The Complete Guide to Split
What to See and Do in Split, Croatia
Split was one of my favorite cities in Croatia. It seemed to me that it was just the right size and had just the right amount of everything – kind of like the Goldilocks of Croatian cities. It boasts a UNESCO-listed Old Town dating from the Roman times, yet has a modern, party vibe going for it as well. Pristine beaches line its coast, yet it also has a hill with views for days. Best of all, it has a delectable mix of traditional and modern cuisines and plenty of cool cafes for a digital nomad like me to hang out in.
Read on for the full guide to everything there is to do in Croatia’s second-largest city.
10 Best Things to Do in Split
Split has got plenty of things to keep you occupied during your trip there. Whether you’re a history buff or a beach bum, you won’t find it lacking.
Read on for a list of my top 10 favorite things to do in Split.
1. Step back in history at Diocletian’s Palace
Diocletian’s Palace, built in the early 4th century AD, is a stunning Roman architectural marvel that makes up most of the Old Town center of Split. It was once the retirement home of the Roman emperor, Diocletian, and the city of Split was built around it.
Today, this fortified Palace stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vibrant hub of culture, housing shops, restaurants, and even homes within its ancient walls. Its remarkable preservation offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the rich history of the Roman Empire.
If there’s one thing you do in Split, make it this!
2. Climb St. Domnius Cathedral’s Bell Tower
St. Domnius Cathedral, dedicated to the city’s patron saint, dates back to the 7th century making it the oldest catholic cathedral in the world. It’s located within Diocletian’s Palace in Split, which is ironic considering that the Roman emperor made it his mission to persecute Christians!
The St. Domnius Cathedral bell tower rises 57 meters above the ancient palace walls and offers panoramic views of Split and the Adriatic Sea. The climb up is steep and narrow (not ideal for either claustrophobics or those afraid of heights) but the sweeping views are worth it.
3. Stroll along the Riva Promenade
The Riva in Split is a picturesque waterfront promenade lined with palm trees and charming cafes, offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. It’s a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike and the perfect place to enjoy leisurely strolls or chill out in a cafe to people or boat-watch.
4. Wander the streets of the Old Town
One of my favorite things to do in Split was get lost in the labyrinthine streets of the Old Town that surround Diocletian’s Palace. They’re a living testament to over 1,700 years of history, featuring narrow, winding streets, historic buildings, and bustling markets that transport visitors back in time.
At its heart lies the People’s Square (Narodni trg) surrounded by cafes and Renaissance and Baroque buildings, including the old town clock and the Town Hall.
5. See views for days on Marjan Hill
Marjan Hill, a lush green oasis overlooking Split, offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, with winding trails, scenic viewpoints, and a sense of tranquility. It’s a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike, perfect for hiking, jogging, or simply enjoying nature.
From the top of Marjan Hill, visitors are rewarded with panoramic vistas of the city, the Adriatic coast, and the nearby islands, making it an ideal spot for sunset views.
6. Rub Grgur Ninski’s toe for good luck
Standing near the Golden Gate of Diocletian’s Palace stands the formidable Grgur Ninski statue, a 6.7-meter high bronze monument of a 10th-century Croatian bishop, known for his efforts to promote the use of the Croatian language and culture. The artist, Ivan Meštrović, one of Croatia’s greatest sculptors, has other works in the city as well, and you can also visit both his villa and studio.
Today, the stature serves as a symbol of national identity and cultural heritage for the Croatian people. Rubbing the statue’s toe has become a local tradition, believed to bring good luck and fulfill wishes, making it a must-visit attraction in the city.
7. Relax at Bacvice Beach
Split is not all about the Old Town though – it still is, after all, a coastal city, which means beaches! And Bačvice Beach is one of the best ones. Located only 10 minutes away from the main ferry terminal, it’s a popular sandy oasis renowned for its shallow, crystal-clear waters and vibrant atmosphere, making it the go-to spot for sunbathing, swimming, and playing the traditional Dalmatian ball game, picigin.
Other notable beaches near Split include Ovcice Beach, Firule Beach, and Trstenik Beach. You’re spoiled for choice!
8. Visit the medieval Klis fortress
Klis Fortress, perched dramatically on a rocky ridge near Split (around 7km from the city center and can be reached by bus), is a historic stronghold with a legacy dating back to Roman times. Renowned for its strategic importance, it has played a crucial role in defending the region and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Adriatic coastline.
Today, you can explore the awesome ruins and visit the small museum too.
9. Go on a Game of Thrones tour of Split
Not only is doing a guided tour a great way to get to know the city, but fans of the epic hit Game of Thrones can now walk around the filming locations of many important scenes in the show. Wander the same streets the unsullied army patrolled, visit the palace cellars where the Meerenese slaves lived and where Daenerys kept her dragons, and learn insider stories about the filming.
If you’re not a fan of Game of Thrones, there are many other tour options available that are just as good and much more historically accurate!
10. Listen to traditional Dalmatian Klapa singing
Klapa singing is a traditional style of a cappella vocal music originating from the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. Known for its harmonious melodies and heartfelt lyrics, it’s often performed in male groups to celebrate both joyous and poignant moments and has also been inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Klapa singers usually gather to sing in the domed vestibule (the acoustics are *chef’s kiss*) of Diocletian’s Palace on most days. Don’t miss a chance to hear them perform.
Where to Eat and Drink in Split
Split was one of my favorite cities in Croatia to dine in! It had a great mix of cheaper eats, modern, innovative dining, and traditional restaurants. It also had some great bars and even specialty coffee shops. Here’s a list of some of my favorite places, all taste-tested by me!
Villa Spiza €€
Villa Spiza is a great mix of tradition and innovation. Located in the heart of the Old Town, this cozy restaurant has one of the most exciting menus in town, as it changes every day! The food is simple and tasty, with a strong emphasis on Dalmatian home cooking. If you’re looking for somewhere authentic and local, you can’t miss it. However, the restaurant is tiny, so you may want to come early to nab yourself a seat!
Uje Oil Bar €€
Uje Oil Bar was another favorite of mine. Their menu is based on authentic Dalmatian flavors and, as the name suggests, delicious olive oil. They use fresh, local ingredients and their specialties are their tapas and their fish dishes. They also have an olive oil bar where you can taste and purchase high-quality Croatian olive oils. This is the place to go if you want traditional Croatian cooking, with a modern twist!
Bokeria €€
Bokeria combines a stylish, modern atmosphere with a menu featuring creative Mediterranean and Dalmatian dishes. Their focus is on high-quality ingredients and presentation, as well as an impressive wine selection. It’s a great place to go to grab an aperitivo or sit with friends over drinks.
Kantun Paulina €
If you’re looking for a hearty lunch to eat on the go look no further than Kantun Paulina. This iconic old-fashioned cevapi takeaway has been going strong since 1967 serving cevapi, a Bosnian dish that consists of fluffy flatbread stuffed with grilled meat and condiments. Kantun Paulina has their own special Split way of doing it, so much so, that it’s the only place in Split worth getting it!
Pizzeria Gušt €
Croatians are big pizza lovers and have their very own variety which differs from the Italian kind (they use a saltier, stronger cheese instead of mozzarella). If you want a cheap, yet tasty and filling meal, head to Pizzeria Gušt, one of the longest-running pizzerias in the city, and a local favorite. Inside its cozy, tavern-styled interior, you’ll get the best pizza – Croatian style!
D16 Coffee €
This specialty coffee shop boasts its own roastery and is located right in Diocletian’s Palace. Proud of Croatia’s coffee heritage, D16 brings tradition into the modern world, constantly experimenting with new blends and brews, in search of that perfect cup. In my opinion, they’re pretty close! I spent a good amount of time there working from my laptop while I sipped on iced coffee. If that sounds like a digital nomad cliche, well that’s because it’s the perfect place for it!
Academia Club Ghetto €€
Tucked away in a leafy corner of Diocletian’s Palace lies Academia Club Ghetto, the most bohemian bar in Split, and possibly in the whole of Croatia. This place is an eclectic combo of bar, club, and art gallery. Some of the art may be questionable, lots of it is bizarre, but all of it is fun and adds to the vibe of the place. If you’re not into the arty interior you can always sit in the gorgeous stone and leaf courtyard outside.
Leopold’s Delicatessen Bar €€
If bohemian, artsy vibes are not your scene, head down the street to Leopold’s, Split’s pioneering craft beer bar. It boasts the largest selection of beers in Split, including some tasty Croatian crafts from breweries in Split. I’m not gonna lie, beers are not really my forte, but I met a group of Irish lads on a stag party while there, and the place had their full approval!
The Daltonist Craft Bar €€
The Daltonist is one of the coolest bars in Split. Their motto is “think globally, act locally”, and that’s exactly what they try to do by offering up Dalmatian ingredients to international dishes. But the main draw is not the food, but rather the extensive list of unique artisanal cocktails. The interior gives off intimate, speakeasy vibes.
Bar Basket €
Located a little outside the city center, Bar Basket is a proper local joint. When me and an Irish girl I met traveling showed up on the recommendation of a Croatian friend of hers, we were the only tourists there. Bar Basket is one of the best places to watch Hajduk Split matches (Croatia’s greatest football club). There was no footie on when we visited but it was full of locals hanging out, listening to classic rock, and smoking cigarettes (inside!) We had a blast.
Best Day Trips from Split
Because of its convenient location in the center of Dalmatia, Split is a fantastic base for exploring the Dalmatian Coast and its surrounding islands, historic towns, and natural beauty. Many choose to spend a few extra days in Split just so they can explore the surrounding area.
Here are some of the best day trips you can take from Split:
Day trips from Split to the Islands
Split is the perfect jumping off point to explore Dalmatia’s incredible island paradises! Here are some of the best ones:
Hvar Island
Blue Cave and Vis Island
One of the best activities to do during your holiday in Croatia is to join a boat tour. A popular route is to the Blue Cave, an incredible natural wonder where eerie electric blue light illuminates a cave, on Biševo Island and then on to the nearby Vis Island, known for its unspoiled beauty, lovely beaches, and military history.
Brac Island
Take a 1 hour ferry to nearby Brač Island, famous for its stunning Zlatni Rat beach (the most famous, and most Instagrammable beach in Croatia), charming villages, and the ancient stone quarry used to build Diocletian’s Palace in Split.
Korčula Island
Day trips from Split to the National Parks
Croatia is spoiled for choice when it comes to lush, gorgeous national parks. Here are three of my favorites which you can get to from Split!
Krka National Park
At only 1h15m. by coach, Krka National Park is one of the most popular day trips from Split. The park is made up of stunning waterfalls with crystal clear waters, lush landscapes, scenic walking trails and historic watermills.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Although it’s a bit farther from Split (around 3.5 hours by car or coach) Plitvice Lakes National Park is worth the trip. Its cascading lakes and waterfalls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a natural wonder and it’s considered by many to be the best national park in Croatia. My advice? I would recommend doing the day trip from Zadar or Zagreb instead as they are both closer. But, if you’re not heading up north, than it’s still totally doable from Split.
Mljet National Park
Though not as popular as the other two parks, Mljet National Park is well worth a visit if you plan on spending some time exploring the Dalmatian islands. Around a 3-hour journey from Split by ferry, this national park is located on an island and is something of a secluded paradise. When I visited, there were whole stretches of the park that I had entirely to myself!
Day trips from Split to coastal towns
Here are a couple of cute coastal towns near Split:
Trogir
This picturesque town, just a short 30m. drive or local bus journey away from Split, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The entire old town is situated on its own island, connected to the mainland by a bridge. Explore its well-preserved medieval architecture, narrow streets, and beautiful waterfront.
Sibenik
Just 1.5 hours up the coast lies Šibenik, a historic coastal town known for its cathedral, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the old town and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere.
Further afield
These next two options are a bit further away but are still possible to do as a day trip, especially if taken as part of a tour.
Mostar - Bosnia and Herzegovina
Venture beyond Croatia to explore Mostar’s iconic Old Bridge, Ottoman architecture, and rich history. It’s about a 3.5-hour drive from Split, and a popular day tour spot if you wish to join a group.
Dubrovnik
While Dubrovnik is a bit farther away for a day trip (around 3-4 hours by car), it’s still possible to visit this stunning walled city in a day (though I’d highly recommend spending at least one night!) Explore the historic old town, and don’t forget to walk the city walls and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Remember to check ferry schedules (and weather conditions), book tours and parks in advance, and plan your transportation accordingly to make the most of your day trips from Split. Any one of these options above is a good one, the choice lies with you!
How to Get to Split
Split has its very own airport which makes it super easy and convenient to get to. It’s located about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) from the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi (30 min), which is the fastest but most expensive option.
You can also take a shuttle bus which takes around 30-40 minutes and arrives at the main bus station in Split. They are supposed to coincide with the flight arrivals but I actually ended up waiting nearly an hour before I could board a bus. It costs €8 and you can buy the tickets in advance online or pay the bus driver directly.
Another option is to take the public bus n. 37 to reach many spots inside the city, but the bus stop is located on the main road outside the airport, not at the airport itself. It’s definitely the cheapest option at only €3 a ticket (which you can pay to the driver once you board) but it also takes the longest at 50 minutes journey time.
FAQs About Split
Below are some frequently asked questions about Split. I tried to be as thorough as possible, but you can always drop me a comment or email if you have a question that wasn’t answered here and I’ll try and get back to you as soon as possible.
What is the best time to visit Split?
The best time to visit Split is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. Summer (July and August) is the peak tourist season with hot weather and larger crowds. I visited in May and couldn’t be happier.
How do I get from the airport to the city center?
You can take a taxi, airport shuttle bus, or local bus to reach the city center from Split Airport. I go into more detail in the article above.
What are the top attractions in Split?
Some of the top attractions in Split include Diocletian’s Palace, Marjan Hill, Riva promenade, the Cathedral of St. Domnius and its bell tower, and the Peristyle.
Are there good beaches in Split?
Yes, Split has several beaches, including Bacvice Beach, Ovcice Beach, and Firule Beach, among others. Many of them are within walking distance from the city center.
What is the local currency in Split, and where can I exchange money?
The local currency in Croatia as of 2023 is the euro. You can exchange money at banks, currency exchange offices, or ATMs, which are widely available throughout the city.
How can I book a ferry to nearby islands from Split?
You can book ferry tickets to nearby islands at the Split Ferry Port or online through the websites of ferry companies such as Jadrolinija or Krilo. You can also book here.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Split?
Yes, tap water in Split is generally safe to drink. The water quality is good, and you can refill your reusable water bottle from public fountains.
What is the nightlife like in Split?
Split has a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues. The Bacvice Beach area is known for its nightlife.
How long should I stay in Split?
This depends entirely on you and your Croatian itinerary schedule. I would recommend at least 2 days to see the city and add on as many days as you want to do day trips.
Is Split safe?
Yes! I went as a solo female traveler and felt quite safe. As usual, it’s advised to take any precautions you would normally take and, as always, listen to your gut!