooms: private from €70; breakfast and shared terrace.

Bačvice – best for nightlife & beach

Famous for its sandy beach and lively café-bar scene, Bačvice sits just southeast of the Old Town. By day, sunbathers flock to its shallow waters; by night, beachfront bars and live music light up the promenade, and even then you’ll see people in sea, or on the beach playing picigin.

On my first visit to Split, Bačvice was my favourite beach. It is small and does get crowded but there’s a great vibe. The water is shallow and warm, almost like taking bath, and people young and old enjoy atmosphere around the area.

• Who it suits: lively beach lovers, nightlife seekers.
• Highlights: Bačvice beach, Picigin ball games, sunset promenades, bars & nightclubs
• Accommodation types: Beachside hotels, apartments, guesthouses.
• Price range: €60 – €200/night

Top picks

Hotel Park Split (Booking.com)
Iconic art-deco 5-star overlooking Bačvice. Seaview balconies, spa with indoor pool and sauna. Rates from €250/night.

Guesthouse Adriana: Traditional family-run rooms from €70 per night, just a five-minute walk to Bačvice Beach and nearby cafés.

Rooms Bačvice: Cozy doubles from €60 – €80 per night, each with a compact kitchenette and private balcony, great for independent meals steps from the sand.

Bačvice Beach Hostel (hostelz.com) – Dorms from €20, privates from €55. Communal kitchen, outdoor terrace, beach-towel service. Social events nightly.

Veli Varos

Split’s oldest neighbourhood, Veli Varos, charms with winding stone alleys and intimate guesthouses. Traditionally, a working class area, with buildings dating back to the 11th century.

This area of Split has much of the charm of the Old Town, just a few minutes walk away, but without the crowds.

My first visit here was completely accidental. Getting lost its labyrinth of streets on my way to Fife restaurant.

Away from the hustle and bustle, you’ll mostly find sleepy streets, and private homes. The majority of the accommodation here comprises of small boutique hotels and guesthouses.

• Who it suits: Couples, authenticity chasers.
• Price range: €55–€160/night

Top Picks

Heritage Hotel 19 (Booking.com)
Antique furnishings, garden patio, minibar with local beers. Rates from €250/night.

Ibella Boutique Rooms (Official Site)
Boho-chic rooms around a plunge-pool courtyard. Rates from €120/night.

Budget Options

• Heritage Guesthouse Anton: dorm €18, private €50–€65.
• Villa Mikica: rooms €55 – €70; kitchenette, rooftop terrace.

Marjan Hill & Meje

Climb Marjan Hill’s pine trails to find Meje, where hidden pebble coves meet boutique villas and forested serenity. This area feels a world away from the the old town, but still has its fair share of eateries, cafes and fancy restaurants.

I’d actually been to Split three times, before I climbed the hill. When I eventually did, It was an impromptu hike in full motorcycle gear.

The main reason for me to stay here is the area around Obojena beach. A large pebble stone beach with crystal clear waters, and almost no crowds compared to Bacevice.

Just a short walk from the beach towards the marina you’ll also find some great rock jumping (can really call it a cliff) spots too.

• Who it suits: Nature lovers, families.
• Highlights: Kašjuni beach, cycling paths.
• Price range: €120 – €300/night

Top Picks

Villa KaTess (Booking.com)
Heated pool, garden, two bedrooms, bike rental. Rates from €280/night.

Meje Boutique Suites (Booking.com)
Sustainable suites with sea views, rooftop yoga lounge, breakfast baskets. Rates from €140/night.

Budget Options

• Hostel Intro Meje: dorm €22, double €55; free bike hire.
• Casa Marjan B&B: doubles €60 – €75; continental breakfast.

Znjan Beach & Podstrana – best for families

Ten minutes by car or bus, Znjan and Podstrana offer resort-style beaches, clubs, and spa facilities. Znjan boasts the larges beach in Split.

The area has been re-vamped in recent years, with a beach front walk way, restrooms, changing facilities, public showers, and parks. There’s also plenty of entertainment, with bars and restaurants for everyone. It’s not traditional, but that means more modern accommodation and more amenities.

• Who it suits: Families, spa seekers.
• Price range: €150–€350/night

Top Picks

Le Meridien Lav Split (Official site)
Private marina, six restaurants, beach club, spa. Rates from €300/night.

Radisson Blu Resort & Spa (Official Site)
Pools with waterslides, private beach, Finnish sauna. Rates from €220/night.

Budget Options

• Hostel Split Backpackers: dorm €20 – €30; private €60–€80.
• Podstrana Rooms: sea-view doubles from €50.

Stobreč

Stobrec is a small beachfront village located about 8 km southeast of Split’s Old Town. It offers a quieter, more local atmosphere amid pebble-and-sand coves framed by pine-clad hills.

Accommodation here ranges from family-run guesthouses and seaside villas to pension rooms facing the Adriatic. That being said, prices aren’t really any cheaper than in Split itself, so staying in Stobreč is more of a lifestyle choice.

I’ve generally enjoyed camping here, and the camping ground even has it’s own beach, which is a nice bonus.

Transport into Split is relatively straightforward. There’s a (Promet) city bus #50 that runs every 20-30 minutes from Stobreč’s main square to the bus terminal beside the ferry port (journey time ~25 minutes, fare €2).

Having my own transport, I’ve often rode into the city, then got a tax back if I’ve had a drink. Taxis cost around €20 – €25 one-way, and are pretty east to get hold of.

Uber is available in Split, and if you the Firsty eSim (I reviewed here), you get free data for using the Uber app.

Booking Tips & Seasonal Advice

1. Book early for Summer (June to August): boutique hotels fill by March – April.
2. Consider shoulder season – prices can be up to 50% less
3. Check free cancellation: many offer flexible rates.
4. Consider longer stays: week-long bookings can unlock discounts.
5. Use local agencies & direct sites to save on fees.
6. Factor in transport: outside-centre stays may need €5 – €10 Uber rides.
7. Read recent reviews: verify noise levels for Old Town vs. quieter areas.

Insider tip: May and September offer lower rates, 22 – 26 °C days, and quieter beaches.

FAQs

Is there a tourist tax in Split?

Yes. A tourist tax of around €1.50 per person per night is usually added to your bill. It’s often included in online prices, but it’s best to double-check. Typically, the tax is collected by your accommodation provider.

Are there ATMs in Split?

Yes, ATMs are widely available across the city. Avoid Euronet machines as they charge high fees. Instead, use ATMs operated by Croatian banks like OTP, PBZ, or Zagrebačka Banka or see my guide to fee free ATMs around Europe

Is English widely spoken?

Yes, English is spoken by most people working in tourism – hotels, restaurants, and shops – so you won’t have any trouble communicating.

Do I need cash or is card accepted everywhere?

Cards are accepted at most restaurants, hotels, and stores. Some smaller guesthouses, bakeries, and kiosks prefer cash. It’s a good idea to carry a bit of cash, just in case.

What’s the best way to get around Split?

The centre is compact and walkable. For longer trips — like to the beaches or suburbs such as Stobreč — buses are reliable and cheap. Taxis and Uber are also available.

Check-In / Check-Out Times

Most hotels in Split operate a standard 2 pm check-in and 11 am check-out. If you need early arrival or late departure, it’s worth asking ahead. Many places will store luggage or offer a room extension for a small fee.

Power Sockets & Voltage

Croatia uses 230 V / 50 Hz electricity and Type C/E plugs (two round pins). If you’re coming from the U.K., U.S., or Canada, don’t forget an adapter (and possibly a voltage converter if your devices aren’t dual-voltage).

Local SIM Cards & Mobile Data

If you need reliable data (for maps, ride-hailing, ferry bookings), you can pick up a prepaid SIM from T-Mobile, A1, or Tele2 at the airport or in town. Data bundles start around €10 for 10 GB. Better yet, get a Firsty eSIM as per my review and enjoy free data.

Public Transport & Shuttle Services

Split’s main transit is the blue “Promet” city bus (single ticket €1.50). There are regular routes to Znjan Beach and the ferry port. For Meje or outlying villas, many hotels offer shuttle services.

Tipping Culture

A service charge is rarely added to your bill, so it’s customary to leave around 10–15 % in restaurants, round up taxi fares, and give a couple of euro for housekeeping if you’re feeling generous.

Day-Trip Reservations

If you’re planning a Krka Waterfalls or island-hopping tour, book at least 1–2 days in advance during July/August to secure your preferred departure time.

Seasonal Weather & Packing

Even in high summer, evenings can cool to around 18 °C. Pack a light jacket. Don’t forget reef-safe sun cream, a reusable water bottle (filling stations are plentiful), and sturdy shoes for cobbled streets.

Safety & Health

Split is very safe, but as with any busy tourist spot, keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas. Tap water is drinkable (doesn’t taste great though), many travellers prefer filtered water bottles. I personally use a Water2Go bottle.