Split is the second largest city in Croatia, after the capital of Zagreb. Located on the Adriatic coast, Split is a fascinating mix of modern and ancient history. The city might be best known for its UNESCO listed Diocletian’s Palace, but there is a lot more to this energetic Croatian city. It features amazing beaches, historical sites and a stunning old town – just to name a few of the things the city has to offer. Not to mention the many picturesque islands that are just a short boat ride away, including the famous Hvar, as well as Vis and Brac. I can also highly recommend Split as a base for digital nomads, or anyone working online – if you’re planning to stay in Split as a digital nomad, check out my full digital nomad guide to Split. Now let’s get into the 10 best things to do in Split!
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1. Wander through the old town
Exploring the old town is the best thing to do in Split in my opinion! Known as the historical center of Split, the old town is a maze of cobblestone streets and it’s a true gem! Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the old town is home to well preserved roman architecture, museums, shops, picturesque narrow streets and squares. You can easily spend hours wandering through the old town, which is entirely pedestrian.
2. Diocletian’s Palace
Arguably the most famous landmark in Split, Diocletian’s Palace was built in 305 AD for the Roman Emperor Diocletian. The palace remains largely intact, and is in fact one of the best preserved Roman architecture in the world. Over the years, the old town has grown around the palace, which to this day remains the heart of the old town.
3. Climb the Bell Tower
Just next to Diocletian’s Palace, you’ll find Saint Domnius Cathedral. The inside of the cathedral is beautiful and worth checking out, but even more stunning is the view from the top of the tower. Head up to the bell tower of the Cathedral for panoramic views of the city! Note that the bell of the tower will ring every hour, so you might want to avoid being up there at the hour as the bell is very loud 🙂 The cost to climb the tower is 40kunas and tickets can be purchased from the ticket office across the square.
4. Join a walking tour
One of the best ways to get to know Split and its history is by joining a walking tour. It’s a good idea to book these tours in advance to secure a spot, especially during the summer months when Split gets incredibly busy with tourists. Check out these top rated guided walking tours that take you to famous landmarks as well as hidden gems, all while learning about the city’s history.
5. Marjan Hill
Marjan Hill is located just west of the city. It’s a nature retreat covered in lush pine forest, scenic viewpoints and trails, making it a perfect place for when you need a break from the city life. Whether you decide to just wander through the park or visit some of the viewpoints, you are bound to enjoy the views and the quietness the Marjan Hill offers. The easiest viewpoint to get to, located only a 10 minute walk from the old town, is the Prva Vidilica Na Marjanu viewpoint (click here for the exact Google Maps location). A bit further is the Vrh Telegrin viewpoint (click here for the Google Maps location), it requires a bit more hiking but has beautiful views. I can also recommend heading down to Kasjuni beach, a picturesque beach where you can cool down in the Adriatic Sea.
6. Znjan Beach
Znjan beach is one of the many beaches in Split, located in the eastern part of the city. It’s a beautiful beach with crystal clear waters, perfect for a relaxed day. There are a few beach clubs around Znjan beach, including Mistral Beach Bar, Taboo Beach Club and Cool Beach Bar. Note that the beach clubs are only open during the summer months. You will also find plenty of cafés, restaurants and a supermarket in the area.
Znjan beach is located around 3km (1.8 miles) from the old town, but it’s easily reachable by bus, car or a taxi.
7. Stroll the Riva
The Riva is a very lively street that runs along the harbour of Split. It’s lined with a variety of cafés & restaurants, colourful buildings, and of course the Adriatic Sea. During the summer you will also encounter a number of street vendors, selling anything from drinks to accessories to skincare products. If you’re lucky, you might even see live music or some street performers. I just love strolling through here, grabbing a coffee and enjoying the view.
8. Klis Fortress
This hilltop medieval fortress is located above the village Klis, only 12km (7.5 miles) from Split. It’s an interesting historical place to visit and offers a scenic view of Split and the nearby islands. The fortress gained popularity when it was used as the Game of Thrones location for Meereen city, but even so it still isn’t too crowded. You can even do a guided Game of Thrones Tour, which will take you to the filming locations in Split, including Klis Fortress.
The fortress is open from 9AM to 5PM every day, but I’d recommend checking the official opening hours here as this can change on short notice. The entrance fee is around 10 euros. Klit Fortress is a 20 minutes drive from Split and can also be reached by bus.
9. Visiting Trg Republike Square
This beautiful red square is a must see when in Split! Around the square you’ll find plenty of cafés & restaurants, making it an ideal spot to sit down and enjoy a drink or a meal. If you happen to be visiting Split in December, Trg Republike turns very christmasy, with an ice skating ring, lots of decorations and little houses where they sell hot chocolate, among other things.
10. Sunset cruise
Seeing the sun set over Split, on a yacht with a drink in hand is the perfect way to end the day! This top rated sunset tour will allow you to see the Split coastline from the water while listening to live music and zipping on unlimited complementary drinks.
If you have time to do some day trips, I can highly recommend visiting Krka national park and Hvar island.
If you are planning a trip to Croatia, you might also want to read:
- Getting around in Croatia: How to travel within Croatia
- Your Digital Nomad Guide to Split
- 11 Things that surprised me about Croatia
- Visiting Krka national park in Croatia
- Best cafés to work from in Split
- Where to eat in Zagreb
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