Centered around the sprawling Diocletian’s Palace complex, Split is one of Croatia’s most captivating cities. With an atmospheric old town, buzzing harborfront promenade, relaxing beaches, and fascinating history, it’s easy to see why. This comprehensive guide covers the top things to do in Split to help first-time visitors maximize their time in this Dalmatian Coast hub.
Top 12 Things to Do in Split, Croatia
With its unique blend of ancient history and coastal allure, Split deserves at least 2-3 days on any Croatia trip. Use this list to see the highlights of this Dalmatian jewel.
Explore Diocletian’s Palace
Emperor Diocletian constructed this enormous palace starting in roughly 295 AD as his lavish retirement home, modeled after Roman imperial villas. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palace complex covers over 30,000 square meters and forms the heart of Split’s old town.
Be sure to spend at least a few hours wandering the colonnaded streets, temples, plazas, and underground cellars within the meticulously preserved palace walls and soaking in the millennia of history. The Bronze Gate entrance provides an ideal starting point.
Highlights include the walking path following the old fortified walls, Peristyle Courtyard with its imposing cathedral, the Temple of Jupiter, underground basement halls, and more. For context, join a guided tour or audio tour. Allow more time if you want to visit the archaeological museum within the palace.
If you would like to plan out the details and pricing of your private car or van transfer in advance, use the Christian Transfers website to book your travel and pay the confirmed rate securely online ahead of time by credit card.
– you can book a car to get from Split to Dubrovnik by clicking on this link or
– book a car to get from Split to Zadar Airport by clicking on this link.
Walk the Riva Waterfront
No visit to Split is complete without strolling along the Riva, the buzzing palm tree-lined waterfront promenade running along the harbor. Throughout the day, tourists and locals flock to the Riva to see and be seen, pop into lively bars or restaurants, and admire views of the coastline from shaded cafe terraces.
Street performers from musicians to dancers entertain the constant crowds gathered along one of Croatia’s most iconic pedestrian thoroughfares. Grab an ice cream and claim a perch for people watching, or browse through the line of yachts moored nearby. The atmosphere peaks at night when the Riva turns into the place to enjoy cocktails or a romantic waterfront dinner.
Climb the Cathedral Bell Tower
Part of Diocletian’s Palace, the imposing Romanesque-style Cathedral of St. Domnius dates mainly to the 13th century with its soaring bell tower added in the 16th century. For panoramic views over the terracotta rooftops of Split and the surrounding coastline, brave the climb up the cathedral’s 57-meter tall bell tower.
There are two platforms, one halfway up and one at the very top, each providing a 360-degree vista across Split and the sailboat-dotted harbor toward distant Marjan Hill and beyond. It’s best to visit the tower in the morning before crowds amass. Tickets cost 20 Kuna per person and include cathedral entry.
Hike Marjan Hill
Escape the bustling city center with an easy hike through Marjan Forest Park’s shady trails and scenic overlooks. Occupying the long peninsula projecting west from Split’s harbor, this huge forested park covers over 300 hectares and serves as the city’s recreational getaway and green escape.
Well-marked trails weave through pine and cypress groves, passing historic chapels and medieval fortifications with plenty of breathtaking viewpoints. Pack a picnic or plan to dine at Vidilica, the atmospheric restaurant perched above Marjan’s beaches. Within the park you can also find cultural attractions like the Meštrović Gallery. Hiking Marjan Hill makes for the perfect half day diversion from downtown.
Visit the Markets
Get an authentic taste of local life in Split by browsing one of the city’s many open-air markets brimming with fresh produce, artisan goods, and bustling activity. The imposing wrought-iron structure housing the Fish Market sells freshly caught Adriatic seafood alongside fruit and veggie stalls. Nearby, discover olive oil, honey, lavender, and traditional Dalmatian products at the Green Market.
For an enormous array of goods from clothing to housewares, don’t miss the sprawling Pazar open-air marketplace on the eastern edge of the old town. Fruit lovers will think they’ve died and gone to heaven peering at the overflowing displays of berries, melons, cherries, and more in spring and summer.
Day Trip to Hvar Island
Easily reachable by speedboat or ferry in just over an hour, lively Hvar Island makes for one of the most popular day trips from Split. Base yourself in Hvar Town to explore its scenic 13th century harbor lined with distracted luxury yachts, historic architecture like St. Stephen’s Cathedral, pebbly beaches, and lively nightlife scene.
Venture further to sample olive oil and award-winning wines at area vineyards or admire the endless lavender blooms carpeting the island’s hillsides in season. Return in the evening for dinner and cocktails or stay overnight in one of Hvar’s charming accommodations, from affordable private rooms to swanky boutique hotels.
Diocletian’s Cellars
Beneath the streets of Split lie a maze of ancient cellars and tunnels that were originally used for storage within the palace walls, which now house some of the city’s most atmospheric bars and restaurants. Grabbing dinner or drinks within the palace basements allows you to dine like Diocletian once did centuries ago, surrounded by low-lit stone architecture.
Many of the cellar taverns feature live music in the evenings, from jazz to folk. Highlights include the elegant wine bar Paradox for its modern take on cuisine and cocktails and the more casual Tavern Tvestenik known for traditional Dalmatian dishes and antipasti spreads. Visitors can purchase a cellars pass for discounted drinks and deals at participating locations.
Bačvice Beach
The most popular and centrally located beach in Split is Bačvice, also known as the Blue Flag Beach. Just a short stroll east from Diocletian’s Palace, Bačvice attracts sunbathers to relax on lounge chairs and umbrellas lining the fine pebbles and sandy shore, protected from waves by offshore breakwaters. You’ll find cafes and restaurants serving cold drinks and snacks behind the rows of water sports operators renting out jet skis, boards, and other equipment. Join in a friendly game of picigin (a ball game invented in Split) or simply unwind with a swim in the turquoise waters.
Top 12 Things to Do in Split, Croatia
If you would like to plan out the details and pricing of your private car or van transfer in advance, use the Christian Transfers website to book your travel and pay the confirmed rate securely online ahead of time by credit card.
– you can book a car to get from Split to Dubrovnik by clicking on this link or
– book a car to get from Split to Zadar Airport by clicking on this link.
Day Trips to Brač and Šolta Islands
If time allows, harbor boats and ferries conveniently connect Split to the nearby islands of Brač and Šolta for easy full or half-day excursions. Brač Island draws escapists with the famous Zlatni Rat Beach and its alluring golden horn-like shape extending into the sea. After some beach time, explore quiet inland villages like Pučišća known for its stone masonry traditions.
Underrated Šolta Island offers a low-key vibe with its olive groves, fruit orchards, attractive harbor towns, and quiet coves perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The pace here feels removed from the mainland crowds. Both islands can be visited on guided tours, by public ferries, or private boats.
Where to Stay in Split
Split offers varied accommodations ranging from dorm beds in hostels like Hostel Emanuel, Tchaikovsky Hostel, and Swanky Mint to upscale waterfront hotels. Budget options cluster near the ferry port, train station, and on the suburbs like Veli Varoš.
Mid-range picks like Hotel Peristil, Hotel Consul, and Hotel Vestibul Palace position you right in the palace near top attractions. For ultimate luxury, Hotel Park has an outdoor pool and refined rooms starting around $200 per night during high season.
Apartment rentals arranged via sites like Booking.com and Airbnb often provide the best value for multi-night stays, especially for families or small groups. Split is very walkable so proximity to the historic core is ideal.
If you need the Split Airport website, here is the link.
If you would like to plan out the details and pricing of your private car or van transfer in advance, use the Christian Transfers website to book your travel and pay the confirmed rate securely online ahead of time by credit card.
– you can book a car to get from Split to Dubrovnik by clicking on this link or
– book a car to get from Split to Zadar Airport by clicking on this link.
Key Tips for Enjoying Split
– Wander after dark once the Diocletian’s Palace complex is beautifully lit up
– Hike up Marjan Hill in the late afternoon to catch the sunset over Split
– Leave time to relax at a beach club or island like Hvar or Brač
– For cheaper eats, head to Veli Varoš neighborhood away from the harbor
– Have at least some Kuna cash on hand – some vendors don’t accept cards
With its unique blend of ancient Roman history and coastal attractions, it’s easy to see why Split is a leading Dalmatian Coast destination. Use this guide to make the most of your time exploring this vibrant seaside city.
You can click here if you need to have a look after some Zagreb top attractions, on this link for dubrovnik travel guide and on this one for taxi apps in Paris.