Best Things to Do in Split, Croatia: Tried and Tested

What are the Best Things to Do in Split, Croatia?

Split is the second largest city in Croatia after Zagreb, and for us it offers far more than just a beach holiday.

What we liked most is how well-placed it is: we used it as a base to explore nearby historic towns, national parks, and some of the islands just off the coast.

If you’re looking for a Mediterranean trip with a bit more depth to it, Split is hard to beat.

Our Top Hotel Picks in Split

• Judita Palace Heritage Hotel – Set right in the main square of the Old Town, a historic building with top-tier service
• Heritage Hotel FERMAI – Chic, art nouveau building with elegant interiors and excellent location
• Hotel Marul – 5 minutes from Diocletian’s Palace, charming boutique hotel with breakfast and friendly service

Jump directly to what interests you:

• Diocletian’s Palace
• Riva Promenade
• Old Town
• Bell Tower of Saint Domnius
• Marjan Hill
• Picigin at Bačvice Beach
• Dalmatian Cuisine
• Island Hopping
• Hire a captain and set sail
• Beach Day
• Split’s Nightlife
• Memorijalni Park Domovinskog Rata
• Day Trip to Surrounding Cities
• Klis Fortress
• Krka Nationalpark
• Kravica Waterfalls
• City Museum
• Wine Tasting & Culinary Tour
• Blue Cave on Bisevo Island

1. Diocletian’s Palace

Diocletian’s Palace was the first thing we explored in Split, and it sets the tone for the whole city.

Built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site takes up nearly half of the old town, and what struck us immediately was how lived-in it feels: ancient stone walls sitting right next to cafes, shops, and actual apartments. We walked the whole thing on our own without any trouble.
A few spots we’d make sure not to miss: Peristyle Square is the natural centre of the complex, with the Cathedral of Saint Domnius right alongside it. A short walk from there, the Triclinium gives you a great view over the old town rooftops.

And if you’ve watched Game of Thrones, the Substructures will look familiar.

2. Riva Promenade

The Riva is Split’s waterfront promenade and the place where the whole city seems to gather. We loved walking it in the evening, when the cafes and bars fill up, and the people-watching gets genuinely good.

If you’re looking for a spot to sit with a coffee and watch Split go about its day, this is it. Don’t skip it.

3. Explore the Historic Old Town

We loved just wandering the old town without much of a plan, getting turned around in the narrow streets and stumbling onto small squares and cafes we wouldn’t have found otherwise.

A few spots worth finding: Pjaca Square is the main square of the city and a natural place to take a breather.

Fruit Square (Voćni trg) is named after the market that used to be held there, and still has a good local feel to it.

Marmont street connects the old town to the promenade and is lined with shops if you’re after a browse.

And the fish market is worth a look even if you’re not buying: loud, a little smelly, and very real.

4. Enjoy the View from the Bell Tower

For the best view over Split, climb the bell tower of the Cathedral of Saint Domnius. The climb is steep and narrow, but from what we could see looking up, the 360-degree view over the city looks well worth the effort.

We didn’t make it up ourselves, but watching people emerge onto the top made us wish we had saved time for it.

5. Climb Marjan Hill

Marjan Hill is a large forested park just outside the old town, known as the lungs of the city, and a good option if you need a break from the streets and heat. The hill has trails, viewpoints, and a few historical sites, so it works equally well for a casual walk or a longer hike. Telegrin Peak is the highlight for views.

If you want to finish with a swim, Bene Beach sits at the foot of the hill and is a natural endpoint to the day.

6. Play a game of Picigin at Bačvice Beach

Bačvice Beach is the most popular beach in Split, and we could see why it draws such a crowd. The water is shallow and sandy, the atmosphere is lively, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch locals playing picigin, a traditional ball game played in the shallow water that’s worth watching even if you don’t join in.

7. Indulge in Dalmatian Cuisine

We’ll be honest: finding good food in Split took a bit more effort than we expected. A lot of the restaurants around the old town are geared squarely at tourists, and it shows on the plate.

But once we got our bearings, we found some genuinely good spots serving proper Dalmatian food: fresh seafood, hearty meat dishes, and the kind of ćevapi that makes you order a second round.

We’ll share exactly where we ate later in this guide.

8. Do some Island Hopping

For us, the day trips to the nearby Dalmatian islands ended up being the highlight of the whole visit. Split’s location makes it easy, with the islands very reachable from the city. Each one has its own character, and we explored a few of them.

Popular Islands

Hvar: Known for its lively nightlife, beautiful beaches, and historic architecture.
Brač: Famous for the stunning Zlatni Rat beach and the quaint town of Bol.
Vis: Offers unspoiled nature and crystal-clear waters.

How to Get There

Ferries and Catamarans: Regular services run from Split to the major islands, with options for both cars and passengers.
Private Tours: Many operators offer day tours that include island hopping, swimming, and snorkeling.

9. Hire a captain and set sail

Whenever we’re somewhere with a good coastline, we hire a boat, and Split was no exception. For us, it’s always worth every penny: there’s nothing quite like that feeling of freedom out on the water, going where you want at your own pace.

One thing to know: in Croatia, you need a license to operate any motorboat, so if you don’t have one, you’ll need to hire a skipper along with the boat.

We’ve always found that works out well anyway, as the skippers know exactly where to go. The Blue Lagoon was one of the highlights of our day on the water.

10. Let’s go to the beach

When the midday heat kicks in, the beaches around Split are the right answer. We particularly liked Kaštelet Beach and Kasjuni Beach, but honestly, the coastline around Split has so many good options that we barely scratched the surface.

11. Experience Split’s Nightlife

We wouldn’t call ourselves big night-out people, but we genuinely enjoyed Split’s evenings, especially when travelling with friends.

The city has a good energy after dark, with options ranging from laid-back bars to proper clubs.

Most of the clubs are clustered along the coast at the southern end of the city, so if you’re after a bigger night, that’s where to head.

12. Visit Memorijalni Park Domovinskog Rata

This one was a complete accident. Roger was scrolling through Google Maps looking for somewhere up on the hill, and somehow we ended up here without having seen it mentioned in a single guide we’d read.

It turned out to be one of those lucky finds that make the whole trip.

We arrived in the late afternoon and stayed for the sunset, with views across the coastline and all the islands stretched out in front of us.

We’d brought some snacks and drinks, which turned out to be the right call.

Go in the late afternoon, bring something to eat and drink, and stay for golden hour. You’ll want the time to just sit with it.

13. Make a Day Trip to the Surrounding Cities

A day trip to Trogir is one of the easiest and most rewarding things you can do from Split.

It’s only 30 minutes away, and the old town is a proper UNESCO World Heritage site: narrow cobbled streets, the impressive Cathedral of St. Lawrence, and plenty of seaside cafes to sit at and watch the marina. We really liked it as a half-day add-on.

Omiš is another day trip we’d recommend, about an hour from Split. What makes it stand out is the setting: rugged cliffs dropping down to the strikingly green Cetina River.

We’d suggest starting with the hike up to Tvrđava Mirabela, a medieval fortress with panoramic views that’s worth every step.

After that, the beaches are a good place to wind down, and there are some solid restaurants with sea views for lunch or dinner.

Makarska is another easy day trip from Split, and one we enjoyed. The beach is great, the old town is worth a wander, and the promenade is a good spot to end the day and catch the sunset.

Keep in mind, we have a full guide on Makarska on the blog if you want more details before you go.

14. Klis Fortress

Just outside Split, you can experience Croatia’s medieval past. On top of the hill the Klis Fortress offers wonderful views of Split and the surrounding area.

15. Krka Nationalpark

If you’re in Split, a day trip to Krka National Park is a must on your adventure list. Imagine walking through lush landscapes and discovering the waterfalls, like the amazing Skradinski Buk.

Hike the trails, visit historic monasteries, and take envy-inducing photos everywhere. By the time you get back to Split you’ll be planning your next visit to this wonderland.

Krka National Park is an easy day trip from Split and one we’d put on any Croatia itinerary without hesitation.

The star attraction is Skradinski Buk, a series of waterfalls set in lush greenery that’s as good as it looks in photos.

We’ve been a few times now: back when swimming in the falls was still allowed, and more recently, since the ban came in. Honestly? We think it’s prettier without hundreds of people in the water.

It’s still busy, but the park has a magic to it that keeps pulling us back. We have a complete guide to Krka on the blog if you want to plan it properly.

16. Daytrip to the Kravica Waterfalls

The Kravica waterfalls are about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Split and make for a great day trip if you want something a little different. They’re actually across the border in Bosnia, and noticeably quieter than Krka.

We found them beautiful, though smaller in scale: a few hours here feels about right rather than a full day.

On the way back, we stopped for food at a random restaurant in a small Bosnian town, and it turned out to be one of the best meals of the trip. Unbelievably good value, the kind of place you’d never find on any list.

Unfortunately, we had no proper internet signal to note down which one it was. Some memories need to stay a secret.

17. Visit the City Museum

We’ll be upfront: museums aren’t really our thing on a summer holiday, so we didn’t make it to the City Museum of Split ourselves.

But if you’re interested in the city’s history, from its Roman roots to the present day, it’s worth knowing it’s right there inside Diocletian’s Palace, housed in a 15th-century Gothic palace with an elaborately carved entrance.

It would also make a good option for a rainy day if the weather turns.

18. Wine Tasting Experience or Cooking/Culinary Tour

If you want to go beyond just sightseeing, a wine tasting or culinary tour is something we’d genuinely recommend.

We love this kind of experience when we travel: it’s less about ticking off attractions and more about actually getting under the skin of a place.

The wine tours are typically led by a sommelier and walk you through local Dalmatian varieties, often ending at a wine-focused restaurant like the Diocletian Wine House with cheese, prosciutto, and homemade bread.

We may have continued the wine tasting well after the official tour ended. We’ll leave it at that.

For food lovers, a culinary tour or cooking class is equally good. Many start at the Green Market, where you get a feel for the ingredients that define Dalmatian cooking, before heading into a kitchen with a local chef.

If cooking isn’t your thing, a straight food tour works just as well and covers a lot of ground deliciously.

19. Explore the Blue Cave on Bisevo Island

We didn’t make it to the Blue Cave on Biševo Island this time around, and it’s one of the few things we genuinely regret missing.

We spoke to a few people who’d done the full-day boat tour from Split, and they were seriously impressed.

The cave apparently glows blue and silver when the light hits it right, and the tours typically include stops at the Blue Lagoon and a few other spots along the way.

It’s on our list for next time, and we’d say don’t make the same mistake we did if you have the time.

Best Time to Visit

We’ve visited Split in August and September and loved both, though we won’t pretend the summer heat is for everyone.

We still remember sitting outside at a restaurant one evening around 8 pm, and it was so hot that the sweat was running down our legs.

A little much, we’ll admit. Jumping into the pool later that night fixed everything, but it’s worth knowing what you’re signing up for.

That said, here’s how the seasons break down:

Spring (March to May) is one of the best times to visit. Temperatures sit around 15-20°C (59-68°F), the crowds are manageable, and the city feels more like itself. Marjan Hill is particularly good at this time of year when everything is in bloom.

Summer (June to August) is peak season, busy and hot, up to 30°C (86°F) and beyond. The beaches are buzzing, the city is full of life, and the Split Summer Festival brings open-air theatre, music, and dance performances to the city. If you don’t mind the crowds and heat, there’s a great energy to it.

Autumn (September to November) is arguably the sweet spot. Temperatures drop to around 18-25°C (64-77°F), the summer crowds thin out, and the sea is still warm enough to swim in. Diocletian’s Palace, without the peak-season chaos, is a different experience entirely.

Winter (December to February) is quiet and mild by European standards, rarely dropping below 5°C (41°F). No swimming, but the Christmas markets are worth a look, and you’ll have the city largely to yourself.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Split, Croatia?

For most people, 3 to 4 days gives you enough time to cover the main sights, spend some time on the beaches, and fit in at least one day trip.

We tend to use Split as a base for a full week ourselves, which gives you time to slow down, explore the Dalmatian coast properly, and not feel rushed on the islands.

If you’re trying to figure out how long to spend in Croatia overall, we have a full guide on that too, so take a look if you need help planning the bigger picture.

How to Get to Split?

By plane: We always fly into Split and pick up a rental car straight at the airport. Split Airport (SPU) is about 24km from the city centre and well connected to most major European cities, with plenty of direct flights during peak season.

From the airport, you can get into the city by rental car, shuttle bus, or cab.

Roger still remembers arriving by bus with a youth travel group years ago and swears the journey took forever.

He’s probably exaggerating, but if you want to save time and have flexibility from the moment you land, flying is the smartest option, depending, of course, on where you’re coming from.

By car: If you’re doing a broader European road trip or travelling from elsewhere in Croatia, Split is easy to reach by road.

The A1 highway connects Split to Zagreb in around 4 hours, and the drive takes you through some genuinely beautiful Croatian countryside and coastline.

Just be aware that parking in Split can be tight during peak season.

How to Get Around in Split, Croatia?

On foot: If you’re staying in the centre and focusing on the city itself, you can honestly do most things on foot. The old town is compact and best explored by walking anyway.

By public transport: The bus network run by Promet Split is reliable and covers most of the city. That said, some friends of ours had a rather memorable experience when their bus was robbed. Probably just bad luck, but it stuck with us.

By taxi: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available if you need them.

By car: We always rent a car, and for good reason. The moment you want to get out of the city and explore the surrounding area, having your own wheels makes everything easier. We’d recommend booking in advance, especially in peak season when availability gets tight and last-minute prices reflect that.

Where to Stay in Split, Croatia?

These are the hotels we’ve already stayed at or plan to try on our next trip to Split:

• Hotel Marul – 5 minutes from Diocletian’s Palace, charming boutique hotel with breakfast and friendly service
• Heritage Hotel FERMAI – Chic, art nouveau building with elegant interiors and excellent location
• Judita Palace Heritage Hotel – Set right in the main square of the Old Town, a historic building with top-tier service

For a more local feel, Airbnb is worth considering in Split. There are good options ranging from apartments in the old town to villas with private pools just outside the city.

If you’re visiting in summer with a group of friends, we’d particularly recommend staying somewhere with a pool.

They’re usually very reasonably priced once you get a little further out, and on those evenings when the heat refuses to let up, having a pool to jump into makes all the difference.

If you remember our dinner story from earlier, you’ll know exactly what we mean.

Where to Eat in Split, Croatia?

Finding good food in Split took us more effort than expected, and honestly, some of our best meals were outside the city. But we did find some solid spots worth sharing.

For traditional Dalmatian cooking, Konoba Fetivi is a reliable choice for fresh seafood and hearty meat dishes.

If you’re in the mood for wine and something a little more creative, Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar has an extensive wine list and good small plates.

For a special evening out, Dvor is worth the reservation: sea views and a menu built around local ingredients.

And if you’re after something quick and satisfying, Kantun Paulina is the place for ćevapi, grilled minced meat that’s as good as it sounds.

How Expensive is Split?

Split has gotten noticeably more expensive each time we’ve visited, and we’ve been going long enough to feel the difference. That said, it’s still reasonable by European standards.

Accommodation runs roughly 30-100€ (33-109 USD) per night for hostels and mid-range hotels, and a meal at a decent restaurant will set you back around 15-30€ (16-33 USD) per person.

Street food and casual spots come in well below that. Getting around on foot or by public bus keeps transport costs minimal, and entry fees to the main attractions like Diocletian’s Palace are around 5-10€ (5-11 USD).

We’ve done Split on a tight budget and on a more relaxed one, and both are manageable. Just don’t expect the prices from five years ago.