In addition to all the top things to see and do in Split, there are also lots of fun and informative tours that can help you have an even better time.
As locals who have traveled extensively in Croatia and other countries, we know which tours are worthwhile in Split.
In this article, we list our hand-picked 16 of the absolute best tours in Split, including those for exploring the city, island-hopping, day tours, trying local food, and outdoor activities.
For a complete list of even more of the best tours, check our specific guides, such as our Best Split Boat Tours guide, our Guide to Split Outdoor Activities, and our Best Split Day Trips (coming soon) article.
Our list of the absolute best Split tours
1. Diocletian’s Palace Walking Tour
The Old Town Walking Tour is the best tour in Diocletian’s Palace, the highlight and heart of Split.
This specific tour is run in small groups, so you don’t feel too lost in the crowd.
What we love about this tour is that the local tour guides have a Master’s degree in History (Magistar/Magister as we say it in Croatian), ensuring you get the correct information. Plus, a bit of historical facts only locals know!
2. Game of Thrones Walking Tour
The second-best walking tour is the Game of Thrones Tour, the best choice for GOT fans.
Knowledgeable guides will take you to all the best filming locations in and around the Old Town and provide information on filming details and behind-the-scenes stories.
While this tour is focused on GOT, you will also get to learn about the actual history of Split. It’s a great two-for-one option.
3. Food Tasting Walking Tour
Another great combo tour option we recommend in Split is the Food Tasting Walking Tour.
You will explore a selection of local dishes in the historical area while a knowledgeable guide shares the history behind the cuisine and the city.
If you want to do just one food/walking tour in Split, this is the one!
4. Tuk-Tuk Highlights Tour
One of the absolute coolest (and most eco-friendly) ways to explore Split is on an Electric Tuk-Tuk Highlights Tour.
Your driver (and guide) will take you to the best spots in and around Split and share informative facts and interesting stories about the history of Split, the area, and Croatia.
The tour combines a drive around the area, including through beautiful Marjan hill and forest, plus a walking tour of Diocletian’s Palace.
The great thing about taking a Tuk Tuk to Marjan Hill is that it’s otherwise a pretty long walk to visit all the spots there, like the panoramic viewpoints.
5. Bike Tour
One of our favorite alternatives to the Tuk-Tuk tour is this Bike Tour, which takes you around a well-designed route through Marjan Hill trails.
The great thing about this tour is that they adjust the pace to your strength, so if you’re more of a biker, you can definitely go faster. Otherwise, it’s a more mellow ride.
It’s the best choice to see parts of the city you otherwise likely wouldn’t.
6. Blue Cave and Island Hopping
Our favorite island-hopping tour from Split is the Blue Cave Tour. We did this exact same tour, and it was a great day out!
On the tour, we visited the breathtaking Blue Cave on Biševo Island. But not only that. We also stopped off at Vis Island (known for the filming of Mamma Mia), then at a blue lagoon (a great swimming stop), and visited the famous Hvar Island.
If you only have an extra day in Split and want to see some cool stuff at the nearby beautiful islands, this is the tour to book.
7. Sunset Cruise with Live Music
A really great, although short, boat trip in Split is the Sunset Cruise with Live Music. It’s the perfect way to finish your day of exploring Split in style!
It cruises for about two hours along the Split coastline, especially around Marjan hill towards Kaštela Bay, with unlimited soft drinks, wine, sparkling wine, and beer.
This cruise is family-friendly, as it’s a more laid-back version of the standard party cruises.
8. Wine & Dine Gastro Tour
Dalmatia is famous for its wine production, and the best way to try fantastic wines is to go to a wine tasting.
But beyond simple wine-tasting experiences, we highly recommend the Wine & Dine Gastro Tour. It combines wine tasting with a tasting of delicious local food through Split’s Old Town.
The guides on this tour are also knowledgeable about Split’s history and will share fun details and facts during the walk. Plus, if you book the morning tour, you can try some delicious stuff at Pazar, the Green Market.
Wine Tasting Tour
In Split, we recommend the Educational Wine Tasting experience, which takes place in a wine shop in the historical area. In addition to wine, you can try some local cheese, prosciutto, and olives.
9. Krka National Park Day Tour
In our opinion, the absolute first choice for a day tour from Split is the Krka National Park, just an hour and a half drive north, right next to the city of Šibenik.
We loved visiting Krka, especially the famous Skradinski Buk (its largest waterfall), and walking the various trails around the park. It’s such a pretty spot.
Our top choice for a Krka trip is this Krka Combo Tour, which, in the summer, not only visits Krka National Park but also finishes the trip off with a stop at a beautiful beach near Primošten (another beautiful seaside town).
Good to know: If you choose to go on this tour before/after summer, you will skip the beach and visit Šibenik instead. It’s actually a pretty good replacement as Šibenik is an underrated gem in Dalmatia, and we loved our visit there.
OPTIONAL: A great tour alternative is the Krka & Wine Tasting Tour, which includes a visit to Krka Waterfalls and a stop at a local winery.
10. Plitvice Lakes Day Tour
While Krka is the faster day tour option from Split, the most popular one is to Plitvice Lakes, a two-hour and 45-minute drive north of Split.
Plitvice Lakes are Croatia’s most famous attraction, and for good reason. The national park is incredibly picturesque and a great place to wander around.
It’s great to visit any time of year, and we loved our time there both in winter and summer, rain or sun. On our last visit in September, we had a mix of beautiful sunny weather and rain, which actually created a calm, mystical atmosphere at the lakes.
Our favorite tour for visiting Plitvice is the Plitvice Lakes Tour with Tickets, which includes organized transport from Split and back, as well as a professional guide at the lakes.
This is the best value-for-money tour to Plitvice Lakes.
11. Dubrovnik Day Tour
While you’re in Split, an unmissable destination about three hours south is Dubrovnik, with its ancient city walls and stunning architecture in the Old Town.
Going on a day tour to Dubrovnik from Split will be a long day. However, if you have one extra day to spend in Split and don’t want to miss out on Dubrovnik (you shouldn’t!), the tour makes a lot of sense.
On our recommended Dubrovnik Day Tour, you have enough time to walk the famous city walls, stroll along the streets of Old Town, and visit amazing attractions like the Franciscan Church and the oldest still-functioning pharmacy in Europe (opened in 1317!).
Plan your trip to Dubrovnik
We spent a lot of time exploring Dubrovnik and wrote many informative travel guides, which you can use to plan your best trip there.
12. Sea Kayaking
A simple, fun, but more adventurous way to explore Split’s area is on a Sea Kayaking tour.
There are many to choose from, but our favorite combines sea kayaking with river kayaking (a really cool experience). You can also go on a morning or sunset tour, depending on what fits you best.
The route is not too difficult, so it’s beginner-friendly, and transport is included, so you don’t have to worry about paying extra.
13. River Rafting with Cliff Jumping
Split’s location makes it easy to go on more fun outdoor adventures on the Cetina River near Omiš – a local favorite.
We recommend this river rafting tour, which is not too difficult, and lasts about four hours. Plus, you can even do a few cliff jumps.
A morning pick-up from Split is available, and we recommend booking it with them. Otherwise, a taxi or Uber will cost much more.
14. Quad Riding in the countryside
There’s lots to do at sea and by the coast, but a whole part of Dalmatia (the backcountry) is less explored, but is quite picturesque and interesting to visit.
The best way to explore this countryside area is by quad or ATV. We recommend this quad riding tour, which lasts about four hours on new, safe quads. You can choose between a morning and afternoon tour (10 AM or 3 PM).
Beyond the ride, you also get a delicious lunch/dinner served, and optionally, in the summer, you can swim in the Cetina River.
The tour’s starting point is about 45 kilometers outside of Split, but you can book the transport with them and get picked up in central Split.
15. Night Glow Tour by paddleboard or kayak
An alternative to cruises and boat parties for experiencing Split after dark is the fun and relaxed Night Glow Tours, which start after sunset, around 8 PM.
It’s a fun activity where you hop into an illuminated kayak or onto a glowing paddleboard and explore Split’s seaside in a cool way.
16. Cooking Class
Lastly, if you like cooking passionately like Matej, don’t miss out on booking a spot in a Cooking Class.
You will not only make delicious food but also try some fantastic wine and snacks.
The chefs overseeing your cookery have all worked in some of the best restaurants in Croatia, so you know you’re in good hands! Plus, they will help you plate the food to make it look like a masterpiece.
If you love food, this is a must-do tour in Split! And yes, vegetarian options are available.
Final thoughts
Beyond just seeing the Old Town of Split, it’s also an excellent base for many fun tours, activities, and day trips. So, if you have extra time, adding a night or two more in Split for some of these tours is an excellent idea.
Have a fantastic time in Split!
