Split and Dubrovnik are probably the most famous cities on the Dalmatian Riviera and are part of almost every round trip through Croatia. Split is not only famous for its historical significance and its UNESCO monuments known, but the Split harbour is also the starting point for many boat trips through the Adriatic Sea.
I am very lucky that a good friend of ours lives in Split for six months of the year. So we always have a roof over our heads, even for a spontaneous stay, and I've already experienced Split in all seasons and tourist seasons.
This guide for Split and the surrounding area contains the best sights, but also a few local insider tips and prepares you ideally for a trip to the secret capital of Dalmatia.
No time to read the whole article?
Here are my Top tips for Split at a quick glance:
🎒 Best hotel on the waterfront in Split: Hotel Ambasador
🏛️ Best heritage hotel in Split: Heritage Hotel Santa Lucia
🐚 Best beach in Split: Kašjuni Beach
👪 Best tour in Split: Riviera Boat Tour with drink
💁♀️ Best day trip from Split: 5 Islands Day Trip
🍜 Best restaurant in Split: Bokeria Kitchen & Wine
☕️ Best speciality coffee in Split: kava2
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What is Split in Croatia known for?
- The Dioceltian Palace from the years 295-305 is Split's most famous sight and dominates the entire old town. What is particularly exciting is that people still live within its walls today
- Although Split is touristy, there are many parts of the city that are not yet overcrowded. Split is therefore the best place in Dalmatia to Real Croatian attitude to life and Mediterranean vibe to experience
- The harbour of Split offers many ferry connections to Dalmatian islands such as Brač, Hvar, Šolta or Vis
- The most famous football club in Croatia, Hajduk Splittells a lot about the history of the mountainous region: in regional folklore, a hajduk is a kind of Robin Hood of the Balkans, who raided Ottoman merchant groups to distribute goods among the needy
How many days for Split?
You can visit the old town of Split with Diocletian's Palace in one morning, but there is also plenty to discover around Split. Sights, nature, beaches - the city is perfect for combining a city break with a beach holiday or even hiking.
I would therefore recommend this, three to five days for Split to plan. This way you can explore the historic old town at your leisure, enjoy the excellent bars and restaurants, but also get to know a few local places and sights in the surrounding area in addition to the highlights in Split.
Best time to visit Split
I'm not trying to fool you: Split is a tourist city. And especially during the cruise season, when several cruisers dock every day, the city and its nearby beaches are overcrowded. This means that you can expect a lot of people in the summer months and hotel prices rise accordingly.
However, you can enjoy the city even in July and August if you stay overnight - after the day tourists leave, Split becomes a little quieter and you can stroll along the promenade with the locals in the evening.
Nevertheless, the magic word for a relaxing holiday in Split is shoulder season: You can often swim in Croatia from as early as June and as late as early October. The months of May, June, September and October offer pleasant temperatures, nice weather, the opportunity to swim - and lower prices and fewer crowds.
The most beautiful sights in Split
If you limit yourself to the city centre of Split, you will soon be "done" with the most important sights. But the charm of Split is revealed in the small, cute alleyways with their local boutiques or in the extensive Marjan city park with a view of the sea.
Split Old Town with Diocletian's Palace
There is no doubt that it is the most famous of all the sights in Split: Diocletian's Palace. It was built by Emperor Diocletian, who constructed a mixture of summer residence and military camp here. The palace therefore consists of several parts and has colonnades, towers, main streets and gates.
Part of the complex, which, like the entire city centre of Split, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979:
- The four gates (Golden Gate, Silver Gate, Iron Gate, Bronze Gate)
- The Temple of Jupiter
- The Cathedral of St Domnius
- The vestibule
- The peristyle
You can of course walk around all these sights on your own - it's quick - but I would really recommend a Split Walking Tour to not only view the buildings, but also to understand them.
My tip: Be sure to come here again in the evening, music is often played in the vestibule and people sit on the steps around it, drinking beer or wine and enjoying the mild summer evening. And for a real local insider tip, visit the Academia Bar within the old walls - hardly any tourists come here.
If you want to have The Palace to yourself (and max out your credit card!), then book accommodation directly within the historic walls of the palace. The early hours of the morning when you wake up, you won't see a soul in the streets - and it almost feels as if a Roman legionnaire could come round the corner at any time.
💡 My tip: I always book accommodation via booking.com. With Genius Level 3, I get a guaranteed discount - up to 25 per cent for some accommodations - and sometimes there are also great extras, such as a free breakfast or upgrade. For Level 3, you have to make 15 bookings via the platform within 2 years. Level 2 is even available for just five bookings. Find the best accommodation in Split.
Narodni Trg (Republic Square)
Split's central square is surrounded by architectural masterpieces such as the Gothic town hall and the Pavlović Palace. You will also find numerous cafés, shops and hotels in historic buildings. It is the beating heart of the city
Saint Domnius Cathedral & bell tower
As part of Diocletian's Palace, the bell tower of the cathedral can be seen from afar as a landmark of the city of Split. If you want, you can climb the 57 metres of the bell tower for a great view of Split. If you want to have the bell tower itself in the picture, I recommend the view of the city from Marjan. In addition to the cathedral, there are many other chapels and churches in Split, you just have to explore the small alleyways and side streets - there is always something to discover!
Zlatna Vrata (Golden Gate)
Of all the gates, I think this one is the most beautiful because of the light-coloured stones used to build it. It really shines golden! It also leads out onto Portaula Square, where you can marvel at the curious-looking monument to Gregory of Nin and ancient gravestones.
Riva waterfront promenade
The palm-lined promenade is popular with tourists and locals alike. A highlight of Split is to stroll along it after sunset, when the people of Split also stroll along the shore - a see-and-be-seen experience!
Park Marjan
The Marjan city park is located on a peninsula to the west of Split's old town centre. The area is extensive, full of bushes, cypresses and great views of the sea or the city. On less hot days, we have jogged around Marjan (about 8 kilometres). But simply walking among the trees is also pure relaxation, as there are numerous well-maintained paths.
In my opinion, you have the best view of the city, ideal for the perfect holiday photo, from here: Prva vidilica na Marjanu.
Gallery Mestrovic
On the way to Marjan, you will pass this gallery, which was opened in the former home of the Mestrović family. Not only is the gallery with its sculptures worth seeing, but the garden with Mediterranean herbs and plants is also worth a stroll. You can find all information about Gallerie Mestrović here. Attention: It is closed on Monday.
Map with all Split sights
Klis Fortress
The medieval fortress of Kils is located above the village of the same name near Split. It played an important role in the defence of Dalmatia against the Ottomans, as it was strategically located on a pass between the Mosor and Kozjak mountains. The fortress was also the filming location for "Games of Thrones".
More day trips from Split
Frequently asked questions about Split
Where is the most beautiful place in Split?
Personally, I find the Marjan hill and park in Split the most beautiful - from there you have a great view of the city and the mountains behind it. But the old town also has its very own vibe, of course.
Does Split have an old town centre?
Yes, Split has one of the most beautiful old towns in Croatia. The UNESCO-protected old town is one of the most important sights that you can best visit with a city tour explore.
Is Split in Croatia expensive?
Croatia has long ceased to be a cheap holiday destination. However, you can also find cheaper hotels and flats in Split during the low season or if you don't need accommodation in the centre. I always book on booking.com - there I get discounts of up to 20 % with my Genius status!
When is the market in Split?
The Green Market (Gradska trznica) takes place daily from 6:00 to 14:00.
For me, a trip to Split is a must when you visit Croatia. I hope my tips have given you a better understanding of the highlights in Split, as well as a few insider tips.
Want more tips and must-sees for Dalmatia?
I've been living in the Balkans since 2021 and have travelled to the Dalmatian coast many times to collect the best spots.
On this practical, digital travel map I have 70+ beaches, restaurants, hikes, activities for the whole coast, but especially for Split, Dubrovnik, Šibenik and more!
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Photo of Klis Fortress from photo by Archana Reddy on Unsplash
