We visited Split many times, sometimes to explore its Old Town and other times to use it as a base to explore the surrounding areas and go on trips to nearby islands like Hvar and Brač.
Split is the second-largest city in Croatia, but it has an old-world charm. It is also the largest city on the Dalmatian Coast.
Walking the cobbled stone streets of Split, widely known for its Roman ruins, especially Diocletian’s Palace, you will feel transported back in time with its beautiful architectural structures, and yet feel quite at home with modern shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Split offers the perfect environment to experience the merging of historic and modern!
Things to do in Split
1. Diocletian’s Palace
Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the heart of the city, is Split’s main attraction.
When we think about Split, the palace is the first thing that comes to mind.
Now home to hundreds of buildings, including shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, and hotels, it was built in 305 AD, meant to serve as Emperor Diocletian’s residence during his retirement.
The massive structure housed mostly buildings for Diocletian’s use, and a large part for the military stationed there (garrison).
One of the most interesting things you can find in Diocletian’s Palace is a Sphinx, since it is said that Diocletian once ordered 12 sphinxes to be brought from Egypt to decorate the grand palace.
However, only one remains intact and can be found at the Peristyle, the Palace’s central square.
Below ground, you can walk through the cellars of Diocletian’s Palace, or the palace substructures, a massive complex of one of the best-preserved cellars of this kind in the world.
However, the most fascinating fact is that the cellars’ structure is a replica of Diocletian’s residential area above, so it’s easy to imagine what it looked like.
Throughout the years, the cellars were used for all purposes, including storage, wine and oil production, and residence for refugees.
Beyond the main part of the palace and the cellars, the complex offers much to see, from the Gold, Silver, and Bronze gates to other beautiful squares, ancient temples, cathedrals, and more.
Game of Thrones fact: During Daenerys’ stay in Meeren, she kept her dragons in Diocletian’s Palace Cellars. Heading to Dubrovnik next? Read all about the GoT filming locations.
Opening hours and price
Walking around Diocletian’s Palace grounds is free at any time, and the cellars are open from 8 AM to 8 PM with a 7 EUR ticket.
However, you can also visit museums and attractions inside the palace, which have separate fees.
For most visitors, we highly recommend buying the 15 EUR all-sites combo ticket. It gives you access to the Treasury, Bell Tower, Cathedral, Jupiter’s Temple (Baptisery), and the Crypt.
Continue reading to learn more about these sites.
2. Treasury of St. Domnius Cathedral
In the same building as the main ticket office for attractions within Diocletian’s Palace (opposite the cathedral), you can visit the Treasury.
The Treasury is a type of museum with mostly religious artifacts spread over three floors. In addition to religious pieces, artwork, and manuscripts, inside you will also find Roman ruins and archeological discoveries.
3. St. Domnius Cathedral and its Bell Tower
Part of Diocletian’s Palace and its most recognizable building is the Bell Tower of St. Domnius Cathedral.
The bell tower is quite easy to spot as it towers over the buildings in the historical area at around 60 meters height.
St. Domnius Cathedral, also known as Split Cathedral, is a Roman building and the oldest Catholic cathedral still in use. It was first constructed in 305 AD as Diocletian’s Mausoleum and consecrated (became a cathedral) in the 7th century.
Inside the Cathedral, you can see beautiful details and religious artifacts, the bell tower, and the crypt turned chapel for St. Lucy.
The Bell Tower is a relatively “newer” addition to the complex, only built in the 12th century. And if you’re not too scared of heights, you can climb the 200-step stairs of the tower for stunning panoramic views of Split.
Opening hours and price
Access to the Bell Tower of St. Domnius Cathedral costs 7 EUR, while entry to the cathedral itself costs 5 EUR.
Travel tip: For 12 EUR, you can buy the combo ticket for the cathedral and bell tower, which also includes entry to the Treasury (located right at the ticket office).
Like history? Read this.
St. Domnius Cathedral is named after Sveti Dujam (St. Domnius), a 3rd-century bishop of Salona, a historic city in the Solin area just outside Split.
Sveti Dujam was one of the martyred Christians in the bloody persecutions by Diocletian. By way of defiance, it was the Christians who later turned Diocletian’s mausoleum into the now-famous cathedral.
Dalmatia’s history is very colorful. Before Diocletian, Split began as a colony of Vis (a nearby island), then a colony under Syracuse’s rule (Italy). This means Split was like a colony of Syracuse.
On the other hand, Dubrovnik was founded much later, by refugees fleeing the Slavs before they joined them and started coexisting.
4. Jupiter’s Temple
Not far from the Cathedral, on the other side of the Peristyle, enter a narrow street and see Jupiter’s Temple, an old Roman temple (turned into a Baptistery) in an almost original form, including its barrel-vaulted ceiling.
In all honesty, it sounds grand, but Jupiter’s Temple is quite small. You need less than a minute to look inside and around it. But since it’s worth buying the combo ticket that includes it, why not visit?
The outside is much more interesting, especially because a headless sphinx (one of the 12 sphinxes that Diocletian brought from Egypt) was placed right in front of it.
Inside, there is only a bronze statue of John the Baptist, the sarcophagi of two of Split’s Archbishops, Ivan and Lovre, and a baptismal font.
Entrance to Jupiter’s Temple in Split costs 3 EUR if visited without a combo ticket, and is open from 8 AM to 7 PM.
When you’re done with Jupiter’s Temple, you can walk through “Let Me Pass” (Pust me proć in Croatian), the narrowest street in Split’s Old Town. It’s just 10 meters long and very narrow, so it’s not an important attraction. But, since it’s right there, why not walk through it?
Best Walking Tour of Split?
There are so many great walking tours in Split, but we recommend this one. It’s run in small groups, so you don’t feel too lost in the crowd.
Additionally, local tour guides on this tour 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 local history only locals know.
5. Diocletian’s Palace Alleys, Squares, and Gates
Beyond the main attractions within Diocletian’s Palace (the old town of Split), walking the cobblestone paths and alleys is the best way to admire the old architecture.
You can also walk through the Golden Gate (Zlatna Vrata) to the outside of the palace walls, and rub Grgur Ninski’s big toe for good luck.
The Golden Gate was the emperor’s main entrance to the complex and is one of the four main Roman access gates.
If you exit the palace to the west through the Ulica Ispod Ure (meaning “street under the clock”), you can visit the People’s Square (more commonly known as Pjaca).
Pjaca was the first inhabited part outside the palace walls.
However, if you exit the palace at the eastern part, the Silver Gate (Srebrena Vrata) will lead you to Gradska Tržnica (Pazar), Split’s local farmers’ market.
6. Pazar – Split Farmers’ Market
If you like visiting local markets abroad, like we do, do not miss a visit to Pazar!
Right outside the east wall of Diocletian’s Palace, strolling through Pazar will bring you to the heart of local products from Split, Vis, Brač, and other nearby islands, as well as inland Croatia.
Think delicious local fruit, cheeses, liquor, wine, olive oil, honey, jam, and vegetables.
Next to Pazar, you can also grab a bite to eat at one of the takeout/street food stalls or a bakery.
Local tip: If you want to see fresh fish on offer, visit Peškarija, the daily Split fish market. Want to eat some fish instead and not just look at it on the market? Check out one of the best fish restaurants in Split, like Dvor.
7. Riva Promenade
Just outside Diocletian’s Palace and fronting the Old Town of Split by the waterfront is the Riva Promenade.
Lined with palm trees, restaurants, and bars, the Riva is an iconic Split attraction with views of the southern walls and buildings of Diocletian’s Palace.
There’s not much to do at the Riva except sit on one of the benches, do as the locals do, and chat while looking out towards the boats and ferries leaving for the islands and the Adriatic Sea.
Expect to see droves of people just going about their day as the Riva Promenade is the heart of public life in Split. It’s a people-watching dream.
As Splićani (Split locals) would say: “Svi na rivu!”, meaning “everyone to the waterfront!”. It’s also the most common place used for gatherings during sports matches to cheer on our teams or to welcome them home from a match abroad.
8. Museums
Since Split was built around an old Roman Palace, steeped in rich history, visiting a museum in Split makes absolute sense.
The best one is the Ethnographic Museum, which showcases artifacts from the everyday lives of Split and the area’s people over the centuries.
There is clothing, jewelry, furniture, and arts and crafts. The museum is similar in style to the Ethnographic Museum “Rupe” in Dubrovnik.
Opening hours and ticket: Split’s Ethnographic Museum is open from 9 AM to 7 PM Monday through Friday (10 AM to 5 PM on Saturday) and costs 5 EUR.
Otherwise, the best museum in Split is the Split City Museum, housed inside the large Papalić Palace, a 15th-century Gothic building in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace. However, it’s currently closed due to ongoing renovations.
For a bit of an alternative museum experience, visit the Museum of Illusions for fun displays of optical illusions, which will make you question your senses.
9. Marjan Hill
For a bit of a city break, head over to Marjan Hill, Split’s lush green oasis. It’s a great place to escape if you want to take in a bit of nature during your trip to Split.
At 178 meters, the hill has walking trails leading through a beautiful and serene pine forest, and on top, you can enjoy beautiful views of Split and the Adriatic Sea.
However, if you don’t want to climb all the way up, get to the Prva Vidilica Na Marjanu viewpoint (meaning First Viewpoint on Marjan).
It offers top views with less walking, as it’s only about a 15-minute walk from the Riva. But it offers excellent views of the Riva, harbor, and the rest of Split.
We walked up to Prva Vidilica viewpoint through the Marjan Hill Stairs just off Marasovića street. We preferred this route over the other (Senjska Street) because it was more shaded and peaceful, with beautiful trees all around. Plus, there are usually lots of cute cats!
10. Beaches
We don’t always associate Split with the best beaches in Croatia, but that is not to say it doesn’t have really good ones! And they’re not that hard to get to from the city center.
For us, the best beach in Split is Kašjuni Beach, which is usually also at the top of most other lists. And for a reason!
It’s a lovely pebble beach, located about 3 kilometers from the city center, on the western side of Marjan Hill, with turquoise blue water.
Keep in mind that while Kašjuni Beach is beautiful, the amenities and beach bar there are quite expensive. For example, the lounge cabana costs 100 EUR daily, and the sunbed is 35 EUR. You can always just sit/lie on a towel.
However, if you plan a full day at the beach, this is the place to be. Otherwise, bring some drinks and food from a store. There are a few Studenac stores right at the exit of the city, and a Konzum and Tommy Supermarket further down the road.
To get to Kašjuni Beach, you can walk there in about 45 minutes from the Riva, or take the bus number 12 (SV. FRANE – BENE) from Trg Franje Tuđmana, in front of the Church of St. Francis. Otherwise, simply get a taxi/Uber.
Local tip: The taxis returning from the Kašjuni Beach are INCREDIBLY expensive and, honestly, scammy. If the bus is full or doesn’t fit your departure time, absolutely use an Uber for a fair price and no fiasco.
For a different beach, we suggest visiting the favorite local beach in Split, Bačvice, just a 15-minute walk from the Old Town.
We had known about Bačvice for a long time before even visiting Split for the first time. It’s THE spot to observe locals playing Picigin, a unique Split ball game played in shallow water, which Bačvice is perfect for.
Otherwise, if you continue from Bačvice to the east along the coast, you will get to some other beaches like Ovčice Beach (translated Lambs Beach), which has both pebble, rocky, and concrete slab parts depending on what you like. This is the best and closest alternative to Kašjuni Beach.
For a sandy beach, continue around one more corner to Firule Beach. While not as scenic, it’s great if you want a sandy entrance into the water.
The beaches we listed so far are among the smaller beaches. However, you can find many large beaches in Split, like Žnjan City Beach (a 45-minute walk) or the Trstenik Beach just before it.
Those are much bigger and more developed beaches. Plus, there is a wheelchair-accessible beach and a pet-friendly part further down the coast.
11. Klis Fortress
The only location on our list that’s further away from Split’s city center is Klis Fortress, about 15 kilometers from the Old Town, in the hills above Split.
Klis Fortress is one of the top places to visit in Split to see the rich history that spans over 2000 years. It was built during medieval times and served as a stronghold against the Ottomans and the Mongols.
Its location atop a limestone cliff gives you panoramic views of Split and the sea, while inside you can observe historical weaponry, armor, and archeological finds.
Game of Thrones fact: The fortress may look familiar as it was the filming site for Game of Thrones’ Meeren City, especially scenes like the crucifixion of royalty, and many more, both inside and outside the fortress.
Getting there: Take bus number 22 (SPLIT – KLIS) to Klis Fortress from HNK (Croatian National Theater). Otherwise, taking an Uber for about 15 EUR is most convenient.
Opening hours and ticket: Klis Fortress is open from 9 AM to 7 PM, and the ticket costs 12 EUR for adults and 4 EUR for children up to 15 years old.
Don’t skip the nearby Stella Croatica on your visit to Klis Fortress! It’s free with the Klis Fortress ticket (and vice versa).
Stella Croatica is a famous local brand that produces some of the finest Dalmatian delicacies from olives, like its famous olive oil, plus products from figs, almonds, oranges, and more.
At Stella Croatica, you will find an Olive museum, a garden of plants typical of Dalmatia, and a restaurant serving dishes from the finest local ingredients.
You can buy the Stella Croatia and Klis Fortress combo ticket online.
Attention: While Klis Fortress isn’t far from Stella Croatica, basically just 2 kilometers up the road, you have to keep in mind that one part is next to a busy road. It’s doable, it just isn’t the most comfortable walk.
More things to do in Split (Tours, Activities, Day Trips)
In this article, we focused on the must-visit places in Split itself. However, Split offers endless tour, activity, and day trip possibilities, so you can easily spend a week here.
Because of its strategic location, it’s an excellent base and launching point for visiting nearby Dalmatian towns, attractions, and islands, which are easily accessible from its port.
Our best picks for tours and activities in Split:
| Diocletian’s Palace Walking Tour 2 hours – Morning/Mid-Day/Afternoon |  Check availability |
| ⭐ Blue Cave & Island Hopping 10 hours – Early Morning | Check availability |
| ⭐ Plitvice Lakes from Split 12 hours – Early Morning | Check availability |
| Krka Waterfalls from Split 9 hours – 8 or 10 AM | Check availability |
| Sea Kayaking 2.5 hours – Morning or Sunset | Check availability |
To find a complete list of what you can do here, read our detailed articles:
- Best Split Tours (16 of our favorite ones)
- Split’s Best Boat Tours (7 best options)
- Best Split Outdoor Activities (11 most fun experiences)
- Coming soon: Best Day Trips from Split (including our local favorites)
Practical Travel Tips
Where to stay
The best area for short stays in Split is definitely near or inside the Old Town (Diocletian’s Palace). If your budget permits, it’s definitely worth it, since you’re placing yourself at the center of all the action and steps away from Split’s highlights.
In the Old Town, we recommend this excellent Heritage Hotel right by Pjaca (People’s Square). For a more budget stay, this Old Town Hostel is a good choice (has dorms and budget rooms).
However, when we visit Split, we almost always stay in Podstrana, a coastal area just east of Split. It’s well connected to Split, has great hotel options (from budget to extremely nice luxury spots), and lovely beaches to chill and swim at.
Podstrana has many great options, but our top pick for a very comfortable stay in a fantastic location is Hotel Eden. For a more budget stay, we recommend Apartments Peričić, where we once stayed for about a week.
Where to eat
Considered the heart of the Dalmatian coast, Split’s food is characterized as, well, very much Dalmatian. It highlights fresh ingredients, a lot of seafood, vegetables, decadent desserts, and, of course, lots of olive oil.
A wonderful restaurant and one of the absolute best ones in Split is Fig (number 5 on Tripadvisor), located right in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace, steps away from the Peristil.
We haven’t yet had a chance to eat there, but we did eat at Fig Hvar, their original location on the island of Hvar. They have superb food with lots of veggie options!
Finding vegetarian and vegan options in Split is not an issue, since Dalmatian cuisine incorporates a lot of vegetables in its dishes. Panodra Greenbox and UpCafe are examples of great vegan places.
How long to stay in Split
A full day is enough to cover Split’s highlights, but spending at least two days here will let you explore the Old Town and other sites near Split without feeling too hurried.
How to get to Split
Flying into Split
In our opinion, it’s easier to get to Split than to Zagreb, the capital, especially in the summer when Split is incredibly well connected with flights to many European countries.
If you are already in Croatia, flying to Split from Zagreb is easy, convenient, and affordable. You can find flights under 100 EUR.
To get to the city from the airport, we recommend the Split airport shuttle (8 EUR one way). Otherwise, an Uber/taxi ride costs about 30-40 EUR. Alternatively, you can book a door-to-door private transfer to your hotel.
Bus, ferry, and train
By bus, you can easily reach Split from Zagreb in 6 hours and from Dubrovnik in 4-5 hours.
Plus, it’s well-connected to many other Croatian cities and neighboring countries, like Bosnia and Herzegovina (7-8 hours from Sarajevo and 4 hours from Mostar).
By ferry, it’s about a 5-hour journey from Dubrovnik to Split. This is the perfect way to avoid road traffic and see some stunning views along the way.
Note: While we love trains, and there is a train connecting Split via Zagreb (a journey of about 6-8 hours), we don’t really recommend it for this route, because of its unreliability and frequent delays due to works.
How to get around Split
The best way to get around Split is on foot or public transport, which connects all parts of the city with frequent departures, from early morning to late night. Download the bus app (Promet Split) for useful information like timetables and routes for easier planning.
Taxis in Split
Taking a taxi or Uber is convenient for getting to the Old Town and around the whole Split area (Uber is especially great for that). Local tip: Install the Bolt app, as you often get a cheaper rate than with Uber in Croatia!
By car
If you’re coming to Split by car or plan on renting a car, finding parking can be a real hassle. We recommend parking outside of Split at one of the free parking lots, like Stadium Parking, and then walking into town in 20-30 minutes or by bus/taxi.
Prices in Split
On average, a night in a Split hotel costs 100 EUR, 50 to 70 EUR in an apartment, and 35 to 45 EUR in a hostel.
Dining out in Split varies from 15 to 30 EUR per meal with drinks at a mid-range restaurant.
Public transport in Split is affordable, with bus tickets costing around 2 EUR per ride, and renting a car to explore the area costs 30 to 70 EUR per day, depending on the type of vehicle and rental duration.
| Accommodation | Food | Transport |
| Hotel: 100 – 200 EUR / night | Inexpensive meal: 10 EUR | Taxi 1km: 1.5 – 2 EUR |
| Hostel: 30 – 70 EUR / night | Mid-range meal: 15 – 30 EUR | Car rental: 30 – 70 EUR |
Best time to visit Split
In our opinion, the most enjoyable time to visit Split is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and fall (September to October).
During these times, the weather is pleasant, the crowds are thinner compared to the peak summer months, and you can enjoy exploring the city without feeling too overwhelmed.
Plus, the water is a good temperature if you’re looking to head to the beach for some swimming.
High season travel tips
For high-season visits, we absolutely recommend booking hotels, experiences, transport, and tours in advance to secure your spot and make the most of your visit, and pay less.
But the most important high-season travel tip is to start your day in Split very early to avoid crowds.
Find our list of the best tours in our Guide to Best Split Tours.
Low season travel tips
The great thing about off-peak periods in Split is lower prices for hotels and activities.
However, there are fewer flights to Split during the low season, as some routes only operate during summer months.
Also, keep in mind that if you’re coming before April and are interested in outdoor activities and organized day trips to nearby islands, some might not be operating yet.
Final thoughts and tips
Thank you for reading this guide! Hopefully, our complete list of the absolute best things to do in Split will help you plan an unforgettable trip and have a great time.
Our final tip for visiting Split is to definitely consider using it as a base to explore other nearby destinations, such as beautiful islands and national parks.
Have a fantastic time!
