You’ve arrived in the beautiful city of Split, in the south of Croatia. In this diverse city, there’s more than enough to experience.
But what to do in Split? And how can you do it? To ensure you can enjoy your trip to the fullest without having to worry about planning activities, we’ve put together a list of the most fun and beautiful things to do in Split that you can’t miss. You won’t get enough of the sights of Split.
Whether on foot, by car, or especially by bike, there’s plenty to experience in Split. Our Split bike tour the Highlights, for example, is the perfect way to make sure you don’t miss a single highlight during your Split city trip.
Are you in Split by car? You can park at Split Parking for €1.50/hour. From this centrally located parking lot, you’re within a 5-minute walk to the old town. The routes at the bottom of this page also use this parking lot as a starting point, but feel free to start somewhere else if that suits you better ;)
Enjoy the rich history and culture. With all these activities, you’ll get to know Split so well that it’ll almost feel like you’ve lived here your whole life :)
Visit Diocletian’s Palace
Almost the entire old town can be found in and around Diocletian’s Palace. You enter through one of the four impressive city gates. Feel transported back to Split’s ancient times as you wander through this Roman fortress.
In the many narrow streets and deep cellars where residents once walked, there’s much to discover about how life used to be here. In the cellars, you can also find the city museum where different aspects of both Split’s history and culture are highlighted.
On the central square, the Peristyle, you can enjoy a refreshing drink and a delicious bite at one of the many cafés and restaurants while being entertained by the numerous street performers. These street artists showcase their many talents with each performance.
- Diocletian’s Palace tickets are free!
Walk around the Cathedral of Saint Domnius
Now that you’re walking through the Palace, the cathedral is impossible to miss. It was once the emperor’s mausoleum. Over the years, the cathedral has been expanded, but the original Roman columns still stand in full glory around it.
To see everything that Emperor Diocletian once ruled over, you can climb to the top of the bell tower and take in a wide view of this historic city.
- Cathedral of St. Domnius tickets from €3.50
- Available at the ticket office across from the Peristyle, opposite the cathedral’s main entrance.
- Price depends on age and which parts of the cathedral you want to visit.
Visit the Croatian Maritime Museum in Split
Visit the Croatian Maritime Museum if you want to learn more about the maritime heritage of the Adriatic coast. The museum started with several collections from, among others, the Maritime Museum of Split and the Military Maritime Museum.
Discover Croatia’s maritime life and maritime developments from classical antiquity to the beginning of the steam engine era.
- Croatian Maritime Museum tickets from €3.50 p.p.
- Tickets available on-site
- Free parking at the building
Archaeological Museum in Split
The Archaeological Museum in Split is Croatia’s oldest museum institution, founded in 1820. In this museum, you’ll learn about the rich history of the Dalmatia region.
Admire ancient Roman and Greek statues, old coins, jewelry, and much more! During your visit, you’ll learn how and what made Dalmatia into what it is today.
The museum is easily accessible by car, but also by bus. If you take line 8 to Park Emanuel Vidović or line 17 to Stadion Poljud station, it’s just a few minutes away.
- Archaeological Museum Split tickets from €4.00 p.p.
- Tickets available via the website and on-site
Enjoy the charm of Split
As you walk around Split, there are many charming squares with various bars, cafés, and restaurants to discover. So definitely explore Split on your own—you’ll often come across nice local and less touristy spots.
Additionally, the following two squares are definitely worth a visit if you want to enjoy the charm of Split.
Trg braće Radić (Fruit Market)
What was once a central hub for the fresh fruit market has now transformed into a bustling center full of shops and businesses. You’ll also find the Venetian Castello and tower here.
The prime example of Baroque architecture in Dalmatia can be found on the north side of the square: Milesi Palace. Named after the merchant family Milesi who had this palace built in the early 18th century. Today it houses the Split branch of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts.
In short, a versatile square where there’s always something to do!
Pjaca, People’s Square in Split
Narodni Trg, better known as Pjaca, is known as ‘the people’s square’. Located in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace, you’ll find many tourists here and there’s always something happening. On one corner of the square you might get a serenade, while on another corner you can watch a beautiful new artwork come to life.
Around this square you’ll find various old buildings, including Split’s old town hall. This town hall is used, mainly in summer, for different exhibitions. If you walk around here in the evening or at night, you can enjoy the cozy lighting on this old building.
Make authentic local specialties
What to do in Split if you really want to immerse yourself as a Croatian? Join a Croatian cooking class! Under the guidance of a chef, you’ll learn about local products with their accompanying history and also how to prepare them to make a delicious Croatian dish. Such as different types of seafood and fish.
There are various classes to be found in the city, and some of these classes even take you to the local markets so you really experience the entire process of creating such a traditional Croatian dish.
Would you rather not cook yourself, but still taste the local food? Then take a look at the various restaurants that can be found in the city!
Want to immerse yourself even further in Croatian culture? Then join one of the many Croatian art and culture workshops!
Under the guidance of local artists and possibly while enjoying Croatian wines, you’ll learn to master various traditional art forms. Such as ceramics, painting and making handmade souvenirs.
Go on an adventure in Split
Besides the old buildings full of culture, Split also offers beautiful flora and fauna. When we retreat and leave the center, we arrive at wonderful green spots.
Climb Marjan Hill
This large and well-known park in Split is popular for good reason. Located at the edge of Split, this green oasis is a beloved spot among hikers, birdwatchers, cyclists, adventurers and families.
Thanks to the many different routes that can be taken through the park, there’s always a suitable route for everyone.
- You can hike to the top of the hill via approximately 350 steps.
- For beginning hikers there are various routes, ranging from 3.4 – 10.5 km and these take from three quarters of an hour to 2.5 hours.
- The more experienced hiker can also choose from various routes that are 3.1 – 9.7 km long and take 1 to 2.5 hours.
- Parking is available at the restaurant Teraca Vidilica.
- Accessible by bus line 8 towards ZVONČAC. If you get off at stop ZAPADNA OBALA 2, it’s only a 5-minute walk.
Stroll through Sustipan
Within walking distance of Marjan Park you’ll find Sustipan. Another green oasis of Split. Here you can completely relax among the pine trees.
There are plenty of spots where you can have a nice picnic with the family or where you can do your morning exercises while enjoying the chirping birds and buzzing bees.
In Sustipan you can enjoy different views: on one side you look out over the beautiful Marjan Hill and on the other side you can endlessly gaze at the Adriatic Sea, the harbor and the cozy bars and cafés located around the harbor.
- Parking is available at the parking lot Parkiralište Zvončac for €0.80/hour
- Accessible by bus line 8 towards ZVONČAC. If you get off at stop BRANIMIROVA – BANOVINA 2, it’s only a 5-minute walk.
Explore the different beaches
If you want to cool off in the crystal-clear sea on warm days or dream away on a sultry summer evening watching the sun sink into the sea, then you’re in the right place in Split!
Split is largely surrounded by the sea and therefore also offers various beautiful beaches.
Think of pebble beaches like Kasjuni Beach and Bačvice, but we also shouldn’t forget the more sandy beaches like Žnjan and Firule Beach!
These beaches are generally easily accessible, have a parking lot nearby and have a bar or supermarket on the beach or nearby where you can get something tasty.
Take part in various water activities!
Rafting on the Cetina river
After all that peaceful sightseeing and walking around, are you ready for some adrenaline? Book your tickets now to go rafting and cliff jumping on the Cetina river! You’ll find the meeting point for this activity about 35 minutes’ drive outside Split.
During this 4-hour activity, you’ll navigate a 10-kilometer stretch of rapids on the Cetina river with a group, guided by an instructor, and feel like Indiana Jones as you paddle through a cave under a waterfall. For the true daredevils, there are also opportunities to jump from various cliffs.
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- Tickets from €45.00 p.p.
- Helmet and life jacket included
- Free parking at the meeting point
- Cancel or modify up to 24 hours in advance!
Island hopping by speedboat in Kornati National Park
Want to make the most of your time and see as much as possible while also relaxing? Then the speedboat tour through Kornati National Park is the perfect activity for you. Drive about an hour west of Split to the meeting point for this unforgettable tour.
Gliding over the crystal-clear water, you’ll have a unique perspective on the different islands, where you can completely unwind and get plenty of opportunities to cool off in the Adriatic Sea.
As a spectacular finale, you’ll stay on the water for the breathtaking sunset from St. Anthony’s channel.
- Tickets from €120.00 p.p.
- Lunch included
- Parking for €2.00/hour near the meeting point
- Cancel or modify up to 24 hours in advance!
Don’t have sea legs and prefer to stay on dry land? Then join our Split Highlights tour ;) During this tour, you’ll visit various must-sees and get insider tips from the guide on things to do in Split.
Map of activities in Split
The map below shows several of the activities described above.
When you open the map, you’ll also see 5 routes that you can make visible. These are the following routes:
- A walking route through the old city center.
- A driving route to the museums.
- A driving route to the start of Marjan Park and Sustipan. From both locations, you can then make your own plan for how long you want to explore and whether you’ll walk around.
- Driving route to the meeting point for rafting on the Cetina river
- Driving route to the meeting point for island hopping by speedboat in Kornati National Park
These are just a few suggestions, but it’s also great fun to simply start at one point and then wander around following your instincts. Do whatever you feel like and enjoy your time in Split.