Split, Croatia

Split is Croatia’s second-largest city and Dalmatia’s cultural hub. A UNESCO Roman palace, lively seaside promenades, pebble and sandy beaches, and fast ferries to islands make it a must-visit. For essentials read our full guide bellow.

Quick planner

• Best months: May, June, September and early October — warm seas, sunny days, and fewer ferry and cruise crowds.
• Must-do combo: Walk through Diocletian’s Palace & Old Town, then climb the Saint Domnius Bell Tower for views, finishing with sunset on Marjan Hill.
• Smart saver: Planning to see the Palace cellars, cathedral and museums? The official Split Card usually beats single tickets – check current offers the week you travel.
• Easy island hop: Brač (Zlatni Rat beach) for a classic day trip; Hvar for fortress views and nightlife; Vis & Blue Cave for crystal-clear waters.
  Ferry timetables: Split ferry port
• Beaches: Bačvice (sandy & central), Kašjuni (scenic cove by Marjan), Žnjan (long pebbly promenade), Bene (pine-shaded, family-friendly).

Top things to do in Split

Split blends ancient heritage with coastal leisure. These are the must-see sights and experiences:

1. Wander through Diocletian’s Palace
2. Climb the Saint Domnius Bell Tower
3. Stroll the Riva promenade
4. Hike Marjan Hill & relax on its beaches
5. Swim & play picigin at Bačvice Beach
6. Explore Klis Fortress
7. Ferry to Hvar, Brač, or Vis (see ferries to and from Split)
8. Shop & snack at Green Market (Pazar)

Attractions table

Attraction	Why Visit	Practical Tips
Diocletian’s Palace & Old Town	Roman retirement palace (305 AD), now UNESCO. A living city of alleys, squares & cafés.	Free to enter; tickets needed for cellars & cathedral. Go early or late.
Saint Domnius Cathedral & Bell Tower	One of the world’s oldest cathedrals, with panoramic views.	Steep climb; visit late afternoon for golden light.
Riva Promenade	Palm-lined waterfront, cafés & daily social life.	Perfect for morning coffee or sunset. Free Wi-Fi.
Marjan Hill	Forest park with hiking trails, chapels & lookouts.	Best for sunrise/sunset; combine with Kašjuni Beach.
Bačvice Beach	Sandy beach & home of picigin.	Great for families; crowded mid-summer.
Klis Fortress	Medieval fortress, Game of Thrones filming site.	Bus #22 from Split; pair with Salona ruins.
Green & Fish Markets	Daily markets for local produce & seafood.	Go early for best finds; great for photos.

How to save (and skip the lines)

• Get the Split Card for free museum entries & discounts.
• Buy combo tickets for Diocletian’s Palace attractions.
• Pre-book ferries in high season.
• Visit top sights in the morning or evening to avoid cruise ship groups.

Price box: Diocletian’s Palace (official)

• Palace grounds: free.
• Tickets: cellars, cathedral, treasury, crypt, bell tower.
• Combo ticket cheaper than singles.
• See Diocletian’s Palace attraction info.

Price box: Split Card (official)

• Available for 24h, 48h, 72h.
• Includes free museum entries, bus rides, and restaurant discounts.
• Buy at tourist offices, hotels, kiosks or online.

Neighborhoods & where to stay

Split has diverse areas for different travel styles. Browse Split hotels, hostels, and villas.

Quick list

• Split Old Town – history, nightlife, boutique stays.
• Riva & Bacvice – central, beach, and nightlife.
• Marjan Hill – quiet villas & greenery.
• Žnjan & Trstenik – modern seaside hotels & family beaches.

Split Old Town (inside the walls)

Split Old Town, centered around the ancient Diocletian’s Palace, is the heart of the city and the perfect place to stay for first-time visitors. This UNESCO-listed palace area is filled with charming historic alleys, lively cafés, and boutique shops, all within walking distance of the city’s top sights. Couples and travelers on a short stay will love the mix of history, culture, and vibrant atmosphere packed into this compact district.

Editor picks: Hotel Villa Diana, Hotel Vestibul Palace & Villa

Perfect 1–3 day itineraries

One day in Split (classic)

Start your Split itinerary with Diocletian’s Palace, the city’s UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll through the historic alleys, enjoy coffee or ice cream on the Riva promenade, and spend the afternoon at Bačvice Beach. End the day with a sunset from Marjan Hill, one of the best viewpoints in Split.

1. Diocletian’s Palace & Old Town walking tour
2. Coffee or gelato on the Riva promenade
3. Swim or relax at Bačvice Beach
4. Sunset at Marjan Hill viewpoint

Two days in Split (Old Town + Marjan)

Extend your stay with a Marjan Hill hike for panoramic views, swim at Kašjuni Beach, and taste fresh Dalmatian seafood in the evening. This itinerary is ideal for couples or short city breaks.

1. Classic one-day Split loop
2. Marjan Hill hike with scenic viewpoints
3. Relax at Kašjuni Beach (great for swimming)
4. Evening seafood dinner in Varoš or Old Town

Three days in Split (add islands)

After exploring the Old Town and Marjan, take a day trip to the islands. Brač is famous for Zlatni Rat Beach, Hvar for nightlife and vineyards, and Vis for secluded coves and authentic charm. These island trips are among the most popular day excursions from Split.

1. Classic one-day Split loop
2. Marjan Hill + Kašjuni Beach day
3. Island day trip (Brač, Hvar, or Vis)

Timing islands? Use our Ferries & Timetables hub for seasonal schedules and operators.

Itinerary table

Duration	Highlights	Suggested Flow
1 day	Palace, Cathedral, Riva, Bacvice, Marjan.	Morning in Palace, afternoon at Riva & beach, sunset on Marjan.
2 days	Old Town, Marjan, Kašjuni Beach, nightlife.	Day 1: Palace & Riva. Day 2: Marjan hike + beach + dinner.
3 days	Full Split + islands.	Day 1: Palace & Riva. Day 2: Marjan + beaches. Day 3: Ferry to Hvar or Brač

Best day trips

• Brač – Zlatni Rat Beach – Croatia’s most famous beach, a white-pebble spit shifting with the tides. Perfect for swimming and water sports. → Ferries to Supetar or Bol
• Hvar – Fortress & Nightlife – Explore Hvar Town’s Spanish Fortress by day and enjoy its legendary nightlife after sunset. → Catamaran from Split (1 hr)
• Vis & Blue Cave – Crystal-clear waters, hidden coves, and the glowing Blue Cave on nearby Biševo. → Organized boat tours from Split
• Solin (Salona) – Roman Ruins – Wander the remains of an ancient Roman city just outside Split, with amphitheater and basilicas. → Local bus or short taxi ride
• Klis Fortress – Medieval Stronghold – A dramatic fortress above Split, famous as a filming site for Game of Thrones. → Local bus or car (20 min)
• Krka National Park – Waterfalls – Boardwalk trails, waterfalls, and boat rides to Visovac Monastery. A top day trip for nature lovers. → Bus or guided tour from Split

Day trips table

Destination	Travel Time	Highlights	Best For
Brač (Bol)	1h ferry	Zlatni Rat beach.	Beach lovers.
Hvar	1–1.5h ferry	Fortress views, nightlife, lavender.	Couples, partygoers.
Vis & Blue Cave	2h+ ferry	Hidden bays, Blue Cave tours.	Adventurers, photographers.
Solin (Salona)	15 min drive	Roman amphitheatre & ruins.	History buffs.
Klis Fortress	20 min drive	Fortress views, GOT filming site.	Families, culture lovers.
Krka NP	1.5h drive	Waterfalls, swimming spots.	Nature & hikers.

Getting in & around

Split is well connected by air, land, and sea.

Quick list

• Airport shuttle & taxis – easy access from Split Airport.
• Promet buses – city & suburbs.
• Ferries – busiest port in Croatia.
• Driving/parking – limited in Old Town.
• Bikes/e-scooters – eco-friendly transport.

From the airport

The Airport Shuttle Bus runs from Split Airport to the Main Bus Station by the ferry port. Taxis and rideshares are also available at the terminal. If you’re connecting elsewhere in Croatia, see our intercity bus and ferry guides.

City buses (Promet)

Promet buses link Split’s suburbs with the city center. Tickets are cheapest when bought at kiosks. If you’ll be riding multiple times per day, consider a daily or multi-day pass. See timetables on Promet’s website or our Split bus guide.

By bus (Promet): Buy on board or at kiosks. Current prices (guide only):

• Single on-bus ticket: €1.50–€2.00 depending on zone
• 24-hour ticket: €4.00
• 3-day ticket: €10.00

Ferries & catamarans

Split is Croatia’s busiest passenger port, with ferries and fast catamarans connecting to Brač, Hvar, Vis, Korčula, and beyond. Routes are operated by different companies; tickets are not interchangeable. See our Ferries & Timetables hub for seasonal updates.

Examples:

• Brač (Supetar/Bol): Multiple daily sailings year-round
• Hvar Town: Catamarans in summer; limited service off-season
• Vis: Daily ferries, more in summer — confirm current schedule

Driving & parking

The Old Town (Palace area) is pedestrian-only. Parking nearby is limited and expensive, especially in summer. Use paid garages or hotel lots, then continue on foot or by local bus.

Bikes & e-scooters

• Eco-friendly transport is available with shared bikes and e-scooters, especially around the Riva, Bačvice, and Marjan areas. Check local apps for rentals and docking stations.

Mode	Pros	Cons	Best For
Airport Shuttle	Direct to bus station, cheap.	Fixed times.	Budget travelers.
Taxi / Transfer	Fast, door-to-door.	More expensive.	Groups, late arrivals.
Promet Buses	Cover beaches & suburbs.	Slower, crowded.	Local travel.
Ferries / Catamarans	Connect islands daily.	Seasonal schedules.	Island hopping.
Driving	Flexibility inland.	Parking hard near Old Town.	Day trips.
Bike / E-scooter	Cheap, green.	Limited lanes.	Short seaside rides.

Best time to visit

If you’re planning a trip to Split, the sweet spot is usually May or June. The weather is sunny and warm enough for the beach, but the streets and ferries aren’t yet crowded. You’ll get that early-summer buzz without the mid-summer chaos.

By July and August, Split is at full throttle: scorching afternoons, beaches packed with umbrellas, and the city alive with festivals and nightlife. It’s exciting, but also busy and hot. If you’d rather slow the pace, September and October are perfect—sea temperatures stay inviting, the air is cooler, and the crowds thin out. Even in winter, Split has its charm. The climate is mild, ferries run less often, but the focus shifts to cafés, museums, and everyday Dalmatian life.

• May–June: Sunny, fewer crowds.
• July–August: Peak season, hot, festivals.
• September–October: Warm sea, quieter.
• Winter: Mild, cultural focus, fewer ferries.

Food & drink

Eating in Split is all about freshness and tradition. For seafood lovers, the daily catch is a must—think grilled squid still tasting of the sea, or mussels cooked in a simple garlic-and-wine broth. The city’s waterfront konobas (taverns) make it easy to enjoy whatever the fishermen brought in that morning.

If you’re more into meat, try pašticada, a slow-cooked beef dish in rich red wine sauce, or peka, where lamb or octopus is baked under a bell-shaped lid over hot coals. For something sweet, there’s rozata, a caramel custard similar to crème brûlée, and fritule, bite-sized doughnuts dusted with sugar. To drink like a local, order a glass of Plavac Mali, a bold Dalmatian red, or finish the night with a shot of rakija, the fiery fruit brandy that often comes homemade.

Dalmatian cuisine highlights:

• Seafood: daily catch, grilled squid, mussels.
• Meat dishes: pašticada, peka.
• Desserts: rozata custard, fritule.
• Drinks: Plavac Mali wines, rakija.

See restaurants in Split

Practical tips

• Stay hydrated: Tap water in Split is safe to drink, it comes from the Jadro spring and meets EU quality standards.
  Tip: carry a refillable bottle and top it up at public fountains or your accommodation. After heavy rain, locals sometimes wait for clarity to return, so check local advisories in rare cases of temporary issues.
• Time your museum visits: Spring and autumn (April–May, September-October) are great for sightseeing with fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Museums like the Archaeological Museum or the Split City Museum remain open, though winter hours (November–March) are often shorter – always check updated schedules before you go.
• Museums at night: During summer months, several museums and galleries in Split extend their opening hours into the evening — for example, Salon Galić stays open until 21:00 on weekends. Also, the annual Museum Night offers free entry to many institutions until midnight.

Money & payments

• Currency: Euro (€). Cards widely accepted; carry cash for small shops.
• Use ATMs from major banks; decline “dynamic currency conversion” on card terminals for better rates.

Sample daily budget (pp)

• Food & drink: Inexpensive meals in Split average ~€14–15; coffee ~€2–3. A budget day = bakery/fast-casual + one sit-down; comfort = two sit-down meals; upscale = fine dining & wine.
• Local transport: Many sights are walkable; single city/airport bus fares are ~€2.50–€3 on Promet’s lines, so €0–6 covers walking + 1–2 rides; comfort adds more rides/occasional taxi; upscale assumes taxis/rideshares.
• Sightseeing: Old Town/Diocletian’s Palace is free to walk; typical paid entries: Archaeological Museum €8; St. Domnius combo tickets ~€7–€11, comfort = multiple sites or a small guided tour; upscale = guided/private tours or premium experiences.

Category	Budget	Comfort	Upscale
Food & drink	€20–35	€35–60	€60+
Local transport	€0–6	€6–12	€12+
Sightseeing	€0–25	€25–50	€50+

Sample Family Budget (per day, total for 4)

Food & drink

• Breakfast at bakery/café: €12–15
• Lunch (pizzeria or konoba, shared dishes): €40–50
• Ice cream/coffee: €10–12
• Dinner (family-friendly restaurant, some wine/soft drinks): €60–80
• Daily total: ~€120–150

Local transport

• Mostly walking in Old Town
• Promet city bus (4 tickets, 2 rides): ~€10–12
• Occasional taxi/transfer: €10–15
• Daily total: ~€10–25

Sightseeing & activities

• Diocletian’s Palace: free to explore
• Cathedral + Bell Tower tickets (2 adults + 2 reduced): ~€25
• Small museum entry (e.g. Archaeological Museum): ~€20
• Optional: half-day Marjan bike rental for 4: ~€30–40
• Daily total: ~€20–40

Estimated family daily budget: €150–215 (depending on activities and dining choices).

Actual costs vary by season and choice of activities; check ticket prices before you go.

Connectivity

• eSIMs work well; cafés and hotels commonly offer free Wi‑Fi. Free Wi-Fi on Riva; 4G/5G networks strong.
• Power: EU type C/F, 230V ~ 50Hz

Health & safety

• Tap water from the Jadro spring is safe to drink; refill bottles at public fountains.
• Wear sturdy shoes – Diocletian’s Palace alleys are paved with smooth, slippery stone (especially after rain); use swim ladders and mind sea urchins on rocky entries.
• Bring sunscreen – many Split’s beaches have little natural shade.

Accessibility

• Old Town cobblestones tricky for wheelchairs. Riva & Žnjan accessible.
• Public buses in Split have limited wheelchair accessibility, varying by route and vehicle.

Handy phrases

Dobar dan (hello) • Hvala (thank you) • Molim (please/you’re welcome) • Koliko košta? (How much is it?)

Quick “Pass vs single tickets” logic (no hardcoded prices)

• Split Card = best if visiting multiple museums.
• Single tickets = fine if focusing on Palace, beaches, outdoors.
• Always confirm official, current pricing the week you travel; seasonal adjustments are common.

FAQ

FAQ table

Question	Short Answer
How many days do I need in Split?	2–3 for Split, 4–5 with trips.
Can you swim in Split?	Yes, at Bačvice, Žnjan, Kašjuni, Bene
Split or Dubrovnik?	Split for variety & islands, Dubrovnik for scenery. Read more about Dubrovnik.
Do I need a car in Split?	Not in Split; useful for inland trips.

Official resources referenced in this guide

Split Tourist Board: events calendar, attractions, visitor information https://visitsplit.com

Promet Split buses: timetables, zone maps, ticket prices https://www.promet-split.hr/

Split Airport (official): arrivals, departures, transfer info split-airport.hr

Jadrolinija (official): national ferry operator, routes to islands and Italy jadrolinija.hr

Krilo / Kapetan Luka (official): fast catamaran routes to islands Hvar, Brač, Korčula, Dubrovnik krilo.hr

TP Line ferries (official): seasonal catamaran connections on the Dalmatian coast tplines.hr

UNESCO listing: Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian. UNESCO World Heritage Centre