Where to Stay in Split 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Split uniquely blends a living Roman palace with modern Croatian beach culture. The UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace isn't a museum - it's a neighborhood where people live, eat, and party among 1,700-year-old walls. Most visitors choose between staying inside the ancient palace or in the surrounding beaches and neighborhoods. Split also serves as the main ferry hub for Croatian islands.
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Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Diocletian's Palace / Old Town
Wake up inside a Roman emperor's palace - a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Everything walkable including ferry terminal, best restaurants, and nightlife. Yes, it's pricier and can be noisy, but the atmosphere is irreplaceable for first-time visitors.
Diocletian's Palace
Bačvice
Varoš
Manuš / Radunica
Žnjan
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Old Town apartments on main party streets (especially near Peristyle) are LOUD until 3-4am
- • Some 'Old Town' listings are actually outside palace walls - verify exact location
- • Avoid apartments above nightclubs or bars without checking noise situation
- • Ferry terminal area accommodation is convenient but lacks charm
Understanding Split Geography
Split sits on a peninsula with Diocletian's Palace at its heart. The Riva promenade runs along the waterfront with ferry and cruise terminals. Marjan Hill provides green space to the west. Bačvice Beach is just east of center. The bus and train stations are 5-10 minutes northeast of Old Town.
Neighborhood Overview
Explore different areas by price range. Click a neighborhood to learn more.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Split
Diocletian's Palace (Old Town)
Best for: Roman ruins, UNESCO heritage, Riva promenade, nightlife, dining
"Living Roman palace with bars, restaurants, and apartments in ancient walls"
Pros
- Inside UNESCO site
- Best nightlife
- Walkable everything
Cons
- Crowded in summer
- Expensive
- Noisy at night
Bačvice
Best for: City beach, Bačvice Beach club, local hangout, beach bars
"Local beach scene where Splićani play picigin"
Pros
- Famous beach
- Local atmosphere
- Close to center
- Good restaurants
Cons
- Crowded beach
- Less historic
- Can be noisy
Varoš
Best for: Traditional neighborhood, Marjan Hill access, local restaurants
"Old fishermen's quarter with stone houses and narrow lanes"
Pros
- Authentic atmosphere
- Marjan access
- Less touristy
- Good value
Cons
- Steep hills
- Limited nightlife
- Few tourist facilities
Manuš / Radunica
Best for: Green Market, local life, budget options, emerging cool area
"Working-class neighborhoods transforming into hipster zones"
Pros
- Best value
- Authentic local life
- Near Green Market
Cons
- Less scenic
- Rougher edges
- Limited tourist infrastructure
Žnjan / Stobreč
Best for: Long pebble beaches, families, local beach life, less touristy
"Local beach strip popular with families and young Croatians"
Pros
- Long beaches
- Less crowded
- More affordable
- Local vibe
Cons
- Far from center
- Need bus/car
- Less historic
Accommodation Budget in Split
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
€ Best Budget Hotels
Split Backpackers
Old Town
Friendly hostel inside palace walls with dorms and excellent common areas. Great for meeting other travelers.
Goli & Bosi Design Hostel
Near Old Town
Design-forward hostel in historic building with rooftop terrace and private room options.
€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Luxe
Old Town
Boutique hotel in 16th-century Gothic-Renaissance palace with original stonework and contemporary comforts.
Divota Apartment Hotel
Bačvice
Modern apartment hotel near beach with rooftop pool, gym, and excellent city views.
Hotel Park Split
Bačvice
Historic waterfront hotel overlooking Bačvice Beach with recently renovated rooms and excellent restaurant.
€€€ Best Luxury Hotels
Heritage Hotel Antique Split
Old Town
Intimate luxury in restored medieval building with original Roman walls visible. Rooftop terrace with palace views.
Hotel Vestibul Palace
Old Town (Peristyle)
Built into the actual Roman vestibule with exposed ancient walls. One of the world's most unique hotel locations.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Cornaro Hotel
Old Town edge
Stylish hotel in historic building just outside palace walls with rooftop bar and excellent restaurant.
Smart Booking Tips for Split
- 1 Book 2-4 months ahead for July-August peak season
- 2 Ultra Europe festival (July) fills hotels with party crowd and premium prices
- 3 Shoulder season (May, June, September) offers 30-40% savings with excellent weather
- 4 Many Old Town apartments have steep stairs and no AC - confirm before booking
- 5 Tourist tax €1.86-€2.50 per person/night (seasonal) - paid locally
- 6 If visiting islands, consider staying near ferry terminal for early departures
Why you can trust this guide
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
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