Where is the best area to stay in Split?
By Arietza Contreras. November 27, 2023
Make the most of your stay in Split by choosing the Old Town as your home base for your trip. Here, you can leisurely stroll through narrow streets, uncover local cafe bars and restaurants tucked away inside the stone buildings, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of piazzas. You also have convenient access to historic landmarks and tourist agencies offering ferry rides and private boat tours, as well as quick departures for day excursions from the nearby Bus and train stations connecting you to nearby cities. Whether you’re off to explore Marmontova Street, the marina, Obojena Beach, and Marjan Hill Forest on one side or casually wandering to the Farmers Market or Pazar, the Riva promenade, Bacvice, and even Znjan on the other, the central location of Old Town ensures you’re never far from anything.
Nestled on the scenic Dalmatian Coast, Split serves as the strategic hub for exploring nearby attractions like Dubrovnik, Zadar, Plitvice Lakes, and other national parks. With its international airport and bustling port, Split becomes the ideal starting point for discovering Croatia’s cities, coast, and islands. The city of Split is renowned for Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with historic sites and cultural gems against the backdrop of the crystalline Adriatic Sea. Inside the Old Town, you can find iconic landmarks such as the Peristyle Square, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Temple of Jupiter. Wander through the four main gates - Iron, Gold, Metal, and Bronze - and enjoy the local klapa groups singing inside the Vestibule.On the map, which shows the best area to stay in Split, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.
If you are interested in where to stay in Split, you may also be interested in where to stay in Dubrovnik, where to stay in Hvar or where to stay in Zagreb.
Old Town, the best area to stay in Split
Sightseeing / Families / Short Break / Nightlife
Staying in the Old Town offers an immediate immersion into the vibrant city life the moment you step out of your hotel room. Witness the charm of little cars delivering food to local shops, observe locals claiming their favorite cafes, and savor the scent of freshly baked bread as you meander through the narrow streets, while soaking in the city’s wanderlust. Another advantage of staying in the Old Town is the proximity of your accommodations to the port. After a day of touring the islands, you can take a quick break, have a nap in your hotel, and easily head back out to explore the city without the need to rent or drive a car!
The highlight of the Old Town lies in its dynamic nightlife—strolling the Riva Promenade and marina at night, immersing yourself in live bands at the Peristyle, and encountering street performances around every corner. Old Town provides a front-row seat to the vibrant soul of Split.
Other neighbourhoods to stay in Split
Bacvice, where the beach comes to life
Beaches / Nightlife / Young Couples
Bacvice offers a perfect fusion of beachside bliss and vibrant nightlife. At its heart lies the famed Bacvice Beach, a picturesque stretch of shoreline that has earned international notice for its long stretch of shallow sandy shores and crystal-clear waters. From Bacvice, you can find luxurious hotels and rustic accommodations, with a plethora of dining options ranging from restaurants to fast food. Lounge clubs and cafe bars line the shore, ensuring that both towels and tourists alike will adorn the beach. The Old Town is about a 20-minute walk from the beach, or you could easily get a ride to drop you in the heart of the city!
The beachside charm of Bacvice extends beyond daylight hours, evolving into a lively nightlife hub as the sun sets. While some prefer the tranquillity of the shore late at night, where people gather for moonlit conversations and the soothing sound of the waves, others can venture into the energetic club scene that comes alive in this vibrant neighbourhood.
Znjan, an escape to the seaside
Beaches / Hotels with Sea Views / Families
Znjan is a neighbourhood primarily composed of hotels, resorts, and stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. The beginning of Znjan is connected to the end of Bacvice. It’s important to note that Znjan has undergone renovations, and as of 2022, the area’s lounge beach clubs, restaurants, and cafe bars have been temporarily removed.
However, the pristine beach remains open and offers a serene escape for sun-seekers. If there is some advice I can share with you, it is to take some sort of shade because the sun can be relentless, and there are not that many trees protecting you from the shade.
You could reach the Old Town from Znjan, but it is a long walk. So unless you have the time and energy to do it, and perhaps grab coffee along the way, then it’s in your best interest to jump in a taxi!
Veli Varos / Marjan, tranquility with a view
Beaches / Quiet / Sightseeing
Veli Varos/Marjan is the more peaceful area of all the neighbourhoods on this list. Nestled near Marjan Hill, this residential haven consists of intimate boutique hotels, traditional rustic Dalmatian rentals, and holiday homes. A short stroll leads to Diocletian’s Palace and UNESCO-protected landmarks inside of Old Town, Riva promenade, and the marina.
The true star of the show here is the Marjan Hill Forest. Just going uphill, you reach the famous Vidilica café, offering one of the most iconic views in all of Split. From there, you can explore Marjan trails, reach the city’s highest peak marked by the flag, visit the zoo, explore the botanical garden, discover the beach and the small churches along the way, and enjoy a leisurely picnic while feeding the friendly wild cats that roam the area.
Stobrec, a hidden gem by the sea
Large Family Retreats / Inland Excursions, / Travelling Stop
For a quieter interlude, Stobrec stands as a concealed jewel just beyond the city confines. Stobrec offers a strategic location close to the city centre, the ferry terminal, and Split Airport. This area features many holiday rentals, restaurants, a short promenade, and waterfront dining spots. Coffee bars add an extra layer of charm, providing a perfect setting for romantic dinners or leisurely meals with picturesque sea views.
Stobrec beckons as an optimal retreat for those yearning a laid-back stay in proximity to key attractions and is ideal for more inland excursions and family adventures, such as visiting national parks and other landmarks outside of Split. Moreover, being away from the hustle of the Old Town, accommodation prices are practical for larger families travelling together.
Poljud, contemporary comfort in the heart
Poljud Stadium
This district, home to the iconic Poljud Stadium, offers a sophisticated blend of modernity and comfort with a range of hotels, apartment rentals, and a neighbourhood that is more locally inhabited by born and raised Croatians. Poljud is ideal for those travelling in large groups, as the apartments and rentals provide more parking space than anything within the Old Town.
On the off chance that Hajduk, the city’s beloved team, has a game, you will experience the electric atmosphere that engulfs the city on game day. The fervour typically begins in Riva and culminates in Poljud. Keep an eye out for a sea of people donning white shirts with red and blue—a clear sign that the fans, representing the entire city, are gearing up for an exciting game later. Poljud not only provides a luxurious stay but also offers a front-row seat to the passionate sports culture that defines Split.
Our recommended hotels in Split
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in SplitNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
