Split is a vibrant and exciting city in Croatia, nestled in the Dalmatia region of the Adriatic coast and offering a unique blend of ancient history and laid-back, contemporary Croatian lifestyle. While it is perhaps most famous for its UNESCO-recognized Diocletian Palace, built as a retirement home for a Roman Emperor, the real magic of Split is its history, which is still very much lived.
Offering up a culinary experience, a picturesque coastline, and a more relaxed atmosphere than its more famous counterpart Dubrovnik, Split is an unmissable destination for anyone traveling in the Balkans. Whether you are looking for a Roman history fix, some island-hopping in the Adriatic, or simply a glass of local wine and a sit-down in the sunshine, here are the 21 absolute best things to do in Split, Croatia.
Split, as a city, has a rich history, and walking through the streets of Split is like walking through history itself. The city was founded in the late third century, as the Roman Emperor Diocletian built a retirement palace here. After the death of Diocletian, the Roman Empire fell, and people from the nearby city of Salona sought refuge within the walls of the palace to protect themselves from the Avars and Slavs who were invading the land.
Split has a rich history, having been ruled by various rulers, including Croatian kings, Venetians, French, and Austro-Hungarians, and having gone through the turmoil of World War II, as well as being a hub of industry during the Yugoslav period. Today, Split has emerged as a top tourist hub in Croatia, offering a rich history to touch and experience.
Split, as a city, is a heaven for all history enthusiasts, and here are some of the top historical spots that you cannot afford to miss while visiting this beautiful city.
You can’t miss Diocletian’s Palace because it is the Old Town. However, you can easily miss the historical context of what you’re looking at because many modern shops, homes, and cafes have been built into the walls of the palace. A guided tour is highly recommended to gain an appreciation for the historical significance of the architecture.
Salona was the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia prior to the existence of Diocletian’s palace. A short public bus ride will take you to the ruins to tour the excavated forum, grave sites, and early Christian ruins. The best way to gain historical context is to book a small group tour because there is minimal signag
Game of Thrones enthusiasts will recognize the Klis Fortress as the fictional city of Meereen. This medieval masterpiece can be visited at your leisure, and it’s recommended that you wear comfortable shoes because the jagged paving was intentionally designed to hinder enemy invaders! The views of Split and the Adriatic Sea from the top are worth the climb.
Instead of using the main staircase to climb up Marjan Hill, take a walk around the base of the hill. This will avoid the crowds and take you directly to the Oratory of St. Cyriaca, a medieval hermitage hidden behind a quaint church. The walk will continue up the hill for a refreshment at the cafe on top.
Croatia’s oldest museum is a great place for those interested in history and will provide a peaceful lapidarium in the courtyard. Surrounded by a lovely garden, you can find ancient sculptures and burial objects from the Salona and Diocletian’s Palace periods.
Split is a city that encourages the visitor to take it easy and not rush from one tourist attraction to the next. This is because the real beauty of the Dalmatian Coast is not to be found at the tourist attractions.
Veli Varoš is the ultimate example of people living in the shadow of history. Getting lost in the old town is one of the best ways to experience the authentic Split and the Dalmatian people.
End the day of touristy activities with a stroll down to the Riva, the main waterfront promenade. You can grab a drink at one of the cafes there or bring your own drink to the West Bank and people-watch
If you want to catch the sunset over the water, head to the nearby Little Sheeps Beach or Bačvice Beach. Grab a drink at one of the cafes there and settle in to watch the sun go down. Tip: If you want to swim at either of these beaches, don’t forget your water shoes!
Split takes its local football club, Hajduk Split, incredibly seriously, as you’ll see “1950” graffiti all over the place in honor of the club’s fan group. While you don’t necessarily need to attend a football match, head over to the Imperium Caesar square an hour before a match begins, grab a local beer at the Konzum, and people-watch the passionate fans assemble
Make your way to the end of the West Bank to Sustipan, a lovely park founded on a medieval monastery. This place offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, as well as much-needed peace and quiet away from the tourist crowds of the Old Town.
For a culinary experience unlike any other, book a local farm tour in Klis, where you’ll learn all about local olive oil production and winemaking from the descendants of the original farmers, culminating in a farm-to-table feast of Dalmatian cuisine.
Emilijana, Pumparela, or Luka is a mandatory stop for all dessert lovers. Not only do they offer world-class gelato, but their creative list of unique ice cream flavors is also available for your indulgence.
While Split’s Green Market or Pazar is open every day of the week, Saturday mornings are when it is most alive and bustling with activity. Make sure to bring your exact change in cash and use your translation app to mingle with the locals and shop for the freshest produce.
While this bizarre museum of hundreds of taxidermied frogs in incredibly human-like scenarios may sound crazy, it is actually wonderful and totally a must-see for all lovers of the bizarre and unique.
Rub the Toe of Gregory of Nin
Situated just outside the Golden Gate, this enormous statue by famous artist Ivan Meštrović celebrates a legendary hero bishop who promoted the holding of local language services in Split. Rub his shiny big toe for good luck…and hope you’ll come back someday!
Take a nighttime history tour to discover the “Soul of Old Split.” No better way to discover this ancient Roman city than by lamplight with a guide who’ll regale you with local legends, myths, ghost stories, and more!
A must-do is a speedboat tour to Hvar, Vis, and the famous Blue Cave. The waters are crystal clear, and nothing beats a view of the rugged Croatian mountains from a different perspective. Don’t forget water shoes, a swimsuit, and a light jacket for the speedboat ride!
While Plitvice is well-known, Krka is much more convenient for a day trip from Split and is located much closer. Take a stroll over the wooden boardwalks over the crystal-clear rivers and witness the breathtaking beauty of the Skradinski Buk waterfall. Try and find a tour package that includes a boat ride to the picturesque town of Skradin for a wine tasting experience.
This UNESCO-listed city is within day trip distance and provides a totally unique experience. Stroll over the famous Stari Most (Old Bridge) and indulge in the incredible Bosnian food scene. Side note: Mostar is extremely hot in July and August, so be sure to pack accordingly!
Just outside Split is the stunning UNESCO-listed island town of Trogir. It’s a short drive or bus ride and is well worth the day exploring and getting lost in the cobblestone streets and discovering the many hidden gems such as the Tinel Specialty Coffee Shop and the beautifully preserved medieval architecture
Elegant, fully equipped apartments in Split with parking garage.
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