Where to Stay in Split, Croatia: Best Neighbourhoods And Hotels
Croatia's second biggest city, Split, is known for its contemporary spirit set amongst historic sites, which perfectly blend old and new.
This quintessential Mediterranean city is home to a vibrant spirit, friendly locals, and attractive Dalmatian architecture that makes it one of Croatia's must-visit destinations.
If you're interested in exploring Split's thriving nightlife and bustling seaside promenade, you'll need to find somewhere to stay. I've compiled a list of where to stay in Split, whether you're seeking a family-friendly picturesque spot, a party holiday, or a relaxing wellness stay in one of the 5-star hotels in Split.
The Best Areas to Stay in Split
Luckily for first-time visitors to Split, the city's not too big, and with a population of fewer than 200,000 people, it has more of a small-town feel. As a result, no matter where you stay, you'll easily be able to move around the city and explore different neighbourhoods, mostly on foot.
The other good news is that Split is a genuinely beautiful city offering as authentic a Mediterranean experience as you can get, so even if you stay slightly outside of the main centre, you're still guaranteed to have a good time. Whether you choose to sit on a rooftop terrace for some people watching or stroll the harbour streets and take in the views, you'll love this scenic city.
Split Old Town is considered the natural city centre and it's where you'll find most of the historic sites as well as Split's famously scenic harbour. If you want to be in close proximity to the Old Town while staying somewhere a little more budget-friendly, consider areas such as Poljud, Manuš, and Spinut.
Beach-goers and nightlife lovers will be at home in Bačvice Beach, while those looking to escape the hustle and bustle should consider Žnjan, Trstenik, and Veli Varos. Split's also perfectly situated for day trips to popular destinations such as Hvar Island and the Blue Lagoon, so if exploring Croatia during your trip is on the cards, factor in Split's proximity to other popular cities and islands.
1. Where to stay in Split for the first timer & sightseeing: Split Old Town
Wondering where to stay in Split for the first time? Old Town Split is the central hub of Split, where you'll find most of the famous sites as well as interesting bars, restaurants, and plenty of shops.
Independent eateries and cafes line the cobbled streets and there's a constant but gentle hustle and bustle, especially in the summer months!
Some of my favourite places to eat in Split Old Town are:
Pandora Greenbox
Fantazija Kitchen and Wine
VEG
Bokeria Kitchen & Wine
Sladoledarnica Emiliana (for the best ice cream!)
You'll also enjoy proximity to Split Airport and other transport hubs, such as the bus and train station, allowing you to escape Split for a day trip if you desire.
Bear in mind that the Old Town is the go-to area for tourists to stay, so it can be busy and more expensive to find accommodation.
Things to see & do
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Diocletian’s Palace
See the Cathedral of St. Domnius
Take a stroll down the harbour
Explore the Podrum (the Diocletian's Cellars)
Visit the Temple of Jupiter
Best for area for:
First-time visitors
History lovers
People only staying in Split for a few days
Best hotels to stay in Split Old Town
($$$) Judita Palace Heritage Hotel
Enjoy a luxurious stay at the must-stay hotel in Split, the Judita Palace, which offers spacious rooms, panoramic views, and convenient walking distance to the main sights of the Old Town in central Split, such as Diocletian's Palace.
Check availability & best rates
($$$) Heritage Hotel Santa Lucia
Conveniently located right in the heart of Split, this 4-star hotel is one of the best places to stay in Split Old Town and promises air-conditioned rooms, a delicious buffet breakfast, and even a friendly 24-hour desk for anything you need during your stay.
Check availability & best rates
($$) Slavija Culture Heritage Hotel
Located just 300 metres from Split's main train and bus station, this friendly hotel is close to all of Split's main sights and offers spacious rooms, free Wifi, modern facilities, and an airport shuttle service for maximum convenience.
Check availability & best rates
($$) Kastel 1700 Boutique Hotel
Budget-friendly without skimping on the amenities, this cheap hotel in Split is conveniently located just 500 metres away from the ferry port, train, and bus station and offers air conditioning and a delicious complimentary breakfast.
Check availability & best rates
2. Where to stay on the beach in Split: Bačvice Beach
One of the best things about Split is its beautiful beach area, which allows you to transform a city break into an opportunity for sunbathing and a dip in the water.
Located less than 1km from the centre of Split, staying in the Bačvice Beach area allows you to enjoy a more laid-back style of holiday on Split's sandy shores while still retaining proximity to the historical sites of the city centre.
If you're wondering where to stay in Split for nightlife, this is also the best destination for nights out, with its promenades lined with trendy bars.
Things to see & do
Enjoy a relaxing day at Bacvice Beach
Take a speedboat tour to nearby islands
Walk into the Old Town
Enjoy a drink in one of the beach bars
Best area for:
Beach lovers
Partygoers
Seafood fans
Best hotels in Split by the beach
($$$) Hotel Park Split
This first-class hotel is located on Split's most famous beach and offers guests free WiFi access, a spa and wellness centre, a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, and an upscale restaurant.
Check availability & best rates
($$) Briig Boutique Hotel
If a luxurious boutique-style hotel at a reasonable price is your thing, you'll adore this Split accommodation, which offers air conditioning and a flat-screen TV in every room, as well as a modern lounge bar and restaurants for all guests to access.
Check availability & best rates
($) Apartments Bašić
Offering access to Split's biggest sites within walking distance, this stylish hotel offers free private parking and nicely decorated rooms, with guests choosing between one-bedroom Split apartments or a studio room for their accommodation.
Check availability & best rates
3. Where to stay in Split affordably & close to the Old Town: Poljud, Manuš, Spinut
If affordability is at the top of your priority list, but you still want to stay somewhere pleasant and close to the city centre, you're probably wondering where to stay in Split on a budget.
My tip is to consider finding accommodation in Poljud, Manuš, or Spinut. Spinut is famous for being the home of the football stadium Poljud, so if you're a football fan, you might also be enticed by this part of the city.
Manus is a little rougher around the edges, but it's still a pleasant place to stay where you'll be close enough to the action.
Things to see & do
Visit Poljud Stadium
Enjoy nature in Marjan Forest Park
See the archaeological site of Our Lady of Spinut
Best area for:
Football and sports fans
Travellers on a budget
Best affordable hotels to stay in Split
($$$) Heritage Hotel FERMAI MGallery Split
This luxurious yet affordable accommodation is set in an Art Nouveau building close to the centre of Split with a garden that functions as a hotel park and promises air conditioning and contemporary furniture in every room as well as a delicious breakfast featuring vegan and gluten-free options.
Check availability & best rates
($$) Lanterna Rooms
Just 500 metres away from the famous Diocletian's Palace, this stylish hotel offers free WiFi, a stylish terrace, a 24-hour front desk, and a breakfast that's simply second to none.
Check availability & best rates
($) Art Hotel
Boasting a scenic rooftop swimming pool as well as an enticing spa and wellness centre to help you feel your best, Art Hotel is a clean, friendly hotel that offers guests excellent value for money for modern amenities.
Check availability & best rates
4. Where to stay in Split away from the crowds: Veli Varos & Meje Area
While being where the action happens is nice, sometimes you just want to get away from the hustle and bustle and spend time somewhere a little more relaxing. Luckily, Veli Varos and the Meje area offer a way to escape the noise while still being in close proximity to sights, restaurants, bars, and cafes.
The best area to stay in Split for a quieter holiday can also translate into where to stay in Split for couples, so if you're looking for a romantic stay, you'll find the best boutique hotel in Split in either Veli Varos or Meje.
Not only will you enjoy a quieter, more laid-back vibe, but you'll also get to see how the real locals live in these two charming parts of town that offer a reprieve from tourist crowds. Meje is also one of the best neighbourhoods in Split for finding luxury accommodation as it's quite upmarket.
Things to see & do
Stroll Meje's coastal paths
Strike up a conversation with some locals
Visit Veli Varos' beautiful churches
Best for
Travellers wanting to get off the beaten track
Couples seeking a romantic getaway
Families with children
Travellers seeking greenery
Best hotels to stay in Split without the crowds
($$$) Hotel Ambasador
Located a little off the beaten track but adequately close for enjoying all the central sights, this stunning hotel offers private parking, a fitness centre and sauna, and a terrace and restaurant which serves up fine dining.
Check availability & best rates
($$) Hotel Cvita
Boasting a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool that's perfect for the warmer months, Hotel Cvita offers guests contemporary rooms with flat-screen TVs, free toiletries, and air conditioning, as well as access to a hot tub.
Check availability & best rates
($) House of Cyril
Promising ultra-stylish, clean rooms at affordable prices, this 3-star hotel in Split is an excellent accommodation option to escape the hustle and bustle of central Split while retaining access to modern amenities and enjoying the hotel's stylish roof terrace!
Check availability & best rates
5. Where to stay in Split with family: Žnjan & Trstenik
Both located near the coast and with a more local feel than some of Split's tourist areas, Znjan and Trstenik offer a quiet respite for families. Because they're a little off the beaten track, you'll tend to find more spacious apartments and hotel rooms at more affordable prices.
While you're further away from the main sights of Split, the city centre is always within easy reach. If a laid-back beachy holiday away from flocks of tourists is what you have in mind, there are simply no better areas to stay in Split.
Things to see & do
Visit the beach all day, every day
Try authentic food at one of the local restaurants
Take a stroll to enjoy the seaside scenery
Best for
Staying outside the tourist areas
Couples
Families with children
Beach lovers
Best hotels to stay in Split with family
($$$) Radisson Blu Resort & Spa
If you're on the hunt for the perfect beachfront hotel with sustainable credentials, look no further than the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, which boasts amenities such as spa packages, a beautiful indoor pool, and the Fig Leaf restaurant, which serves up delicious food and a selection of tasty tipples.
Check availability & best rates
($$) Amphora Hotel
Promising a high-end feel at reasonable prices, Amphora Hotel offers views of the beach, a whopping three swimming pools with pool bars, two restaurants, a bar, a spa, and a fitness centre.
Check availability & best rates
($) Adriatic Queen Rooms & Apartments
Just a 10-minute walk from the nearest beach and 100 metres from a grocery store, Adriatic Queen offers clean, well-presented hotel rooms and apartments at prices that won't break the bank.
Check availability & best rates
Book Your Trip To Croatia
Book Your Flight
I recommend using Skyscanner as the easiest way to find and compare the best airfares to and within Croatia.
Book Your Hotel
My top pick for finding the perfect accommodation is Booking.com, as they guarantee the best room rate available, plus you get free cancellation on most bookings.
Book Your Tours & Activities
I like finding and pre-booking tours with Get Your Guide and Viator. You will book with instant confirmation, great customer support, and free cancellation for many activities.
Access Money Overseas Without Hidden Fees
I highly recommend getting a Wise account to withdraw money in Croatia, pay for meals on the Visa card, or shop in Euros. With Wise, you always pay the real exchange, so you never pay more than you need to.
Stay Connected Anywhere
Getting an eSIM card from Airalo eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, so you can easily switch between mobile networks in over 190 countries worldwide without expensive roaming fees.
Don't Go Without Travel Insurance
Travel with confidence, knowing that Hey Mondo, my preferred travel insurance provider, has your back. Don't let illness, accidents, theft, or cancellations ruin your trip. As a Breathing Travel reader, you also get 5% off any policy purchased!
Where to stay in Split – Frequently Asked Questions
⭐ Is it worth staying in Split?
Split genuinely offers something for every traveller, whether you're seeking vibrant nightlife, historic sites, or a relaxed week away enjoying the Mediterranean beach lifestyle. With that in mind, it's well worth staying in Split, especially if you plan to visit some of Croatia's other well-known sites, such as Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Zagreb. Plus, thanks to its small and easy-to-navigate centre, you'll be able to see all of Split's best sights in a relatively short period.
📅 How many days do I need in Split?
One of the best things about Split is its relatively compact size, so if you're just visiting the historical sites, you can see most of the Old Town in one weekend or even a very well-planned day trip. If, on the other hand, you want to explore the city center and beyond at a more leisurely pace with frequent people-watching coffee stops and a couple of beach days, you should consider staying in Split for five days or more.
📍 What’s the main area in Split?
The biggest part of Split and the area that's considered the centre is the Old Town. That's where most of the main sites are, as well as the majority of Split hotels and plenty of bars and eateries. It's probably the best area to stay in Split for tourists. Luckily, Split is a walkable city, so even if you're not staying right in the centre, you can easily access the Old Town in no time.
❓ Does Split have an Old Town?
Yes, Split has an Old Town, and it's probably the most famous part of the city. It's the go-to place to stay in Split for first-time visitors seeking a central location, so if you're wondering where should I stay in Split on my first visit, the Old Town is the obvious answer.
🏨 Where in Split is it best to stay?
There's no one best place to stay in Split. The best area for you will depend on your needs and preferences. While the Old Town offers the easiest access to the main sites, just a short walk away, it's not suitable for every budget. Those looking for a more budget-friendly option should consider Poljud, Manuš, and Spinut. If you're wondering where to stay in Split near the beach, look no further than Bačvice Beach.
🗺 Should I stay in Split or Hvar?
Split and Hvar are two beautiful destinations, both with their own charm and thanks to their proximity to one another, you can actually visit both in one trip. While history buffs and culture vultures will love the classic sites you find in Split, those seeking a lively nightlife scene and a more laid-back, beach-focused holiday might find themselves more at home in Hvar. Both destinations have a picturesque Old Town and a selection of local amenities that make the areas well worth visiting.
✔️ Is Split or Dubrovnik better?
If you're planning a trip to Croatia, it's well worth visiting both of these beautiful cities and exploring what they have to offer. If you have to choose just one, however, base your choice on what best appeals to you.
Split is slightly cheaper, more centrally located, and promises better nightlife than its more ‘grown-up' counterpart, Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik, on the other hand, is elegant and picturesque, with slightly more stunning beaches than Split and exposed stone walls that give it an otherworldly appearance. While both are well worth a visit and offer luxury hotels, if you're faced with a choice, opt for the one that best suits your preferences.
Where to Stay in Split – Final Words
From self-catering apartments to small luxury hotels, Split has something to offer every type of traveller and every type of budget.
This walkable city is home to many different neighbourhoods, all of which have their own charm and reason to stay there. All in all, Split is a superb location for those seeking a jumping-off point to explore the rest of Croatia and enjoy a relaxing few days.
Please note, this post may contain affiliate links, which means that – at absolutely no cost to you – we earn a small commission on sales generated through this website. We only recommend sites we actually use and thank you for your support!