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Diocletian's Palace / Old Town
Split, Croatia · Neighborhood Guide
Living inside a 1,700-year-old Roman palace. Narrow marble streets, buzzing bars and restaurants built into ancient walls, Riva waterfront promenade.
Last updated March 2026
Diocletian's Palace / Old Town at a Glance
Luxury
Cost Level
€800–€1,500/month for 1-BR (off-season; 2–3x in summer)
Rent Range
Very safe — tourist area with police presence. Petty theft rare. Well-lit and populated until late.
Safety
50–80 Mbps — ancient stone walls can limit signals. Check specific apartment. Newer renovations have fibre.
Internet
Who Lives in Diocletian's Palace / Old Town?
A dwindling number of local Croatian families (many have converted to Airbnb), seasonal tourism workers, boutique hotel operators, and short-to-medium term expats enchanted by the setting. Average age 30–50.
Living in Diocletian's Palace / Old Town — Practical Details
Walkability
Excellent — entirely pedestrian marble streets inside the palace. Riva promenade is beautiful for walking. No cars inside the walls.
Grocery & Food Access
Small shops inside the palace for basics. Fish market on the east wall. Nearest full supermarket (Tommy) a 5-min walk outside the walls.
Getting Around
- Walking: primary mode inside the palace
- Bus (Promet): stops outside the palace walls — €35/month
- Ferry: Jadrolinija terminal 5 min walk for island ferries
- SPU airport: 25 km, bus or taxi (~€35)
Nearby Coworking
- Coworking Split (Domus Aurea) (€130/mo, inside the palace)
- The Works (€160/mo, 5 min walk)
- INK Coworking (€140/mo)
Insider Tips for Diocletian's Palace / Old Town
- 1Living inside a Roman palace sounds dreamy but apartments are small, old, and can be damp — inspect carefully before signing
- 2Riva promenade morning coffee is Split's most important social ritual — sit at any café terrace between 10–12am
- 3The palace basement (Podrumi) hosts a daily market — unique setting for souvenir and craft shopping
- 4Off-season (Oct–May) the palace transforms from tourist chaos to a genuine, quiet neighborhood — the best time to live here
FAQ — Diocletian's Palace / Old Town, Split
What is Diocletian's Palace / Old Town like for expats?
Diocletian's Palace / Old Town is a luxury neighborhood in Split. Living inside a 1,700-year-old Roman palace. Narrow marble streets, buzzing bars and restaurants built into ancient walls, Riva waterfront promenade. Best for: Those who want to live inside history — expect tourist crowds and higher rents in summer.
How much does it cost to live in Diocletian's Palace / Old Town, Split?
Diocletian's Palace / Old Town is classified as "Luxury" in Split. Typical rent: €800–€1,500/month for 1-BR (off-season; 2–3x in summer). Total monthly budget in Split: €1,400–€2,000.
Is Diocletian's Palace / Old Town safe for expats?
Very safe — tourist area with police presence. Petty theft rare. Well-lit and populated until late.
Who lives in Diocletian's Palace / Old Town?
A dwindling number of local Croatian families (many have converted to Airbnb), seasonal tourism workers, boutique hotel operators, and short-to-medium term expats enchanted by the setting. Average age 30–50.
Other Neighborhoods in Split
Bačvice
Higher-EndSplit's most famous beach neighborhood. Lively waterfront, sports bars, the iconic Bačvice sandy beach. A 15-minute walk from the Old Town.
Meje
Higher-EndUpscale, peaceful residential area between Marjan Forest Park and the sea. Pine trees, sea views, galleries, and quiet beaches.
Firule
Mid-RangeFamily-friendly beach neighborhood south of Bačvice. Calmer, cleaner beaches, residential streets, and local restaurants.
Lučac-Manuš
Mid-RangeBohemian, creative quarter just outside the palace walls. Street art, independent cafés, young local crowd. Increasingly popular with nomads.
Split 3 (Trstenik)
Budget-FriendlyModern residential area — apartment buildings, supermarkets, and a popular pebble beach. Quieter, more local feel.
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