The 4 Best Hostels in Split, Croatia

Croatia’s second-largest city, Split, is one of its best. Visitors gravitate to it mostly for two things: (1) to hop on a ferry to one of the nearby islands (or take a multi-day sailing tour), and (2) to stroll around the incredible UNESCO World Heritage-listed Diocletian’s Palace, a late-third-century mansion for a retiring Roman emperor that, over time, fell into ruin, after which people just sort of moved in.

This seaside burg of about 170,000 people also has a stunning medieval cathedral, a warren of ancient streets to explore, an oceanside promenade on which to linger, and a hiking-trail-carved hill to explore.

Split is also pretty dang expensive.

Luckily, there’s a ton of hostels in the city that can help you lower costs. But, out of the dozens and dozens there, which one is the best to stay in?

To help you plan your trip, below is my list of the best hostels in Split. They all offer a welcome respite and a cozy and friendly place to lay your weary head and hang out with fellow travelers — all while keeping your budget intact.

If you don’t want to read the whole list, the following are the best in each category:

Want more specifics? Here’s my comprehensive list of the best hostels in Split:

Price (per night)

• $ = Under 25 EUR
• $$ = 25-35 EUR
• $$$ = Over 35 EUR

 

1. Old Town Hostel

Old Town Split Hostel is located within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO site and one of the main draws of the city. I like that the hostel has a homey feel. It’s social without being a party hostel and feels like you’re just staying over at a friend’s place. There’s a common room with board games and the staff organize regular events so it’s easy to meet people.

The bunks are basic metal bunks with no curtains, but the mattresses are decent and the lockers are big enough to store all your stuff. One thing to note is that the hostel is cash-only so hit the ATM before you arrive.

Old Town Split Hostel at a glance:

• $
• Located in Diocletian’s Palace
• Very friendly and helpful staff
• Cash only

Beds from 18 EUR, private rooms from 45 EUR .

Book here!
 

2. Backpackers Fairytale

One of the most budget-friendly places in town, this hostel is a homey space that feels like a friend’s house, with a small common room as well as a terrace overlooking the city. They also organize occasional group activities, such as hikes outside the city, rock climbing trips, and stand-up paddleboarding. The beds are basic metal bunks but they have decent mattresses so you’ll sleep well (they don’t have privacy curtains though).

Backpackers Fairytale at a glance:

• $
• Organizes lots of events (rock climbing, hiking)
• Quiet, homey atmosphere
• Complimentary towels and lockers/padlocks

Beds from 16 EUR, private rooms from 40 EUR.

Book here!
 

3. Split Hostel Fiesta Siesta

This is the best party hostel in the city. Owned by an Aussie (and Aussies know how to party), this hostel is super social and organizes a ton of free activities, including pub crawls, beach days, and various nights out to the surrounding bars. It’s centrally located above Charlie’s Bar, a renowned backpacker drinking den and one of the most popular bars in the city.

The dorm rooms are pretty no-frills, with basic wooden bunks with thin mattresses and no curtains but that’s pretty standard at party hostels where the emphasis isn’t on sleeping. There are lockers for your stuff, however, and the dorms have a max of eight people so the rooms aren’t overcrowded. However, note that they do not have a kitchen.

Split Hostel Fiesta Siesta at a glance:

• $
• Free party-centric events every night
• Located on a bar-strewn block
• Active common room

Beds from 22 EUR, private rooms from 95 EUR .

Book here!
 

4. En Route Hostel

Just 5 minutes from the beach and 10 minutes from downtown, this hostel does a great job of keeping things social so it’s easy to meet people and hang out (without it being a party place). The common area is spacious and there are always people hanging out and chatting. There’s a kitchen for cooking your own food too.

The cozy pod-style beds have curtains for privacy as well as reading lights and outlets. There are female-only dorms, the mattresses are decent, and there are lockers for your stuff. The hostel also has quiet hours in effect from 11pm to 8am so you can get a decent night’s sleep.

En Route Hostel at a glance:

• $
• Large common room
• Cozy pod-style beds
• Fully equipped kitchen

Beds from 18 EUR .

Book here!

***

Split offers a wide variety when it comes to hostels — from cheap, no-frills spots to party-centric properties where sleep is only a suggestion to quieter, modern, and sophisticated options.

For the budget traveler, the best hostels in Split offer a choose-your-own-adventure based on your budget, interests, and travel style. In short, there’s something here for everyone — so don’t skip this fun, historic, and gorgeous coastal getaway.