Top Attractions in Split, Croatia
The ancient location and culture in the Split town of Croatia is something you may have never seen before. If you already know about the beauty of Split, it is most probably from the movies. But, there is more to Split than the sets where some memorable scenes were shot.
If you are visiting the Dalmation Coast of Croatia, you will love to spend some quality and fun time in Split city. It is the second-largest town in Croatia and is often considered a transportation hub for tourists visiting Dalmatia. Split has an incredibly extensive range of options for tourists. Here are a few free things to do in Split if you plan to stay in the town.
Visit the Food Market
The Split’s food market is full of colors, accessories, and energetic stallholders who keep their shops open until midnight. It’s a perfect place if you want to enjoy Croatia’s local culture. Listen to the negotiations between the vendor and customers and get some fruits, veggies, and other stuff for your picnic.
Spend Some Quality Time at the Bacvice Beach
It’s barely a 10-minute walk from Split’s bus station. The specialty of the place is the calm and welcoming atmosphere that gives you some peaceful time, away from the city’s crowd. Located within walking distance of the beach are a few nightclubs and bars for adults. Admire the view on the beach and click some nice shots.
Learn about Romans
The ruins of Salona, a town that was the provincial capital of the country before Split, are still found in this town. The Archaeological Museum in the city has the details of how people in Salona lived. You will find here the objects and mosaics that ancient people used.
Have a Party at the Academia Ghetto Club
The erotic atmosphere and the bohemian culture in the Academia Ghetto Club are just too good to be missed. Located in the center of Split town, this is a go-to place for adults looking for some fun time. The place has locals from the town that give tourists a relaxing experience with calm music. It’s also a great place to mingle with the locals of the area.
Discover the History of the Roman Emperor at Diocletian’s Palace
Wander around this gorgeous historical architecture, which now houses half of the Split. The palace is protected by the four main entrance gates – silver, bronze, iron, and gold. You can take a stroll around to observe the beauty of the palace or check out the craft stalls and souvenir shops in the area.
Spend Some Time in Nature at Marjan
Locals love this place, and it’s not hard to see why. Marjan is filled with churches, forests, and some pristine beaches that give you a perfect weekend feel. For adventure junkies, cycling is a wonderful activity to try here, while history fans can explore churches or simply admire the enchanting views.
Learn More about Split’s History
A visit to the Split City Museum will give you insights into the city’s exciting history, the weapons used by the warriors, and some beautiful paintings. Plus, the museum is located in a Gothic building, which is totally worth exploring. Once you are done admiring the facade of the palace, head inside the museum to see the artifacts and historical objects.
Explore Split’s Gastronomy Scene
Gone are the days when there were only a few restaurants serving delicious meat and grilled fish. Today, Split has one of the best and most delicious cuisines for its tourists. For pizza lovers, the city has Bokamorr – a place serving a wide variety of pizzas. The fresh dough coupled with marvelous drinks makes this place a go-to restaurant for the locals and tourists.
Check out the Mestrovic Statue
Mestrovic was Split’s amazing and talented sculptor who spent several years in the town. He had a villa and a studio in the city, which are now turned into the major attraction spots for the tourists. The place is divided into two main attractions – Kastelet and Mestrovic Gallery. You will find here his works and a chance to capture Grgur Ninski’s towering statue.
Pay a visit to the Cathedral
The cathedral of Saint Domnius is located in Diocletian’s Palace. Admire the beauty of the cathedral before finding your way up to the tower bell, where you get a chance to capture the panoramic view of the town – including the seas and some picturesque spots from a height.
Visit the Old Town
Do not confuse the Diocletian’s palace for the old town. The old town in Split is more than this historical location. The city’s old town comprises some cool cafes, restaurants, shopping centers, and the most beautiful architecture. Just a good stroll around the town, watching some lovely places, and admiring the old architecture is all you need for a nice weekend.
Try Coffee on the Republic Square
In addition to the delicious coffee, Republic Square is an ideal place for couples who want to spend some peaceful time together. The place is known for its red-painted walls and green shutters.
Plus, it has a unique Italian vibe that makes it more interesting for all the tourists. Republic Square is a perfect place to begin your day with some strong coffee and, not to mention, a great view of the surroundings.
Try a Walking Tour
A split is an awesome place with some breathtaking views and historical architecture. While you can take a bus to explore the nearby towns and beautiful locations, a walking tour is what you need to make the best of your trip. You can hire a guide to learn more about the city and the best places to eat.
Walk along the Riva Promenade
Walking along the Riva Promenade is one of the few things to do in Croatia for young adults. Split is a coastal town with so many exciting beaches and rivers. These coastal areas are so gorgeous that you will never feel bored in the town. If you want to feel close to the ocean, take a stroll along the Riva Promenade.
Head to the Klis Fortress
Many great battles were fought at the Klis Fortress, making it a historical place for all the history buffs out there. It is also the place where Meereen (Games of Thrones) was shot. The site is located on a cliff, but it needs minimal hiking.
A Day-trip to Trogir
Located 30 kilometers from Split, Trogir is an incredible town. Whether you are a local looking for a weekend getaway or a tourist wanting some quality time away from the city, a trip to Trogir can de-stress your mind. The town is built on a small island with the streets constructed with cobblestone paves. It is also declared as the world heritage site by UNESCO. A few places to explore in Trogir are Kamerlango Fortress, the clock tower, and some popular churches.
Go Kayaking in Split
Split is the best town in Croatia for all the water babies. Home to beautiful beaches, Split is a coastal city with many spots for kayaking, river rafting, and other water sports. The Marjan Forest Park is your ideal place to try kayaking in the town. Or, you can explore other beaches for exciting water activities.
Try the Croatian Coffee
You can’t miss out on the Croatian coffee while you are in Split, Croatia. There are so many cafes located in the town serving the best Croatian coffee, but if you want the view with the hot sips, check out the cafes located on the Riva. these are your go-to places for a delicious coffee with a wonderful view of the beach and locals hanging out in the city.
Enjoy Split’s Nightlife
Once you are done with the day trips, enjoy a cool night air and head to the nearest pub in the city to explore its vibrant nightlife. The Split Pub Crawl is quite famous in the town for tourists looking for some good nighttime. You can explore some restaurants and bars to make the best of your time in the city.
Try Croatia’s Pristine Islands in Split
Your trip to Split is incomplete without some fun time on the city’s popular islands. Hvar is Croatia’s most popular island that offers plenty of water activities. You can visit these islands on a day tour with a guide or head to these places one island at a time.
Visit To Je Tako for some Good Food
Located in the Diocletian’s place is the To Je Tako, a restaurant serving delicious Mexican and Honduran cuisines. From tacos to quesadillas, the To Je Tako is your one-stop destination for Latin American food. They also serve Honduran foods – pickled vegetables, Jalapeno cheese, crema, and so on.
Learn More about the Town at the Croatian Archaeological Monuments
This place is for all the history fans. It happens to be one of the oldest and most popular archaeological museums in Croatia. The museum has tangible and intangible artifacts from the 7th to 15th centuries. It is home to over 20,000 objects, giving you an insight into the nation. All in all, it is a great location to discover the culture and history of Croatia.
A Relaxing Day on the Beach
Split is home to Croatia’s best and most popular beaches, making it an ideal place for all water sports lovers. These pristine beaches have a calm and lovely atmosphere giving you a relaxing time. Watch the sunset, click some nice photos, or take a walk on the beach for a lovely evening.
Try Paddleboarding in Split
Another exciting water activity in Split is Stand-up Paddleboarding. If you have never tried it before, Split is a perfect place to learn stand-up paddleboarding. A fantastic activity to learn, paddleboarding enables tourists to get a better view of the coastline. You can go on a SUP tour to get a golden opportunity to view Mosor Mountain, Stobrec White Cliff, and other exciting locations from the water.
Sign up for a Cooking Class
Croatian food is delicious and one way to master the art of cooking is learning a few Croatian dishes. Some tour agencies offer a walking tour of the city with cooking classes, thus keeping you happy and engaged in the city. Learning how to cook Croatian dishes is a wonderful way to share your Croatian tour with your loved ones. At least, you can give them an idea of what you had in Split, Croatia.
Go Rock Climbing in Marjan Hills
The coastline in Split, Croatia, is quite steep, and most of them lead to some picturesque mountains that give you the best rock climbing experience. The city has some gorgeous spots for rock climbers. For the best rock climbing experience in Split, head to the Marjan Hills. That’s where you will find over 80 climbing spots.
Try a Yoga Class in Sustipan Park
When you feel exhausted from exploring, walking, and participating in fun activities, you will want something calm and relaxing to end your day. And, a sunset yoga class is all you need to relax your mind. Yoga is practiced at Sustipan Park, which is within walking distance of the city.
Grab Breakfast
Split has many eateries and cafes serving traditional breakfast. Get ready to wander around the city after satisfying your morning food cravings. Split has restaurants offering French, Hawaii, English, Continental, American, French, and Vegan breakfast. Kat’s Kitchen is totally your go-to place for an energetic and delicious breakfast. A few other places you can try are Kruscic Bakery and Brasserie on 7.
Go on a Bike Tour
What could be a better way to explore the city than on two wheels? The tour starts from the center of the city and you get to ride past the Diocletian’s Palace and Riva Promenade. A bike tour keeps you fit while giving you a wonderful tour of the city. Grab your helmets and go on a city bike tour.
Click photos of the Game of Throne Site
For the Games of Throne series, Dubrovnik is the most popular location. However, Split also has a few special sites where some scenes from this HBO show were shot.
If you book the tour guide, they will show you some of the scenic locations where important shots from the Games of Thrones were shot. It starts with the Diocletian Basement and the throne room on the same site.
Try Quad Biking
Who doesn’t like an off-road adventure, especially when you have got a lovely place to ride this giant four-wheeler? You can rent the quad bike and use it on the mountain trails of Dalmatia. Then again, you should totally book a guide to enjoy the beautiful terrains of Split and enjoy a breathtaking experience. Quad biking is already one of the popular adventurous activities in Croatia. So, what could be a better way to explore the off-road trails of Split than this?
Go to the Krka National Park
If you are planning a day trip from Split, Krka National Park is your go-to vacation spot near Split. This 90-minute drive from Split is totally worth the scenery, serenity, and greenery. The place has a beautiful waterfall and a picturesque view that you can look at for hours. You could also take a swim in the waters here, even though they do not allow swimming due to environmental concerns.
Check out other Museums
There is no doubt Split is home to some of the finest museums that have plenty of artifacts and objects from the early era. A few of them are Mestrovic Gallery, Froggyland, Archaeological Museum, Gallery of Fine Arts, and more.
Explore the Old City in the Pjaca Square
The best way to explore the old town of Split is on foot. And, the perfect place to start your old town exploring trip is Pjaca Square. The shiny marbles on the floor coupled with the perfect outdoor seating arrangement make Pjaca Square a perfect place to discover the history of Split.
Pay a Visit to St. Duje’s Cathedral
The old architecture in Split is beautifully repurposed, and what could be a better example than the St. Duje’s Cathedral? It once served as the Diocletian’s mausoleum. Also the oldest cathedral architecture in the world. It is worth checking the wooden doors of the cathedral that have stood the test of time since 1200.
Check out the Roman Court
A cup of coffee at the Roman court in Split will definitely make your day in this crowded city. Peristil Square, the Roman Court in the town, features elements that date back to 3500 years ago. The Egyptian structure looks incredibly flawless, giving you insights into historical Roman architecture. You can also expect a beautiful theater performance if you visit the city in summer.
Admire the Romanesque Design at Campanile
Located close to the Cathedral is this gorgeous six-story building that has many beautiful elements from the past. In fact, some of its windows and other objects have not changed since the 1000s. So, these are a few things that are definitely worth your time. Once you reach the top of the building, you will get a reward for a clear view of the city’s skyline and the beaches.
A Dip in the Adriatic
For swimmers, Split has plenty of beaches and water spots where you can take a dip in the cool water to spend amazing evenings. Bacvice might not be the cleanest beach in the town, but it is worth a visit. You can take a stroll along the beach to get some fresh air or take a dip in the waters if you are a water sports lover.
Savor Local Food in Villa Spiza
Nothing beats the taste of the food at Villa Spiza, the all-in-one restaurant for the Split tourists looking for deliciously cooked food. They don’t have a lot of fancy items on the menu, but the simple food tastes so delicious that you will want to visit the restaurant over and over again. They serve traditional food at the most affordable rates. So, you can try some nice food without going overboard with your budget.
Grab an Ice cream at Luka’s Ice Cream and Cakes
When it comes to food, the dessert in Split is a must. The place has two popular ice cream parlors that are awesome. The specialty of these places is that their ice creams are made of organic and natural ingredients only, in fact, some of them are sourced locally. From vanilla to triple chocolate ice cream, Luka’s Ice Cream and Cakes is your one-stop dessert shop for a wonderful variety of flavors.
Spend some Cool Time at Matejuska
Matejuska is a place to hang out with your friends or the locals. You will find here many locals having their afternoon coffee and spending some time relaxing by the sea. Watch people, talk to your friends, and spend some relaxing time at Matejuska.
Buy Souvenirs from the Diocletian’s Palace
By now, you must already know the importance of Diocletian’s Palace in the Split’s tour. If you enter the palace through its Brass Gate, you will see plenty of souvenir shops on the passage with many customers buying their favorite accessories. Grab something nice from these shops as a memory of your trip to Croatia. It will always remind you of the great time you had in the Split town of Croatia.
Meet Locals at the Diocletian’s Palace
There’s so much to do in this historical site, but one thing you should totally not miss out on is meeting the locals. The palace is home to more than 3000 people and it has over 220 buildings located within the walls of this massive structure.
Capture a Photo with the Grgur Ninski Statue
This is something your family and friends back home will love from your Croatia trip photos. The Ninski Statue is quite famous here. Built by Croatia’s most popular sculptor, this is a 28-feet tall statue serving as a scenic view for the tourists. Locals believe that the statue’s toe is a good luck charm. So, you will often see people rubbing it.
Walk through the World’s Narrowest Street
Split is home to the world’s most beautiful and narrowest street called “Let Me Pass Street”. The street is located close to the Temple of Jupiter. You don’t have to walk through this narrow and uncomfortable street, but if you really want to know whether your body fits into the world’s narrowest place, you should give it a shot.
Go Shopping at Pazar
Cheese, local fruits, vegetables, and a lot of delicious food items are sold at Pazar – the Split’s best market located outside the Diocletian’s Palace. You need to enter the palace through the Silver Gate to find this local market. You could also find flowers and some traditional souvenirs here.
Visit the Trstenik Beach
You get a totally different vibe from the pebbled beaches. Split is undoubtedly home to some of the best beaches in Croatia, but Trstenik Beach is different. The place is quiet and clean, plus the water here is crystal clear. It is part of a resort, so make sure certain parts of the beach are reserved for the people staying in the resort. The rest is open to the general public.
Check out the Remaining Museums
While there is so much to do in Split, Croatia, one thing that can never tire you is visits to the museums. That’s where you will find the history of the city. So, in addition to those mentioned above, you should consider a visit to the Croatian Maritime Museum, Ethnographic Museum, and Split Live Museum. There are a few lovely places to explore the history of Split.
Conclusion
Split is a one-stop tourist destination for all types of tourists. The town has got a wonderful collection of some pristine beaches, historical sites, shopping centers, museums, and a lot of cafes that will satisfy your cravings. Try the above places and have a lovely vacation in Split, Croatia.