Where to stay in Split: The best areas and 15 hotels

Split is Croatia's second-largest city and the gateway to the Dalmatian islands, built around and within Emperor Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is still inhabited today.

The city serves as a starting point for ferries to Hvar, Brač, and Vis, so the choice of area often depends on whether you want to be close to the port or closer to the beach.

In this guide, you will find four neighbourhoods, their pros and cons, as well as specific accommodations with real prices for every budget.

What to see and do in Split

Split is located in the middle of Croatia's Dalmatian coast, built on a peninsula between Marjan Hill and the sea. It was essentially founded around 305 AD when the Roman Emperor Diocletian built the palace there where he retired after abdicating the throne.

Diocletian's Palace is not a museum shell but a living part of the city, with houses, shops, and restaurants built within its ancient walls. At its centre is the Peristyle, an impressive colonnaded square, while the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, originally Diocletian's mausoleum, is one of the oldest functioning cathedrals in the world.

Climbing the cathedral's bell tower, approximately 60 metres high, offers panoramic views of the entire Old Town and the sea. The Riva promenade, with its palm trees and cafes, is the natural meeting point in the evening, just fifty metres from the palace's southern wall.

West of the Old Town lies Varoš, an old fishing quarter with stone houses and narrow alleys leading up towards Marjan Hill. Marjan itself, known as the city's lung, is a forested hill with trails, small beaches, and churches, about a fifteen-minute walk from the centre.

East of the Old Town is Bačvice beach, Split's most popular urban beach, with a sandy bottom, something rare in Dalmatia where rocky coastlines dominate. Picigin, a local ball game played in shallow water, is also played there. The distance from the palace to Bačvice is about eight hundred metres.

Meje, to the southwest, is one of the quieter and greener neighbourhoods, situated between the ferry port and Marjan Hill, offering sea views and several accommodation apartments, ideal for those who want to avoid the bustle of the Old Town but stay nearby.

Split's port is one of the busiest in the Mediterranean, with daily ferry services to Hvar, Brač, Vis, and Ancona in Italy. It is about a five-minute walk from the Old Town, making Split an ideal base for combining city and island visits.

Food in Split has a strong Mediterranean identity, with dishes such as crni rižot, black risotto with cuttlefish, and pašticada, beef slow-cooked in wine, being among the most characteristic. Pazar market, next to the palace, is a good spot for fresh fruit and local produce every morning.

Beyond the Roman palace, Split also has a more modern side, with the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments and the gallery of sculptor Ivan Meštrović, housed in the villa the artist himself built as his residence in the 1930s, slightly west of Meje, with sea views and a garden full of sculptures.

The city also serves as a starting point for day trips, with Krka Waterfalls National Park approximately 80 kilometres away and an hour and a half by car, while the islands of Hvar and Brač can be reached by ferry in one to two hours, depending on the route. Many visitors spend two or three days in Split itself and then continue to the islands.

Nightlife is mainly concentrated around the Riva promenade and inside the palace, where old underground rooms have been converted into bars, while in summer, beach clubs also operate along the coast to the east, beyond Bačvice, with music playing late into the night.

Just outside the city centre is Klis Fortress, a Byzantine and medieval stronghold internationally known from the filming of Game of Thrones. It is approximately fifteen kilometres away and can be reached by bus or taxi in twenty minutes, offering views of the entire Split bay.

How to get from the airport to the city centre

Split airport is located approximately 20 kilometres west of the city, near Trogir. The most economical option is the Pleso Prijevoz bus, which connects the airport to the main bus station at the port, taking about 30 to 40 minutes and costing around 6 euros.

There is also local bus line 37, cheaper but with more stops and a longer journey time, around 50 minutes.

A taxi from the airport to the centre costs approximately 35 to 45 euros and takes 25 to 30 minutes, while most online transfer services have a similar fixed price in advance.

If you arrive by ferry from an island or Italy, the port is right next to the Old Town, so most accommodations in the area are accessible on foot within minutes.

The best areas to stay in Split

Old Town and Diocletian's Palace

Staying inside Diocletian's Palace means you are literally sleeping within a Roman monument, with the Peristyle and cathedral just a stone's throw away.

It is the most touristy and bustling area, with most options being small apartments and boutique accommodations rather than large hotels.

Pros:

• Absolute centrality, everything within walking distance
• Unique atmosphere inside a historic monument
• Close to the port for ferries to the islands

Cons:

• Very crowded and noisy in summer
• Difficult car access

Recommended accommodations:

1. Old Town Suites
Comfortable rooms within the Old Town walls, a few metres from the Peristyle.

• Average cost: approximately 140€ per night

2. Heritage Hotel Antique Split
Boutique hotel in a historic building, with personalised service, inside the palace.

• Average cost: approximately 160€ per night

3. Old Town Luxury House
Luxurious apartment in a stone building, ideal for couples seeking comfort within the walls.

• Average cost: approximately 175€ per night

4. ID Regal Residence
Bed and breakfast style accommodation in the heart of the Old Town, near Gimnazija Square.

• Average cost: approximately 130€ per night

5. Prior Suites Split
Small guesthouse with comfortable rooms, next to the palace's northern walls.

• Average cost: approximately 120€ per night

6. Cornaro Hotel
Modern five-star hotel in Sinjska, a few metres from the palace, with a rooftop bar and city views.

• Average cost: approximately 165€ per night

7. Marmont Heritage Hotel
Boutique hotel in a historic building within the Old Town, with a spa and small inner courtyard.

• Average cost: approximately 150€ per night

Bačvice

The area around Bačvice beach combines swimming on a sandy shore with easy access to the Old Town, just eight hundred metres away.

In the evening, the beach fills with bars and beach clubs, making it a good choice for those who want a combination of sea and nightlife.

Pros:

• Sandy beach, rare in Dalmatia
• Close to the Old Town on foot
• Lively nightlife in summer

Cons:

• Noise from beach bars at night
• Very crowded during summer months

Recommended accommodations:

8. Design B&B Bacvice Arti
Small design accommodation near Bačvice beach, with modern rooms.

• Average cost: approximately 115€ per night

9. Apartment Bačvice Holiday with free parking
Apartment with free parking, a few minutes from the beach and the centre.

• Average cost: approximately 100€ per night

10. AC Hotel by Marriott Split
Modern hotel near the Bačvice area, with comfortable rooms and good service.

• Average cost: approximately 145€ per night

11. Porto Split
Modern accommodation on Kralja Zvonimira street, near Bačvice beach and the city centre.

• Average cost: approximately 120€ per night

Varoš and Marjan

Varoš is a picturesque neighbourhood with stone houses and narrow alleys, quiet yet only a five-minute walk from the Old Town.

Next to it, the trails of Marjan Hill begin, ideal for hiking, running, or a simple stroll with sea views.

Pros:

• Authentic, quiet atmosphere
• Close to Marjan trails
• A few minutes' walk from the Old Town

Cons:

• Fewer restaurants within the neighbourhood
• Uphill roads in some areas

Recommended accommodations:

12. Historic Plaza Varos Split
Historic building converted into accommodation, within the picturesque Varoš neighbourhood.

• Average cost: approximately 110€ per night

13. Apartments Varos
Comfortable apartments in a stone building, a few minutes from the Old Town.

• Average cost: approximately 95€ per night

14. Villa Veli Varos
Small villa with apartments on the quiet side of Varoš, near Marjan Hill.

• Average cost: approximately 105€ per night

Meje

Meje is a quiet residential area between Marjan Hill and the ferry port, away from the hustle and bustle of the Old Town but still within walking distance.

It is a good choice for those travelling by ferry to the islands and wanting to stay close to the port without sacrificing peace and quiet.

Pros:

• Quiet atmosphere, away from the noise
• Close to the ferry port
• Green surroundings near Marjan

Cons:

• Slightly further from central attractions
• Fewer shops and restaurants

Recommended accommodations:

15. Meje Apartments
Comfortable apartments in a quiet location, approximately eight hundred metres from the Old Town.

• Average cost: approximately 90€ per night

How much does accommodation in Split cost

Prices in Split vary significantly depending on the season. In summer, a double room in an apartment or small hotel in the Old Town costs approximately 120 to 170 euros per night, while in winter, the same accommodation can drop to 60 to 80 euros.

A tourist tax, known as boravišna pristojba, usually applies and is added to the bill per person per night, typically a small amount, around one to two euros.

For dining, a meal in a local tavern costs approximately 12 to 18 euros per person, while in a more touristy restaurant inside the palace, the bill can rise to 25 to 35 euros. At simpler spots, a portion of ćevapi or a slice of pizza costs around 5 to 7 euros.

Getting around the city is mostly on foot, as the Old Town is pedestrianised. A local bus ticket costs approximately 1.50 euros, useful if you are staying in a more remote area.

When to visit Split

High season is June to August, with temperatures often exceeding 30 degrees Celsius and large crowds, especially due to ferries to the islands. Accommodation prices are at their peak then, and you need to book several months in advance. In early July, the Splitsko ljeto festival brings concerts and theatrical performances to open-air venues in the Old Town, adding a cultural dimension to the summer months.

May, June, and September offer a better balance, with warm weather suitable for swimming, fewer crowds, and more reasonable prices. October still has pleasant temperatures for walks, although the sea begins to cool down.

Winter is mild compared to other European cities, with temperatures around 10 degrees Celsius, but many tourist-oriented shops and restaurants close or reduce their hours off-season.

Spring, particularly April, already has plenty of sunshine for walks, but the sea is still too cold for swimming, so it suits those who want to see the city without too many crowds rather than take a dip.

Practical tips for your stay

• Book early for summer. From June to August, the best accommodations sell out quickly due to demand for the islands.
• Buy ferry tickets online in advance. Services to Hvar and Brač fill up quickly in summer, especially morning departures.
• Stay near the port if travelling to islands. If you plan multiple ferry trips, an area like the Old Town or Meje will save you travel time.
• Wear comfortable shoes for Marjan. The hill's trails have stones and inclines, so they are not ideal for sandals.
• Avoid driving inside the palace. The Old Town is pedestrianised, so if you rent a car, it's best to stay in an area with parking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth staying inside Diocletian's Palace?

Yes, it's a unique experience, although you'll need to walk a bit with your luggage due to the narrow streets.

How far is Bačvice beach from the Old Town?

Approximately eight hundred metres, a ten-minute walk.

How much does airport transfer cost?

By bus, about 6 euros and 30 to 40 minutes; by taxi, about 35 to 45 euros.

Do you need a car in Split?

Not for the city centre, as the Old Town is pedestrianised, but you might need one if you want to explore surrounding areas.

Which is the best area for families?

Meje or Varoš, as they are quieter but still close to the city's main points of interest.

Which season has the lowest prices?

Winter, from November to March, has significantly lower accommodation prices compared to summer.

Conclusion

Split offers everything from the unique experience of staying within a Roman palace to more relaxed options near the beach or on Marjan Hill.

Whichever neighbourhood you choose, the city is compact enough to explore on foot, leaving time for a ferry trip to the nearby Dalmatian islands.

And if you have time left, a visit to the Meštrović gallery or a day trip to Krka waterfalls perfectly complements a few days' stay in the city.

See also our guides for where to stay in Zadar and where to stay in Tirana.