One of the most gorgeous cities on the Adriatic Coast, Split is one of Croatia’s must-see travel destinations. No person who has entered Split has left unsatisfied (well, no one I’ve spoken to anyway!). Whether you’re into history, the beaches or the lush nature – Split has an area for you.
And with tons to do and see and plenty of hostels to choose from, Split has lots of options for the budget traveller. This is exactly why I wrote this article about the best hostels in Split. With the help of this guide, you’ll know exactly which of the best hostels in Split, Croatia is best for you.
This is because I have organised the top hostels into different categories, to make it easy for you to pick! So, whether you are looking to party, get some work done, get some privacy, or just find the cheapest dorm bed available… My list of the best hostels in Split is here to help you book your hostel stress-free.
Whether you want a beach hostel or a downtown hostel, I’ve got the spot for you. All so you can land at Split Airport and be on your merry way to hostel paradise!
Let’s get into (Spl)it!
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Split
- Best Overall Hostel in Split – Gravitas Hostel
- Best Hostel in Split for Solo Travelers – CroParadise Green Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Split – Backpackers Fairytale
- Best Party Hostel in Split – Split Backpackers
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Split – Adria
The 5 Best Hostels in Split
There are a ton of hostel options for budget travellers in Split so I’ve trimmed the fat, and put them all into one, easy-to-pick list. These are my picks for the best hostels in Split Croatia in 2024.
1. Gravitas Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Split
- Dorm (mixed): From $47
- Address: Ulica Petra Zorani?a 3, Split, Croatia
The staff at Gravitas are beyond lovely, this is one of those awesome hostels that go out of their way to welcome and include you. In a central location, this downtown hostel is in the thick of everything you want to get into in Split. Meet fellow travellers and link up to join one of the pub crawls or head into the heart of Split, just a short walk from Gravitas.
Yes, the dorms are huge, but they are filled with comfortable beds, each of which has a good privacy curtain. I know you know how good you sleep is directly linked to how much you love a hostel so be prepared to love this one. Everyone you meet here is generally lovely, respectful and friendly, it doesn’t take long to settle into your hostel family here.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Laundry facilities
- Central location
- Free wi fi
The port is within walking distance of Gravitas, a great location to check out the UNESCO world heritage zone. With plenty of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants nearby, you’ll eat well, because although there’s a fridge at this downtown hostel, there isn’t a kitchen. There’s a microwave, Grill toaster and a kettle, so your in-house munchies will be sorted, don’t stress.
There’s an epic big common area at Gravitas, perfect for hanging out with fellow travellers and making friends, especially for solo travellers. Whether you plan to hit one of the pub crawls or head into the old town, just a short walk away, this is a good place to start.
2. CroParadise Green Hostel – Best Hostel in Split for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $39
- Private Room: From $100
- Address: Culica Dvori 31, Split, Croatia
The best hostel for solo travellers in Split is the much-loved and super-popular CroParadise Green Hostel. Green, green and more green you may need to don your sunglasses when you walk through the door; this place is bright! Bright it may be but super welcoming, affordable, and chilled out it is too. That’s what’s making it incredibly easy for solo travellers to find a new crew.
If you wanna find the gang you should head to the common room, or hang out in the CroParadise cafe. Just 50m from the ancient Diocletian’s Palace, CroParadise puts solo travellers at the heart of action making it a top hostel in Split!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Homely vibe
- Book exchange
- Free Coffee and Tea
There’s a lot more to love about this hostel than just the social vibe though. They’ve got rooms with air-con, flatscreen TVs featuring on-demand services and iMacs for making the most of the super-fast Wi-Fi. What makes it extra special? Maybe it’s the balconies, sun terrace or cosy common rooms.
Or perhaps you’ll love the organised pub crawls every evening in the summer (cheers to that!), and walking tours all year round. The list goes on about why CroParadise Green Hostel is an epic place… And in case you don’t want to head out alone, join one of the hostel’s tours to get to know the city and other travellers as well.
Before you head out to explore the city, stop by the reception to pick up a free city map. And while you’re there, ask the staff for their recommendations on what to do in Split while you’re backpacking Croatia. Local knowledge is always better than the stuff that is written in guides – if you want to find the hidden gems in Split, this is your best shot!
3. Backpackers Fairytale – Best Cheap Hostel in Split
- Dorm (mixed): From $22
- Address: Istarska 3, Split, Croatia
If you’re looking for the best cheap hostel in Split you should seriously check out Backpackers Fairytale. Offering a comfortable and quiet night’s sleep is the stuff budget backpacking fairytales are made of if you ask me. While never lacking on the social side, Backpackers Fairytale is a brilliant youth hostel in Split for travellers on a tight budget.
The staff at Fairytale are super friendly and will instantly become your new besties in Split. Creating an on-point hostel vibe, the Fairytale team can hook you up with day trips bus tickets and more from their tours and travel desk. FYI, they have a dog called Tia who is the cutest!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wi fi
- No free breakfast, but there’s a kitchen!
- Private Rooms
It might not be the most fancy hostel in Split, but it definitely offers some real bang for your buck. The dorms are pretty basic, with simple bunk beds and comfy mattresses. Each bed comes with an individual reading light, a plug socket and USB ports so you can keep your electronics charged without leaving them out of sight.
One thing that really stands out about this hostel is the amazing reviews. That really proves that the hostel keeps its promises and looks after its guests. The rooms are spacious and come with a cute terrace window that offers an impressive view of the city.
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View on Osprey View on REI4. Split Backpackers – Best Party Hostel in Split
- Dorm (mixed): From $40
- Private Room: From $101
- Address: Kralja zvonimira 17, Split, Croatia
If you’re down for a good time in Split you should head to Split Backpackers. Well, surely you’re down for a good time in Split, if you’re keen to party in Split then Split Backpackers is defo for you True to their motto guests come as backpackers and leave as friends.
There’s nothing quite like a night on the Croatian rakia to cement new friendships on the road! Run by young local guys and girls Split Backpacker is a fun and friendly youth hostel in Split. Split is a super seasonal city so know that things get quite quiet around here once the sun sets in the summer.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Young and active crowd
- Super comfy dorms
- Great location
Split Backpackers features three spacious and modern decorated dorms, two rooms boasting four beds and one room with two beds. Each bed has a private socket and a reading light, for your maximum comfort, and privacy and a huge private locker that fits even the biggest backpack! On top of that, each bed is equipped with a curtain so if you want some time to yourself, you can simply close the curtain, sit back and relax.
In case you need to do some work or want to connect with your friends at home, there are free computers in the common area. Log into your social media, chat away and keep your folks updated on your travels – just don’t forget to log out again! The common room is also a great place to meet other travellers and relax after a long day of exploring the city.
You’ll be perfectly located in Old Town Split, close to all of the cool attractions and public transport that can connect you to all other parts of the city. There are a lot of party places in short walking distance as well so you can get into the many pub crawls happening.
5. Adria – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Split
- Dorm (mixed): From $31
- Private Room: From $78
- Address: Poljicka Cesta, Bajnice, Split, Croatia
Offering free, fast and reliable WiFi, as well as incredible views of the Dalmatia coast, Adria is the best hostel for digital nomads in Split. Lying just a matter of steps from the cool Adriatic Sea digital nomads can really live the dream while staying at Adria.
Offering guests the use of kayaks, Adria offers digital nomads the perfect work-life balance. A little away from Split city centre, Adria is a peaceful and inspiring environment to work in. The dorms are perfectly kept, cosy and comfortable.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free wi fi
- Beach within walking distance
- Great Location
Other must-have digital nomad facilities like a guest kitchen and laundry facilities are also on offer at this top beach hostel in Split, Adria. While there’s no free breakfast, you can get to the supermarket in just a short walk and stock yourself up with food. Personally I find it easier to get work done when I’m in a bit of routine with cooking and exercising while travelling.
Adria is one of those awesome hostels that’s literally on the beach and worth it’s weight in gold. I feel like these sorts of hostels attract people you want to be around too so you’ll have fun meeting fellow travellers. And if you’re feeling lonely, there’s always that free wi fi to tap into to reconnect with folks at home.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Split Hostels
6. Hostel Dioklecijan
- Private Room: From $111
- Address: Obrov 10, Split, Croatia
If you’re travelling to Croatia with your lover you should totally check out Hostel Dioklecijian, the best hostel for couples travelling to Split. This super cute hostel has a range of private ensuite rooms and whole apartments too if you fancy taking over! Hostel Dioklecijian is a great budget hostel in Split for couples, offering fairly priced private rooms throughout the year.
The neighbouring indoor market is a must-visit and you’ll defo find yourself buying one of everything! There’s always one person in the couple who is a shopaholic, is it you?
If you’re craving a midnight snack, simply cross the street and grab a bite at the 24/7 shop. Gordana, the host, is known to take proper care of her guests, provides great insider tips on what to do in the city and always has a welcoming smile on her face. It’s like a little home far away from home!
7. Downtown Split
- Dorm (mixed): From $44
- Address: Buvinina 1, Split, Croatia
Downtown Hostel Split is a highly recommended hostel in Split that is in one of the best locations, within the old city walls. If you’re a culture vulture wanting to immerse yourself in the most authentic side of the city then Downtown Hostel Split is for you.
Placed in the heart of the Diocletian Palace and a matter of metres from the sea there is always something going on at Downtown. The dorms are simple, affordable and comfortable. Downtown Hostel Split is quiet in the down season but no less charming.
8. Design Hostel 101
- Dorm (mixed): From $30
- Private Room: From $109
- Address: 114 Brigade 10, Split, Croatia
Design Hostel 101 is a great Split backpackers hostel for travellers with a keen eye for style and a little more cash to splash. Housing up to 101 backpackers every night Design Hostel is always busy and bustling, in a good way.
Fun, friendly and chilled out, the Design Hostel 101 team have got the vibe bang on. Interestingly, each of the 101 beds is named after a different island; comfortable and educational, what more could you want?!
9. Old Town Split
- Dorm (mixed): From $35
- Private Room: From $120
- Address: Dominisova 3, Split, Croatia
Old Town is a top hostel in Split and comes highly recommended by all who visit and it’s easy to see why. Offering everything the modern traveller could need; a guest kitchen, free Wi Fi, laundry facilities and air conditioning, Old Town ticks all the boxes.
Old Town is the kinda youth hostel in Split where you instantly feel at home. The kinda place where guests and staff all cook dinner together and everyone is greeted like an old friend.
10. Apinelo Hostel
- Private Room: From $160
- Address: Ulica Sv. Petra Starog 42, Split, Croatia
Ideal for couples in particular Apinelo Hostel is a highly recommended hostel in Split. Offering mostly private rooms and apartments Apinelo Hostel gives you the privacy of a hotel and the social nature of a hostel. Win-win right?!
Centrally located, within walking distance to Split’s train station and ferry port, Apinelo Hostel is a great youth hostel in Split for all travellers. New to the scene, Apinelo is a wonderful Split backpackers hostel.
11. Hostel Split
- Private Room: From $106
- Address: Poljana Kneza Trpmira 1, Split, Croatia
Having hosted over 5000 backpackers in the summer of 2017, it’s safe to say that Hostel Split is the coolest hostel in Split. Always busy and always bustling, for solo travellers or anyone who wants to find a new crew in Croatia you better head to Hostel Split. Offering a warm welcome for all, Hostel Split is a classic backpackers hostel.
If you’re heading to Split with your buddies and fancy a night away from the dorms why not treat yourself to a private dorm. At Hostel Split they’ll sleep up to 4-people in a private room it’s a great way to divide the costs.
12. Cicada Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $26
- Address: Hrvatskih iseljenika 8a, Split, Croatia
Cicada is a great budget hostel in Split. Small and cosy, Cicada Hostel is perfect for travellers who wanna get out and about in the daytime and crash out at night. Just a 10-minute walk away from Dioklecians Palace Cicada Hostel puts backpackers right at the heart of the action in Split. Housing up to 14-people per night Cicada Hostel is the best hostel in Split for travellers who like a more reserved and relaxed place to stay.
13. Hostel Like Me
If you’re keen to stay in the historic old town of Split, also known as Veli Varoš you should check out Hostel Like Me. This hostel in Split offers everything the modern backpacker could need including free WiFi, free bed linen, a communal kitchen and a late check-out service. The dorms are minimalistic but comfortable and clean and the staff are really helpful and enjoy sharing their local knowledge with backpackers new to Split.
14. Bell Tower Hostel
There is a lot to love about Bell Tower Hostel. A simple but homely Split backpackers hostel, Bell Tower is a great shout for travellers who want a relaxed and quiet stay in Split. Located in a friendly neighbourhood, guests at the Bell Tower are surrounded by shops, cafes and tourist hotspots galore.
The team have recently renovated the guest kitchen which is sparkling clean and fully equipped. If you wanna learn about Split or need a hand arranging onward travel just holla, the Bell Tower team can help, no worries! Maybe you want to visit the Gregory of Nin’s big toe?
15. Mediterranean House
As a highly recommended hostel – Split Mediterranean House is adored by all who visit. Ideal for travellers of every style Mediterranean House offers both private ensuite rooms and open dorms too. Just a 3-minute walk from Diocletian’s Palace, Mediterranean House is the dream for travellers who are keen to soak up the culture.
Mediterranean House is set in a gorgeous, traditional Mediterranean stone mansion in the very centre of Split’s historic old town. You can find a UNESCO Supermarket here which is fun… A real home from home, Mediterranean House is a top hostel in Split.
16. Grand Hostel LerO
Incorporating everything the modern hostel needs while maintaining a homely feel LerO’s is the best hostel in Split regardless of your travel style. Set in a gorgeous Secession Villa right on the Dalmatian coast LerO’s is a wonderful home base for travellers in Split.
The dorms are simple but spacious and comfortable and offer incredible views of the impressive city skyline. Each and every guest gets a welcome drink on arrival, I loved this. The team are happy to help make each and every guest’s stay as positive and memorable as possible.
Located in the Old Town, Split’s oldest neighbourhood you’ll find LerO’s at the foot of Marjan hill. From here, it’s a breeze to get around the city and explore all the other incredible attractions. It takes around a 10min walk to get the the main bus and train station, or ferry port.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Split
Everyone needs good hostel travel insurance, get yours and travel without any worries amigos!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Hostels in Split
What to Pack for Your Split Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Split?
Split hostel price ranges from $15 – $19 per night for dorm (mixed or female-only). While private room price ranges from $48 – $53 per night.
What are the best hostels in Split for couples?
Hostel Dioklecijan is a goodie! Great location, nice and private but close enough to the action and the pub crawls that you can mingle if you want to.
What is the best hostel in Split near the airport?
Bed and Breakfast Helena is an exceptional accommodation near the Split Airport. It is affordable, and it offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Final Thoughts on Split’s Hostels
By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Split has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure! Make sure you stay in a central location to get the most out of the walkability of this gorgeous city. You can spend a long time wandering the streets with fellow travellers, especially if you join one of the famous Split pub crawls.
I understand completely if you’re still on the fence about where to stay in Split, I’ve given you a lot of great options… My number one pick for your hostel stay in Split is Gravitas Hostel, which is epic for solo travellers and groups alike.
If you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, Backpackers Fairytale is such a good option for a backpackers hostel in Split. It’s a big vibe and happy family spec here, I highly recommend booking a couple of nights here and seeing how you get on.
Wherever you stay in Split, I’m sure you’ll love it, so many epic spots are within walking distance and en route to hostels. Make yourself at home wherever you stay and you’ll have a ball.
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Croatia for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Split before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Balkans backpacking guide.
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