Split is an extraordinary ancient city on the Dalmatian Coast filled with fascinating attractions.
The city is a must-see for anyone planning their first trip to Croatia. Split is Croatia's second-largest city and is popular with tourists - for good reason! There's a lot to do, from shopping to museums to epic hiking views.
The old city is where most of the major attractions are. To get from one end to the other only takes about 5 minutes and totals about two or three city blocks. It's very small. But there's still a lot of things to do in Split, so here's some of the best the city has to offer!
1. Diocletian's Palace
The former residence of a Roman emperor.
You can view much of this fortress from the courtyard outside.
Diocletian's Palace predominates the old town of Split. There's one main plaza people visit to see the ruins (next to Saint Domnius' Cathedral), but the entire palace is a massive two blocks by two blocks. There are houses, shops, and a cathedral inside this area.
Originally built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, the palace's facade and interiors changed greatly over the centuries that followed in order to best suit the current citizens of the city.
The palace is rectangular with a tower and a gate at each corner. It's one of the best-preserved Roman structures in the world.
When you visit the main square, odds are you'll be greeted with music from the nearby cathedral and a line of men posing for pictures in full Roman guard costumes.
One of the best parts about visiting the palace is being able to walk underneath it. Follow the steps that lead under the palace's vestibule to find a series of cool stone passageways underground. Here, stalls of artisan vendors sell jewelry and other souvenirs.
Address: Dioklecijanova 1, 21000, Split, Croatia.
Hours: Open 24 hours. It's outside! These are ancient ruins, so it's just part of the city.
Cost: Free.
2. Climb the bell tower of Saint Domnius' Cathedral
The bell tower can be seen from all over the city.
Centrally located inside Diocletian's Palace is the Cathedral and bell tower of Saint Domnius. The church is one of the oldest Catholic Cathedrals still in use. The exterior of the building is encircled by a colonnade of 24 columns.
A much later addition to the house of worship, the bell tower is one of Split's most iconic landmarks and can be seen all over the city. This 60-meter (197 feet) structure has stairs to a viewing deck at the very top which offers a spectacular panorama of the old city and harbor.
Tickets are purchased at the entrance. If I were you I'd go for the all-inclusive ticket so you'll have access to the Cathedral itself, the bell tower, the crypt of Saint Lucy, the baptistery of Saint John, and the treasury.
Address: Peristil ul. 2, 21000, Split, Croatia.
Hours: Hours are all over the place. They seem to change constantly and they depend on the season. Check Google Maps before you go. Note that the Cathedral is closed on religious and public holidays and has more restrictive visiting hours on Sundays.
Cost: 80 kunas for access to all 5 sites. If you're looking for a free city overlook, jump down to number 8 on this list!
3. Walk the riva
Lowkey smelled like rotten fish, but worth it for this view!
The waterfront is sprinkled with palm trees (definitely not native, right?), recreational boats, and the occasional seagull. Walk along the colorful boats or sit down at one of the overpriced cafes and enjoy the view, because let's be honest, that's what you're paying for!
When I first arrived in Split, I happily rolled my suitcase along the riva as I worked my way to my accommodation for the next few days. Families and loving couples strolled along the sparkling water. I remember thinking the sky out over the water was surprisingly dark for a city. The whole experience can be quite magical, so be sure to go during the day and the evening.
One word of caution - there are moments when the breeze will carry a smell of rotting fish. I didn't experience this in other Croatian coastal cities like Zadar... just Split. If it turns your stomach as it did mine, take a few steps back from the water. It will make a huge difference.
Address: 21.000, Split, Croatia.
4. Explore the old town
Just outside the palace walls in the old town of Split.
A stone archway in Split's old town.
Let me reiterate: the old town is not that big. I could run around the whole thing in a few minutes. Still, there are so many cute narrow passageways and hidden gems making it well worth your time. I spent the morning of my first day wandering around and exploring. Keep your eye out for more Roman ruins (like gates - so many gates!).
5. Visit the Mestrivic Gallery
Ivan Meštrović was a Croatian artist born in the 1880s. He's Croatia's most famous artist and is incredibly well-known there. The creative was renowned in the 20th century for his sculptures, writings, paintings, and architectural work.
Meštrović designed his own house in Split which was intended to be his family's summer house and a studio for himself. Today, it's used as a museum to showcase his masterpieces, particularly his sculptures in wood, bronze, marble, and plaster. The gallery also displays drawings, photographs, and other documentation of the artist and his work.
The gallery has partially preserved what the artist's home looked like when he lived there by keeping original furniture and paintings in the dining room.
Address: Šetalište Ivana Meštrovića 46, 21000, Split, Croatia. Take bus 12 from the city center to get there, or you can walk (it's about 30 minutes' walking distance from the old town center).
Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday 9am to 5pm. Closed Monday.
Cost: Adult tickets are 40 kunas. Seniors and students are 20 kunas, and preschool kids are free.
6. Rub Gregory of Nin's toe
A sculpture of Gregory of Nin just outside the old palace walls.
Speaking of Ivan Meštrović, there's a large statue made by the sculptor just outside the old city walls. It portrays the medieval bishop, Gregory of Nin. Gregory of Nin is considered to be a national hero by the Croatians.
He's known mainly for standing up to the Pope and the Catholic church for his call to conduct Mass in the Croatian language in the 10th century - which was strongly opposed. Prior to the bishop's change, mass was done only in Latin, so most everyday people had no idea what was being said.
The statue originally resided inside Diocletian’s Palace before being moved after the Second World War.
It's said to be good luck to rub the statue's toe, which is why the toe has been worn to a gold color. Want a wish granted? Rub his toe, it certainly can't hurt.
Address: Ul. kralja Tomislava 12, 21000, Splitska, Croatia.
7. Swim at a local beach
A gorgeous and quiet cove.
The beach is rocky, so bring flip flops or water shoes!
Split has several public beaches, each as crystal clear blue as the next. There's a series of them along Marjan Park to the west of the city. They're easy to get to and provide the perfect cool escape into the light blue water.
I ended up visiting Kasjuni Beach. It's a relatively quiet little cove with perfectly clear water and a dramatic mountainous backdrop. The beach is rocky, so if you have them I'd highly suggest bringing water shoes. The spot has a beach bar, showers (for a small charge), and loungers for rent. I could've spent a whole afternoon there easily.
Kasjuni Beach has a mountainous backdrop.
Swimming in the Adriatic Sea was a highlight of my trip to Split!
To get there, start at Trg Franje Tuđmana bus station, which is on the west end of the old town by the water. From there, hop on bus 12. Bus 12 starts at this spot, so don't worry about which direction it's going. Bus tickets are about 11 kunas. If you need help with anything, you can always ask the driver. You may want to tell them where you want to get off, so you know they'll stop there. You can also drive if you have a car! There's a parking lot.
This one is obviously going to be weather and seasonal-dependent, so use your best judgment here! I was pleasantly surprised that the water was warm enough during mid-May that I could take a dip. Had I packed a swimsuit I would've been all the way in!
Address: Adriatic Sea, 21000, Split, Croatia.
Cost: Free and open to the public. Beach bar services like lounge chairs and drinks are for purchase.
8. Overlook from Marjan Hill
From the overlook, you can see the entire city of Split, the harbor, and the mountains behind.
If you're looking for an impressive (and free) view of Split, look no further than Marjan Hill. Marjan Hill, also known as Marjan Park, has extensive hiking paths, but you won't need to do any real hiking to reach the viewpoint.
The overlook can be reached by starting at "Marjan Hill Stairs" (Marasovića ul., 21000, Split, Croatia) on Google Maps. It's on the west end of the old city. From there, simply follow the stairs all the way up to "Marjan Park Viewpoint".
The entire path is well paved, as are the wide stairs. It's a steep climb, but the path is really well-kept and easy to access.
The lookout itself is a white balcony-esque lookout spot. You can see the harbor, the entirety of the old city, and the commanding mountains behind.
Address: The access point is Marasovića ul., 21000, Split, Croatia "Marjan Hill Stairs".
Cost: Free.
9. Hike Marjan Park for epic views and old stone churches
Every switchback as I hiked my way up had an increasingly better view.
Hermitage caves are seen from Kasjuni Beach.
If you're looking for more than just a steep scurry up a hill, Marjan Park offers many hiking trails, and they all go in one direction: up. Kidding, sort of.
I actually started down at the beach and walked allll the way to the western edge of the park to hook onto a road (which eventually became a trail) to get up to the top of the hill. The whole thing took about two hours to do on a hot day, and would not be a good idea if you're not in great shape. However...
You can start from the Marjan Hill Stairs access point, check out the view, and keep going. The paved path will eventually turn into a trail, but the hard part is over since you're basically already at the elevation of the trails.
So what's so great about the hiking paths? First, you'll continue to experience incredible views of the coastline, forest, and the Adriatic Sea. But you'll also see fascinating structures carved into overhanging cliff faces!
A 15th-century hermitage cave.
Another hermitage cave.
I had a hard time finding much about them online before I left for my trip, but I knew I had to go see them. Turns out these structures are hermitage caves from the 15th century! One of them has stairs so you can go all the way up and explore.
Hikers can go all the way up to the entrance of this hermitage cave and explore the structure.
In addition to the two hermitages built into the rock, there are also many churches along the paths. Apparently, Marjan was a pilgrimage spot for the townspeople of Split in the Middle Ages. Today there are over a dozen churches still standing throughout the park.
Up and up and up!
St. Jerome Church.
Address: I'd recommend starting at the overlook access point, Marasovića ul., 21000, Split, Croatia "Marjan Hill Stairs" and just keep following the trail for as long as you want before turning back around. Or you could be like me and start in the opposite direction and walk switchbacks for two hours in the sun...
Cost: Free.
Other tips: Bring Gatorade powder to put in your water if it's a hot day! And a hat. Most of the trail is not shaded.
10. Visit Klis Fortress
Klis Fortress may look familiar to Game of Thrones fans. It's over 2,000 years old and has served many purposes throughout history: from a small stronghold to a palace for Croatian kings to finally an impressive fortress during the Otteman Wars.
It’s a bit of a hike from the old town of Split, but there’s a direct bus all the way up. The fortress has an impressive view of the city beneath and is well worth a visit. Just make sure you allocate plenty of time to get there, explore, and get back into town.
Address: Trg Mejdan 10, 21231, Klis, Croatia.
How to get there: Take bus 22 from HNK bus station. Klis Fortress is the last stop.
Cost: 60 kunas for adults and 20 kunas for kids.
Other tips: There may only be a few bus departures from Klis Fortress on any given day, so make sure to check bus 22's timetable before you leave. Buses can be several hours apart and stop early in the evening.
11. Take a day trip to the islands
Picturesque Komiža, a small town on the island of Vis.
Croatia has a plethora of unspoiled beaches along the coasts of its 700+ islands in the Adriatic Sea. Book a boat tour for a day trip and spend the day island hopping, snorkeling, and swimming.
I used TripAdvisor to find a boat tour. Most of the tours are by speedboat and are bumpy and unshaded. That's a long time to be uncomfortable, as it can take a while to get out to your first destination from the mainland. Personally, this is the tour I took. Non-spon, I just really liked it.
Inside the Blue Cave - aptly named as the sunlight makes the water glow bright blue.
The port of Hvar.
It's a full-day boat tour that takes you to five amazing locations including the Blue Cave and the island of Hvar. The boat has a covered roof and was clearly a much smoother ride than being on a speedboat all day.
Cost: Varies depending on the tour. The tour I recommend is $135 per person.
Croatia probably isn't on the list of a first-time traveler to Europe, but the whole time I was there I joked that Croatia was the Bahamas of Europe. Easy to get to, fairly affordable, and perfect for a week's escape to paradise.
Croatia is actually one of the most tourism-friendly countries I have ever been to. I found that almost everyone under 40 or so speaks very good English, and people are happy to help you! Split is certainly no exception, so you should have smooth sailing while you're there.
The city is also surprisingly walkable and when necessary, public transportation is readily available and reliable.
Hopefully, this list helps you plan a fantastic trip to Split. These are some of the all-time best things to do in Split, Croatia - but I'm sure there are more! Have you ever been? What were your favorite things to do? Let me know in the comments!
