10 Best Things to Do in Split

Diocletian’s Palace was built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian during the 4^th century AD. A well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palace is home to notable attractions such as the Cathedral of Saint Domnius (offering magnificent views from its tower), Temple of Jupiter, Peristyle Square, and a statue of Marko Marulic – the founder of Croatian literature. 

Game of Thrones fans might know that the palace basement was used as a filming location.

Travellers visiting Split during the summer can head out to Bačvice, the city’s main beach. Whether you wish to enjoy water sports or relax at a beachfront bar, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained throughout the day. The beach has shallow waters, making it suitable for families with children. If you prefer someplace quiet, head over to Jezinac Beach, Ovcice, and Firule.

One of the best things to do in Split, especially on first visits, is paying a visit to the famous Pjaca Square, home to the city’s town hall. Here, you can admire the stunning architecture from the Venetian era. The Old Town has many cute restaurants and cafes where you can unwind with a drink or two. 

Walk along the beautiful Marmont Street, where you can find boutiques and jewellery stores by international brands. If you want to mingle with the locals, head for the Fish Market – it occupies a Secession-style building, which makes for impressive photos.

Set within a forest park at the west end of the Split Peninsula, Marjan Hill is home to many pathways and jogging trails. Locals and tourists often come to enjoy nature and hike to the summit, where they can enjoy magnificent views of the city. 

The hike to the summit is relatively easy. Along the way, you will come across many religious sites, such as a small 13^th-century church dedicated to St. Nicholas.

Kasjuni Beach is most notable for its spectacular views. Bumping up against Marjan Hill, the beach offers a backdrop of rocky, pine-covered hillside that provides not only a nice view but also relief from the sun.

The clear blue waters are calm and excellent for swimming. The narrow, pebbly beach isn’t quite comfortable for sunbathers all on its own, but you can rent a sun lounger from a nearby bar, which also provides drinks and snacks to beachgoers, most of which are locals.

The Klis Fortress is just a short drive from the Old Town in Split. You might recognize the castle as the “City of Meeren” from Game of Thrones. There is even a room inside the castle dedicated to filming the TV series. Don’t forget to stop by the onsite museum, which displays a nice collection of costumes and swords. Apart from its main attractions, the Klis Fortress also offers magnificent views.

Ivan Meštrović Gallery is a famous art gallery dedicated to the life and works of the 20th-century Croatian sculptor.  Located close to Marjan Hill, the gallery occupies a historical building designed by the artist himself. The gallery displays an incredible collection of nearly 200 statues in bronze, wood, and stone, dozens of drawings, furniture, and architectural plans. Apart from the interior exhibits, there is a lovely outdoor sculpture garden worth visiting.

Located on the eastern side of the city walls, Split Green Market is a bustling place where locals come to shop for groceries. Locally known as Pazar, the market offers fresh fruit, vegetables, homemade cheese and cured meats, as well as spirits, beachwear, and souvenirs. It’s one of those old-school places where vendors will try to charm you in any way possible into purchasing their produce.

Split Archaeological Museum, located at Meštrovićevo šetalište, is one of the best museums in Croatia. Founded in 1820, it has over 150,000 historical items ranging from weapons, Roman glass, and carvings from Salona to stone inscriptions, reliefs, and Greco Hellenistic ceramics. Also worth a visit is the museum's beautiful garden.

Split's seafront promenade is lined with lively cafes, bars, eateries and souvenir shops Also known as Riva, it’s one of the most romantic and picturesque areas in the city. You can stroll down the street with views of the Adriatic Sea or enjoy sunset views from one of the many cafes. Riva is also a public square, so you may come across concerts and festivals.