Are you planning a trip to Split and unsure about where to stay? Then you’ve landed in exactly the right place! Split is a fantastic city with Diocletian’s Palace as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a lively harbour front.
In this guide, you’ll find an overview of the best areas to stay in, whether you’re interested in historical experiences, beach life, or authentic Croatian culture.
Let’s get started with the guide: where to stay in Split?
Best areas in Split
Here’s a quick overview of the best areas to stay in Split:
- Old Town – Historic heart with UNESCO charm ⭐️
- Bačvice – Popular beach area with nightlife 🏖️
- Meje/Marjan Hill – Quiet and exclusive with sea views 💎
Click on the area’s name to see the best hotels in the area.
1. Old Town – best area for first-time visitors ⭐️
The Old Town is the perfect base for your first Split experience, where 1,700-year-old Roman architecture meets modern Croatian life in a unique blend.
Imagine waking up inside living ruins from the Roman Empire! Split’s Old Town isn’t just a museum – it’s a buzzing quarter where people live, work and go about their daily lives between walls that have stood since 305 AD.
Diocletian’s Palace, which forms the heart of the area, is simply magical. You can walk from your hotel lobby straight onto Peristyle Square, where Emperor Diocletian once held court.
See the best hotels in the Old Town here.
The area is completely car-free, so you can wander about the narrow cobbled streets without worrying about traffic. Here you’ll find everything from trendy wine bars tucked away in vaulted cellars to exclusive shops in ancient Roman buildings.
The restaurant scene is phenomenal – I’m particularly fond of the small family restaurants hidden away within the palace complex, where you can get authentic Dalmatian food.
Transport-wise, it couldn’t be better. You’re only a 5-minute walk from the main railway station and bus station, and the ferry terminal to the islands is right next door.
Bačvice beach is a 10-minute walk away, and Marjan Hill is just outside the northern gate. The area reminds me a bit of Gamla Stan in Stockholm, the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona or Edinburgh’s Old Town – just with much better weather and Roman history!
- The only downside? It can get rather busy in high season, especially when cruise ships are in port. But there are so many hidden corners and smaller streets that you can always find a quiet spot.
Places to stay in the Old Town
Judita Palace Heritage Hotel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is Split at its absolute finest – a renovated Renaissance palace from the 1500s with only 8 unique rooms on the main square. You’re literally staying inside history with original stone walls and views of the lively square. Breakfast is served in the charming courtyard or on the terrace.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “The staff are wonderfully friendly and helpful, the location is perfect and breakfast is excellent!”
See more photos and book here.
Cornaro Hotel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A modern boutique hotel just outside the palace walls with a roof terrace and rooftop pool. The rooms are spacious and elegant with flat-screen TVs and minibars. The hotel’s restaurant and rooftop bar are popular with both guests and locals.
If you’re looking for a hotel in central Split with a rooftop pool, this is the place to stay.
One guest recently wrote: “Fantastic service, clean and peaceful atmosphere, and the rooms are comfortable and spacious.”
See more photos and book here.
Heritage Hotel Fermai ⭐️⭐️⭐️
A charming smaller property in the heart of the Old Town with personal service and authentic atmosphere. The rooms have retained their historic charm whilst offering modern facilities.
Perfect place to stay if you want to experience Split like the locals do.
Guests particularly love: “The personal service and the feeling of staying in a genuine Croatian home right in the midst of history.”
See more photos and book here.
2. Bačvice – best place to stay for beach lovers and party-goers 🏖️
Bačvice is Split at its most lively – here the city’s beautiful sandy beach meets some of Croatia‘s best beach bars and nightlife.
Bačvice is simply the place to stay in Split if you want to combine city experiences with proper beach life.
The beach here is Croatia’s most famous – a gorgeous, golden-sandy beach where both locals and tourists gather to play the traditional game of Picigin in the shallow waters.
But the brilliant thing about staying in Bačvice is that it’s not just a beach – it’s an entire quarter dedicated to having a good time.
See the best hotels in Bačvice here.
During the day you’re lounging on the beach with views of Split’s old town on one side and open sea on the other.
The beach bars serve cold beer and fresh cocktails right down to the water’s edge. In the evening the area transforms into Split’s absolute party headquarters with everything from chilled beach bars to pulsing nightclubs.
You’re only a 15-minute walk from the Old Town, so you can easily hop between historic sightseeing and beach life.
The area also has good bus connections to the rest of the city. Price-wise it’s a bit higher than other parts of Split, but you’re paying for that unique combination of beach and city life.
If you love being where the action is, and aren’t afraid of a bit of noise and music until late in the evening, then Bačvice is perfect.
It reminds me a bit of South Beach in Miami – just with Croatian charm and better food!
Places to stay in Bačvice
Hotel Park Split ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Split’s most prestigious beach hotel since 1921.
This traditional luxury hotel sits right by Bačvice beach with an outdoor pool, elegant restaurant and spa facilities. The rooms are classically furnished with modern amenities and some with sea views.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “Fantastic location by the beach, exceptional service and the most beautiful pool in Split!”
See more photos and book here.
Hotel Villa Harmony ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An intimate boutique beach hotel just steps from Bačvice beach. Modern rooms with elegant details, some with balconies and outdoor jacuzzis. The hotel’s spa and wellness area is perfect after a day on the beach.
One guest recently wrote: “Luxurious beachfront hotel with beautiful rooms and fantastic breakfast.”
See more photos and book here.
3. Meje – perfect for luxury travellers, families and nature lovers 💎
Meje is Split at its most sophisticated – a quiet quarter between Marjan Hill and the sea with spectacular views and some of the city’s best beaches.
If you dream of waking up to panoramic views over the Adriatic Sea whilst being close to Split’s best cultural experiences, then Meje is your place to stay.
This quarter sits like a pearl between the green Marjan Hill and the blue sea, and here you get the feeling of being on holiday at an exclusive resort – even though you’re only a 20-minute walk from Split’s centre.
See the best hotels in Meje here.
Meje is home to the Meštrović Gallery, where you can see masterpieces by Croatia’s most famous sculptor.
The area also has some of Split’s best beaches – Jezinac and Kasjuni – which are less crowded than Bačvice but equally beautiful.
- Kasjuni beach is particularly popular amongst young Croatians, and the atmosphere is relaxed and authentic.
For families, the area is also a good place to book a hotel – quiet, safe and with plenty of green spaces on Marjan Hill for picnics and walks.
Places to stay in Meje/Marjan Hill
Hotel Ambasador ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A stylish boutique hotel on Split’s western promenade with fantastic sea views and chic atmosphere. The hotel’s restaurant serves Dalmatian food with international touches, and the wellness area has dry floatation beds for total relaxation.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “Spectacular views over the Adriatic Sea, modern design and incredibly peaceful location!”
See more photos and book here.
Marjan apartment & rooms ⭐️⭐️⭐️
A family-run accommodation with personal service and authentic atmosphere. Simple but clean rooms with air conditioning and WiFi. The location at the foot of Marjan Hill makes it perfect for nature lovers on a budget.
See more photos and book here.
Where not to stay in Split?
Although Split is generally a safe city, there are some areas where I’d recommend you choose somewhere else to stay to get the best experience.
The Poljud area north of the centre might seem attractive because of lower prices, but you’ll end up spending loads of time and money on transport into the centre and beaches.
Unless you’re specifically coming to see a Hajduk Split football match at Poljud Stadium, you’d be better off booking somewhere closer to the centre.
The area around Split airport might tempt you with quick transit, but there are virtually no tourist facilities, restaurants or attractions.
You’ll get a better experience staying in the centre and taking a taxi or bus to the airport.
The Kaštela area between Split and Trogir has some decent hotels, but you end up in no-man’s land between two destinations without getting the best from either of them.
If you’re considering this area, you’d be better off booking in either Split centre or Trogir town.
Generally speaking, if the price seems too good to be true compared to centre hotels, ask yourself why. It’s almost always transport distance or lack of facilities that’s the reason.
Still unsure where to stay in Split?
Split is one of the few cities where you really can’t go wrong, whatever area you choose from my recommendations!
The Old Town is the perfect area to stay if it’s your first time in Split and you want everything right on your doorstep – history, restaurants, nightlife and easy transport.
Bačvice is the place to stay if the beach and lively nightlife are just as important as sightseeing.
Meje/Marjan Hill is what you choose if you want luxury, peace and beautiful natural surroundings without sacrificing the connection to the city.
Remember that June to September is high season, so book your hotel well in advance and expect higher prices. April and May, as well as September and October, offer the best weather without the crowds, and much better hotel prices.
Split is compact, so you can easily explore several areas during your trip to this Croatian holiday city.
Whatever you choose, look forward to a fantastic experience in Split. The city has that rare ability to feel both cosmopolitan and authentic at the same time.
Enjoy the planning – and especially the trip to Split itself.
Travel ressources & websites I use all the time 👇
• Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay
• GetYourGuide is the best place to book tours & activities with free cancellation
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• Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers
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