Explore Split on a budget: hostels in Diocletians Palace, free beaches and the best Adriatic nightlife.
The backpacker heart of the Adriatic
Split is the gateway to Croatian islands and the favorite destination for backpackers seeking history, beaches and parties. Diocletians Palace is not a museum: its a living neighborhood where people live, work and party inside 1,700-year-old Roman walls.
Unique hostels inside the palace itself, cheap ferries to paradise islands and Croatias best nightlife make Split an essential stop on any Balkans route.
Itinerary
Palace & Center
- Check-in at hostel inside Palace
- Free walking tour of Diocletian
- Beers at Riva at sunset
Free Beaches
- Morning at Bačvice beach
- Lunch at green market (Pazar)
- Sunset at Marjan Hill (free)
Brač Island
- Budget ferry to Bol
- Day at Zlatni Rat beach
- Return and party at Quasimodo
Culture & Farewell
- St Domnius Cathedral (cheap entry)
- Last walk through old town
- Farewell dinner at local konoba
Practical Tips
Unique Hostels
Hostels inside Diocletians Palace are unique and surprisingly cheap
Island Budget
Ferry to Brač costs about €10 round trip — book online
Food Savings
Shop at Konzum supermarkets and eat at the green market to save
Approximate Budget
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Split a good backpacker destination?
Excellent. Cheap hostels, free beaches and vibrant nightlife.
How to reach islands cheaply?
Jadrolinija has budget ferries. Book online for better prices.
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