The port city of Split is the second-largest city in Croatia after the capital, Zagreb. It exudes a delightful atmosphere in its ancient city center, brimming with excellent restaurants and cozy cafes. The old center of Split breathes history, and you’ll feel transported back in time as you wander through its narrow streets. While Split itself doesn’t have a vast number of attractions and can be explored fairly quickly, the surrounding area offers a wealth of things to do and see. Read all our tips for this city below.
How to Get to Split?
Due to its strategic location, Split is a popular hub in Croatia. You can fly directly to Split, take a ferry to one of the many islands, or continue your journey to various beautiful places by bus or rental car. Most people on a road trip visit Split from Dubrovnik or Hvar. Below, you’ll find information on how to travel from these destinations to Split.
From Hvar to Split Without a Car
If you’re traveling through Croatia without a car, take a high-speed ferry to Split, which is much faster than the larger ferries that accommodate cars. With the high-speed ferry, you can reach Split in just under an hour directly from Hvar Town’s harbor. Check the departure times and reserve your boat tickets.
From Hvar to Split by Car
From Dubrovnik to Split
What to Do in Split: Top Attractions
Split is a Croatian city with several beautiful attractions that you shouldn’t miss during your visit. Most of them are located in the old center of this historic city. Around the year 300 AD, the palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian was built, and its remains make up a significant part of the old town. As you pass through the historic city gates, you’ll find yourself on charming narrow streets leading to squares, temples, and palace ruins.
The Palace of Diocletian
So, let’s start with the Palace of Diocletian. The palace ruins encompass more than just one building, so take your time to wander through the atmospheric streets. Underground, there’s a system of tunnels and cellars, some of which you can explore. Descend into the basement of the Palace of Diocletian, where you’ll find a small market with delightful souvenirs, and several scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed here. On the square in front of the palace, there’s often something happening, with multiple street musicians performing.
The Cathedral of Split
The Cathedral of Saint Domnius, also known as the Cathedral of Split, is part of the Palace of Diocletian. This ancient bell tower is the symbol of Split, and the exciting part is that you can climb it. The bell tower was built between the 12th and 16th centuries, but it collapsed and was rebuilt in 1908. At the very top of the tower, you’ll enjoy a beautiful view of Split and the Adriatic Sea.
Tip: If you have a passion for ancient history and some spare time, consider visiting the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments. It’s one of the oldest museums in Croatia and houses thousands of artifacts that tell the story of Croatia.
The Riva Boulevard
Split’s boulevard is a vibrant area with numerous bars, restaurants, shops, and stalls. It’s always bustling with activity, and the boulevard is entirely car-free. Find a comfortable spot on a terrace or relax on one of the many benches while enjoying people-watching. Especially in the early evening before sunset, it’s lively and enjoyable. Stick to having drinks on the boulevard, as the restaurants here are not the best in Split and can be quite pricey. Also, take a stroll over to Republic Square (Trg Republike). It’s a fantastic square at the end of the boulevard, surrounded by beautiful pinkish-red buildings.
Tip: An enjoyable way to explore the city of Split is with this fun bike tour. It will take you to the most remarkable attractions and provide insights into the city’s fascinating history.
Marjan Hill
If you want to see Split from a different perspective and are up for a bit of exercise, climb Marjan Hill. The locals often refer to the 3-kilometer-long (1.9-miles-long) city park Marjan as ‘the lungs of Split.’ Hike all the way to Telegrin, the highest point, and enjoy a stunning view of Split, the mountains, and the Adriatic Sea!
Tip: If you want to learn more about Split’s fascinating history, consider taking this 1.5-hour city tour. This tour will take you to the main attractions and conclude with a panoramic view from Marjan Hill.
Excursions from Split
Perhaps you’re mainly interested in ‘What to Do in Split,’ but there is also a lot to see and do in the surrounding area of Split. The following excursions from Split are definitely worth considering.
Klis Fortress
Located 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from Split, Klis Fortress sits atop a mountain and was built in the 7th century. Throughout the centuries, it was controlled by the Romans, Ottomans, Venetians, and Mongols. From Klis Fortress, you have a sweeping view of Split and the surrounding area. Its strategic position on a mountain pass between the Mosor and Kozjak mountain ranges made it a crucial defense point for Split. The fortress controlled access to the Dalmatian coast via the interior.
For Game of Thrones fans, like many places in Croatia, Klis Fortress is a must-visit. It served as the backdrop for numerous scenes in the series, including the iconic scene in Season 4 where Khaleesi liberated the slaves of the city of Meereen.
Island Hopping Tour from Split
Off the coast of Split lies an archipelago of both large and small paradise islands. If you’re on a Croatia road trip, it’s recommended to stay on one of the islands like Hvar. However, if you have limited time because you’re visiting Split as a city trip, you can also embark on this exciting boat trip to spend a day island-hopping to the most beautiful spots. This tour includes a visit to the remarkable Blue Cave and Stiniva Beach, one of Croatia’s most stunning beaches!
Visit the Krka Waterfalls
An hour’s drive from Split, you’ll find Krka National Park, home to multiple paradisiacal waterfalls. These waterfalls are part of the Krka River that flows through Dalmatia. The national park boasts 7 different waterfalls, each unique in its own way. The Skradinski Buk waterfall is the largest and most famous one you often see in photos. It spans over 100 meters (328 feet) in width, with water cascading down 17 smaller falls. Read our article with tips for the Krka waterfalls to learn about the most beautiful falls and how to get there. If you don’t have a car, you can visit Krka from Split with the Krka tour from Split.
Outdoor Activities in the Stunning Nature of Omis
Another enjoyable excursion is a visit to the town of Omis. Omis is nestled between towering mountains, with the Cetina River flowing through it. This small town has a fascinating and tumultuous history. In the 13th and 14th centuries, it was controlled by feared pirates. These pirates had swift boats, which they used to attack cities like Dubrovnik and Venice. After their raids, they would quickly flee inland through the Cetina River, as it was impossible for the large merchant ships from Dubrovnik and Venice to navigate the river. This strategy allowed the pirates of Omis to defeat their opponents repeatedly.
In Omis, you can visit the Starigrad Fortress and Fortress Mirabella, both of which offer breathtaking views of Omis and the surrounding area. You can also enjoy a fantastic view from this viewpoint. If you’re more of an outdoor enthusiast and crave an adrenaline rush, the rugged rocky mountains around Omis are perfect for some thrilling outdoor activities. The most exciting activities in Omis are:
- Rafting on the Cetina River
- 8-Piece Ziplining Adventure through a Gorge
- Canyoning on the Cetina River
- Via Ferrata / Klettersteig with Spectacular Views
Best Restaurants in Split
During our 3-week road trip through Croatia, we had the most delicious meals by far in Split. There’s an abundance of excellent restaurants here! One of them is MakaMaka, where you can indulge in healthy breakfasts and lunches. They offer delicious Açai bowls and Poké bowls on the menu, loaded with vitamins and perfect for starting your day right. For dinner, Fig Split is the place to be. You’ll enjoy a cozy patio setting, and even though the menu isn’t extensive, all the dishes are incredibly tasty. Ćiri Biri Bela is also one of the best restaurants in Split, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. During the high season, it’s wise to make a reservation if you want to dine at one of these restaurants. And if you’re looking for the best ice cream in Split, don’t miss Luka Ice Cream.
Our Favorite Places to Stay in Split
The best tip we can give you is to book a hotel in or just outside the old town of Split. There isn’t much to do outside the old city, but within the city walls, you’ll find many restaurants, Split’s attractions, and a vibrant atmosphere. Fortunately, there are plenty of great hotels in and around the old town, but you should book early as they are very popular.
Centro di Centri Rooms is, as the name suggests, located in the center of Split without breaking the bank. Despite being in the center, you won’t be bothered by city noises in your room. You’re guaranteed a good night’s sleep! Also, Captain’s Guesthouse is highly recommended in Split. You’ll stay in a cheerful room where the authentic details have been well preserved. The rooms are soundproof, the bed is comfortable, and it’s conveniently located in the old town. Stone House is one of the best options if you’re on a smaller budget. This hotel is 200 meters (656 feet) from the old town and, therefore, more budget-friendly. All restaurants and attractions are within walking distance, so the location is still excellent. You can choose between a double room or an apartment equipped with all the amenities you need.
  Centro di Centri Rooms |
  Captain’s Guesthouse |
 Stone House |
