Split Old Town Guide: 20 Best Things to Do in Diocletian’s Palace & Beyond

Split is a lively coastal city in Dalmatia, Croatia, built around the palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. But Diocletian’s Palace is not a palace in the classic sense. It is the living heart of the city, where Roman remains, homes, cafés, restaurants, shops, bars, courtyards, and cobblestone alleyways are all woven into the old palace walls.

Protected as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Split Old Town is almost exclusively pedestrian and one of the most atmospheric old city centers in Croatia. You’ll find breathtaking Roman ruins, charming stone streets, quirky shops, fantastic restaurants, a lively bar scene, and one of my favorite waterfronts in Croatia.

Split is one of my favorite cities in Croatia, and with each visit I keep discovering new beautiful corners, hip new bars, and new reasons to return to some of my favorite parts of the old city center.

The first time I visited Split I was still in diapers, and since then I’ve kept coming back every few years, sometimes for a quick stop, sometimes as a base for boat trips and day trips along the Dalmatian coast. At one point, I even entertained the thought of moving here.

So whether you’re trying to understand what Split Old Town actually is, what to see inside Diocletian’s Palace, or which parts of the historic center are worth your time, let me take you through the best things to do in Split Old Town and my favorite corners of this incredible old town.

What Is Split Old Town?

Split Old Town is the historic center of Split, Croatia, built in and around Diocletian’s Palace. This is the area most people mean when they search for “Old Town Split,” “Split old city,” or the “historic center of Split.”

The important thing to know is that Diocletian’s Palace is not a normal palace building. It’s a Roman palace complex that became part of the living city. Today, its old walls contain stone streets, apartments, cafés, restaurants, shops, bars, courtyards, churches, squares, and Roman ruins.

So when you visit Split Old Town, you’re walking through a UNESCO-protected historic city center where daily life still happens inside the remains of a Roman emperor’s palace.

Split Old Town vs Diocletian’s Palace

The easiest way to think about it: Diocletian’s Palace is the historic core of Split Old Town, but Split Old Town is bigger than the palace.

	Split Old Town	Diocletian’s Palace
What it is	The wider historic center of Split	The Roman palace complex at the heart of the Old Town
Includes	Riva, squares, shops, restaurants, bars, cafés, old streets	Peristyle, Vestibule, Podrumi, palace gates, Cathedral, Temple of Jupiter
Best for	Wandering, eating, shopping, people-watching	Roman history, architecture, ruins, guided tours
Ticket needed?	No	Not to walk around, yes for some sights
Time needed	2–4 hours	1–2 hours for the main highlights

Is Split Old Town Worth Visiting?

Yes, Split Old Town is absolutely worth visiting. If you only have time for one thing in Split, make it this.

Split Old Town is especially worth visiting if you like Roman history, atmospheric stone streets, walkable city centers, lively cafés, hidden courtyards, restaurants, bars, and places you can explore without a strict plan.

I love Split because it is one of the most unique old towns in Croatia and it is not just preserved for tourists. It is still alive. You can walk through Roman palace gates, pass ancient columns, stop for coffee in a medieval square, eat dinner in a stone alley, and stroll out to the Riva without ever really leaving the historic center.

That said, it gets crowded and touristy in peak summer, especially around the Peristyle, Bell Tower, Palace Cellars, and Riva. In July and August, visit early in the morning or later in the evening if you can.

How Long Do You Need in Split Old Town?

You can see the main highlights of Split Old Town in 2–3 hours, but I’d allow at least half a day if you want to enjoy it properly.

I’ve passed through Split Old Town on quick stops and I’ve also had time to wander more slowly, and it’s always the slower visits that stick with me. The historic center is compact and walkable, so technically you can tick off Diocletian’s Palace, the Peristyle, the Vestibule, the Palace Cellars, and the Riva quite quickly.

But if you rush, you miss the best part: the atmosphere. Split Old Town is the kind of place where it’s worth leaving time to get a little lost.

Time	What to focus on	Best for
2-3 hours	Diocletian’s Palace, the Peristyle, the Vestibule, the Podrumi Palace Cellars, the Bell Tower & Cathedral of St. Domnius from the outside, and the Riva Promenade. Book this Split walking tour for the best experience.	A quick walk through Split’s historic center, especially if you’re visiting on a cruise stop or passing through for the day
Half a day	Add the Temple of Jupiter, Golden Gate, Gregory of Nin statue, People’s Square, Fruit Square, a GOT tour, coffee or lunch, and more time to wander the smaller side streets	Most first-time visitors who want to see the best things to do in Split Old Town without rushing
Full day	Add Marjan Hill, more time on the Riva, and one nearby beach after exploring Split Old Town or pick up the tempo with this Blue Lagoon boat trip	Travelers who want a realistic full-day Split itinerary beyond just the Old Town

Where to stay in Split Old Town

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.

Cornaro Hotel offers 5-star luxury in the heart of Split’s old town. Here you’ll be spoilt with delicious food, stunning views from the rooftop palace and a relaxing spa.

Camera Hotel is located in a quiet street at the edge of Split old town and it’s full of charm combining historic architecture with modern design.

This Old Town Luxury House is perfect if you prefer to stay in an apartment with a fully furnished kitchen and a private patio.

Best Things to Do in Split Old Town

Split may be Croatia’s second-largest city, but Split Old Town is compact, walkable, and easy to explore on foot. Most of the best things to do in Split Old Town are clustered around Diocletian’s Palace, the Roman palace complex that still forms the heart of the city today.

You can absolutely wander on your own, but if this is your first visit, I’d seriously consider joining a Split walking tour.

On my last visit to Split, I came back through the Old Town after a boat trip and was reminded why this part of the city works so well, even if you only have a few hours.

You can wander through ancient palace streets, step into the Roman cellars, and climb the bell tower in one short visit. 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.

If it’s your first time in Split I firmly believe that Split Old Town is best explored on a walking tour. Diocletian’s Palace is not a normal palace, and without context it’s easy to walk past centuries of history without really understanding what you’re looking at.

The best part? Many Split Old Town sights are free to explore.

Read next:
Split itinerary – 2 – 7 days
One Day in Split Itinerary
Where to stay in Split
Best Day Trips from Split

1. Explore the Diocletian’s Palace

Diocletian’s Palace is the most famous attraction in Split, the heart of Split Old Town, and part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even if history isn’t usually your thing, this is the one place in Split you shouldn’t skip.

The palace dates back to the 4th century and was originally built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian. But Diocletian’s Palace is not a palace in the usual sense of the word. It has no single entrance, no fixed opening hours, and no general entrance fee.

Instead, it is more like a fortified Roman palace complex that slowly became the living city center of Split. The old palace walls, gates, courtyards, Roman ruins, apartments, shops, cafés, bars, and restaurants all blend together, which is exactly what makes it so fascinating.

At it’s core, the Diocletian’s Palace used to be a residential and military complex. Here you’ll be able to explore the remains of over 200 Roman buildings that are still standing today.

The most important things to see inside Diocletian’s Palace are the Peristyle (central courtyard), the Vestibule (a circular anteroom) and the Podrumi (the cellars).

Split Old Town is one of those places where a guide genuinely makes a difference. You can walk through Diocletian’s Palace on your own, but without context it is very easy to miss what you’re actually looking at.

If this is your first time in Split, book this Split walking tour with a historian.

This tour is the best way to understand how Diocletian’s Palace became Split Old Town, why the Roman ruins matter, and how the city grew around the palace over the centuries.

Location: Diocletian’s Palace
Opening Times: Always open
Entrance fee: Free

Insider tip: Don’t get confused by the term palace, the palace is part of the city and the city is part of the palace.

2. People watch at the Peristyle

The Peristyle is what used to be the central courtyard of the palace which also served as a reception space for imperial visits. A colonnade of posts surrounds what looks like a small sunken square with the emperor’s residence at the back.

Still today this is a popular meeting point in the heart of the old city and in summer you can attend all sorts of events here.

The bar across from the cathedral has set up tables on the stairs of the Peristyle, creating one of the dreamiest spots in Split Old Town for a coffee or aperitivo. It’s definitely priced for the setting, but I still love grabbing a drink and sitting here for a while, people-watching and soaking up the atmosphere of the square.

The Peristyle is quite possibly the most popular attraction in the city and just a few steps away from the Vestibule (just take the stairs up), the Podrumi (take the stairs going down) and St. Domnius Cathedral (to the side).

Location: Peristil
Insider tip: People watch in the evening, take photos in the morning

3. Look up in the Vestibule

Just off of the Peristil you’ll find the Vestibule. This is quite possibly my favorite part of the palace. This tall circular tower of sorts that used to be the anteroom to the emperor’s personal chambers (which are unfortunately no longer preserved).

If you get here early, before the crowds of tourists hit the town you can test it’s amazing acoustics.

Location: Vestibul
Photography tip: Grab your wide angle, you’ll need it.

4. Find the dragons at the Podrumi cellars

By taking the stairs down from the Peristyle, going under the palace, you’ll enter the Diocletian’s cellars or the Podrumi. You might recognize the cellars from Game of Thrones as this is where Daenerys kept her dragons.

Part of the Podrumi are open to the public and acts as a passage from the Peristyle to the port, but this massive network of vaulted hallways is also home to a museum and hosts art exhibitions as well as performances.

I find that the Podrumi can feel completely different depending on the time of day. When the passage is busy with people and stalls, it’s easy to rush through and barely notice the historic columns around you. But early in the morning or later in the day, when it’s quieter, the whole place feels much more atmospheric and almost mystical.

Location: Diocletian’s Cellars
Museum opening times: daily 8:30 AM–8 PM
Ticket: €10 adults / €8 reduced

5. Climb the bell tower of St. Domnius

Just off of the Peristyle you’ll find the Cathedral of St. Domnius (Sveti Duje). This is the oldest still standing Catholic cathedral in the world and it was built on Emperor Diocletian’s mausoleum from the end of the 3rd century.

While the history and architecture of Split cathedral are certainly impressive, in my opinion the best part is the view from the bell tower. Trust me, it’s totally worth the roughly 200 steps at the views from rougly 57 meters are just as breathtaking as the climb.

Location: Saint Domnius Bell Tower
Opening Times: Mon–Sat 8am–7pm, Sun 12:30–6:30pm
Entrance fee: from €7

6. Relive the Game of Thrones battles in the narrow streets of Split

Split city center was also used as a Game of Thrones filming location, especially around Diocletian’s Palace and the Old Town. If you’re a true fan, you might recognize some corners from the series, but honestly, I visited not long after watching the show and it still took me a while to connect the right spots.

That’s why I think this Game of Thrones tour is worth it if this is your thing. A guide makes it much easier to match the scenes to the actual streets, courtyards, and palace corners instead of wandering around thinking, “Wait, was this Meereen?”

Besides the famous dungeon scenes in the Podrumi, one of the most prominent Game of Thrones scenes filmed in Split was the uprising in Meereen. Parts of the slave rebellion were filmed in Split Old Town, with Papalićeva Street standing out as one of the main filming locations.

If you’re a GOT fan make sure to check out this Game of Thrones tour and visit Klis Fortress as well.

Location: Papalićeva Street

7. Walk through the Golden Gate

In Roman times the Split’s palace was surrounded and protected by large 25 metres tall stone walls with four entrances. The Golden Gate (Croatian: Zlatna vrata) is the main entrance into what was once the Diocletian’s Palace. The Golden Gate faces north and it’s the entrance the Emperor would use to enter the complex. There are three more gates for the Diocletian’s Palace – The Bronze Gate (facing South, originally a sea gate), the Iron Gate (facing West, this used to be a military gate) and the Silver Gate (facing East).

Location: Zlatna vrata

8. Rub the toe of Bishop Gregory of Nin

Just outside the Diocletian’s Palace across from the Golden gate you’ll find a large statue of Bishop Gregory of Nin. Nin is a small town near Zadar and if you’re headed that way, it’s beautiful Queens’s beach is going to blow you away!

Ok, back to the Bishop — Gregory stood up to the Catholic church and introduced the Croatian language into religious services despite strong opposition from Rome where the Pope demanded all services should be held in Latin. This is historically important for Croatian language and culture.

You might notice how shiny the statue’s big toe is. This is because it is believed that rubbing his toe brings good luck.

Location: Gregory of Nin Statue

9. Visit the Jupiter Temple & the Sphinx

Different eras and cultures intertwine in Old Town Split. The Sphinx and Jupiter Temple are yet another testament to this eclectic mix.

The Temple of Jupiter was built in honor of this Roman god but was later transformed into a baptistery. In front of it sits a headless Sphinx statue which was carved in 1500 BC and is made of black granite. This is one of the 12 Sphinx statues Diocletian brought back from Egypt. Can you find the other 11?

Location: Temple of Jupiter

10. Find the Venetian tower at Fruit Square – Vocni trg

Fruit Square is located just behind the first row of buildings on the Riva. This small square is surrounded by ancient stone houses, including the imposing Milesi Palace. In the corner of the square, you’ll find a beautiful Venetian tower. This octagonal tower is all that remains of Mletački kaštel, an old Venetian castle built in the 15th century.

Location: Fruit square

11. Stroll down the Riva

Preferably ice cream in hand. Split has one of the largest and nicest Rivas in Croatia and I just love strolling here in the evenings. The waterfront is closed for traffic and lined with palm trees. The large promenade is perfect for evening walks, during the day you can find some shade in the long narrow park that runs along the promenade or sit back in one of the many bars and restaurants.

Location: Riva

12. Have a coffee at People’s Square

People Square, also known as the Pjaca (that’s how they call the main square in Croatia is located on the western side of the old town. This isn’t the biggest square in Split but in my opinion, it is the most beautiful one with stunning buildings from different eras decorating it’s edges. With the gorgeous architecture and lively bar scene, this is the perfect place to sit down for a drink or grab a bite (and without the premium you’d have to pay at the waterfront).

Location: Pjaca

13. Visit the Old Town Hall

At the edge of People’s Square a white gothic building stands out. This used to be the Old Town Hall. Today it has been turned into a sublime art gallery. At the other side of the square, you’ll find the Nakic Palace with its beautiful Art Nouveau facade.

Location: Old Town Hall
Opening times: varies by season, closed on Mondays & public holidays

14. Check the time at the city clock

At the opposite corner, you’ll find a low tower, no taller than the surrounding buildings with one hell of a clock. Have you ever seen a clock with 24 digits? It takes telling the time to a whole new, more confusing level!

Location: Clock tower

15. Hop into a museum or gallery

The old town of Split is a living and breathing museum with history and art at display wherever you turn. But split is also home to some fantastic museums and galleries which offer a welcome escape from the summer heat. These are some museums and galleries you could consider checking out while in Split:

• Archaeological Museum Split
• Ethnographic Museum Split
• City Museum of Split

16. Feel small at the Republic Square

The Republic Square is the largest of the many squares in Split old town and is lined with beautiful red neo-renaissance buildings with huge archways on three sides while it opens up to the marina on the fourth end. This wide open space makes for the perfect seaside event venue. In summer, the Split Music Festival is held of Republic Square and it’s also used for other events.

Location: Trg Republike Prokurative

17. Explore Veli Varos

Veli Varos used to be the peasant quarter just west of Diocletian’s Palace and climbs up towards Marjan Hill. Veli Varos is a quiant neighborhood with beautiful architecture, cosy restaurants, boutique hotels and that village feel that instantly makes you feel at home. Although you’re technically in the center of Split town you’ll feel like life is a lot more relaxed in this quarter. Hop into a local ‘betola’ for a refreshing spritz then keep making your way up toward Marjan Hill.

Location: Veli Varos

18. Take in the views from Marjan Hill

At the very edge of Split Old town sits Marjan Forest Park. While not technically part of the old town, this park is just too beautiful not to visit and its trees offer a welcome relief from the heat of town. The park is a maze of walking paths and countless staircases.

The views from Marjan Hill are especially gorgeous and you don’t even have to hike all the way to the top to see the city from above.

There are different paths leading up the hill but taking the Marjan Hill Stairs is the easiest and fastest one, just be prepared to get a little sweaty as it’s over 300 steps.

Location: Marjan Park
Insider tip: The first viewpoint (Prva vidilica na Marjanu) offers the best views in town and there’s a cafe there where you can grab a refreshing drink.

19. Grab sunset drinks at Cornaro Hotel rooftop bar

If you’re anything like me, you love a good rooftop bar. There are no real high rises in Split old town (as is to be expected from a medieval town) but the Cornaro Hotel still offers some sweet views and delicious cocktails. Best of all, you don’t need to be a guest to enjoy this bar. If you ask me, this rooftop beats the seaside drinks any time!

Location: Cornaro Hotel Split
Opening Times: 3–10pm

20. Go on a day trip

The city core of Split can easily be explored in half a day leaving plenty of time to hit the beach or explore the more of the surroundings. Check out this article to learn about the best trip destinations from Split. Some of the best day trip destintions include Hvar Island, Blue Lagoon, Trogir and Sibenik.

Read next: Best day trips from Split

Getting to Split Old Town

Split Old Town is easy to reach because it sits right by the ferry port, bus station, train station, and Riva waterfront. Once you’re in central Split, you can walk almost everywhere.

• By plane: Split Airport is about 25 km from Split Old Town. You can reach the center by airport shuttle, taxi, private transfer, or rental car. For a short trip, I’d book a transfer or take a taxi to save time.
• By ferry: Split is one of Croatia’s main ferry hubs, with connections to Hvar, Brač, Vis, Šolta, Korčula, and other islands. The ferry port is a short walk from Split Old Town.
• 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 Croatian destinations.
• By train: The train station is near the ferry port and Old Town, but trains in Croatia are usually slower and less useful than buses for coastal trips.
• By car: Driving to Split is useful for day trips, but you don’t need a car for Split Old Town. The historic center is pedestrian, traffic can be annoying, and parking is difficult in summer.

Getting Around Split Old Town

The best way to get around Split Old Town is on foot. The historic center is compact, mostly pedestrian, and made for wandering.

• Car: Don’t plan to drive around Split Old Town. Park the car and walk. Parking is limited and driving in the center is more hassle than it’s worth.
• Walking: This is the easiest way to explore Diocletian’s Palace, the Peristyle, Palace Cellars, Cathedral of St. Domnius, Golden Gate, People’s Square, Fruit Square, and the Riva. Wear comfortable shoes because the stone streets can be slippery.
• Public transport: You don’t need buses inside Split Old Town, but they can be useful for reaching beaches, neighborhoods outside the center, or places like Žnjan.
• Taxi and rideshare: Useful for the airport, hotels outside the center, beaches farther away, or restaurants outside the Old Town. Not useful inside the pedestrian historic center.
• Boat and ferry: The ferry port is within walking distance of Split Old Town, which makes Split a convenient base for Hvar, Brač, Vis, Šolta, and other islands.

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.

Where to eat in Split Old Town

I’ve tried plenty of restaurants during my trips to Split and, honestly, food is rarely the problem in Croatia. The bigger issue in Split Old Town is avoiding the obvious tourist traps and choosing places that are actually worth your time and money.

These are my favorite places to eat in Split Old Town:

• Konoba Korta: Best for local dishes and friendly service. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the staff are lovely, and the kitchen is usually happy to accommodate dietary requests.
• Villa Spiza: Best for fresh local food in a tiny Old Town setting. The menu changes daily, but grilled fish, homemade gnocchi, seafood, and simple seasonal dishes are usually good bets. Go early or expect to wait.
• Fig Split: Best for brunch or a casual meal inside Diocletian’s Palace. Think spicy eggs, California toast, sweet potato fries with chimichurri, mango lassi, and iced lattes.
• Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar: Best for modern Dalmatian food and a lively dinner. Go for black risotto, fresh pasta, seafood, sea bass, and local wine.
• Apetit: Best for a more polished meal in a historic setting. It’s set in a 15th-century stone building and works well for a romantic dinner or slower lunch.
• Kat’s Kitchen Deli: Best for brunch or breakfast. Their avocado toast is excellent, the sweets are dangerous, and the food presentation is beautiful.
• Sladoledarnica Emiliana: Best for gelato near the Riva. Grab a scoop and take it for a walk along the waterfront.

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.