Split is one of Croatia’s most vibrant coastal cites, bustling with an heady mix of historic charm and modern day life! If you fancy spending your time hopping between century old sites, a Riviera filled with terraces and a beautiful UNESCO Palace then you won’t want to miss this insightful guide!
Split’s attractiveness immediately captures your attention and is worthy of much more than a quick stop-over before visiting the islands! Stay a few days and you will soon uncover a wonderful cobbled city of culture, gorgeous Roman architecture and plenty of cool things to do just a stones throw away!
In this updated guide I’ll share my best picks of the things to see and do, including where to eat, drink and stay in Split!
In this post I’ll cover:
- Best things to do in Split
- Where to eat & drink in Split
- Split essential Q&A
WHAT TO SEE & DO IN SPLIT
Whether you’re stopping one night or five, there’s a host of things you can see and do in Spilt, most of which you can easily explore on foot! Here is my curated guide to the best things to do in Split.
SEE DIOCLETIANS PALACE
UNESCO World Heritage Diocletian’s Palace is THE unmissable sight of Split! It’s an integral part of the old town were you will find and an atmosphere unlike anything else – just imagine wandering through narrow lantern lit paths or perhaps dining alfresco while gazing at a row of Roman Columns? That’s Diocletian’s Palace!
It’s known as the ‘living museum’ – not only is it attractive to look at, but you can also shop, eat, drink and stay inside the palace and experience the exposed beams and stone walls for yourself, it is teaming with charming boutique hotels and apartments.
TIP! Take a red-cushioned seat after dusk and listen to live atmospheric acoustic music from the Heritage Hotel – a waiter will come and take your drinks order. This is especially perfect if you are travelling solo!
ADMIRE DOMNIUS CATHEDRAL
St Domnius Cathedral is super easy to spot – it lives inside the heart of Diocletian’s Palace, just steps from the Peristil. The spire can be seen from all over the old town – it’s somewhat of a emblem and happens to be the oldest in the world.
If you want more of a challenge you can climb up to the 7th century bell tower for a small fee and take pictures of the orange roof top maze from above – one of the coolest views in town!
EXPLORE MARJAN HILL VIEWPOINT
Looking for a bit of respite from the bustle? In just a few minutes you can be surrounded by nature and a 360 view of the city at the top of Marjan Hill. Simply follow the sign post at the end of the Riva leading to a narrow pathway and large stone steps.
You will be met with beautiful Mediterranean scenery, a chorus of crickets and a terrace belonging to the Vidilica café – it’s the only one on Marjan Hill! Why not stop for a drink before continuing your walk along the forested path where you can drop down to one of the swimmable bays.
GOOD TO KNOW
The forest is very dense, don’t be surprised that you loose sight of the sea altogether! If your intention is to see everything and go for a swim then it might be worth jumping on a buggy tour from the Riva and negotiate a good route!
WANDER THE OLD TOWN
Split’s old town is so wonderful, it needs to be highlighted as a separate thing to do! Walk slowly around – camera at the ready and discover boutiques, hidden cafes, bars 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 excitement!
A FEW SIGHTS TO SEE!
Keep your eyes peeled for the imposing Statue of Nin (don’t forget to rub the toe for good luck) the Jewish Passage including one of the oldest synagogues in the world and for a bit of fun – shop for a trinket or two in the ancient basement of the Palace!
STROLL ALONG THE RIVA
The Riva is captivating to anyone who has just arrived in Split! Its full of good energy, gorgeous architecture, neat palm trees and some very nice terraces! The whole area is a vibe not to be missed, there is even thoughtful benches to sit amongst gardens with harbour or palace wall views!
It’s a great spot to be at any time of the day, but at night the Croatians do like to play their music loud at a couple of the bars (unfortunately sandwiched between classy restaurants!). If this is not your scene, opt for a long lunch or breakfast at Bistro No7 – more on that below.
RELAX AT THE BEACH AND LOUNGE BARS
You can expect some coast action given the location of Split and there is some nice spots, you just have to move away from the centre to find them! Bacvice beach is the closest to Split old town and gets a lot of attention, but I found it uninspiring and more concrete than anything. Nicer pebble coves can be found under Marjan Hill such as Bene Beach or you can head for the beach clubs and organised sunbeds with service. Just be aware you will need to call an Uber!
Here’s a few places to look up:
- ZNJAN BEACH
- MISTRAL BEACH CLUB
- TABOO BEACH BAR
- JOES BEACH CLUB
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK IN SPLIT
Split is crammed with traditional and contemporary restaurants and cafés from the narrow old streets to the harbour front – the scene is thriving! However, there are a few places that stand out, listed below are handful of my go-to eating and drinking spots in Split!
BREAKFAST AT BISTRO NO 7
Bistro No 7 is of the most beautifully presented and popular restaurants along the Riva for breakfast lovers! I highly recommend starting your day with an egg white omelette, smoothie or acai bowl – everything here is fresh, contemporary and surrounded by pink flowers! You can linger here with a coffee until midday and enjoy the sea views – the terrace is huge!
LUNCH AT UJE OIL
Uje Oil is a must find! Tucked away deep within the old town, this cute bistro style restaurant does lunch a little different. Pop in and try their winning olive oil tasting menu, tapas or local produce mains – pair it with delicate white wine, it’s all delicious!
OLIVE TREE FOR A SUNSET DRINK OR TWO
Olive Tree is a buzzing hotspot in the prettiest part of the Riva. Head over for a cocktail or wine and enjoy the cool Mediterranean setting!
ENJOY LATE DRINKS HERE…
BOKERIA KITCHEN & WINE BAR: A new and popular wine and tapas venue in the old town with top notch Mediterranean interior.
MARVLVS LIBRARY JAZZ BAR: This cute bar is FULL of charm and history! Find it and enjoy an evening of jazz and gin cocktails.
LA BODEGA COFFEE: A coffee hangout in the day and a lively place in the evenings! The building and surrounds are very photogenic and there’s lots of outdoor space.
DAY TRIP TO KRKA NATIONAL PARK
Krka falls is one of 8 picturesque National Parks in Croatia and the closest to Split. It’s made up of clear turquoise waterfalls, lakes with boat excursions and easy walking paths. You can also combine Krka with a visit to Sibenik. A historic stone walled coastal city and take part in traditional Croatian wine tasting. The simplest way to see everything is to book a small group excursion, check out the exact day trip I took here:
RECOMMENDED: KRKA NATIONAL PARK, SIBENIK AND WINE TASTING.
Just want to see the falls? Discover Krka National Park with this scenic tour from Split – cruise down the river by boat, swim then roam with your free time! A straight forward transfer with tickets directly from Diocletians Palace and all for £10! Book your spot HERE
WHERE TO STAY IN SPLIT
Split maybe the second largest city in Croatia, but it’s actually very walkable if you stick to the main attractions that surround the old town and key suburbs. To be in the best possible location I recommend staying within the Palace walls for that old town atmosphere or the lively Riva waterfront area for views of the blue sea, while Vali Varos is an option for those who are looking for an authentic suburb ideally positioned next to both the Palace, Marjan Hill and the Riva.
BEST ACCOMMODATION IN SPLIT
When it comes to accommodation in Split, you’ll find small boutique hotels with original character and charm and hundreds of apartments, Croatia is very big on apartment and guest-house style accommodation. Whether you’re looking for luxury, atmosphere or space, here’s my top picks for best accommodation in Split.
Guest Houses and Apartments
- Centro de Centri Rooms check prices
- Porto Navito Split check prices
- Adriatik Lux Riva Apartment check prices
Boutique Hotels
- Sperone Hotel check prices
- Heritage Hotel 19 check prices
See my full list of recommended areas and places to stay in Split in this in-depth post – Where to Stay in Split: Best Areas, Apartments & Boutiques
SPLIT THE ESSENTIALS
WHEN TO VISIT SPLIT CROATIA?
Split is a fully functioning city and as such continues to thrive well past the summer season – unlike some of the smaller coastal islands that wind down promptly after September. However, to do all the fun stuff such as island hopping, swimming and drinks on the terrace, it’s much better to visit during the summer months! Mid-May, June or September are ideal – you will still have great weather, but without the mass tourism levels of July and August – just note that tours stop running October through to early May.
HOW LONG TO STAY IN SPLIT CROATIA?
To explore Split at a comfortable pace and visit a couple of nearby attractions (listed above) and a day excursion, I would suggest booking at least four nights, especially if you have arrived late on the first day. After all, the first two days could be spent getting to know Split, the heritage sites and all the wonderful terraces!
HOW TO GET AROUND SPLIT
For the most part you can easily navigate Split on foot, the old town, Marjan Hill, the Riva and a couple of beaches. Visiting the nearby hotspots mentioned above requires boats, buses and taxi’s. The good news is they are also within walking distance from the old town, departing along the bustling harbour area where you’ll find each one just metres apart – this is why Split is the perfect introduction to Croatia for solo and first-timers!
HOW TO GET TO SPLIT CROATIA?
Split’s airport is a major transfer hub and there’s plenty of flights and transport to the historic quarter (where most visitors will want to be based). The journey is around 35 minutes and you can either hop on a shuttle bus (35 Kuna – paying the driver) or order and Uber via the app (200 Kuna) – be aware a standing taxi will be much more than this!
(The main transport hub and bus station in Split is opposite the harbour – a very convenient 10 minute walk straight down the path to the Riva).
GOOD TO KNOW
GETTING TO THE ISLANDS: Book the Jadrolinja – the most popular transfer.
LUGGAGE STORAGE: Convenient 24 lockups at the bus station/Harbour.
READ MORE ABOUT SPLIT
- WHERE TO STAY IN SPLIT: BEST AREAS & BOUTIQUES
- TROGIR: A WONDERFUL DAY TRIP FROM SPLIT
- 6 WONDERFUL DAY TRIPS FROM SPLIT
- 5 WONDERFUL ISLANDS IN CROATIA
Split is a MUST DO for any first time visitor to Croatia. If you’re planning a trip soon, use this guide as your inspiration! Please leave a message below if you liked this post.
Booking a trip soon? Here is my go to list of resources for booking everything from flights to accommodation, tours and more:
- Booking.com for the best boutique rates
- Get Your Guide for incredible day trips
- Viator for independent day trips
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