Where to Stay in Split, Croatia: Best Areas for First-Time Visitors
Choosing where to stay in Split, Croatia can make a big difference to your trip. Split is compact, walkable, and well-connected, but each area has a different feel — from historic Old Town apartments to beachside stays near Bačvice and quieter neighborhoods around Marjan Hill.
This guide breaks down the best areas to stay in Split, who each area is best for, and what to expect before you book.
Quick Answer: Best Areas to Stay in Split
If it’s your first time visiting Split, these are the best areas to consider:
Old Town / Diocletian’s Palace — best for sightseeing and short stays
Bačvice — best for beaches, nightlife, and convenience
Marjan / Meje — best for quiet stays and nature
Žnjan — best for families and longer stays
Veli Varoš — best for charm, walkability, and local atmosphere
For most first-time visitors, Old Town or Bačvice are the easiest choices.
1. Old Town / Diocletian’s Palace — Best for First-Time Visitors
If you want to be in the heart of everything, stay near Split Old Town or inside the area around Diocletian’s Palace.
This is the most atmospheric part of the city, filled with stone streets, Roman ruins, cafés, restaurants, and small boutique stays. You can walk to the Riva promenade, ferry port, markets, museums, and most major attractions within minutes.
Best for:
First-time visitors
Couples
Short stays
Sightseeing
Travelers without a car
Things to know:
Old Town is beautiful, but it can be busy and noisy in summer. Some apartments are located inside historic buildings without elevators, so check details before booking.
Compare hotels and apartments near Split Old Town here
2. Bačvice — Best for Beach Access and Nightlife
Bačvice is one of the most convenient areas to stay in Split if you want beach access without being far from the city center. The famous Bačvice Beach is known for shallow water, a lively atmosphere, and the traditional Croatian beach game called picigin.
From Bačvice, you can walk to Old Town in about 10–15 minutes. It’s also close to the ferry port and bus station, making it practical for island hopping or day trips.
Best for:
Beach lovers
Nightlife
Younger travelers
Summer trips
Easy transport access
Things to know:
Bačvice gets busy in peak season, especially in July and August. If you want quiet nights, choose accommodation slightly away from the beach bars.
Search Bačvice hotels and apartments here
3. Marjan / Meje — Best for Quiet Stays and Nature
The Marjan and Meje area is perfect if you want a calmer stay close to nature. This part of Split sits near Marjan Hill, a forested park with walking trails, viewpoints, and some of the city’s most scenic beaches, including Kašjuni and Bene.
It’s still close enough to reach Old Town, but the atmosphere is more peaceful and residential.
Best for:
Couples
Nature lovers
Quiet stays
Scenic walks
Returning visitors
Things to know:
This area can be slightly more expensive, especially near the sea. It’s also less central than Old Town, so expect more walking or occasional taxi rides.
4. Žnjan — Best for Families and Longer Stays
Žnjan is a modern coastal area east of the Old Town. It has a long beach zone, more spacious apartments, and a relaxed feel compared to the busy center.
This is a good option if you’re staying longer, traveling with children, or want more space for your budget.
Best for:
Families
Longer stays
Travelers with a car
Apartment-style accommodation
Beach walks
Things to know:
Žnjan is not as charming as Old Town, but it’s practical. You’ll likely use buses, taxis, or a car to reach the center.
Find family-friendly stays in Žnjan here
5. Veli Varoš — Best for Local Charm
Veli Varoš is one of Split’s oldest neighborhoods, located between Old Town and Marjan Hill. It has narrow stone streets, traditional houses, small restaurants, and a quieter local feel.
It’s a great choice if you want character without being directly inside the busiest tourist streets.
Best for:
Couples
Photographers
Walkability
Local atmosphere
Boutique apartments
Things to know:
The streets can be steep and narrow. Pack light if your accommodation is up the hill.
Should You Stay in Split Old Town or Near the Beach?
If your priority is sightseeing, restaurants, and easy walking, stay in Old Town.
If your priority is swimming, nightlife, and ferry access, stay in Bačvice.
If your priority is peace and scenery, choose Marjan or Meje.
There is no single perfect area — the best place to stay in Split depends on your travel style.
Explore our recommended best areas for first time visitors in Split here
Best Area to Stay in Split Without a Car
If you are not renting a car, stay in:
Old Town
Bačvice
Veli Varoš
These areas are walkable and close to transport connections.
Avoid staying too far outside the center unless you’re comfortable using taxis or buses.
Best Area to Stay in Split for Day Trips
If you plan to take day trips from Split, stay near:
Old Town
Ferry Port
Bačvice
Main Bus Station
This makes it easier to catch ferries to Hvar, Brač, and Šolta, or organized tours to Krka National Park and the Blue Cave.
Explore day trips from Split here
Final Recommendation
For most first-time visitors, the best areas to stay in Split are Old Town and Bačvice.
Choose Old Town if you want history, restaurants, and walkability.
Choose Bačvice if you want beach access and convenience.
Choose Marjan or Meje if you prefer a quieter, more scenic stay.
Split is not a huge city, so wherever you stay, you’ll still be close to the sea, history, and some of the best day trips in Croatia.