Best Things to Do in Split Croatia: Complete Travel Guide

If you could uncover the vast range of things to do in Split, you would be amazed. There is something for everyone, no matter what type of traveller they are. If you travel for history and culture, for beaches, nature, relaxation, nightlife or Instagram vibes, Split has you covered!

In this guide, we will take a closer look at this gem of the Dalmatian Coast and discuss the best things to do in Split for history lovers, for those seeking relaxation and beaches and for the foodies. We will also talk about the history of Split, how to use it as a base for excursions and day trips, see some unusual activities you can do there and offer a few tips that will make your trip easier and smoother.

Let’s get into it!

Alttext: View of Split and Split port from the sea, with a mountain rising behind the city.

If you are planning a Croatia vacation, then Split is definitely a place that you mustn’t miss! It’s the second largest city and lies right on the Adriatic sea. It’s also an old city, full of historic sites, from Roman ruins to Austro Hungarian architecture. You can spend your day walking around its streets and squares marvelling at the sights and then relaxing by a beach, watching the sunset. Or maybe enjoy the delicious local cuisine with a glass of wine, enjoying panoramic views of the sparkling sea.

Split is a city that has it all and its compact size will make it easy to see everything. When the time comes to leave it behind, you will have created so many mental images and memories, without feeling even a little bit tired! It’s truly a place worth visiting.

Its history is also very interesting and we will take a quick look at it next.

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What started as a humble Greek colony named Aspalathos in the 3rd century BC, turned into a Roman stronghold when emperor Diocletian chose it to build his massive retirement palace in 305 AD. Centuries after the Western Roman Empire collapsed, the city swelled with refugees from nearby Salona and the place gradually grew into a medieval town. 

As the years and decades went by, Split turned into a vibrant coastal city, first under Byzantine control, before falling into Hungarian-Croatian hands. Then the Venetians, ever looking to expand their merchant influence, took control in the 15th century and turned it into a prosperous port city.

That of course wasn’t the end of Split’s adventures. Later on, with empires and nations rising and falling in Europe, the city came under Austrian control until the end of the First World War. When Yugoslavia emerged, Split was a part of it, before reaching its final destination as the second largest city of the independent Croatia.

Split has such a rich and colorful history and the best part is, you can still see signs of all its eras today! 

Split today is mostly a tourist center and much of its economy and population rely on it. It’s a modern city, with well-maintained infrastructure, a cosmopolitan populace and friendly people. It’s more relaxed than other cities of its size and Split will remind you a lot of the classic Aegean vibes, if you have ever been to one of its islands. Speaking of islands, Split is a great base to explore some in the Adriatic as well, like Hvar or Brac, thanks to its port and ferry services!

Streets are clean and if one of your main questions is “is Croatia safe”, then Split will prove it to you with no room for doubts. But that’s enough talking about Split in general. Now, we will take a deep dive into the many activities you can do there, starting with its culture and history!

Have you watched Game of Thrones? Maybe not, but high chances are you’ve heard of it. There was a time you couldn’t escape it, even if you tried to! Well, regardless, the Diocletian’s Palace was used as a filming location and it’s definitely the one place you shouldn’t miss! To be honest, it’s hard to avoid it, since it comprises half the city’s historic center. It’s also one of the main things to do in Split and see in.

Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and some parts of it are free, while others require you to buy a ticket first. Diocletian’s Palace is a vast complex and you will find yourself exploring it without even realising it, as you wander through the city center.

Alttext: A courtyard in the Diocletian’s Palace in Split, Croatia.

The ancient Roman ruins of Salona are still being excavated today. Much of it still remains uncovered, but today you can see the aqueduct from the highway and visit the forum, grave sites and early Christian sites as well. There is also a little museum there! Signage explaining what you are seeing is limited, so perhaps you could book a private guided tour through Tailored by Locals to get the most out of it.

Only a short walk outside Split’s Old Town, you can hike the 300 stairs up to Marjan Hill. Easy to find and go to, it’s better to visit the hall early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat during summer. But if you travel to Split during the best time to visit Croatia, which is late spring or early autumn, you will have more flexibility. Reaching the top of the hill will reward you with a majestic view of Split!

A proper travel itinerary for Croatia and Split should include its Archaeological Museum. It’s Croatia’s oldest museum and features different exhibitions with a multitude of ancient findings and relics. But to truly enjoy your visit to the museum, you should spend some time in its courtyard. There you will find the lapidarium, with sculptures and artifacts from ancient Salona and Diocletian’s Palace. It’s a serene experience as it combines the quiet of nature with the introspection that witnessing glimpses of the past generates.

Unlike the Marjan Hill, Kliss Fortress is a bit further away. You could consider it to be a half day trip. Another filming setting for Game of Thrones, Klis is an impressive structure filled with history. You should consider booking a cultural and historical travel package with Klis included, if you want to get the most out of Croatia’s past.

We will make another comparison with Marjan Hill and hope you forgive us, but the Saint Dominus Cathedral also has a lot of stairs! They are safe and well-maintained but look a bit steep. Climbing to the top of the Saint Dominus Cathedral though will offer you another breathtaking view of the city and its port on the glittering Adriatic sea. One of the top things to do in Split!

History and culture are among the most cool things to do in Croatia, but let’s see what the city has to offer for those seeking something a bit more relaxing.

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One of the oldest and charming neighborhoods in Split, Veli Varos is located west of the Old Town, right beneath Marjan Hill. It gives a medieval feel, with houses built close together, small churches everywhere and narrow, winding streets begging to be explored! If you are looking for senior travel plans that include quiet and less crowded locations, then check out Tailored by Locals for an itinerary that will include Veli Varos.

Split is perfectly safe to walk at night, so take advantage of it and enjoy the Riva Promenade after sunset. Sit down at one of the local bars or cafes and sip your drink while taking in the view, or simply watch the people strolling along Riva. 

Alttext: View of Split and Riva Promenade, with a church tower in the background.

Surprisingly, swimming at the Little Sheep Beach is not the best thing you can do there. To be clear, taking a dive there is highly recommended, but Little Sheep Beach is more known for its beautiful sunsets. If you are planning a honeymoon trip, then at Tailored by Locals you can find plans that include romantic spots like the Little Sheep Beach. What’s better than enjoying a majestic sunset over the ocean with your partner?

Although WWII left the Benedictine monastery in ruins, the Sustipan peninsula is still worth a visit. Today it’s a peaceful park and offers space and breathing room for when you want to escape Split’s narrow streets. You can visit a little church there and enjoy a meal or drink at the bar.

If you are a fan of Mediterranean cuisine, or want to learn more about it, then you should definitely book a food and wine tour when visiting Split or Croatia in general. The Dalmatian cuisine is rich in fresh seafood, vegetables, herbs and of course, olive oil, also known as liquid gold. Such a tour would also include indigenous wines like Plavac Mali and Posip, served with Pag cheese, prosciutto and Maraschino sweet liquor. Certainly, one of the best things to do in Split!

Mostly a summer option, but ice cream at Art Pâtisserie or Luka Ice Cream is totally worth it! If you are looking for Split things to do in one day, then grab a cone or cup and sit at the Imperium Caesar square to enjoy it. A good moment to relax, while delving into some of the tastiest ice cream you will ever have!

This is more for people who are planning on a longer stay in Split. The Green Market has the best fresh produce you can find in the city. It’s open everyday except for Sundays and it’s not really oriented towards tourists, so bring cash and some basic Croatian language skills with you. Still, tourists do tend to visit it in the afternoons, so if you want to do some real shopping there, go in the mornings, if you can.

People loving jazz music, grab a glass of wine at the Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar! What used to be the home of Marko Marulić, 15th century Croatian poet, lawyer and judge, today has been turned into a small literary jazz bar. Don’t miss it!

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Split is a great family destination and you can find many family travel packages on Tailored by Locals! If you are looking for things to do in Split with kids, then do not miss Froggyland! It’s a small museum dedicated to taxidermy. This might sound off putting for children at first, but seriously, who would enjoy more a museum full of frog people in various bizarre scenes? Adults, or kids? Still, even grown ups will find this quirky little place to be a curious but fun attraction. Just keep in mind that they don’t allow photos there. 

Exactly what the title says. Visit the statue of Gregory of Nin outside the entrance to Diocletian’s Palace, and rub its toe. You will be, allegedly, bestowed with good luck. But even if you aren’t, you will still have marvelled at a beautiful statue of a bishop who advocated for holding religious services in the Croatian language instead of Latin.

A reason why Split is one of the best places to visit in Croatia, is because you can use the city as a launchpad for trips to the Adriatic Islands. If you are looking for things to do in Split from a cruise ship, then you can book cruises that will take you to Hvar, Vis, Krk, Brac, Korkula or all of them! You can swim, snorkel or just enjoy the many views you will experience!

Croatia offers great opportunities for nature and wildlife travelling and the Krka National Park is among them. Visiting it would take a full day probably, but the cascading waterfalls, lovely wooden paths and bridges and charming landscapes will reward you. You don’t need to be a hiker to explore it, but keep in mind there will be plenty of walking. One of the must-do things in Croatia!

Trogir is a quiet little town, half an hour away by car. Mostly packed with tourists during summer, but much more peaceful in autumn. The town is split in two parts, with half of it situated on the Ciovo island and connected with bridges. Another UNESCO World Heritage site, Trogir blends history, architecture and island life in one compact package!

A good thing with Croatia’s geography, is the fact that you are near the borders with Bosnia almost all the time. Mostar is only 100 kilometers away, not even two hours drive and you should definitely jump on the opportunity to visit it. Mostar is also a UNESCO site and is filled with history, architecture and beautiful landscapes!

Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your trip to Split.

There are so many things to do in Split, that everyone who visits it, will leave with a smile and happy memories on their faces. We saw that it doesn’t matter if you are travelling for history, beaches, relaxation, nature or if you are going on your honeymoon, with friends, solo or family. Split truly has it all!

A city packed with history thanks to its ancient roots and location, Split is the one city that you shouldn’t miss when travelling to Croatia!

Planning a Croatia getaway? Get a tailor-made itinerary designed by locals. See all of our Croatia Vacation & Tours!