Things to do in Split

You can’t visit Split without exploring Diocletian’s Palace – quite literally, as the former imperial palace forms the bones of the Old Town, with the palace complex buildings transformed into cafes, shops and homes, and Roman roads still running between the gates leading to the historic heart of Split.

Wander streets where Roman troops once walked, step inside the emperor’s own dining room, and imagine what life must have been like here 700 years ago, when the palace was newly built. Then visit the octagonal St Domnius Cathedral, once Diocletian’s mausoleum, now dedicated to a saint which the emperor had martyred.

Set on the Peristil, the main square at the heart of the Old Town, those who enjoy a challenge can climb the 200 steps up the belltower, or enjoy a few less active sights including the Baptistery, a former temple to Jupiter, and the Treasury, with artefacts from Roman times as well as medieval art and relics.

Hidden under the streets of the palace, the original underground vaults can also be visited. Once designed as storerooms, the huge echoing chambers have been used as filming locations and now contain exhibits on Split’s Roman past.

Diocletian's Palace

One of the best ways to bring the ancient Roman palace back to life, the Diocletian’s Dream VR experience is an impressively effective virtual recreation of Split as it was when the Roman Empire still ruled.

Leading you from the vaults through the streets of the palace complex, the experience takes you into the emperor’s private rooms and out to the waterfront. Convincing enough that you’ll find yourself ducking at imaginary obstacles, it’s a fun introduction to the city’s origins, and a great way to see the ancient stones through new eyes.

Not far from Split’s Golden Gate, to the north of the old town, the 28-foot-tall statue of Grgur Ninki is immediately eye-catching as it towers over the steps, arms raised dramatically.

But there’s another reason to seek out the imposing sculpture of the 10th century bishop, as it’s said that you’ll get good luck (or come back to Split, depending who you believe) if you rub the bishop’s toe. The statue’s shiny feet prove plenty of people are happy to test the theory, and after spending any time in Split, you’re sure to be one of those hoping to return too.

There are a string of small museums tucked away around the Old Town, and while many have somewhat niche collections, there are some intriguing exhibits to discover.

The Split Ethnographic Museum is set inside one of the old palace buildings, with great views over the Old Town from the roof, but also displays on everyday life in the city over the years, including a 19th century room and traditional costumes, alongside local crafts.

Or the Split Archaeological Museum is Croatia's oldest museum. Founded in 1820, it’s home to artefacts from the nearby Roman city of Salona, items excavated from the Greek city of Issa on Vis, as well as displays tracing Split’s history from prehistoric times through to the medieval era. Meanwhile, the Split City Museum is housed in a 15th century palace, with more displays on Diocletian’s Palace, as well as medieval artefacts and artworks.

Or for a rather different side to Split, the Game of Thrones museum makes the most of the city’s links to the hit TV show, with five rooms devoted to filming locations used to create Meereen, King’s Landing, the North and the land beyond the wall, including some in and around Split.

Split Riva

Stretching along the waterfront, the Riva is Split’s promenade, a palm-lined street that’s dotted with restaurants, shops and cafes, as well as benches to sit and watch the world – and the boats in the harbour – go by.

At the eastern end, there’s a bronze model of Split, a stone’s throw from the Green Market. Or wander along towards the Bronze (or Brass) Gate leading to the vaults of Diocletian’s Palace, and further along to one of the main pedestrian streets through the town, Trg Republike.

Whether you’re browsing, buying or just wandering, the open-air green market in Split is well worth a stop, to eye up the luscious piles of ripe fruit and vegetables, as well as freshly baked bread and local cheese.

You may find souvenirs too, alongside antiques and knick-knacks, but whether you come away with a memento or not, it’s a great place to soak up the atmosphere.

The green heart of the city, Marjan Forest Park towers high above the coast, just a short walk from the western end of the Riva. A protected nature reserve, there are walking trails galore, as well as a string of viewpoints where you can look out to sea and back towards the Old Town.

The lowest viewpoint is only around 15-20 minutes’ walk from the centre of town, next to a 16th century Jewish graveyard, or you can keep climbing until you reach the flag flapping on the highest peak, 178m up, for even more spectacular panoramas.

Back at sea level, there’s a little beach, as well as cycling trails, a labyrinth pattern created from stones and even an art gallery within the park’s boundaries.

Bacvice Beach in Split

Set right on the coast, it’s easy to mix your city break in Split with time at the beach – and there are several lovely beaches in Split to choose from, including three in walking distance of the city. You’ll find shingle rather than sand so bring water shoes, but the sea is a clear, calm turquoise.

Bacvice Beach is the closest to the old town, with some umbrellas and loungers to hire during summer, and a few places to eat nearby. Smaller Ovcice Beach – which translates as ‘little sheep’ – is next along the coast, and a prettier option, while Plaza Firule is quieter.

Or head west from the Old Town and there are beaches set within Marjan Park, including Jezinac, Obojena and Kasjuni beach. These tend to have fewer facilities, although there are usually loungers to rent in the summer months.

While there’s plenty to keep you in the historic heart of Split, you’ll also find a string of boat tours to some of the nearby attractions, particularly the Blue Cave on Biševo. The cave gets its name thanks to the ethereal blue light which fills it as sun shines through an opening in the roof.

Boats also run to the Pakleni Islands and Stiniva Beach on Vis, previously voted the best beach in Europe. There’s also the chance to explore Komiza on the Dalmatian coast, where Mamma Mia was filmed, along with boat trips to Trogir, whose historic heart is a little like a smaller version of Split.

With a series of ferries cruising along the coastline from Split, it’s easy to include a day trip to one of the nearby islands in your Croatian holiday, if you’re not already planning a small ship cruise of Croatia.

One of the easiest to visit is Hvar, with fast ferries whisking you there in around an hour. Known for its glamorous beach bars and party atmosphere in summer, it’s quieter but just as enticing outside peak season, with great views from the hilltop fortress, little beaches and sparkling green-blue waters.

Or Brac is also within an hour of Split, famous for its olive oil and pure white stone, as well as the pebbled spit of land known as the Golden Horn, Zlatni Rat, which changes shape every day with the wind, waves and tides.

Explore our range of Croatia holidays, including escorted tours, small ship cruises and hotel holidays