Split is the second largest city in Croatia. Lying on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, the city is an important part of Croatia’s tourism, and sees millions of visitors every year. Split has been under Roman, Venetian, Austrian, French, Italian, and Yugoslav rule, so there is a lot of it’s history that you will get to discover on your trip. Explore Split’s perfect balance between tradition and modernity and revel in the electric atmosphere as you enter its many bars, restaurants and shops.
Get the most of Split with these 19 things to do …
MUST-DO
Diocletian’s Palace
Diocletian’s Palace is a wonderfully-preserved 4th-century complex, and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in 305 A.D for a Roman Emperor, Diocletian, the palace has many of its original features and you are even able to tread the original Roman streets that cut through it. The magnificent palace is the largest and best-preserved example of Roman palatial architecture. The Diocletian’s Palace is truly grand, divided into four parts with two main streets. It is a large rectangular building with four large towers at the corners. This extraordinary complex is not one to be missed whilst you are in Split. It is simply alluring, and you will find yourself spending a lot of time here.
Note: There are over 200 buildings in the palace and more than 3,000 people live within the palace walls!
Explore Old Town
The old town of Split is mostly represented by the Diocletian’s Palace (more than half of it). Split’s old town is both a historical and also cultural centre in Croatia. It is stunning and is somewhere you need to spend some time. To explore the thriving old town you can enter the many buildings of the Diocletian’s Palace, and you can also choose to stroll along the beautiful harbour. There are many shops and local markets for you to also discover. What you are able to do in the old town is innumerable. Whilst exploring, you will find yourself constantly stopping to admire the beautiful renaissance architecture. Stroll through the narrow streets and learn something new about the great city.
Tip: A walking tour of the Old Town is recommended as there is so much to see and learn!
Klis Fortress
Klis fortress is 10 kilometers north of Split and it is a sight you won’t forget. The medieval fortress is located in the village of Klis, a village that overlooks the city of Split. It is the area where battles against the Knights Templar, Ottomans, and Mongols were fought. Positioned between two mountains, Kozjak and Mosor, the Klis fortress played a major role in the defense of the entire Dalmatia. Klis fortress is also famous for being a Game of Thrones filming location for Meereen. The fortress offers panoramic views around Split, a view that you will never forget! Yearly, on the last weekend of July, Klis municipality organises a traditional Medieval festival called “Uskočki boj”. The two-day festival takes visitors back to the era of defense of Klis from the Ottoman Empire.
Tip: You can reach Klis fortress by city bus 22, which departs from Split’s local bus station
Cathedral of St. Domnius
The Cathedral of St. Domnius is also known as St. Duje’s Cathedral. The cathedral which was originally Diocletian’s mausoleum can be found within the ancient area of Diocletian’s Palace. Split’s Cathedral of St Domnius is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings still standing today. The cathedral has changed little since it was constructed in the 7th century AD, it is regarded as the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world to maintain most of its original structure. The exterior of the cathedral is still encircled by its original colonnade of 24 columns.
Split’s bell tower is part of the Cathedral of St Domnius. The Romanesque bell tower was constructed between the 13th and 16th centuries and later reconstructed in 1908 after collapsing. Climbing to the top of the tower is a great option for a lovely viewpoint of the city. Although there are more than 180 steps, the picturesque view makes up for the workout!
Marjan Hill
Marjan Hill is a 170-metre-high hill, located close to Old Town Split. The Marjan Hill viewpoint overlooks the entire Old Town and frankly offers one of the best views you will see in Split. The beginning of the trail is just a short five-minute walk, but it can take you hours to explore all of the hidden corners at Marjan Forest Park. Venturing to the steep hill provides an amazing opportunity to take a break from the hectic lifestyle of the city. It is great for walking, jogging, riding a bike, or even hiking through Marjan Forest Park. You can also go rock climbing at Marjan hill. Whatever you feel like doing, Marjan hill is the place to do it!
Interestingly, there is a Jewish cemetery on the eastern side of the hill. No burials have been made in decades however it is possible to go and look over the tombstones which go back to the 1700s.
Game of Thrones Tour
The Game of Thrones is big in Split. The city is one of the Croatian locations that have had the pleasure of holding the filming of seasons 3, 4, 5, and 6 of The Game of Thrones. There are many places in Split that have served as a set location for filming: the basement of the Diocletian’s Palace (as well as other places in the palace), Zrnovnica Quarry, and also Klis Fortress have all made an appearance. Go to these locations and recreate the magic on your visit!
Tip: You can find a well-recommended Game of Thrones here – air-conditioned transport is included which is a plus!
OTHER FUN THINGS TO DO
Discover Meštrović’s work
Ivan Meštrović was a Croatian sculptor, architect, and writer. The Grgur Ninski statue which was created by Meštrović can be found in Split’s old town. The statue is representative of Grgur Ninski who was a Croatian bishop who defied the pope by conducting religious services in the Croatian language. Many people who go to the statue rub Ninski’s big toe for good luck.
Meštrović also sculpted a statue of Marko Marulić. Marulić is known as the national poet of Croatia, and the father of the Croatian Renaissance his statue stands at Fruit square.
More of Meštrović’s work can be seen at the Meštrović Gallery. It has the largest collection of works by Meštrović to be found anywhere.
Underground Market
Split’s underground market is located in Diocletian’s Palace. The Podrum is a labyrinth of vaulted underground chambers that were once used as a storehouse and a prison. The market is amazing and you are able to pick up the most unique of souvenirs to take home with you.
The well-preserved structure is impressive, and you will be stunned as you stroll through the many stalls selling paintings and craftworks. This market is definitely quieter than Split’s others and will provide you with a different feel compared to the normally loud and bustling atmosphere of a market.
Explore the Beaches
Split is an amazing seaside destination. The beaches are all short distances away from the centre of the city, and they are all fabulous. Bacvice beach is the only sandy beach in the whole of Split (the majority are pebbled). Kick back and relax on a sunbed or choose to dip yourself in the clear blue waters. Bacvice is full of locals and tourists, you will see many playing the beach game picigin (which originated here). Bacvice beach also doubles as a great nighttime spot as here you will find many bars and clubs.
Some other beaches to explore in Split are Zvoncac beach, Kasjuni beach, Ovcice beach, and Firule beach.
Archaeological Museum
The Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments is a must-see. The museum was founded in 1820 and has been at its present location since 1922, making it one of the oldest Croatian museums. Key historical finds are displayed at this museum which dates back to the Greek, Roman, and Medieval periods. There are about 20,000 pieces that have been collected such as jewelry and weaponry. However, only 25% of the pieces are displayed in a permanent exhibition. The museum also houses a rare collection of mosaics and everyday household objects used by locals during the first millennium AD.
Learn more about Croatia’s history at The Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments, it is a great and informative day out.
Trogir
Trogir is the best-preserved ensemble of romanesque and gothic architecture in the whole of Europe. Just 30 kilometers away from Split, Trogir is easily accessible by a direct bus line (it is a 45-minute journey). Trogir was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 and looks much the same now as it once did in medieval times. The town is populated with splendid Romanesque and Renaissance architecture. Definitely slower-paced than Split, Trogir is somewhere you can get away and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. There are many restaurants and bars to pick from here too!
Note: Trogir is nicknamed “Little Venice”. It is so small that you can walk from end to end in about 10 minutes – why not try it and see what you will find?
Croatian National Theatre
The Croatian National Theatre is one of the oldest such buildings in the country, being opened in 1893. It is called HNK Split by locals. The theatre holds a diverse program of more than 300 performances every single year. You can catch an opera, drama, or even ballet show. There is certainly a show for everybody! There are also plenty of spots nearby for a pre-show meal or drink
The National Theatre hosts a number of important festivals, including the popular Split Summer Festival. This is normally held yearly, from mid-July to mid-August. At this festival, the Old Town becomes the stage for a month of drama, opera, ballet, and music performances.
Riva Promenade
Riva Promenade is the most popular and most important public place in Split. It is a great place to stroll and appreciate the scenes around you. The harbour is absolutely beautiful and you will love every second there. Take in the incredible view of the Adriatic sea on one side of you, the smell of salt will leave you wanting to dive in! This is the best place to be on a hot summer day in Split – sit on the harbour and just watch the world pass by. Riva Promenade is a pedestrian heaven. There are bars, restaurants, and cafes along the whole stretch of walkway, which runs the entire length of the old town. There are also so many nightlife options to discover here on the harbour, so it is an ideal place for an evening out.
Museum of Fine Arts
Split’s Museum of Fine Arts is located in a converted hospital. First opened in 1931, the museum covers a time period spanning from the 14th century up until today. The museum’s collection is valuable, holding over 5200 exhibits. There are paintings, photographs, sculptures, and fantastic installations all included in the collection. Works by major Croatian artists such as Vlaho Bukovac, Mato Celestin Medović, Branislav Dešković, Ivan Meštrović, Emanuel Vidović are all included at the museum.
The museum also has temporary exhibitions in which it blends local and international artists. Go to the museum and appreciate the attractive collection of contemporary fine art.
Cooking Class
Taking a Croatian cooking class is the best way to increase your palette and learn even more about the many delicacies that the country has to offer. Learn how to cook traditional meals and share a bit of Croatia with your loved ones as you return home.
This cooking class is amazing as not only will you get to cook new dishes, but you will also have a walking tour of Split’s city center. On the tour, you will visit the green market and see the place where local farmers sell their products.
Brush up on, or pick up new cooking skills as you cooperate with a local chef.
Krka National Park
Krka National Park is an hour away from Split. The park is a mix of waterfalls, gorges, and canyons. The park is known by many for the Stradinski Buk, which has 17 waterfalls alone. This is the longest waterfall on the Krka River and is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Croatia. Come to Krka National Park and just watch nature work, the scenery is simply fascinating. Apart from swimming in some of the designated lakes and waterfalls at Krka National Park, it is also a great place to go hiking.
If there is enough time on your tour, also make sure to visit Visovac Island. The island is situated in the Visovac Lake and houses the Franciscan Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy.
In case you’re wondering, Krka National Park is 100% worth the visit!
Salona Day Trip
Salona is situated along the Jadro River, which rises at the foot of the Mosor mountain at 35 meters above sea level. It was once the biggest provincial capital in the area before Split developed. At the city’s peak, 60,000 people lived in Salona. Now the town is home to ancient ruins. Solana, also known as Solin, is about 5km north of Split and can be accessed by car or bus (the bus ride is only 25 minutes). In Salona, you will find remarkable Roman ruins from the ancient amphitheater, to the thermae or even the hollow church. There are much of ruins to be admired.
At the Tusculum Museum, you are also able to pick up souvenirs to remind you of your time at Salona.
Boat ride
A boat ride is a lovely experience in Split. Whether you prefer a speedboat or you are more of a yacht kind of person, head out on an adventure. There are unbelievably scenic views for you to uncover at the different islands you will come to. The Blue Lagoon Split is one of the top destinations you must visit. You can also venture to the island of Drvenik Veli which is close to Split. Just an hour by boat, it is a spot popularly known for snorkeling.
Explore the Adriatic sea and taste the faintness of salt in your mouth.
Hvar
Hvar is an island located close to Split which features the most explorable landscape. It is commonly known as the queen of the Croatian Dalmatian islands, and has 2724 sunny hours each year. The ancient town is beautiful and has much for you to discover. Apart from being a gorgeous island which will leave you in awe, the nightlife in Hvar is also one to write home about. There is always something going on! There are numerous restaurants, club and pubs in which you can party all night!
A day trip to Hvar will be an exceptional time. There are several gothic churches, luxurious beaches and a picturesque fishing harbor waiting to be encountered.
