10 Best Things to Do in Split, Croatia

If you’re trying to figure out the best things to do in Split, Croatia, the hardest part isn’t finding options. It’s deciding what is actually worth your time.

Split is one of those places that looks simple at first: Old Town, palace, Riva, beach, done. But that’s also why a lot of visitors barely scratch the surface. Yes, Diocletian’s Palace and Split Old Town are the obvious must-sees, and yes, you absolutely should start there. But Split is also one of the best bases in Croatia for boat trips, beaches, inland adventures, waterfalls, food tours, and easy day trips.

I’ve been coming back to Split since I was a kid, and here’s my honest take: not every “top thing to do in Split” deserves equal space in your itinerary.

Some Split attractions are genuinely unmissable. Some are only worth it if you have extra time. And some day trips from Split sound amazing until you realize you’ll spend half the day in transit.

So instead of throwing 30 random Split activities at you, I’ve narrowed this guide down to the things I’d actually prioritize: the best places to see in Split, the experiences that make the city special, the tours worth booking, and the nearby trips that are worth leaving the coast for.

Where to stay in Split

I’d recommend staying in the center of Split or within walking distance of it in order to have everything at your doorstep. There are several hotels in Split old town for you to choose from and are almost exclusively housed in historic buildings which adds to the charm of the stay.

Best Things to Do in Split

The best things to do in Split depend on how much time you have and what kind of trip you want. First-time visitors should start with Diocletian’s Palace and Split Old Town, but the city is also brilliant for beaches, boat trips, food, Game of Thrones filming locations, and inland adventures.

Use this table to quickly choose what to prioritize, then keep reading for the full breakdown of the best things to do in Split, Croatia.

If you want…	Do this
Classic first visit	Explore Diocletian’s Palace and take a Split walking tour
Best Old Town experience	Wander Split Old Town and walk the Riva Promenade
Best view	Climb the Bell Tower of St. Domnius or Marjan Hill
Best food experience	Book a Split food tour or have dinner in a konoba
Best Game of Thrones experience	Find filming locations in Split Old Town, Klis Fortress, Kaštilac, Trogir, and join this GOT tour
Best boat trip	Take a Blue Lagoon boat trip
Best adventure	Go ziplining, rafting, or canyoning in Omiš and the Cetina River
Best waterfall trip	Visit Krka National Park
Best beach day	Swim at Kašjuni, Bačvice, Bene, or spend the day at Mistral Beach Club

1. Explore Diocletian’s Palace

If you only do one thing in Split, make it Diocletian’s Palace.

This is the heart of Split Old Town, the city’s most famous attraction, and one of the must-see places in Split, Croatia. But don’t expect a normal palace with one entrance, a ticket desk, and a neat little route through fancy rooms.

I think this is where a lot of first-time visitors get slightly confused (and so did I!).

Book this Split walking tour if this is your first time in the city. I’m all for wandering, but Diocletian’s Palace makes much more sense with a guide.

Diocletian’s Palace is more like a Roman palace complex that slowly turned into a living city center. Today, the old palace walls are filled with homes, cafés, restaurants, shops, bars, courtyards, Roman ruins, and everyday Split life.

That’s what makes it so special. You’re not just looking at ancient stones behind ropes. You’re walking through the remains of a 4th-century Roman palace that still forms the core of modern Split.

2. Take a Split Walking Tour

If there’s one activity in Split I’d actually push people to book, it’s this Split walking tour with a historian.

You can absolutely explore Split Old Town on your own, but Diocletian’s Palace is not a normal palace, and the city is not always easy to understand without context.

A lot of the best things to see in Split are not obvious at first glance. You can walk past Roman gates, medieval buildings, old temples, hidden courtyards, and layers of history without really knowing what you’re looking at.

Book this Split walking tour if you want the Old Town to actually make sense instead of just ticking off the main Split attractions.

That’s why I think a walking tour is one of the best activities in Split, especially for first-time visitors.

I usually love wandering around alone, and honestly, I’ve done plenty of that in Split. But this is one of those cities where the guide genuinely adds a lot. Without them, you’re mostly looking at very pretty old stones. With them, the whole place clicks.

3. Climb the Bell Tower of St. Domnius

For one of the best views in Split, climb the Bell Tower of St. Domnius.

The bell tower stands right next to the Cathedral of St. Domnius, just off the Peristyle, and gives you a panoramic view over Split Old Town, the red rooftops, the Riva, the ferry port, Marjan Hill, the Adriatic Sea, and the Mosor mountains rising behind the city.

I like this view because it helps you understand Split’s layout. From above, you can see how tightly the Old Town, Diocletian’s Palace, the port, the waterfront, and Marjan all sit together. It also makes it very obvious why Split is such an easy city to explore, even if you’re short on time.

The climb is not too difficult, but not easy either. I think it’s around 200 steps and the stairs are narrow so it can feel a little intense if you don’t love heights.

In summer, it also gets hot and busy, so I’d go early in the day if you can.

If you only have a short time in the city, use my one day in Split itinerary to maximize your time without backtracking all over the place.

4. Wander Split Old Town

One of my favorite things to do in Split is simply wander the Old Town. Yes, that sounds like lazy travel writing. And no, I will not apologize.

Split Old Town is made for getting a little lost.

I love how casually everything blends together here. One minute you’re walking past a Roman wall, the next you’re looking at laundry hanging from someone’s apartment window, then suddenly you’re in a busy square with people drinking coffee like they have nowhere else to be.

On my last visit to Split, I came back through the Old Town after a sailing trip and was reminded how much you can see in just a couple hours. But even if you’ve been to Split Old Town many times before, there’s always another tiny side street, quiet courtyard, or hidden corner you somehow missed last time.

The Riva Promenade is Split’s waterfront living room, and you’ll probably end up here several times without even trying. Lined with palm trees, cafés, bars, and views over the harbor, the Riva is one of the easiest places in Split to slow down and people-watch.

I love sitting here with a coffee, aperitivo, gelato, or drink and doing absolutely nothing productive. Croatia is very good at encouraging that (also referred to as Fjaka).

This is also where Split feels different from more polished old towns in Croatia. Dubrovnik is grand and dramatic, but Split feels more lived-in. I still love Dubrovnik, but Split has a more casual “people actually live here” energy, especially early in the morning or later in the evening when the day-trippers thin out.

If you want the full breakdown of the Old Town sights, prices, opening hours, and walking route, read my Split Old Town guide.

5. Eat and Drink Your Way Through Split

Food is one of the best reasons to spend more time in Split. The city has everything from traditional konobas and seafood restaurants to wine bars, brunch spots, gelato shops, and more modern Mediterranean places.

In Split, I’d make time for at least one proper Dalmatian meal or this food tour. Try seafood, black risotto, grilled fish, octopus salad, pašticada with gnocchi, local olive oil, and Croatian wine. If you drink red, try Plavac Mali. If you want something lighter, go for a crisp local white or gemist (Croatian spritz).

Book this Split food tour to taste proper Dalmatian cousine without gambling on random restaurants.

I love food tours because they’re the easiest ways to try local dishes, learn what to order, and avoid ending up in the most obvious tourist trap with laminated menus.

For dinner, I usually prefer going slightly inland or into the Old Town side streets. I’ve eaten my way through quite a few Split restaurants over the years, and I’d rather pick a good konoba or a simple seafood spot than waste a meal on the most obvious waterfront trap.

Food is also a good way to break up sightseeing. Split Old Town is compact, so you can explore Diocletian’s Palace, stop for coffee, wander the Riva, have lunch in a konoba, and still have time for Marjan or the beach later.

6. Find Game of Thrones Filming Locations

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, Split is one of the best places to visit in Croatia.

Split city center was used for several scenes, especially around Diocletian’s Palace and the Podrumi Palace Cellars. The cellars were used for Daenerys’ dragon dungeon, and parts of Split Old Town, including Papalićeva Street, were used for scenes in Meereen.

I visited not long after watching the show, and honestly, it still took me a while to recognize the right spots. Some Game of Thrones filming locations in Split are obvious once someone points them out, but others are easy to walk past without noticing. This is exactly where a GOT tour makes life easier.

Book this Split Game of Thrones tour if you want to match the scenes to the real streets, cellars, and palace corners and visit Klis as well.

If you want a bigger Game of Thrones day, these are some other filming locations nearby:

• Klis Fortress, used as Meereen
• Kaštel Gomilica / Kaštilac, used for Braavos scenes
• Trogir, which was also used as a filming location

Even if you’re not a huge GOT person, I still think Klis Fortress is worth visiting for the views and history. But if you are a fan, this is one of the more fun things to do around Split.

7. Climb Marjan Hill

If you want views, greenery, and a break from the stone streets, head up Marjan Hill.

Marjan Forest Park sits just west of Split Old Town and is one of the best outdoor things to do in Split. You can walk up from the Riva, climb the Marjan Hill stairs, stop at Prva Vidilica viewpoint, and continue deeper into the park if you want more trails, churches, viewpoints, and hidden coves.

The view from Prva Vidilica is one of my favorites in Split. You get the Old Town rooftops, the port, the Adriatic, and the islands in the distance, all without needing to commit to a serious hike.

I also like Marjan because it gives Split breathing room. The Old Town is beautiful, but in peak season it can get intense. Marjan is where I’d go when I want the view, the breeze, and a little space from the crowds.

If you have only one day in Split, I’d do Diocletian’s Palace and Split Old Town first, then walk up Marjan in the late afternoon. If you have more time, continue through the park toward the beaches around Kašjuni or Bene for a refreshing dip.

Marjan is one of the easiest ways to turn a city day into something more relaxed, especially if you like mixing history, views, and a bit of nature.

8. Go on a Boat Trip from Split

Split is one of the best places in Croatia for boat trips. The city sits right on the coast, has a major ferry port, and gives you easy access to islands, beaches, swimming spots, and some of the prettiest day trips from Split.

If you’re visiting in summer and wondering what to do in Split beyond the Old Town, the Blue Lagoon is where I’d start.

The easiest boat trip from Split is this Blue Lagoon and Trogir tour.

I like the Blue Lagoon option because it gives you that classic Croatian sea day without completely hijacking your whole itinerary. If you’re short on time, that matters. You’ll get clear blue water, swimming, snorkeling, and a stop in historic Trogir without committing to a huge full-day island-hopping trip.

For a full breakdown, read my Blue Lagoon Croatia guide, the Blue Cave guide, and best day trips from Split guide.

9. Plan a Day Trip Inland from Split

One of the most underrated things to do in Split is leave the coast for a day.

Most people think of Split as a base for islands, and yes, the boat trips are great. But I think the inland day trips from Split are seriously underrated, especially if you like waterfalls, mountains, fortresses, Roman ruins, rivers, and adventure activities.

If you want something active, I’d look at Omiš and the Cetina River where you can go rafting or canyoning. It’s close enough to make sense from Split, and it gives you a completely different side of Dalmatia beyond islands and Old Towns.

Krka is the easier classic waterfall day, while Plitvice and Mostar are much longer. I’d only do those from Split if they are high on your Croatia bucket list and you can’t fit them into your itinerary otherwise.

For more ideas, read my best day trips from Split guide, or check out my Krka National Park guide if waterfalls are high on your Croatia wish list.

10. Enjoy Split’s Beaches and Beach Clubs

Split is not just an Old Town and day trip base. It’s also a coastal city, so if you’re visiting in warm weather, spending time at the beach is a fun thing to do in Split.

That said, I wouldn’t plan your whole trip around Split’s beaches. They’re nice enough, easy to reach, and great for cooling off between sightseeing, but they’re not the main reason I’d choose Split over the islands or smaller coastal towns.

I’d treat Split beaches as a bonus, not the whole point.

If you want a more polished beach day, look at the beach clubs around Žnjan and Trstenik.

Mistral Beach Club sits below Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Split and is the most obvious resort-style option, with loungers, food, drinks, DJ sessions, and a proper beach-club setup. Radisson Blu is also worth considering if you want to stay somewhere with easier beach access rather than right in the Old Town.

For more of a beach-club scene, Taboo Beach Club on Žnjan is another option. For something more casual, look at Jadran Beach Bar or the bars around Bačvice and Kašjuni.

Planning more than a quick visit to Split? Use my full Split itinerary to turn these ideas into a realistic 2–7 day route.

What to pack for Split, Croatia

Pack lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for warm Mediterranean weather, including shorts, t-shirts, and my favorite, flowy dresses. I highly recommend packing a linen shirt that you can use as a bikini coverup or as a long-sleeve layer if you get chilly at night.

Sun protection essentials like sunglasses, a hat, and high-quality sunscreen are crucial. Don’t forget a beach bag (ideally one you can use as an everyday tote), a beach mat, a reusable water bottle (you can drink tap water in Croatia), and obviously, your favorite bikinis.

The beaches in Croatia often have sharp rocks or pebbles so water shoes are recommended and don’t forget to pack comfortable walking shoes or sandals for exploring the cities and national parks.

Best time to visit Split, Croatia

Like most of Croatia, Split gets really busy and extremely hot in summer which is considered to be high season. Personally, I prefer Split in late spring or early autumn when the temperatures are milder and the crowds smaller.

If you have to visit in summer make sure to start your Split old town visit in the early morning before the crowds hit the town and the scorching sun heats up the city.

As a rule of thumb, I would advise you to avoid Croatia in the peak of summer. It just gets too hot, too crowded, and too expensive. I believe you’ll have a much better experience visiting Split in late spring or early Autumn.

Getting to Split

Split is one of the easiest cities to reach in Croatia, especially if you’re traveling along the coast or using it as a base for islands, beaches, and day trips.

• By plane: Split Airport is about 25 km from the city center. You can get to Split by airport shuttle, taxi, private transfer, or rental car. If you’re short on time, I’d book a transfer or take a taxi so you don’t waste half your arrival day figuring things out.
• By ferry: Split is one of Croatia’s main ferry hubs, with regular connections to Hvar, Brač, Vis, Šolta, Korčula, and other islands. The ferry port is right next to the city center, so you can walk from the port to Split Old Town in a few minutes.
• By bus: Split’s main bus station is next to the ferry port and within walking distance of the Old Town. Buses connect Split with Dubrovnik, Zadar, Zagreb, Šibenik, Trogir, Makarska, and other destinations in Croatia.
• By car: Driving to Split is useful if you’re planning day trips, but you don’t need a car in the city itself. Parking near the Old Town can be annoying, especially in summer, so book accommodation with parking or check nearby garages before you arrive.
• By train: Split has a train station near the ferry port, but trains in Croatia are usually slower and less practical than buses or driving for most coastal itineraries.

Getting Around Split

Split is compact and easy to explore, especially if you’re staying near the Old Town, Riva, or ferry port.

Car: Don’t bother driving around central Split. Use a car for day trips to places like Krka, Klis, Salona, Omiš, or Plitvice, then park it and explore Split on foot.

Walking: This is the best way to explore Split Old Town, Diocletian’s Palace, the Riva, restaurants, cafés, and most central attractions. Wear comfortable shoes because the old stone streets can be slippery.

Local buses: Useful if you’re staying outside the center or heading to beaches and neighborhoods farther out, like Žnjan. You won’t need them much for the main things to do in Split.

Taxi and rideshare: Best for airport transfers, late-night rides, beaches farther from the center, or restaurants outside the Old Town. Not useful inside the pedestrian historic core.

Ferries and boats: Split’s ferry port is walkable from the Old Town, which makes it easy to visit islands like Hvar, Brač, Vis, and Šolta. For swimming stops like the Blue Lagoon, book a boat tour instead of trying to piece it together yourself.

Planning a trip to Croatia?

Croatia is a stunning country with countless gorgeous islands, charming roman towns, beautiful nature and delicious food. To help you plan your trip I’ve prepared a series of Croatia travel guides. And for an easy plug & play solution make sure to check out my Croatia itinerary (coming soon).