Where to Stay in Split – 5 Trendy Areas (Hotels + Prices!)

Looking for where to stay in Split? If so, I’m your travel planner gal! 

I have visited this stunning coastal town and its surroundings, and I understand how choosing the perfect place to stay can be a tough nut to crack. 

That’s why I’ve combined my research skills with my experience in the Dalmatian Coast to come up with the ultimate list of the top 5 areas AND best hotels to stay in Split! 

The best place to stay in Split is the Old Town. This area is the heart and soul of the city, and it’s where all the key tourist spots are.

Read this post because I made sure to hand-pick only the best rated hotels for you and I sorted them by price (you will find everything from Luxury to budget here). 

So sit back and relax – once you’ve read the post, the only thing you’ll need to do is choose your favorite area and hotel, and your planning is done in a couple of minutes!

Note that Split is becoming more popular year after year, so make sure you book your stay here in advance!

If you’re in a hurry…

Here are the best Split hotels in Old Town, the best area to stay in Split for first-timers:

• Best luxury hotel: Judita Palace Heritage Hotel
• Best middle-priced hotel: Slavija Culture Heritage Hotel
• Best budget hotel: Old Town Hostel Split

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Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:

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Which area should you choose?

Here is a map of the 5 Split neighborhoods I’ll be talking about:

Even though Split is not that big (there are just over 175,000 people living there), it is divided into 8 different districts. The 8 districts are further divided into smaller neighborhoods and areas, each with its unique charm and advantages.

• Where to stay for first-timers – Split Old Town
• Top place for nightlife – Bacvice and Old Town
• Best neighborhoods for families – Znjan and Meje
• Stay for a modern vibe – Poljud
• Great areas for beaches – Veli Varos, Stobrec, Znjan, Bacvice

1. Old Town Split – where to stay in Split for first-timers

If you’re wondering where to stay in Split for the first time, the answer is Split Old Town!

The Old Town of Split (also known as Grad) is the heart and soul of the city. It has some of the best activities, like wine tasting, playing local games, or going for a romantic walk! 

You can check my blog post about the best things to do in Split for all ages for more details!

The Old Town of Split is also a UNESCO World Heritage site!

Here, you’ll also find Split’s most famous landmark. Yes, I’m talking about the Diocletian’s Palace, an ancient palace built some 2,000 years ago by the Roman emperor Diocletian. You can easily get lost in the palace walls, but before you do, make sure to visit the Silver Gate and roam its bustling markets!

Other interesting cultural sights include Riva Harbor, Split Riva Promenade, and the Cathedral of St. Domnius with its Bell Tower.

Between the Old Town and the Bacvice district, you’ll find the Split Port. Split is an important ferry connection to Croatian islands but also to Italy and other Mediterranean routes!

The central district is one of the best local hotspots for dining and nightlife, with some of the best restaurants in Split, Croatia. Make sure you visit Fabrique Pub, the largest pub in the city!

Luxury (€150 and up)

• Heritage Hotel Antique Split – this fantastic heritage hotel is one of the best hotels in the city center. It’s close to the beach and the ferry port and offers spotless rooms, fantastic service, and modern facilities!
• Cornaro Hotel – this boutique hotel is where to stay in Split if you want to be near Diocletian’s Palace. It’s also the best resort in Croatia for couples! You’ll find spacious rooms, a rooftop bar, a spa area, and an incredibly delicious breakfast buffet. 
• Judita Palace Heritage Hotel – the Judita Palace Heritage Hotel is one of my favorite hotels in Split, and it may become yours too when you learn that it’s situated in a 16th-century building just next to the Diocletian’s Palace! It has a central location, stone walls, posh furniture, and panoramic views from the balcony!

The Old Town is packed with luxury accommodation, including small luxury hotels. For more ideas, check out the Villa Split Heritage Hotel and Hotel Vestibul Palace!

Mid-range (€50 – €150)

• 3M Peristil – the perfect choice if you’re searching for a nice apartment in Split’s Old Town that will make you feel at home! All studios and rooms are tidy and beautifully designed. Plus, the beach is only a minute away!
• Slavija Culture Heritage Hotel – a fabulous heritage hotel situated within the walls of the Diocletian’s Palace. The rooms offer panoramic views of the city, an AC, and free Wi-Fi.
• Piano Nobile Rooms – a guest house with studios and deluxe rooms, daily housekeeping, and exceptional breakfast. The property is only 5 minutes away from Diocletian’s Palace.

Budget (up to €50)

• Guesthouse F – one of the highest-rated guest houses with studios and double rooms at a perfect location near the attractions and a bus stop. There’s even a hiking trail on the premises!
• Old Town Hostel Split – a nice hostel with a shared lounge, just steps from the People’s Square. They offer free Wi-Fi, airport shuttle, and cozy rooms. For an even cheaper experience, you can choose a bed in a mixed dormitory.

2. Bacvice – where to stay in Split for nightlife & the beach

Bacvice Beach is the only beach in Split that has acquired a “blue flag” status (pure water+clean coasts) for environmental sustainability, and it’s also one of the best places to stay for ultimate relaxation while soaking in the sun! 

The area is located southeast of Split Old Town (15 mins walk), so you’ll basically get the best of both worlds. You’ll be close to the city center and enjoy some beautiful beaches! This is where I stayed too and did not have any regrets!

The great news for partygoers is that the Bacvice area has some of the coolest clubs, which stay open until early morning! 

Head south from the beach to find the most vibrant part of the area with restaurants and bars. Tennis Bar is the most popular late-night pub with affordable prices, the most delicious cocktails, and a direct view of the beach!

If you fancy sandy beaches (a rarity in Croatia!!) and good night fun, look no further than the hip Bacvice district! By the way, if you are considering staying here with a family too, this is a great spot too – the promenade is super quiet and enjoyable, so it can satisfy all kinds of travelers. 

Alternatively, you can check out the Gripe area just north of Bacvice for a more budget-friendly stay! Here, you’ll find the Gripe Fortress!

Luxury (€140 and up)

• Marvie Hotel Split – a superb location hotel with a rooftop swimming pool, a spa center, and a rooftop terrace. Book massage treatments, enjoy fast room service, and devour their delicious daily breakfast before heading to the beach!
• Hotel Park Split – if you travel for luxury and wonder where to stay in Split for couples, Park Split is the perfect option! The rooms are gorgeous and elegant. The staff is very friendly, and the hotel even has a wellness center. This is one of the best beach hotels in Split!
• Hotel Villa Harmony – here’s another superb place to stay if you’re looking for a beautiful hotel with an outdoor swimming pool! This hotel is one of the best Croatia hotels on the beach! This 4-star heritage hotel also has a mini-spa and a sauna!

Mid-range (€70 – €140)

• Lugo Apartments – a stunning Split accommodation with a fully equipped kitchen, an AC, a balcony, and free parking. It’s one of those places where you see the owner put a lot of effort into making every second of your stay here pleasant!
• Luxury Rooms and Apartment Silente Bacvice – superb rooms near bars and restaurants in Split. The property is only 2 minutes away from the beach area! They offer paid street parking in Split close by.

Budget (up to €70)

• Apartments Mihaela – affordable apartment with a garden, a hot tub, and family rooms. All rooms have AC and free Wi-Fi. The rooms have a large double bed and a sofa and can fit up to 4 people.
• Center Beach Apartment – one of the most affordable apartments near the beach, featuring a private bathroom and compact yet clean rooms. You can make meals in the fully-equipped kitchen and can always count on the hosts if you need anything!

3. Veli Varos – where to stay to live like a local

If you want to be conveniently located and experience Split’s local charm, then Veli Varoš is for you!

Veli Varos, located West of the Old Town, is full of cobblestone streets, stone walls, cozy cafes, amazing restaurants that serve traditional Croatian food, and everything in between!

Exciting attractions in this area include the Teraca Vidilica restaurant with the most iconic view of Split, Marjan Park exact point to the map is here). Make sure to check out the Archaeological Museum too, it dates back to 1820!

In addition, you’ll find medieval churches and lovely white stone houses that make Split so unique. If you choose not to stay here, you should at least come for a few hours to discover the charming side of Split while indulging in delicious grilled seafood!

This is also one of the best places to book a room if you’re looking for apartments and small boutique hotels in Split! This being said, there are no luxury hotels in the area! For a luxury experience, check out Hotel Cvita just a bit further south in Meje.

Mid-range (€70 – €110)

• Apartments Duje – lovely apartments with a terrace, a kitchen, and airport shuttle services. The apartments can fit up to 4 people and have 2 bedrooms. This top-rated apartment has a city view and is within walking distance from Old Town’s main attractions.
• Awesome Stone House – be located a stonethrow from the Palace and oceanfront in this family-friendly apartment with a terrace, AC, and a fabulous garden.

Budget (up to €70)

• Guesthouse Maris – A top-rated guesthouse with modern furniture and superb location near all things cool, including shops and restaurants. This super budget-friendly place is perfect for couples!
• Guesthouse F – This marvelous guesthouse has compact rooms, central location, and all the basic amenities you could need for a comfortable stay!

4. Lucac and Manus – where to stay on a budget

Lučac and Manuš are located very close to Split Old Town (a bit to the East from it). These districts are the best places to stay if you’re traveling on a tight budget! 

Both areas are full of beautiful streets, stone walls, impressive architecture, and exciting attractions such as Radunica Street (the heart and soul of this neighborhood) and the Croatian Maritime Museum.

This is a medieval neighborhood, and you’ll see plenty of interesting places and buildings around that will transport you back in time.

Near these 2 districts, you can also find Dobri, another one of the oldest neighborhoods of Split!

In terms of accommodation, Lučac and Manuš (and Dobri, for that matter) are great places to find the best hotels in Split with low rates. But no worries, even their hotels with low rates have amazing amenities, as accommodation in Split is of a pretty high standard!

There are some awesome luxury hotels and suites as well, so you’ll find something for every taste.

Luxury (€110 and up)

• Time Boutique Hotel – A fabulous 4-star boutique hotel with a wellness center, elegant rooms, and a short distance from the Old Town and Bacvice beach. The spa has a swimming pool, saunas, a tepidarium, as well as all types of massages and beauty treatments for an unforgettable and rejuvenating stay!
• Heritage Hotel FERMAI MGallery – Another top-rated luxury hotel on the outskirts of the Old Town, featuring stylish decoration, daily housekeeping, lavish bathrooms, and a terrific location! They can also assist with airport transfer!

Mid-range (€70 – €110)

• Leonilda Rooms – Modern, cozy, and charming rooms with a terrace and a lovely garden. One of the best places to stay in Split for couples considering the distance from the beach, the center, and the amenities.
• Nirvana Rooms Split – A 3-star hotel with private bathrooms, a central location, and bike hire on-site. They have a lovely garden, airport shuttle, and compact rooms that are perfect for casual travelers. 

Budget (up to €70)

• En Route Hostel – A top-rated hostel with large dorm rooms, clean facilities, and super friendly staff! Staying here will make it a breeze to meet fellow travelers and locals!
• Maja Rooms – Budget-friendly rooms with free cancellation, mountain views, and a short distance from the beach! They also provide a parking spot (paid, €8 per day), and free Wi-Fi. 

5. Poljud/Spinut – where to stay for a modern vibe

Split is a historic city – you’ll be surrounded by the past everywhere you go. However, Špinut is your place if you’re more into the contemporary.

This quaint neighborhood is best known for Stadium Poljud, which can seat 35,000 sports fans! The stadium also hosts various events throughout the year, from concerts to football games.

Park Mladosti is the go-to spot to catch a breath, go for a picnic, or sit for a drink. Head to the port area to experience the vibrant atmosphere, bars, and fun crowd! 

I highly recommend the Kavana Procaffe, a local favorite cafe by the port where you can grab a drink and soak in the bustling atmosphere.

Luxury (€100 and up)

• Stay in Meta Mate – located less than 20 mins’ walk from the beach, this apartment has a gorgeous sun terrace and it’s a lovely option for couples! They also offer a paid airport shuttle to make your life easier. 
• Ivan and Hrvoje Apartments – experience your very own private entrance into a beautiful apartment, which is super cozy and has a lovely terrace. If you’re traveling to Split with a car, you’ll be glad to hear there’s underground parking!

Mid-range (€50 – €100)

• Luxury Rooms Alice – this great stay has city views, 2 bedrooms, air conditioning, and a continental breakfast. Family rooms and free Wi-Fi are also available! I love the superb location of this apartment, as it’s situated just next to the main bus station and has a direct bus line to the airport!

Budget (up to €50)

• Gravitas Hostel Split – one of Split’s best hostels that’s perfect if you seek to meet fellow travelers and don’t mind sharing rooms with them! The convenient location near markets and shops and lovely staff make for a comfortable and pleasant stay.
• Tajc Rooms – a great option for up to 3 guests, features an equipped kitchen, free toiletries, and a private bathroom. The room is tiny but cozy, and the balcony is amazing!

Best apartments in Split, Croatia

Split abounds in apartment offers, and I felt like I wouldn’t be doing your trip justice if I didn’t compare ALL the best Split apartments and give you the ultimate best-of-the-best list!

Below, you’ll find my pick for the best luxury, mid-range, and budget Split accommodation!

Luxury

• Perla Apartmani Split – a spacious luxury accommodation in Split, close to the beach and not far from Downtown. Enjoy nicely decorated rooms less than 10 minutes away from Diocletian’s Palace on foot!
• Sleep Split Luxury Boutique Suites and Rooms – luxury accommodation in the heart of Split near all tourist attractions. They offer daily breakfast on a terrace and super clean and comfortable rooms.

Mid-range

• Apartments Korta – located near Diocletian’s Palace, this apartment features a children’s playground as well as a nice garden. They offer daily housekeeping and an airport shuttle.
• Apartment Mila – a lovely apartment located near the Old Town and a few minutes away from the beach. This accommodation has all the amenities you need for the perfect stay in Split, with panoramic views, modern furniture, a spotless bathroom, and amicable hosts.

Budget 

• Apartments CenterLink – a freshly renovated place in the city center featuring free parking, a fully equipped kitchen, a seating area, and a lovely balcony.
• Apartment Tomas – the cutest apartment with 1 single and 1 large double bed, a private kitchen and bathroom, and a walk-in shower.

👑 Luxury price:	€160
💵 Mid-range:	€100
🛏️ Budget:	€60
📍 Best neighborhood:	Split Old Town
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Cornaro Hotel
🧳 Mid-range hotel:	Slavija Culture Heritage Hotel
👛 Best budget hotel:	Old Town Hostel Split

BONUS 1: Top villas in Split, Croatia

If you’re traveling to Split for a bachelor or bachelorette party, I highly recommend staying in a villa!

Traveling to Split with a group or just want to splurge on your stay? Check out these villas I sorted from the most to least expensive!

• Luxury: Luxury Villa Stocia – a luxury home with a jacuzzi and an unbelievable city view from the balcony. The villa can fit up to 8 people and has a sauna and outdoor pool.
• Mid-range: Antique Garden Villa – a charming villa near the Old Town that is perfect for families. There are indoor and outdoor playing areas, family rooms, and BBQ facilities.
• Budget: Villa Domina – a lovely budget-friendly villa for up to 4 guests offering free parking, a balcony, and a prime location near the Diocletian’s Palace!

BONUS 2: Beach accommodation outside Split

Split is a popular tourist destination, but so are the small villages neighboring it! 

If your prime focus for your next vacation is enjoying the Mediterranean sun and beach, then you should check some of the areas below:

Firule, Trstenik and Znjan

Welcome to Split’s friendliest neighborhoods when it comes to beaches and families! Here, you’ll find kid-friendly playgrounds, parks, and the city’s largest beach (in Znanj), perfect for a family vacation!

These neighborhoods are about an hour on foot from the Old Town and Diocletian’s Palace, but you can use public transport or a car and get there much faster! 

If you’re into kitesurfing and water sports, Znjan is the perfect place. Watersports Split is located right next to the beach, and it’s where you can get water sports equipment or go jet skiing. 

Now here’s my choice of the best accommodation options for every budget:

• Luxury: Radisson Blu Resort – Radisson Blu Resort is the ultimate luxury destination with an outdoor and indoor pool, wellness facilities, a kids’ club, and more.
• Mid-range: Hotel Elu Iris – this 3-star hotel is located on Znjan Beach and offers free parking, family rooms, and an excellent breakfast! Hotel guests can enjoy clean and cozy rooms, some of which have fabulous sea views!
• Budget: Apartments Znjan – Situated in a peaceful area near the beaches, these apartments are perfect for couples and families. Family rooms are spacious, and you can even arrange private transfers from the airport. 

Strobrec

Stobreč is a bit further from Split and is the perfect place to stay if you want to spend time in a historical village. There are important archeological sites in the town, and a gorgeous basilica that dates back to the early Christian era.

This area is also considered as one of the best beach resorts in Split, Croatia.

Here, you’ll find the largest campsites in the country! You can also try watersports, walk along the promenade, or visit Medieval churches and basilicas. 

If you’re staying without a car, don’t worry! There’s a direct bus to the Split Old Town, and you can get there in 25 minutes.

Most of the accommodation here consists of apartments that are much cheaper than those in Split proper. 

• Luxury: Since no luxury hotels are available in Stobrec, you can check out the luxury options in the nearby areas like Strozanac and Podstrana. This is where Hotel Eden and Le Meridien Lav Split are located.
• Mid-range: Rooms and Apartments Porat – fabulous beachfront apartments in the heart of historic Stobrec. The rooms have sea views and BBQ facilities. There’s also a restaurant on-site!
• Budget: The Beach Studios & Apartments – a spacious apartment with an equipped kitchen, 1 large double bed, and 1 sofa. If you’re wondering where to stay in Split for the beach, this apartment is it! The beach is literally a step away! There’s also free Wi-Fi, a dining area, and private bathrooms.

Meje

Meje is a great place to stay for families because of its small coastal village vibe, just a 20-minute walk from the Old Town. Here, you’ll find the Marjan Park, Jezinac, Kastelet, and Kasjuni beaches, as well as the Mestorovic Gallery.

In the West Bank, you can go for a beautiful oceanfront walk and enjoy stunning views of the Old Town! 

There are plenty of things to do and see in Meje, so here my accommodation recommendations to help you plan your stay here:

• Luxury: Hotel Cvita – A 4-star hotel with an outdoor pool, fabulous location, a spa, and a gym on-site! They serve various types of breakfast and super comfortable bedding!
• Mid-range: Apartment Mala Tereza – this cozy place is situated just next to the beach. It has a sea view, free Wi-Fi, and BBQ facilities. The compact apartment has a true Mediterranean charm, and its little garden is a perfect place to relax in the morning. 
• Budget: Apartment Džoni – a great value-for-money option for up to 4 guests featuring an equipped kitchen, a garden, and free parking. The apartment is just across the beach!

BONUS 3: Best hotels near Split International Airport

If you’re planning a short stay or are only visiting Split on a layover, I’m your gal when it comes to Split Airport hotel search! 

I’ve compared all the best options within a 5 km (3 miles) radius of the airport, and below, I share the best options for every budget:

• Luxury: Hotel Brown Beach House & Spa – located a minute away from the beach and not far from the airport, this hotel has an onsite restaurant, a pool bar, a spa center, and unique rooms with marble bathrooms. 
• Mid-range: Apartment Kiki – located just 500 meters (0.3 miles) from Split Airport, this apartment is perfect for short stays. 
• Budget: Hotel Trogir – Hotel Trogir is an authentic place with cute details and spotless rooms. It’s not on the beach, but it’s nestled in Trogir’s Old City, just 9 minutes away from the airport by car!

FAQs about where to stay in Split, Croatia

Conclusion

This was my ultimate guide on where to stay in Split, Croatia! I compared and sorted all the best Split hotels and areas for all tastes and budgets! Whether you’re looking for a luxury place with a rooftop pool, mid-range accommodation, or cheap hotels, I’ve got you covered! 

And if you still can’t decide on where to stay, here are 2 of my favorite lodging options in Split:

• The View Luxury Rooms – a perfect combo of luxury and comfort close to all things cool
• Slavija Culture Heritage Hotel – best-in-class heritage hotel with bright rooms, panoramic city views, and daily continental breakfast

Remember to book your stay in Split, Croatia, ASAP because the rooms can sell out quickly!

If you want to read more about Croatia (Split but not only), you can find all my articles about the country here.

Finally, if you have any questions, drop a comment below! I’ll be happy to help!

Have fun exploring Split!

Yulia

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