Split is the perfect city for a short but memorable trip in Croatia. This itinerary includes the top sights, the best views, and tips on how to spend a day in Split without rushing. And if you have the energy left, you can treat yourself to a bonus, such as a cruise around the islands and the Blue Lagoon.
If you’ve already experienced Dubrovnik, it’s time to discover Split, which is less paradisiacal but more lively and diverse. The easiest way to get there is by train, bus, or ferry. From the airport to the centre is about 30 minutes by bus or shuttle.
Where to stay in Split?
From romance in the heart of the city to leisurely beach relaxation, it’s easy to find an area in Split to suit every type of holiday.
All Split hotels- Diocletian's Palace – For those who want to live right in the old town. Breakfasts among the ancient walls, just a step away from all the sights
- Radunic – A cosy area with narrow streets and traditional houses. Quiet, homely, and only 10 minutes to the centre
- Bacvice – For those who go for the beaches. Wide beaches, bars, and the sound of the surf. It’s a 20-35 minute walk to the centre
Breakfast in the centre
- D16 Coffee – A cosy cafe with good coffee and pastries. You can come with your dog – guests on four legs are welcome here
- kava2 – One of the few places in Split where specialty coffee is brewed. Quiet, inexpensive, and with a nice terrace
- Fig Split is a great option for a hearty breakfast or brunch before a long walk
Split’s main attractions
Split itself is a compact city. The old centre, the waterfront, and most of the sights are easily bypassed on foot. That’s the beauty of it: a route without rushing can easily fit into a day, without having to find public transport.
Diocletian’s Palace (Dioklecijanova palača)
The first point on our itinerary is a walk around Diocletian’s Palace, the main historical symbol of Split. Built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century, it still retains many original details.
To avoid the crowds of tourists, you should plan a visit in the early morning – Peristil Square is not yet crowded with tourists, and you can safely take great photos. The palace grounds are well worth a look:
- The Cathedral of St. Duim – the main shrine of Split and the place where the patron saint of the city is honoured
- St. Francis Cathedral with its Gothic arches and stained glass windows
- And be sure to visit the Dungeons – they used to support the building, serve as a water reservoir, and are now a favourite place for Game of Thrones fans: scenes with the city of Miren were filmed here
If you want to learn more about the palace and not miss interesting details, you can take a guided walking tour of the palace and Old Town.
Pazar
Not far from the palace is one of the city’s most popular farmer’s markets, the Pazar (Green Market). In addition to fresh produce, you can also find traditional Dalmatian specialities such as local cheeses and sausages, as well as rare spices and honey. It is a great place to explore Split’s gastronomic culture and buy original souvenirs.
Riva Quay
As you exit the dungeon doors, you are greeted by a view of the azure Adriatic Sea and palm trees – you are on the Riva promenade. Here, the ancient palace walls blend harmoniously with the vibrant life of the modern city. It’s a good time to pause, enjoy the harbour view, and try an authentic gelato – we recommend a visit to Gelateria Riva or aROMA Gelato Experience Boutique.
Republic Square (Prokurative) and the old town
The space behind the arcades of the square is easily recognisable by the rows of palm trees and outdoor café terraces. From here, it’s best to start exploring the old town – as intricate as a nautical novel. At the junction of Ban Josip Jelačić and Ban Mladenov streets, you might meet an unofficial resident – here, Lady Chonk the kitty cat lives in a triangular courtyard with a green fence. If she’s not here, check the car park nearby – Lady’s second favourite spot.
Split’s old town is a maze of stone streets and cosy squares that hold traces of centuries of Croatian history. But Split is not only about antiquity, it is also a city of art. The main galleries and creative venues are centred here:
- Galerija Emanuel Vidović will suit those wishing to explore traditional Croatian painting. The collection includes landscapes and sea scenes by Emanuel Vidović, one of the most famous artists in Dalmatia
- Kula is an art space in a former defence tower. Young artists exhibit here, and you can also find unusual posters and postcards
A few steps away is the Hrvatsko narodno kazalište Split (Croatian Folk Theatre Split), a late 19th-century building. Even if you’re not planning a performance, check out the square in front of the theatre: the façade, decorated with sculptures and bas-reliefs, is a reason to get your camera out.
Varoš
The Varoš neighbourhood in Split is an old quarter that is considered one of the most picturesque parts of the city. This neighbourhood is characterised by a peaceful environment that allows you to truly enjoy the unique Dalmatian architecture – old houses made of light-coloured stone with tiled roofs and green shutters. There is no usual hustle and bustle of tourist routes: instead of crowds, there are quiet streets, old churches, and cosy taverns.
Marjan Hill
After a walk around Varoš, head to Marjan Hill. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Split, the sea, and the surrounding islands. A walk on the hill is not only an opportunity to enjoy nature, but also a great way to end the day admiring the sunset.
What to do in the evening
After a busy day in Split, it’s time to get into evening mode. It’s easy to find somewhere to suit all tastes – from chamber bars with jazz to lively clubs, or even go night sailing if you fancy it. But first things first – dinner.
Dinner recommendations
- Teraca Vidilica is the restaurant with the best sunsets on Marjan Hill. The view is just like in Instagram, only better in person
- Konoba Varoš – A classic among tourists and locals: quiet, cosy, neighbourly, and pleasant
- Corto Maltese – Always noisy, tasty, and without reservations. If you want not to be ceremonious and just have a good sit-down – here
And after dinner, you can continue the evening:
- At Academia Ghetto Club, a bar with improvised concerts and exhibitions in the heart of the Old Town
- Or at Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar, where a classic cocktail can easily keep you going late into the evening while listening to jazz on the patio
If you fancy something a little out of the ordinary in Croatia, try a night kayak tour – a rare opportunity to see Split from the water and catch those lights on the waves.
Jkielty82 / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA-4.0
Etienne Girardet / Unsplash
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