Last updated on June 13th, 2026 at 01:45 pm
Are you planning a trip to Croatia and wondering where to stay in Split?
Known as the gateway to the Dalmatian islands, Split is home to one of Croatia’s most visited UNESCO World Heritage Sites and beautiful Rivieras, for these reasons, I’ve stayed in this city more times than any other place in Croatia, and know the areas well!
Split’s main attraction is, of course, the old town’s Diocletian’s Palace – and it’s fantastic, without a doubt the best place to stay in Split for charm and atmosphere, but you also have the Riva and Marjan Hill for unbeatable sea views, long Dalmatian lunches and beautiful vistas!
Each location offers something special and the best accommodation in Split, from heritage-listed boutiques within the palace walls to gorgeous apartments and hotels with epic rooftops like Hotel Ambassador – I share my absolute top picks below!
Top Picks: Best Hotels In Split Old Town!
Short on time? Here are some of the best places to stay in Split!
- Hotel Ambassador – top hotel, rooftop pool & epic Riviera views!
- Heritage Hotel Santa Lucia – best overall boutique & terrace in Old Town!
- Judita Palace Boutique – charming historic hotel in Diocletian’s Palace!
Old Town, best place to stay in Split for charm!
WHERE TO STAY IN SPLIT CROATIA – OVERVIEW
Split covers a surprisingly large area, with many neighbourhoods and even beaches stretching way beyond the palace walls, and where you stay will really make a difference to your overall experience, especially on first visits!
When planning where to stay in Split, I recommend focusing on the Old Town, Riva and Marjan Hill, which are the most convenient, attractive and walkable areas of Split, with quick access to the main attractions, ferries and boat excursions – it’s where you’ll spend the majority of your time!
Best Areas In Split Croatia – At A Glance
Old Town (Diocletian’s Palace)
Split Old Town is the most central, historic location – a bustling and pedestrianised area, with the main attractions, boutique hotels, wine bars, and restaurants on your doorstep. It’s atmospheric and one of the best places to stay in Split for first visits!
Riviera (Riva)
Split’s Riva sits directly in front of the Diocletian’s Palace walls, a beautiful, vibrant, pedestrianised area along the seafront with palm trees, attractive restaurant terraces and Venetian architecture – my favourite spot!!
Marjan Hill (Meje)
Marjan Hill is an upmarket area offering a quieter Mediterranean-style setting with stunning views across to the Riva, modern villas, and a few luxury hotels, a 10-minute walk from Diocletian’s Palace!
Veli Varos
Vali Varos is an authentic suburb near Marjan Hill, with crumbly traditional houses and a local feel, this is a small low-key area just a short stroll away from Diocletian’s Palace, suitable for shorter stays.
Bacvice
Bacvice is the nearest beach to Split’s old town, there’s some nightlife here and a few tranquil accommodation options among leafy spots and only a 20-minute walk from the edge of the Riva.
Best Hotels In Split By Style – Quick Guide!
- Luxury hotel: Hotel Ambasador
- Boutique hotel: Heritage Hotel Santa Lucia
- Romantic hotel: Judita Palace Boutique
- Great-value boutique: Mirari
- Private suites: Porto Nativo
- Hotel with a pool: Hotel Ambasador
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SPLIT CROATIA
OLD TOWN SPLIT – Diocletian’s Palace
Best place to stay in Split Croatia for first-time visitors, restaurants & attractions!
Split’s Old Town is just full of old-world charm, cobbled streets, and architectural gems. It’s the real heart and soul of the city and the perfect place to stay in Split for first-time visitors or for anyone who wants to be centrally located and surrounded by beautiful ancient buildings and sea views!
UNESCO Diocletian’s Palace and the old town are what visitors come to see, so while the mornings are tranquil, by lunchtime, the square and cathedral zones are bustling with day trippers, but you can always find a quiet escape and there are lots of incredible restaurants, lanes to get lost in and atmosphere – especially at night, where you’ll be totally captivated!
And one of the best things is that the area is pedestrianised and it’s where you’ll find the most attractive boutique accommodation in Split, some hidden in secret corners, such as my personal favourite old town boutique Judita Palace Boutique, with a lovely terrace, situated on a fabulous square!
WHERE TO STAY IN SPLIT OLD TOWN
Hotels, Boutiques & Apartments!
Where to Stay in Split Old Town: Hotel Santa Lucia
Heritage Hotel Santa Lucia
Heritage Hotel Santa Lucia is the best boutique hotel in Split Old Town, set on a gorgeous square with a lovely ambiance and elegant interiors – I stayed in the deluxe room last September and was especially taken with the hidden roof top terrace for sunset drinks, the rooms are spotless and huge and the location is ideal, a great all-round experience – explore this beautiful stay!
Judita Palace Heritage Hotel
Judita Palace Boutique is a historic and romantic place to stay within Diocletian’s Palace, set in a 16th-century palace, boasting antique interiors and classic old-world charm, it’s a popular choice for couples, I recommend upgrading to the deluxe double with a balcony see room options!
Golden Gate – private luxury rooms
Golden Gate offers a more affordable luxury boutique stay for those looking for a beautiful suite with modernised and superior amenities. I love the unique Diocletian location right along the ancient stone wall, everything here feels brand new and upscale, a perfect place for central stays within Split Old Town.
Vestibul Palace Hotel
Vestibul Palace is a small luxury hotel in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace with a charming square setting – tucked away from the crowds, where an amazing breakfast is served every morning, making it one of the most popular places to stay in Split for those looking to be central with a touch of quiet elegance!
Porto Nativo – private rooms & studios
Porto Nativo offers a chic mid-priced stay with three newly renovated Mediterranean-style rooms all decked out in dreamy boho-luxe furnishings! I’ve stayed here twice, it makes a convenient base for exploring Split, if available I recommend the superior double facing the atmospheric street and would happily stop again, see why I love it so much!
Top Tip! If you plan to stay in Split Old Town, book your boutique hotel as soon as possible, the best properties sells out fast, especially between June and September!
SPLIT RIVA – RIVIERA
Best place to stay in Split for sea views & vibes!
Split’s popular and vibrant Riva sits directly in front of Diocletian’s Palace wall, where you can enjoy long lunches, sunset drinks, and people-watching – see the picture above featuring the Olive Tree terrace; I’ve spent a lot of time here, it’s a great spot to relax at any point in the day!
This waterfront area is one of Croatia’s most beautiful, with a lovely palm tree-lined promenade, bustling sea-facing restaurants, terraces and impressive Venetian architecture – and some of those historic buildings are home to exceptional apartments like Split’s Finest Apartment, where you can enjoy harbour views from your balcony while having Split’s best sights and boat trips right on your doorstep.
And not only is the setting picturesque and location handy, at the end of the Riviera, you’ll also find the upmarket area of Marjan Hill, it’s panoramic viewpoint and Hotel Ambassador, one of the best hotels in Split with a pool and stunning Riviera views, ideal for cooling off on a hot summer’s day!
WHERE TO STAY IN SPLIT RIVA
Hotels, Boutiques & Apartments!
Where to stay in Split Riva: Hotel Ambasador
Hotel Ambasador
Hotel Ambasador is the best hotel in Split, known for its luxury minimalist style and stunning rooftop pool overlooking the marina and Riva – I stopped here after island-hopping to re-coop and loved the superior experience, it’s the perfect place for summer, the premium king room balcony with sea-view is absolutely worth upgrading to, see the views above!
Split Finest Apartment
Finest Suite is a lovely romantic apartment on the best part of the Riva with plenty of space, upscale furnishings and tasteful neutral design – the seaview balcony is ideal for sipping your morning Nespresso, a chic yet affordable place to stay in Split, especially for couples or solos, the location is fabulous!
Adriatik Lux Apartment
Adriatik Lux is a light and airy two-bedroomed apartment with a roomy lounge and all the mod-cons for a stylish and comfortable stay, plus there’s a wonderful sea-view balcony for people-watching and breakfasting – this is one of the nicest places to stay in Split for small groups, especially if you’re after privacy and all the amenities!
MEJE – MARJAN HILL
Best place to stay in Split Croatia for luxury & relaxed vibes!
Marjan Hill is one of the most serene and upmarket places to stay in Split, offering the best sea views and nature strolls, while being just a 10-minute walk from Diocletian’s Palace, a lovely location for exploring Split’s harbour, if you’re still wondering where to stay in Split, Marjan Hill is a great and often overlooked option!
Among the terraces and palm trees, you’ll also find some of the top hotels in Split here, such as stylish boutique Mirari, with rooftop pools, private apartments and villas overlooking the Adriatic and Riva, making it a more relaxed and luxurious setting.
Besides the harbour, Marjan Hill offers up the main viewing point of Split and the best panorama over the city, and it’s also near some of Split’s best beach coves underneath the nature park, which you can easily spend time visiting if you have around three days in Split!
WHERE TO STAY IN SPLIT’S MARJAN HILL/MEJE
Hotels, Boutiques & Apartments!
Where to stay in Split Marjan Hill: Boutique Hotel Mirari
Mirari Boutique Hotel
Mirari, is one of the newest and best great-value boutique hotels in Split, boasting a sea-facing rooftop pool and gorgeous Mediterranean grounds, there is style and flare in abundance at this hotel, and each room comes with a seaview and some with balconies! I’ve visited for drinks on the terrace and love the ambience, style and scenic walk along the seafront – view this stay!
Aurelius – apartment
Aurelius is a tastefully decorated and bright newly renovated two-bedroomed apartment with pretty Old Town and harbour views from the fantastic wrap-around balcony, fully equipped with all the mod cons – then some, a great option for groups wanting space and privacy, you could relax in style for a few days here!
Villa KaTess – private villa
Villa KaTess offers a modern villa for up to six guests, ideal for families, you’ll have a private pool, sun terrace and garden with a children’s play area and all the mod cons and essentials for comfort, one of the best places to stay in Split if you’re looking for your own calm abode in Split’s most affluent and tranquil area!
VELI VAROS
Best place to stay in Split for local vibes!
Veli Varos is the oldest neighbourhood of Split, a low-key, authentic area situated behind the end of the Riva and Marjan Hill, where you’ll find a series of crumbly old townhouses and green shutters – a totally different aesthetic and vibe from the glam Venetian Riva!
If you are wondering where to stay in Split for that lived-in, local feeling, this is the best spot, there’s not even a hint of tourism here, but you are only a short stroll from the promenade and all the key points in Split, there’s a lot of Airbnb’s, but I don’t recommend as they are notoriously hard to find and there’s a strong possibility you may end up someplace less than desirable in this area of Split!
Velo Varos is one of the smallest areas to stay in Split and offers only a couple of boutique hotels, including Sperone Boutique hotel, which features a variety of well-decorated rooms and a pool, and for that reason, it’s the best place to stay in Vali Varos!
WHERE TO STAY IN SPLIT VELI VAROS
Hotels, Boutiques & Apartments!
Where to stay in Split Vali Varos: Boutique Hotel Sperone
Sperone Boutique Hotel
Sperone is a sweet heritage boutique hotel in Veli Varos with a secret spa, pool and bar, a real hidden gem featuring stone walls and charming decor throughout, a great value boutique hotel for this local neighbourhood area in Split!
Ibella Boutique Rooms
Ibella, is a brand new affordable luxury 4-star boutique offering a relaxed ambience and cool boho-chic style across all rooms and spaces, which include an aesthetically pleasing plunge pool area with luxe loungers, I like the style of this accommodation in Split, the rooms are very beautiful!
Villa Pauletta – private villa
Villa Pauletta, is one of the coolest and best places to stay in Split for groups, you’ll love the pool, balcony, spacious terrace, it feels homely and has all the modern facilities you could ask for, even free bikes and an outdoor cinema for those hot summer nights!
BACVICE & PODSTRANA BEACHES
Best place to stay in Split Croatia for resort style!
Where to stay in Split Bacvice: Heritage Hotel Park
Further along the coastline, you’ll find larger beaches and a few resorts to stay, ideal for families and those looking for hotels in Split with a relaxed ambience, pools and natural settings, such as the popular Heritage Hotel Park Split in Bacvice, just a 20-minute walk from the Riva!
Making the beach your base for exploring Split is perfect for the summer months, where you might want to split your time between relaxing by the pool or on the beach and sightseeing around Split’s Old Town and often there’s parking and shuttles!
Beyond Bacvice, Podstrana is another area to consider where you’ll find the luxurious Le Meridien Lav Split resort and a much better beach – I’ve spent a few afternoons at the beach club here – it’s ideal for slightly longer stays!
WHERE TO STAY IN SPLIT’S BEACHES
Hotels, Boutiques & Apartments!
Where to stay in Split, Le Meridien Lav Split
Le Meridien Lav Split Resort
Le Meridien, a premium 5-star luxury resort situated in Podstrana, a 10-minute drive from the old town, offering incredible sea-view rooms and top-notch amenities, including a private marina, spa and beach club, is easily one of my favourite places on the beach, especially the stunning sea-view rooms!
Hotel Park Split
Hotel Park Split is a very popular traditional Croatian hotel with elegant rooms and an attractive pool area, set in a Mediterranean leafy garden with an restaurant and sprawling terrace, some rooms come with seaview-balconies or see-facing garden terraces, just a 10-minute walk to the Riva!
Briig Boutique Hotel
Briig Boutique sits next to Bacvice Beach and is great for those who love a minimalist, more modern hotel with spacious, open-plan rooms and cool decor, there’s an outdoor breakfast terrace and a rooftop pool to relax on hotter days!
Looking for the best beach hotels in Split, Croatia?
I also have a full guide featuring the best hotels in Split on the beach, including boutique stays, luxury escapes and beachfront suites you’ll love!
What Is The Best Area To Stay In Split Croatia overall?
The best area to stay in Split is the Old Town, home to the city’s main historic landmarks, museums, and best boutique hotels, many of which are former palaces, all within walking distance – it’s the quintessential Split experience!
WHERE TO STAY IN SPLIT – INSIDER TIPS!
Stay Around Split Old Town If It’s Your First Visit
For first-time visitors the best places to stay in Split Croatia are the old town and it’s wonderful Riviera – these areas are attractive and convenient to explore Split’s main sights and Judita Palace Boutique is the best hotel in Split old town, perfectly situated for exploring the charming lanes straight outside the door!
Best Months To Visit Split
The main time to visit Split is between May and September, but for the best experience, great weather and fewer crowds, I recommend May-June or mid-September, my personal favourite time is (early) June, which is the best month to visit Croatia when the evenings are lighter, beaches are opening up, and you can visit the Croatian Islands!
How Many Days To Spend In Split
Many visitors arrive for an overnight stay before visiting the Dalmatian Islands, but really, 3 days in Split is ideal. Staying longer allows you to relax and enjoy the waterfront, heritage town, and beaches, while still leaving time to explore nearby gems and go on epic boat trips from Split harbour!
Parking Is Limited Inside The Old Town
Croatia’s heritage towns are notoriously difficult to park in, and Split Old Town is almost fully pedestrianised, so you won’t be able to park in front of your hotel. If you have a car, some hotels along Marjan Hill and the beaches offer on-site parking; alternatively, there are some parking lots outside the old town – you’ll have to walk in with your luggage.
Split Old Town Is Compact And Walkable
Split Old Town is compact and very walkable, with many pedestrianised areas, including the entire Diocletian’s Palace, Riva and most of Marjan Hill, making it a hassle-free, easy to get around and charming area to stay, just like Dubrovnik Old Town, Korcula Town and Hvar Town in the Dalmatian Region!
How To Get Around Split & Beyond
Everything in and around the Old Town, such as the Riva and Marjan Hill, is completely walkable; buses, taxis and cheap Ubers cover the beaches in Split easily. The main bus station is at the end of the Riva opposite the port, for going slightly further afield, and you can easily rent boats or go on boat excursions from the harbour!
I’ve shared all my favourite spots, including historic gems and day trips, in my Unmissable Things to Do in Split guide!
Riva, best place to stay in Split for sea views & vibes!
WHERE TO STAY IN SPLIT CROATIA: FAQ
Is Split Croatia worth visiting?
Yes! From historic sights to beaches and boat trips, there are plenty of things to do in Split, making it an ideal base for exploring Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. It’s well worth staying in Split for a few days.
What is the best hotel in Split Croatia?
The best hotel in Split is Hotel Ambasador a stylish 5-star hotel on the seafront right next to the Riva boasting epic harbour and old town views from their premium suites and the rooftop terrace with its stunning pool, a stay here is luxurious!
What are the best boutique hotels in Split Croatia?
Most visitors will want that quintessential Split Old Town experience and the best boutique hotels to stay are Santa Lucia, Judita Palace or Vestibul Palace – all perfectly situated for exploring the attractions – just stroll away!
What are the best beach hotels in Split Croatia?
If your looking to stay in the beach near the old town the best beach hotels in Split are, Le Meridian and Hotel Park Split, for full details check out my full guide to the best beach hotels in Split here!
Where to stay in Split Croatia for nightlife?
The best place to stay in Split for nightlife is around Split Old Town and especially the Riva – the daytime is relaxed, people pass the hours drinking coffee, but in the evening it livens up with live music and jazz bars!
Where to stay in Split Croatia for couples?
The best places to stay in Split for couples are the old town for its romantic atmosphere and wonderful boutique hotels like Judita Palace Heritage Hotel and stylish Marjan Hill for rooftop pools with stunning views – check out Mirari Boutique!
Where to stay in Split Croatia with family?
Split Old Town offers little for families as there’s cobbled streets, boutique hotels and mostly high-end restaurants, the best places to stay in Split Croatia for families are the beach areas, such as Bacvice or Podstrana with resorts and pools like Le Meridien or Marjan Hill, where you can find villa rentals or family rooms.
Where to stay in Split for beach holidays?
The best places to stay in Split for beach holidays are around Marjan Hill where you have access to small picturesque bays and further way there’s Bacvice and Podstrana areas, which offer longer beaches and beachfront hotels.
Where to stay in Split without a car?
The best area to stay in Split without a car is the Old Town, including Marjan Hill and Riviera, where you can easily walk around the main sights, and it has fantastic transport links. For exploring the coast, there are boat trips and inland day trips from Split to nearby gems, plus the Split tourist information has monthly event details!
Planning a trip to Split?
Planning your trip to Split? I’ve also shared a complete what to do travel guide for first-time visitors, my favourite things to do, and the best day trips – perfect for pulling together your ideal itinerary!
- Best Things To Do In Split – ruins, restaurants, beach clubs & experiences!
- Best Day Trips From Split – heritage town, islands, lagoons & waterfalls worth visiting!
- How To Spend 3 Days In Split – top itinerary planning tips for Split!
- Best Beaches Of Split – Split beaches for relaxing & sunbathing
- Top Private Boat Tours From Split – island hopping & stunning coastal scenery!
- Split To Trogir Day Trip – explore coastal heritage gem!
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Michelle Trudie, is the founder of Little Wanderblog, a luxury boutique travel site. She has travelled to over 30 countries in the last 15 years. Michelle share’s her passion for stylish and affordable luxury travel experiences in Europe and beyond! Her goal is to make travel planning easier to hidden gem places!