If you’re planning a trip to Croatia and wondering what the best things to do in Split are, look no further!
Split is Croatia’s most vibrant city, bustling with historic charm and coastal beauty! It’s one of my favourite places to visit, the UNESCO sights, Riviera, views from Marjan Hill and nearby attractions are truly fantastic!
In this guide for 2025 I’ll share 24 of the very best things to do in Split, Croatia. From walking through the Old Town and impressive Diocletian’s Palace to enjoying the views from the palm-tree-filled Riva, there are plenty of things to keep your interest for a few days!
Here’s the ultimate list of my favourite things to do in Split – you don’t want to miss!
Overview Of Split
Split is one of the best places to visit in Croatia, so first of all, I recommend staying at least 3 nights to do it justice!
It’s a great base for exploring nearby islands, including Brac Island, the Blue Lagoon and Solta Island, and on land, Krka waterfalls and the historic smaller town of Trogir – a must-see.
The central Old Town of Split, is pedestrianised and very walkable, you’ll be able to see many points of interest on foot and most importantly discover a fantastic range of dining options!
In between sights, there’s a host of options from Marjan Hill viewpoint to the Riva promenade and luxurious beach clubs to relax and enjoy!
Where To Stay In Split
Now that you have more of an overview of Split I wanted to touch on, where’s best to stay! In my opinion, the best central locations are the atmospheric Old Town, including the Riva and Veli varos. In these central spots you’ll find lots of smaller boutique hotels and apartments.
However, if a luxurious resort along the beach front is more your thing, two great options are only 10-15 minutes away from Split’s centre, these are Le Meridien Lav Split and Radisson Blu.
Best 3 Hotels In Split
- Hotel Ambasador Split – luxurious quality hotel on the Riviera with stunning old town and sea views – and fantastic rooftop pool!
- Golden Gate Luxury Rooms – stylish and modern suites located within the Palace Walls!
- Heritage Hotel 19 – charming heritage hotel and terrace situated within a prime location at the foothills of Marjan Hill
For more hotel recommendations in Split, be sure to check out my complete guide on Where To Stay In Split, Croatia Apartments, Boutique & Luxury Hotels!
24 Things To Do In Split, Croatia: Hidden Gems, Hotspots & More!
1. SEE DIOCLETIANS PALACE
UNESCO World Heritage Diocletian’s Palace is the heart and soul of Split! It’s an integral part of the old town where you will find Roman ruins, including arches and columns that you can now wander and dine amongst.
Known as the ‘living museum’ Diocletians Palace is not only attractive to look at, but you can also shop, eat, drink and stay inside the palace and experience the exposed beams, tunnels and stone walls. It’s easy to get around; however, guided walking tours are available if you want to learn more!
In the evening, the main square is filled with atmosphere. You can sit on a red cushion along the wall and listen to live acoustic music and be served drinks at the little tables in between. It’s very cool and in my opinion one of the best things to do in Split Old Town!
2. CLIMB UP DOMNIUS CATHEDRAL
St Domnius Cathedral is one of the best preserved Roman buildings around and is super easy to spot! You can go inside the cathedral, but climbing the bell tower for views is the best thing about it!
At the top you get a panoramic view over Split Old Town and for that alone, it’s worth the climb up the stone steps – and at the highest point, slightly rickety metal stairs! The tickets are around €3.50 and can be purchased at the base of the cathedral.
3. WANDER SPLIT’S OLD TOWN
One of the best ways of getting your bearings is to wander around the old town on your own, you’ll soon discover lots of hidden gems, from narrow cobbled streets to boutique shops, hidden cafes and numerous artisan stalls!
You can really shop here and get totally lost amongst the labyrinth of streets in the process – it’s all part of the fun of visiting an ancient city!
4. BUY TRINKETS IN THE PALACE
Inside the Palace and underneath the ancient arches, there are some nice artisan stalls and creative things to buy, such as postcard paintings as well as popular jewellery and lavender souvenirs. If you’re wanting to take a piece of Split home with you and shop somewhere unique, this place is the spot and it’s lit with twinkly lights!
5. SUNSET DRINKS ALONG THE RIVA
One of the best things to do in Split early evening is toast the sunset with a drink along the vibrant Riva! I’ve seen some fantastic sunsets along here! If you take a stroll down the Riva as many people are doing just before sunset, you can enjoy this special time of day before the music gets cranked up (although I’ve heard this practice has now been banned in Croatia, thank goodness!)
My favourite spots are the Olive Tree and at the end of the Riva, Venerada, which is quieter and serves excellent local wine!
6. EXPLORE MARJAN HILL VIEWPOINT
Marjan Hill is the main panoramic viewpoint of Split – albeit from a bit of a distance! It’s the place to go to for a quick change of scene from the old town, where you can be amongst nature and views. I found the walk quite pleasant, a gentle incline of steps from the end of the Riva, which is signposted.
It’s around a 15-20-minute uphill walk and about halfway in, past the stone houses and cafes you’ll soon discover forests and the sounds of crickets! Also, there’s a restaurant and terrace called Vidilica Café at the very top where you can reward yourself with a glass of wine!
7. CHECK OUT VELI VAROS
Veli Varos is the oldest neighbourhood in Split and sits inbetween the Riva and Marjan Hill, you’ll recognise it by its traditional stone-walled houses.
It’s a charming area to wander around and there are many guest houses and apartments along here, but mostly it’s worth seeing because it’s different from the rest of Split’s Old Town!
8. RELAX AT GOOSHTER BEACH CLUB
If you’re staying in Split for a few days you might want to spend a few hours relaxing at the beach and Gooshter Beach Club is the best! This stylish beach club with dreamy decor belongs to the best 5 star hotel around Split, Le Meridien Lav Split, I recommend it for those looking to stay on the beach in my guide, Where To Stay In Split!
You can easily grab an Uber to get there, it’s less than 15 minutes away and you won’t regret it, I’ve been many times, the scenery is stunning and it even has its own marina of yachts!
Tip! Get there around 10am to secure a beach bed and stop for a delicious lunch!
9. SUNBATHE AT MISTRAL BEACH
Mistral beach and beach club is another great spot for swimming and sunbathing, an organised beach club that is part of the Radisson Blue hotel. It’s slightly closer to the town than Gooshter beach club, but only by 5 minutes!
Again, this beach area is also luxurious; you can hire beach beds and cabanas overlooking the water. It’s a great spot in summer and a much better option than any of the local beaches! In fact, the worst beach is Bacvice, everyone mentions it, but I don’t know why, it’s very ugly and noisy!!
10. STROLL ALONG THE RIVA PROMENADE
As I’ve mentioned, the Riva is my favourite place in Split, while it’s great for sunset drinks, it’s also good for morning strolls when it’s calmer. You can walk all the way to the Ambasador Hotel and stop for a coffee on the terrace.
I love all the palm trees and colourful flowers that line the prom, there’s also more of a breeze here, being along the water’s edge and lots of benches to sit and watch the boats and people sail past!
11. BOOK A SUNSET SAILING TRIP
Experience the magic of a small group sunset sailing trip in Split! Whenever an intimate and more personalised sunset cruise like this is offered, away from the large tourists boats, I always take it – and this one didn’t disappoint!
One of the best things about this sunset tour is the friendly hosts and the views across Diocletians Palace and Marjan Hill against the backdrop of the setting sun – oh and the free-flowing dinks and music. It is the most enjoyable way to round off your trip!
Book your spot on the sunset sailing trip today!
12. VISIT COLOURFUL REPUBLIC SQUARE
While you’re wandering around Split Old Town, it’s worth making a beeline for Republic Square (Trg Republike). I thought it was quite beautiful with all the venetian-style colourful buildings, it is a bit like a piazza in Venice!
It is an area that also holds events such as concerts, but on the other days it’s still a nice bustling square filled with bars and restaurants to peruse!
13. TRY ICECREAM AT EMILIANA
If you’re planning on stopping for an ice-cream and some point, and why wouldn’t you be, I recommend seeking out authentic Emiliana inside the palace walls. I had the best flavoured and quality ice-cream here – the ricotta fig! You must try it before you leave Split!
14. BROWSE PAZAR MARKET STALLS
Just to the east wall of the Palace you’ll find this market, which is also known as green market, it’s a good spot for a browse and to see a bit of the local life in action.
It is open all day every Saturday and it sells all sorts from clothes to hats and food and drink. This is the very place where I actually purchased the white dresses that’s featured in many of the photos in this post, I’m often complimented! It was a great purchase, but don’t haggle, I tried this and was told off!
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN SPLIT
One of the best things to do in Split is eat and drink your way around the old town – the food scene is thriving! From harbour front terraces to charming atmospheric lanes and roof top restaurants, I’ve found a handful of places that I recommend trying!
15. BREAKFAST AT BISTRO NO 7
Having breakfast at Bistro No 7 is one of my favourite things to do in Split, starting the day sitting on a gorgeous terrace filled with pink flowers and facing the sea makes you feel very smug!
You can choose from a variety of breakfast and brunch options from smoothies to eggs, acai bowls, fresh coffee as well as pastries. I think I’ve tried most things and have enjoyed it all! The breakfast menu is available until midday, however due to its popularity in summer I recommend arriving around 10am.
16. LUNCH AT UJE OIL
Uje Oil is a nice spot in the old town, a charming restaurant with tables and chairs spilling down the cobbled street, it’s a must-visit! Lunchtime is best, as they serve an olive oil tasting menu (hence the name Uje Oil), light tapas and local produce, it’s all delicious!
17. OLIVE TREE FOR A DRINK
I love the Olive Tree’s aesthetics, it really stands out along the Riva, I recommend stopping by for an Aperol Spritz, coffee and cocktails at any time of day! It’s busiest in the early evening, but everywhere is along this stretch just before sunset, grab a chair and enjoy the cool Mediterranean setting!
18. HAVE BRUNCH AT FIG
Split has some great off-the-beaten-path cafes such as Fig, a gem within the walls of the old town! It’s a nice spot for a coffee and a healthy bite to eat! I recommend ordering a tasty salad board and the fig with goat’s cheese flat bread, both are very tasty!
Fig is a small chain, there’s also one in Hvar Town and although Fig is now super on the tourist radar – it’s still worth visiting.
19. ENJOY TAPAS AT BEAUTIFUL BOKERIA
Bokeria Kitchen and Wine bar is a must-do in Split old town, it’s almost impossible to ignore, the building is incredibly attractive with its floor-to-ceiling arched windows and upscale Mediterranean interior.
This restaurant is well-known for its selection of quality tapas and wall of Aperol, it’s a classy place to spend the evening and absorb the atmosphere and lovely surroundings!
20. VISIT MARVLVS LIBRARY JAZZ BAR
I found this jazz bar one evening by chance, little did I know how popular it is! Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar is located within a narrow cobbled alley within Diocletian’s Palace and its the place to be for sultry jazz music, gin and cocktails.
Marvlvs is a very cool spot to hang out, it’s home to the founder of literature and this is reflected in the menus and books, its charming and a good vibes!
21. EVENING MEAL AT ZOI
Zoi is an excellent option for an upmarket evening meal on the Riva, the terrace and views alone are reasons for visiting!
In my experience, the service is attentive and the Mediterranean menu is definitely a crowd pleaser – even though there’s not too much choice as it’s à la carte! You’ll need to reserve ahead for Zoi!
EXCURSIONS & DAY TRIPS FROM SPLIT, CROATIA
I highly recommend including a day trip to your Split itinerary, there’s many amazing places to visit just a stones throw away, below are my top choices!
22. PRIVATE KRKA NATIONAL PARK & WINE TASTING
Located just over an hour from Split, Krka offers cascading waterfalls, crystal clear water swimming pools, lakes and lush forest surrounds! Krka National Park is idyllic and well worth an alternative day trip from the coast, the waterfalls are so beautiful and there are walking paths if you’re not keen to get wet!
I love this private Krka tour because it includes a stop in Skradin for wine and local charcuterie tastings -and a wander through the vineyards! It’s not possible to do anything like this yourself without local knowledge and a good car!
Note, I went on this experience in early June, if you’re staying in Split July and August, you can expect a lot of tourists at this spot, also avoid the weekends if you can!
23. ISLAND HOPPING BOAT TOUR
If you’re not already staying on the islands, this perfect 5 island full-day speed boat trip is ideal for you! In 10 hours, it covers the best islands in my opinion, Brac, Hvar, Pakleni, Solta and the Blue Lagoon for swimming!
The scenery on this tour is phenomenal, and you spend a decent amount of time in each location, such as Hvar Town, 1.5 hours to wander and grab lunch. I recommend it over other tours suggesting 6 islands or wasting time at the blue cave near Vis Island – it’s too far and best visited from Hvar or Vis, even so, the islands are the real highlights!
Book your spot on this incredible 5-island full-day speed boat trip in advance!
24. EXPLORE THE HERITAGE TOWN OF TROGIR
Trogir is a beautiful heritage town less than an hour from Split, and it even bears striking similarities to Split along the waterfront (but even more attractive). I recommend visiting Trogir as the whole area is postcard perfect, there’s plenty of charm in the cobbled old town, including squares and lanes filled with cafes, boutiques and terraces!
To get there you can catch an Uber or book the bus, however if you are short on time and haven’t visited the Blue Lagoon you can do a great 5 hour 3 island tour that covers both places and a cool luxurious beach bar on Ciovo island!
THINGS TO DO IN SPLIT CROATIA FAQ
How many days to stay in Split Croatia?
I recommend staying at least 3 nights in Split, this gives you enough time to explore Split’s highlights, have a relaxing beach day and see a nearby attraction that’s best visited from Split, such as Trogir or Krka Waterfalls and the Blue Lagoon!
What I would do is combine Split with staying on an Island such as Hvar, Brac or Korcula, this would make a great 7-10 day trip!
When to visit Split Croatia?
The overall best time to visit Split is from May until late September, this is when the weather is warm and sunny and Split is at its most vibrant! In the summer months, there’s much more to do, such as boat trips and beach days! July and August are the peak months and super busy with visiting tourists!
How to get around Split?
Split is a very walkable city, the old town is pedestrianised and there’s a long promenade to stroll! To get to the beaches, you can easily take an inexpensive Uber, but don’t grab a white taxi, they are very overpriced!
How to get to Split Croaitia?
Split’s airport is a major transfer hub, and it’s very accessible whether your travelling from the UK or USA! The airport is around 40 minutes from the centre of Split old town. You can hop on a shuttle bus, but this may delay your arrival as you’ll be dropped 10 minutes outside of the Riva.
A better way to get from Split’s Airport to your accommodation is to order a private transfer for around €35 you can have a private driver waiting for you upon arrival to take the stress out of finding a taxi!
FINAL THOUGHTS
That wraps up this guide to the very best things to do in Split Croatia!
As you can see there’s a lot of things to do in Split and it also makes a great base for day trips from Split to nearby attractions if you have 3 days or more!
I love visiting Split and have stopped on many occasions for a few nights before heading to the islands! I hope this guide has helped you plan your own trip to Split!
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Plan your Split, Croatia itinerary!
Here’s my go-to list of resources for transport, accommodation, and tours for travel in Split Croatia!
- Booking.com for the best boutique rates
- Get Your Guide for unique day excursions
- TripAdvisor for the latest reviews
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Michelle Trudie, is the founder of Little Wanderblog, a luxury boutique travel site. She has travelled to over 30 countries in the last 15 years. Michelle share’s her passion for stylish and affordable luxury travel experiences in Europe and beyond! Her goal is to make travel planning easier to hidden gem places!
