10 Money-Saving Tips in Split, Croatia

Staying in Split, especially during the summer months, can be expensive. A lot of travellers visit the city in the high season, and the cheaper hotels are often all booked up. But you shouldn't feel forced to pay extra for a room in a fancy hotel. Staying outside the city can save a lot on accommodation costs.

Just a little eastward along the coast from Split, the small towns of Stobreč and Podstrana offer affordable hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and private rentals at a fraction of the cost of a well-known hotel, and it will only take you 15-20 minutes to get back into Split to see the sights.

Split Airport is about 15 miles north of central Split. When you arrive, it might be tempting to dive right into a taxi at the airport exit. While taxis are speedy and convenient, they're also more pricey. Fortunately, there are several other ways you can get from the airport to your accommodation without paying too much for the privilege.

Check out the several bus services that run directly from the airport into Split, with the journey taking about 30-40 minutes. There's also a catamaran line that goes straight into the centre of Split, taking just 20 minutes and running up to 10 times per day.

Any budget-minded traveller to Split shouldn't miss out on picking up this discount card. The SplitCard is available from hotel receptions and tourist information centres around the city, and it's free as long as you're staying for at least 5 nights in summer or 2 nights in winter.

The SplitCard provides free entrance to several museums around the city, including the City Museum and Natural History Museum, as well as exclusive discounts at several other museums, galleries, theatres, rental car companies, and excursions. It even lets you enjoy savings of 10% at several restaurants and shops around Split too.

Diocletian's Palace is the most popular site of interest in Split, and fortunately for travellers on a budget, it's free to enter. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built back in the 4th century for the Roman emperor, Diocletian.

Open 24 hours a day and spread over 3 hectares, the Palace is really at the heart of Split and houses many of the city's best shops, restaurants, and bars. It's filled with cobblestone streets, amazing photograph opportunities, and unique landmarks like a belltower, several ancient gates, and the 13th-century Saint Domnius Cathedral, also known as St Duje Cathedral.

Take a short trip out to the nearby natural haven of Marjan Forest Park if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Split. Sitting on a hill overlooking the city, Marjan Forest Park is a wonderful place to hike, rock climb, enjoy a picnic, and simply savour the sights and sounds of nature.

The park is filled with a mixture of pine and olive trees, and you can rent bikes or simply walk along the many trails to enjoy lovely views in every direction. On the south-west side of the main hill, you can even find some old cave-like churches built in the side of the rock.

No trip to Split can really be complete without spending some time on the city's many beaches. The weather in the area is mild year-round, and often sunny and warm in the summer months, so it's ideal for watching the sunset and even dipping your feet in the refreshing waters of the Adriatic. Plus, beach access is free.

If you're in downtown Split, the closest beach is Bacvice. It's a lively spot, with many bars and even live DJ performances during the summer. For something a little quieter, head towards Omis for several peaceful beaches or visit the Kasjuni beach by Marjan Forest Park.

One of the best things about Split is that you don't even need to visit any of the historical sites or attractions to have a good time. Simply strolling around the city can provide visitors with many magical memories, and the Riva is one of the best and most beautiful parts of Split.

The Riva is the waterfront promenade, stretching out along the coast for around 250 metres. Lined with palm trees and offering exquisite sea views, the Riva even hosts parades and festivals at certain times during the year, like the Split Summer Festival in July and August.

Split is conveniently situated near several small and large islands, and there are many ferries and smaller boat services that can let you enjoy a little island-hopping without breaking the bank. Often, these islands are a little quieter than Split, leading to lower prices on average in restaurants, bars, and shops, and they each have unique attractions to uncover and enjoy.

Two of the smaller and less-visited islands in the area are Vis and Solta. Vis is home to a stunning ancient fortress and beautiful peninsula church, while Solta is dotted with romantic pebble beaches and charming wineries.

You can find the Roman ruins of Salona just a few miles north of Split. First built by the indigenous Illyrian tribe, the area was taken under the control over the Romans in 78 BC. It was one of the main headquarters for the Romans in the region, encouraging the emperor at the time, Diocletian, to settle in Split and construct a palace there.

It's one of the most significant historical sites in the whole of Split, with the ruins still featuring remnants of an amphitheatre, aqueduct, and public baths. The entry fee is minimal and you can spend a full day exploring the area and onsite museum.