Top Things to Do in Split
Itinerary Ideas for One Day in Split or a Week
Split, the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest city on the Dalmatian Coast, was one of our favorite places in Croatia. There are so many things to do in Split and the nearby area, and though it’s possible to spend one day in Split and see all the main attractions, we recommend staying for at least a weekend. Our Split itinerary and guide covers all the main sites including where to eat and where to stay, and lists options for day trips around the Dalmatian Coast.
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At first glance, you might be underwhelmed by Split, especially if you’re coming from Dubrovnik. Most cities are going to pale in comparison to the picture-perfect and breath-taking Dubrovnik. Split also doesn’t have the best beaches in Croatia or the fairytale quality of the picturesque towns of Istria. Nevertheless, if there is one place we are dying to go back to, it’s Split. Split has that indescribable quality that draws people under its spell. If Dubrovnik is Croatia’s “blond bombshell” than Spilt is the girl next door who wins you over with her infectious joie de vivre and appetite for life. Split might not be the prettiest, but it oozes confidence and charm, always buzzing with excitement and ever-changing trendy food scene and its location on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea is the perfect starting point to explore the Dalmatia region and nearby islands.
It was midday when we arrived to Split after the 3-hour drive from Dubrovnik. We were tired, sweaty (have you been to Croatia in June?) and famished, the sacred trio that always turns us into grumpier and impatient versions of ourselves. However, walking along Split’s Riva promenade, we could feel our lips curling into a smile, and once we entered the Old Town of Split, waves of excitement crept up our spine. We knew we were going to have the best time in Split.
Best Things to Do in Split - Itinerary for 1-5 Days
We have written our Split itinerary to provide the best answers for anyone who visits Split and wants to learn as much as possible about the best attractions in Split. It doesn’t matter if you have 24 hours or a week; we have the perfect Split itinerary for you. We start by listing the must-see attractions for one day in Split, and then if you have more time, you can keep on reading and adding more things to do to your Split itinerary. So, let’s start with the perfect blend of attractions if you only have one day in Split.
Insider Tip: If you want some helpful maps and more information about the Old Town and the best things to do in Split as well as a booklet about the attractions of the Dalmatian Coast, you can drop by one of the two Tourist Information Centers in the Old Town. One is located along the Riva promenade and the second one is at the Peristyle.
Split 1-Day Itinerary – Top Things to Do in One Day in Split
Before anything else, you’ll need to explore the historical monuments in Split starting with all the parts of Diocletian Palace.
Who Was Diocletian and What’s the Deal with Diocletian’s Palace?
Split was originally founded as a Greek colony in the 2nd or 3rd century BC, but it has gained its fame after the Roman Emperor Diocletian who ruled between AD 284 and AD 305 started building his retirement palace there. Diocletian was born in Dalmatia to a low-status family and used his military skills and cunningness to rise through the ranks until he finally became the emperor. He was one of the only Roman emperors to die of natural causes, and the first emperor to retire voluntarily. Diocletian has definitely left his mark on Split and therefore we’ll start our itinerary with this part of the city.
Diocletian’s Palace is not really a palace but more of a very large fortress. Half of the palace was used for the personal use of Diocletian and the other half was used to house his military. The compound of the palace has a form of an irregular rectangle with towers on the western, northern, and eastern parts. No tower was built along the southern façade since back then these walls rose directly from the Adriatic sea. Diocletian designed this palace so his ship could enter directly into the palace through the seaside gate. After the Roman era, many rulers and authorities ruled the area, and many of the original structures were destroyed or renovated. The main attractions in Split are the Old Town and the remnants of Diocletian’s Palace, which were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
One Day in Split Itinerary – Morning till Noon
See the Emperor’s Peristil
The first thing you’d want to do is visit the Emperor’s Peristil, which is located in the middle of Split’s Old Town. It is one of the most photographed locations in Split, and it’s usually packed with groups of tourists. A peristyle or peristil is a long continuous porch which is formed by a row of columns surrounding a courtyard. It was mainly used in Hellenistic Greek and Roman architecture. The Emperor’s Peristil is located at the crossroad of the two main roads of the palace. Walk around, take some pictures and visit the nearby monuments, including the black granite sphinx, one of the 12 sphinxes that Diocletian brought with him from Egypt.
Opening Hours: 24 hours | Address: Dioklecijanova ul. 1, 21000, Split, Croatia
Insider Tip: Days of Diocletian festival takes place in the Old Town during the summer months. You can meet the emperor’s soldiers throughout the Old Town, and at night there’s a tourist performance in the Perstil with the emperor himself.
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Visit the Cathedral of Saint Domnius (Cathedral of St. Duje)
The Cathedral of Saint Domnius was built in the 7th century instead of the Mausoleum of Emperor Diocletian (built at AD 305). How ironic is it that the mausoleum of the emperor who was known as a persecutor of Christians was converted to a catholic cathedral dedicated to one of his victims. It is, in fact, the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world that is still in use in its original structure. The beautifully decorated Romanesque bell tower was added a few centuries later and nowadays it is one of the best viewpoints in Split. When we were there, it was closed for renovations, but if you can (and you’re fit enough), it’s recommended to climb the tower to see the best views of Split. However, we’ve heard that the top part is open to the elements and quite scary to climb for small children and people with a fear of heights. Hopefully, after the renovation, it might be a bit less scary. The compound also includes a treasury where you’ll find icons, robes, manuscripts, a crypt and more.
Opening Hours: Mon. – Sun. 7:00 am – 9:00 pm | Address: Ul. Kraj Svetog Duje 5, 21000, Split, Croatia
Insider tip: If you want to visit all the attractions then buy the combined ticket which includes the entrance to the cathedral, the bell tower, the crypt, the treasury and the Temple of Jupiter which is located on the other side of the Peristil opposite the cathedral.
Admire the Vestibule (Vestibulum)
The Vestibule was once the formal entrance to the emperor’s apartments. This circular hall was once covered by a dome, and only the aristocracy was allowed into this impressive meeting hall. Nowadays, the circular opening at the top is a great subject matter to photograph and since the Vestibule has great acoustics, during the summer months, Klapa groups perform here from time to time (Klapa music is a form of traditional a cappella singing in Dalmatia, and it is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO).
Opening Hours: 24 hours | Address: Ul. Iza Vestibula 1, 21000, Split, Croatia
Take a Stroll around the Triclinium
If you cross the Vestibule and continue southeast, you’ll get to an open yard where the Triclinium is located. Historians believe it was a dining hall and nowadays though the area might seem a bit neglected, it provides another angle of the bell tower, and you’ll have a chance to take pictures of very photogenic laundry lines and see some parts of the seaside wall of Split.
Opening Hours: 24 hours | Address: Ul. Ivana Lukačića 6, 21000, Split, Croatia
Go Down to Substructures of Diocletian’s Palace
We had a private guide to learn more about the history of Split and the first thing he told us was that anyone who wanted to learn about the history of Split needed to visit the basements of Diocletian’s Palace. You may ask why? Well, the short answer is shit! Thanks to the crap, poop, feces whatever you call it, that filled the basements of the palace, this part was perfectly preserved. The Palace’s basements are located below the emperor’s apartment, and during the time of Diocletian, they were mainly used as storage rooms. After the fall of the Roman empire, parts of the substructures were used as living quarters and later, they were turned into a sewage tank for the houses that were built above them. When the excavation processes began, and thanks to the preservation qualities of the fossilized feces the underground structures were preserved beautifully, and many archaeological treasures were found. You can visit the souvenir (and touristy) shops in the compound for free, but the entrance to the actual cellars costs money and honestly, we recommend visiting the palace’s cellars only if you are interested in the history of Split and only with a guide. Without a guide, you won’t be able to fully comprehend the history and archaeological importance of this attraction. You can enter the basements of the palace through the Brass Gate (along the Riva) or through a staircase from the Peristyle.
Opening Hours: Mon. – Sun. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm | Address: Ul. Andrije Medulića 4, 21000, Split, Croatia
One Day in Split Itinerary – Afternoon and Evening
Get Lost in The Alleys of Split Old Town
This is by far our favorite attraction. We love to wander around aimlessly in small alleys and look for wine bars, delicatessen shops, cool boutiques and beautiful backyards with colorful laundry lines. You’ll find all of this and much more while walking around Split’s Old Town. Don’t forget to look for the four gates of the Palace:
- The Brass Gate is part of the seaside wall and leads to the Palace’s basements. Back then, the sea reached this gate, and the emperor could exit or enter the palace directly from the sea.
- Along the northern wall, you’ll find the Golden Gate, which was the main entrance to the palace and had a double-gate system. There are outer and inner gates where invaders were trapped and executed.
- The Silver Gate in the eastern wall, near the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, also used to have a double-gate system as a defense mechanism from invaders.
- The fourth gate is the Iron Gate in the western wall near Pjaca Square, where you can see the beautiful clock tower.
Other attractions in Split Old Town include:
- The statue of Grgur Ninski, just outside of the Golden Gate. This grand statue of the medieval Croatian bishop of Nin was sculpted by Ivan Meštrović, a very famous Croatian sculptor, architect and writer, and according to the local belief, rubbing its big toe will bring you luck and ensure you’ll come back to Split.
- Pass through one of the narrowest streets in the world ‘Let Me Pass Street’ (at this location just near Old Jupiter’s Temple)
- Find one of the oldest Sephardic Synagogue in the Jewish Passage (here’s the location).
- Sip a cup of coffee in one of the cafes at People’s Square (Narodni Trg Pjaca) while admiring the clock tower (that actually has 24 digits instead of the usual 12).
- Make sure to visit one of the most beautiful squares in Split’s Old Town, Vocni Trg. Square, also known as the Fruit Square thanks to the colorful fruit market that used to be here in the old days. Nowadays, you’ll find here numerous bars and coffee shops, a 15th-century octagonal Venetian tower and a magnificent Baroque Palace from the 17th century.
Explore Split with a Guide!
Split is a city that is best explored with a guide. You gain a lot of insight and knowledge and learn more about the history of Split. This recommended Diocletian’s Palace Walking Tour is a great option or you can do it with a SEGWAY if you prefer! For people with mobility issues, this Electric Car Tour might be a good idea.
Walk Along Split’s Promenade - The Riva
Walking along Split’s Riva made us fall in love with Split from the start. The trendy restaurants and coffee shops, the palm trees and the view of the boats – strolling along Split’s waterfront promenade is one of the best things to do in Split. It’s also a great place to sip some iced coffee or have a cold beer with a snack.
Check Out Trg Republike (Republic Square)
The buildings around Republic Square (known as the Prokurative) assume a different shape than the ones in the Old Town. The colorful buildings were built during the 19th century, and their architecture was strongly inspired by Italian architecture during the time of their construction. In the summer months, many of the cultural events and festivals in Split take place here.
Take a Picture of Split from Matejuska
Matejuska is the little fishermen pier on the western part of the Riva. It’s one of the best locations to take a picture of Split’s Riva and the seaside façade of Split’s Old Town. It’s also a meeting place for Split’s youth.
Address: 2- Croatia, Trumbićeva obala 3, 21000, Split, Croatia
Watch the Sunset from Split Viewpoint (Belvedere)
To see Split’s promenade and Old Town from above, climb up to Split’s viewpoint at the edge of Marjan Hill, just next to the old Jewish cemetery. Use the stairs near Matejuska to get to this first viewpoint of Marjan Hill and sip a cup of coffee or a cold drink at Teraca Vidilica (it was full when we were there, but we saw reserved tables so check out their website and contact details for reservations).
Address: Šetalište Luke Botića 3, 21000, Split, Croatia
Return to Split’s Old Town for Dinner, Drinks and Night Photography
Split’s Old Town turns into a fairyland at night. Therefore, end your day with a nice meal or a platter of the delicious local cheese accompanied by locally produced wine at one of the wine bars in the Old City. Then, visit the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and Peristil area for some night photography if you still have any energy left in you. We have some dinner recommendations in our where to eat in Split section below.
Split’s Game of Thrones Tour
Did you know that a few of the scenes in Game of Thrones were filmed in Split? If you are a GOT fan, you might enjoy this Game of Thrones Tour of Split.
Is One Day in Split, Croatia Enough?
Well, in our opinion no, because Split is truly one of the most gorgeous and fun places in Croatia. It’s the combination of the historic monuments, the maze of the Old Town where you’ll find churches and palaces influenced by Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, the lively night and foodie scenes and the beautiful Riva promenade that make Split one of the coolest cities in Croatia. On top of that Split’s central location makes it the perfect base from which you can explore the Dalmatian Coast, the nearby historic towns, the national parks, the islands and more. However, if you have a tight schedule, you can see the best of Split in one day, though you’d have a very busy 1-day itinerary.
Two Days in Split – Top Things to Do in Split for your Second Day
Since you have more time in Split, you can sit back and relax and take it easy on your second day. If there are places or monuments you haven’t managed to check off your bucket list during your first day, you can check these attractions today. If you have managed to see everything we’ve suggested, let’s continue with our Split bucket list.
Republic Square
Split 2-Day Itinerary – Morning
Visit Split’s Markets
We love exploring local markets whenever we travel. Markets usually provide great opportunities for street photography, and they are the best place to buy fresh local produce. Visit Split’s Green Market for fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, nuts, dried fruits and even some souvenirs. You can also visit the local Fish Market if you can handle the smell.
Opening Hours: Mon. – Sun. 6:00 am – 3:00 pm | Address: Ul. Stari pazar 8, 21000, Split, Croatia
Check Out Split’s Museums and Galleries
There are many museums and galleries you can add to your list of things to do in Split. To learn more about Split, you can visit the City Museum of Split which is located in the northeastern part of Diocletian’s Palace in a small palace that was built by The Papalić family. If you want to learn more about the lives and cultural traditions of the people of Dalmatia, check out the Ethnographic Museum, which is located in what used to be the imperial sleeping chambers. Art lovers can visit Meštrović Gallery to see more works of Ivan Meštrović. Here are some more recommended museums and galleries in Split.
2 Days in Split Itinerary – Noon
Cool Off at Split’s Beaches
There’s no better place to spend the hottest hours of the day than at the beach. Croatia is known for its crystal-clear water so you must take a dip in the cool water of Split’s beaches. The closest beach to Split is Bačvice beach (a 10 minutes walk from the Old Town). It might not be the most beautiful beach in the area, but it’s a sandy beach with a selection of bars and a party atmosphere. You might be able to catch a game of Picigin there, a beach ball game unique to the area. Another sandy beach in the area, but with a quieter atmosphere is Firule Beach. Other two popular beaches are Trstenik and Žnjan, both of which are pebbly beaches. Around the Marjan Hill, you can also find a few pebbly beaches, out of which Kaštelet Beach and Kašjuni Beach are the most famous ones with bars and cafes (and if you’d like to go ‘au natural’, the western part of Kašjuni Beach is a nudist beach). There are many other secluded beach spots around the Marjan Hill Peninsula just waiting to be found.
Take a Kayak Tour
If you are not the type to sit on a sunbed and you’d rather stay active, another option is to take one of the many sea kayaking tours in Split. These tours will take you around Marjan Hill to the secluded beaches and hidden secret spots. They usually last around 3-4 hours and start in the morning/afternoon so adjust your itinerary accordingly. If you love sea kayaking, there are also full-day tours to explore more of the Adriatic Sea.
2 Days in Split Itinerary – Afternoon and Evening
Take a Stroll around Varoš Neighborhood
Veli Varoš is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Split. It is located west of Split’s promenade on the foothill of Marjan Hill. Wandering through the narrow alleys, you’ll see stone houses, old churches, blooming backyards, and family-style restaurants (especially in the parts closest to Split’s Riva). This neighborhood which was once the home of farmers and fishermen is now filled with trendy vibes and lively atmosphere.
Explore Marjan Hill
If you have more time than just one day in Split, you should explore the nooks and crannies of Marjan Hill. After spending some time in the crowded Old Town, it’s a real pleasure to hike along the paths, and you’re bound to stumble upon many locals who like to jog, hike and ride their bikes in this park. You can hike to the highest point Telegrin located at 178 meters above sea level, look for the Hermitage Caves and St. Jerome Church and sit on one of the many benches to enjoy the views of Split and the Adriatic Sea.
Bar Hopping and Dinner Time
In our opinion, Split is the unofficial foodie Capital of Croatia. Yes, we’ve had lovely dinners in Istria and found some great restaurants in Dubrovnik and Zagreb, but Split is at the top of the list for nightlife and foodie highlights. So take advantage of the amazing wine bars and restaurants in the Old Town.
Top Things to Do in Split for the Rest of Your Vacation
Two days in Split are enough to cover all of the main activities in town. However, due to its ideal location, there are so many day trips that you can (or rather should) take while in Split. We’ll list some of the best day trips and things to do around Split for your itinerary.
Best Day Trips from Split
Go on an Island-Hopping Tour and Visit the Blue Cave
There are a few islands that are located quite close to Split and at the furthest one, Biševo Island, you’ll find the Blue Cave, one of the natural wonders of Croatia. It will take you a long time to get to the Blue Cave, and therefore, we suggest taking a tour that will also take you to some of the most beautiful places around the nearby islands. You should know that swimming isn’t allowed in the Blue Cave and that each boat can only stay there 10-20 minutes.
Insider Tip: Read the reviews of the different tours before deciding which one to take. Also, aim for a tour that promises no more than 4-5 stops or you’ll end up rushing from one place to the other without having enough time to explore each location. Check this highly-recommended Blue Cave Tour from Split – it is a bit more expensive but it has great reviews and since you are going to spend a full day on the boat, it is worth it in our opinion.
Visit One of the Nearby Islands: Hvar, Brac, Solta and Vis
If you’ve already seen blue caves or you’re not the type to enjoy organized tours, you can hop on the ferry and explore one of the nearby islands by yourself. To be honest, the best way would be to actually spend a night or two there and relax, but if you are looking to see Hvar, Brac or Solta in a day it’s totally possible by taking the ferry or one of the fast catamarans from Split (about 1 hour to Solta or Brac and 2 hours to Hvar). On the islands, the buses are timed to coincide with the ferries’ schedule. You can also rent a scooter or a car if you prefer.
For more information about Hvar Island’s attractions and how to reach it, check Hvar website.
For more information about Brac Island’s attractions and how to reach it, check Brac website.
For more information about Solta Island’s attractions and how to reach it, check Solta website.
Vis is also a beautiful island and less touristy than the other ones, but since it takes a long time to get to it, we’d suggest staying here for a night if you are keen on exploring this specific Croatian gem. For more information check out Vis website.
You can read more about each of the islands in our Croatia in 2 Weeks travel guide!
Chase Waterfalls in One of Croatia’s National Parks: Krka or Plitvice
You can’t visit Croatia without visiting one of the stunning national parks. We’re talking about crystal-clear water with dozens of hues from emerald green to turquoise (depending on the season, the time of day and the sun’s position), dozens of waterfalls and beautiful lakes. So which one should you choose? Well, if you’d like to jump into the water, then visit Krka since in Plitvice it’s not allowed to swim in the lakes. Furthermore, it’ll take you only an hour to get to Krka with a bus while driving or taking the bus to Plitvice is going to take you around 3.5 – 4 hours (or longer, depending on the bus or route you take).
Insider Tip: Both of these parks are extremely popular and are packed with tourist groups, especially in the summer months. You can take a tour, but our suggestion is to take the bus and plan to get there as early as possible so you’d have a couple of hours without the crowds (the bus schedules change throughout the year, so check with the local bus companies). To learn more about the opening hours and the attractions in the parks, check Krka’s and Plitvice’s websites.
Organized Day Trips: If you’d rather take an organized tour to visit these waterfalls, check out this highly-recommended Plitvice Tour where you’ll get to have free time to explore the park. For those who’s like to visit Krka, check out this Krka Tour.
Visit The Stunning Historical Centers of Trogir and Šibenik
Both of these historic towns are definitely worth your time. Trogir is located only 30 km away from Split. It will take you about 30 minutes to get there by bus. Cross the bridge to the walled island where the historic center of Trogir is located (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). A bit further away down the coast, you’ll find Šibenik, another beautiful city with charming historic sites and monuments some of which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You’ll need about an hour and a half to get from Split to Šibenik.
Insider Tip: Since Krka National Park is very close to Šibenik, you can go chase waterfalls in the morning and spend the afternoon exploring the historic center of Šibenik (there are lots of connecting buses between these destinations in the summer season). Another option is to rent a car for the day, start with visiting Krka and then stop at different spots along the Dalmatian Coast on your way back to Split.
Get your Adrenaline Fix in Omiš
Omiš is located about 25 km southeast of Split. Other than the charming cobbled streets and historic sites and monuments, you’ll find in Omiš lots of activities for adrenaline junkies from paragliding and diving to canyoning, zip-lining, rafting and more. For more information, check out Omiš website.
Go on a Wine Tasting Tour
The local Croatian wines are extremely tasty and while in Croatia you must add a visit to a local winery to your itinerary. Since we went on a road trip to Istria next, we didn’t visit one of the local wineries in Dalmatia, but you definitely should if this is your only chance to visit a local winery. There are some organized tours to wineries in the area, or you can contact some of the wineries that are close to Split, and they can arrange for a pickup and a tour.
Looking for more things to do in Split? Check out all the activities and tours!
Essential Information for your Split Itinerary
Best Time to Visit Split
As always, we recommend visiting Split during the shoulder seasons when the weather is still nice, and there aren’t too many tourists around (though visiting Split during the winter months can also be a special experience). April – May are great months in terms of weather and so are September – October. In June the temperatures are higher, and it’s the beginning of the high season, but still, it’s manageable. July – August is the peak season, which means everything is crowded, more expensive and the temperatures are very high. However, you get to enjoy the summer festival of Split with live performances in open venues. During the summer months, you can also enjoy the Days of Diocletian festival when the streets of Split are filled with guards in traditional Roman customs and Diocletian comes back from the dead to entertain the tourists in the city. For the average temperatures, rainy days, sunny days, and water temperature throughout the year, check this helpful information.
How to Get to Split
By Plane: There are many flights to Split from different European destinations, especially during the summer season (in the winter there are much fewer flights). Split airport is located about 20 km from Split (closer to Trogir). There are a few transportation options to get from Split Airport to Split.
By Bus: You can catch a bus from any of the main cities in Croatia. From Dubrovnik, it will take you about 4-5 hours, from Zagreb between 5-7 hours and from Zadar 2.5-3 hours.
By Train: You can catch a train from Zagreb to Split, and it will take you about 5-6.5 hours.
By Car: There are many car agencies all over Croatia, and the roads are very comfortable to drive. You can use this site for checking road conditions. They also have a very helpful app.
By Ship: You can catch a ferry, a catamaran or a taxi speedboat from one of the islands, Dubrovnik or even from Italy and many cruise ships stop at Split.
Where to Stay in Split
The perfect location is somewhere close enough to the Old Town and the port, in case you’d like to go on a day trip. Of course, if you don’t mind the commotion and the fact the Old Town is a car-free zone, you can also stay in the middle of the Old Town. We stayed at a lovely apartment hotel, Mediterra Residence, located in the north part of Bačvice neighborhood about 5-10 minutes by foot from the Old Town. Another option we would recommend is staying at Varoš Neighborhood. These are best options in our opinion are:
Hotels in Split Old Town
Murum Heritage Hotel – a luxury hotel which is located at the heart of the old town. Murum Heritage Hotel gets fabulous reviews in every category, from the interior decor and breakfast to the service and ambiance. There is private parking offsite and the staff will be glad to help you with your luggage. If price is not an issue, this is one of the best choices in town. Check out the prices of Murum Heritage Hotel.
Judita Palace Heritage Hotel – A unique hotel that is set in a palace from the 16th century and located in the old town. If you’d like to feel like royalty, this is the place for you. The hotel gets rave reviews for its location and staff. Check out the prices of Judita Palace Heritage Hotel.
Marmont Heritage Hotel – Adults Only – Other than its central location and elegant rooms, the guests especially love the cleanliness and quiet atmosphere and the friendly staff. Book your stay at Marmont Heritage Hotel.
Plaza Marchi Old Town – MAG Quaint & Elegant Boutique Hotels – This unique hotel is a bit more budget-friendly. It is located in the old town but closer to Riva. The hotel has an artistic flair with a really unusual design and the staff is helpful and friendly. Check out the prices at Plaza Marchi Old Town.
Palace Tartaglia – If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, this guesthouse might be perfect for you. It has a great location and a beautifully modern and clean design. Check out the prices at Palace Tartaglia.
Centro di Centri Rooms – Another budget-friendly option for a guesthouse that is centrally located, beautifully designed, and gets rave reviews. Book your stay at Centro di Centri Rooms.
Hotels in Varoš & north Bačvice
Heritage Palace Varos – MAG Quaint & Elegant Boutique Hotels – Just like its sister hotel in the old city, Heritage Palace Varos has a very unique design, quaint and quirky with an artistic touch. A stay here is going to be memorable for sure! Book your stay at Heritage Palace Varos.
Ćiri Biri Bela boutique hostel – If you’re looking for a really budget-friendly option, check out this cool dormitory which also has a great restaurant! Check out the prices at Ćiri Biri Bela boutique hostel.
Mediterra Residence – We stayed here during our visit and we loved this place. We loved the clean and modern design and the helpful staff. This apartment hotel is located within a 5-10 minutes walk from Split Old Town in a nice neighborhood and there are also a few eateries nearby. Check out the prices of Mediterra Residence.
Check out all the hotels and apartments in Split
Free Split Card
Split’s Board of Tourism offers the Split Card free of charge to anyone who is staying for a longer period in Split. You can enjoy a free admission to some of the attractions and museums or get a substantial discount. During the summer months (April – September) anyone who is staying in Split for 5 night or more (in any type of accommodation) and during the winter months (October – March) 2 nights or more (only if you are staying at one of Split’s hotels). You can ask for your free Split card at the city’s tourists information.
Where to Eat in Split (Our Mini Split Foodie Guide)
We are always on the hunt for cool places to eat, and in our eyes, Split is one of the best Croatian towns for foodies.
- For a sweet or savory pastry and artisan bread check out Kruščić Bakery.
- For breakfast and lunch, checkout out Fig (closed between 3-5 pm). They have a selection of healthy dishes, some with a Mexican flare. They also have great cocktails!
- For great smoothie bowls and poke bowls visit Maka Maka. While we were wandering through the alleys of the Old Town during the midday heat, these cold and beautiful bowls were our treat.
- One of the best places to grab lunch or dinner is definitely Bokeria Kitchen & Wine, but make sure to reserve a table in advance. This restaurant is inspired by the famous La Boqueria market in Barcelona, and everything is fresh and delicious. They are using traditional Croatian ingredients to create a modern take on Croatian food, and both the food, and the restaurant are very instagrammable.
- Another great place is Ciri Biri Bela located at Varoš Neighborhood very close to the Old Town. They have a great selection of breakfast and lunch dishes and some cheese and meat platters for dinner. Everything is fresh and mostly come from their organic garden or local farms.
- For a quick coffee stop, check out 4Coffee Soul Food, it’s tiny, but they serve great coffee.
- If you want to taste some great olive oil, wine, and cheese check out Uje Oil Bar – we only had a small platter of cheese and some wine, but it was very tasty and the place has cool vibes.
- For some great food and wine check out Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar, they are located in the middle of the Old Town and they also have live performances at night.
- Lastly, for delicious Ice cream check out Gelateria Emiliana.
Important Note: a lot of places are closed just after lunchtime and sometimes on Mondays/Sundays as well, so don’t forget to check the opening hours.
Split Tour for Foodies
Local cuisine is a big part of exploring a new place and Split is known for its foodie scene. If you love food like us, you might enjoy this Historical & Gastronomical Treasures Tour of Split.
Hope we’ve managed to help you with our list of the best things to do in Split, Croatia. No matter if you're staying for one day, two days or a week, you'll have plenty to do. From Split we drove to Rovinj and explored some of the best attractions and most beautiful towns in Istria. Croatia is such a beautiful country that wherever you choose to go next, you will surely have lots of fun!
Helpful Information to Plan your Croatia Vacation
Disclaimer: This post was written in collaboration with Split – Dalmatia County Tourist Board. Regardless, all the opinions that are expressed in this guide are our own.
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Your photography is dreamy!!! I love Croatia and was only in Split briefly. Will definitely go back one day!
Thanks so much, Cherene! Yes, Croatia is definitely dreamy and we’ve only managed to see such a small part of it…
I really need to get to Croatia. People keep telling me I need to go. This confirms it.
Kristina what’s so great about Croatia that anyone can find something to do there. If you’re into beach and watersports, there’s plenty to do and the same goes for history and culture lovers, not to mention the amazing national parks!
Beautiful photos which have inspired me to revisit this lovely city. Might need to go for a few more days so I can squeeze everything in!
So glad you like it, Suzanne! Yes, Split is definitely worth another visit 🙂
I love Split! I prefer it over Dubrovnik. We spent ten days there and I could have stayed forever. So beautiful. So delicious. So chic! I can’t wait to go back.
Exactly how we feel! The city has such great vibes and there are so many attractions and things to do around.
I’ve been doing a lot of research for our trip and this page was the most informative – told me what I need to know (and especially, where to eat) without the faux influencer energy. Thank you!
Thanks so much, Hannah for your kind words. We always try to write the perfect post we’d wish we’d had before our trip. Glad you like it, you’re going to lobe Split!
I loved that article! So inspiring, full of real-life, thank you for sharing your journey with us! I cannot wait to surf, go on a vacation as well. If the current situation gets better, I am waiting to go somewhere as well with Croatia yacht charter.
Your blog gave us a really interesting idea and hacks to think about on our journey as well.
Have a great day!
V.
Our pleasure Veronica. Croatia is so wonderful! Enjoy your trip!
Are there any gamified sightseeing tours or outdoor escape rooms in Split?
We haven’t been to one but I have just googled escape room and Split and there are seem to be a couple there 😉
I enjoyed this article. It’s interesting to read.
I truly believe that there is much more to explore new places. The world has incredible beauty which makes us visit new places for sure.
Thanks Alex, this area is truly spectacular and there’s so much beauty around the world!