Split
Croatia's second-largest city is built in and around the ruins of Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace. A living, breathing ancient monument where locals go about daily life amid 1,700-year-old walls. Gateway to Hvar, BraΔ, and the Dalmatian Islands.
Tours & Experiences
Browse bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Split
π Points of Interest
Loading map...
πThe Rundown
Split's historic center is literally built inside the ruins of the Roman Emperor Diocletian's retirement palace, completed around 305 AD β it's the best-preserved Roman palace in the world
About 3,000 people still live within the palace walls, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited structures on Earth
Game of Thrones fans will recognize Split and nearby Klis Fortress as filming locations for Meereen and other scenes
The Riva, Split's waterfront promenade, was redesigned in 2007 with gleaming white stone and palm trees β the best people-watching spot in Dalmatia
Split is the main ferry hub for Croatia's islands β over 20 islands are accessible by boat from the city, including Hvar, Brac, and Vis
Peka (meat or seafood slow-cooked under an iron bell covered in embers) is the most beloved traditional Dalmatian dish β always order it a day ahead at restaurants
ποΈMust-See Spots
Diocletian's Palace
πΌThe remarkably preserved 4th-century Roman palace that forms Split's historic core. The Peristyle (central courtyard), underground cellars, and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius (built inside Diocletian's mausoleum) are the highlights. It's not a museum β it's a living city.
Cathedral of Saint Domnius
πOriginally Diocletian's mausoleum, converted into a cathedral in the 7th century β making it one of the oldest cathedral buildings in the world still in use. Climb the bell tower for stunning views over the palace and harbor.
Marjan Hill
πΏA forested peninsula rising above the western end of the city. Hike to the top (178m) for panoramic views of Split, the islands, and the Dinaric Alps. Also home to tiny medieval chapels, a zoo, and secluded swimming coves.
Riva Promenade
πΌSplit's gorgeous palm-lined waterfront promenade stretching along the southern wall of the palace. The best place for a morning coffee, evening stroll, or people-watching. Lined with cafes and facing the harbor.
Bacvice Beach
πΏSplit's most popular city beach, just a 10-minute walk from the palace. A shallow, sandy bay perfect for swimming and the traditional Dalmatian game of picigin (keeping a ball in the air in shallow water).
Green Market (Pazar)
πͺAn open-air fruit and vegetable market just outside the eastern wall of the palace. Fresh figs, cherries, lavender products, olive oil, and local cheese. Best visited in the morning.
Klis Fortress
πΌA dramatic medieval fortress perched on a cliff above Split, used as a Game of Thrones filming location (Meereen). A 30-minute bus ride from the city with sweeping views of the coast.
βοΈWhere Next?
Dubrovnik
The "Pearl of the Adriatic" with magnificent medieval walls, a photogenic old town, and Game of Thrones fame. The coastal bus ride is scenic.
Hvar
A glamorous island with lavender fields, medieval Hvar Town, hidden coves, and Croatia's best nightlife. The most visited Croatian island.
Trogir
A tiny UNESCO-listed island town with a stunning Romanesque cathedral and atmospheric stone streets. An easy half-day trip from Split.
Brac (Zlatni Rat)
Home to Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn), Croatia's most famous beach β a dramatic white pebble spit that changes shape with the wind and currents.
π€οΈWeather
Split has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. It enjoys over 2,600 hours of sunshine per year β one of the sunniest cities in Europe.
Spring
April - May54-72Β°F
12-22Β°C
Lovely and increasingly warm. Perfect for sightseeing without summer crowds. The sea is still cool for swimming but the weather is ideal for hiking Marjan Hill.
Summer
June - August72-91Β°F
22-33Β°C
Hot, sunny, and dry. Peak season with the highest prices and biggest crowds. Perfect for beach days and island hopping. July-August can be scorching.
Autumn
September - October59-79Β°F
15-26Β°C
September is warm and arguably the best month β warm sea, thinner crowds, lower prices. October is pleasant but cooler with occasional rain.
Winter
November - March41-55Β°F
5-13Β°C
Mild but rainy. Many tourist businesses close. The old town is atmospheric and nearly empty. The bura wind can bring sudden cold spells.
π‘οΈSafety
Very Safe
out of 100
Split is one of the safest cities on the Mediterranean for tourists. Violent crime is extremely rare. Petty theft can occur in crowded tourist areas during summer, but overall it is very safe.
Things to Know
- β’Watch for pickpockets in crowded summer areas around the palace and Riva
- β’Be cautious on the old town's slippery marble streets, especially after rain
- β’Sea urchins are common on rocky beaches β bring water shoes for non-sandy spots
- β’The bura wind can be very strong β secure belongings on the waterfront
- β’Book accommodation well in advance for July-August β Split fills up
- β’Tap water is safe and high-quality throughout Croatia
Emergency Numbers
European Emergency
112
Police
192
Ambulance
194
Fire
193
πGetting Around
Split is a compact city that is best explored on foot. Buses serve the wider area, and ferries connect to the islands. No metro or tram system.
Walking
FreeThe best way to explore Split. The old town is car-free and tiny. The Riva, Bacvice Beach, and Marjan Hill are all within walking distance of the palace.
Best for: Everything within the city center
Promet City Buses
β¬1.50-2.50 singleLocal buses connect the center to neighborhoods, the airport bus station, and nearby Trogir (bus 37). Buy tickets from the driver or at kiosks.
Best for: Getting to the bus station, Klis Fortress, and Trogir
Jadrolinija & Catamaran Ferries
β¬10-30 ($11-33 USD) depending on destinationFerries from Split's port to Hvar, Brac, Vis, Korcula, and other islands. Jadrolinija runs the car ferries; Krilo runs fast catamarans. Book ahead in summer.
Best for: Island hopping
Taxis & Bolt
β¬5-15 for most city tripsMetered taxis and the Bolt ride-hailing app. Useful for the airport and reaching Klis Fortress. Fairly affordable by European standards.
Best for: Airport transfers and uphill trips
πΆ Walkability
Excellent β Split is one of the most walkable cities in Croatia. The old town, Riva, beaches, and Marjan Hill are all interconnected on foot. Only the bus station and airport require transport.
π«Getting In & Out
βοΈ Airports
Split Airport (Kastela)(SPU)
25 km westAirport bus to Riva (β¬5, 30 min). Taxi ~β¬35-40, 25 min. Bus 37 from nearby Trogir also works.
π Rail Stations
Split Railway Station
Adjacent to the old town and portTrains to Zagreb (6 hrs, scenic route through the mountains). Limited domestic rail network. The station is next to the bus station and ferry port β very convenient.
π Bus Terminals
Split Bus Station
Next to the port and train station. Buses to Dubrovnik (4-5 hrs), Zagreb (5-6 hrs), Mostar in Bosnia (4 hrs), and local destinations including Trogir (30 min).
π°Budget Breakdown
budget
$45-70
Hostel dorm, bakery lunches, walking, free palace exterior and beaches
mid-range
$110-170
Apartment or hotel, restaurant meals, island ferry day trip, museum entries
luxury
$250-400
Palace-view hotel, fine dining, private boat tour, wine tasting
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| FoodBurek (pastry) from a bakery | β¬2-3.50 | $2.20-3.85 |
| FoodPizza or pasta at a konoba | β¬10-15 | $11-16.50 |
| FoodSeafood dinner for two | β¬50-80 | $55-88 |
| FoodLocal beer (0.5L) | β¬3-5 | $3.30-5.50 |
| TransportBus single ride | β¬1.50-2.50 | $1.65-2.75 |
| TransportCatamaran to Hvar | β¬15-20 one way | $16.50-22 |
| AccommodationHostel dorm bed | β¬18-35 | $19.80-38.50 |
| AccommodationApartment in old town | β¬80-150 | $88-165 |
| AttractionDiocletian's Palace cellars | β¬8 | $8.80 |
π‘ Money-Saving Tips
- β’Exploring the Diocletian's Palace streets and Peristyle is free β you only pay for the cellars and cathedral
- β’Bacvice Beach and the Marjan Hill trails are free and among Split's best experiences
- β’Eat at bakeries for cheap burek, pizza slices, and pastries
- β’The Green Market has affordable fresh fruit, cheese, and snacks
- β’Book ferries in advance during summer β prices are lower and you guarantee a spot
- β’Croatia adopted the euro in 2023 β no currency exchange fees for eurozone travelers
- β’Rent an apartment with a kitchen for longer stays to save on eating out