Split is a lively coastal city in Dalmatia, Croatia. Built around the palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, Split’s Old Town is protected under UNESCO World Heritage and is almost exclusively pedestrian. Made up of breathtaking Roman remains and charming cobblestone alleyways, Split boasts a lively bar scene, quirky shops, fantastic restaurants and one of my favorite waterfronts (Riva) in Croatia.

Split is one of my favorite cities in Croatia and with each visit I keep discovering new beautiful corners, hip new bars as well as returning to some of my favorites, like the old city center. The first time I was to Split I was still in diapers and since then I kept returning every few years. This is to say that I’ve grown to know this city really well and even entertained the thought of moving here at some stage.

So without further ado, let me take you over the best things to do and my favorite parts of the old town.

In a hurry? Book your Split essentials!

These are the unmissable things to do in Split that you should book in advance and a fantastic hotel for your stay!

Cornaro Hotel
Split walking tour
Blue Lagoon boat trip
Game of Thrones tour with Klis Fortress
Blue Cave and Vis trip

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

While Split city is the second largest city in Croatia, its old core is very compact and fairly small. But don’t let that fool you, the city center of Split is so packed with history, architecture, culture and entertainment that you could easily spend days here, and not for a second would you get bored.

And what’s best? Most of the Split old city sights are free to explore! You can visit Split’s attractions on your own or join this walking tour to make the most of your time in town.

Read next:
Split itinerary – 1, 3, 5 & 7 days
Where to stay in Split
Best things to do in and around Split

1. Explore the Diocletian’s Palace

The Diocletian’s Palace is the most famous attraction in Split and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even if history isn’t really your cup of tea (it surely isn’t mine), you’ll be blown away by this place!

This impressive Roman architectural remain dates back to the 4th century. While parts of the old walls still stand today, the palace has no clear borders and its remains take up much of Split’s old city, with newer buildings, bars and shops scattered in between and around it.

So the Diocletian’s Palace isn’t a palace in the usual sense of the word, but more like a fortified town that’s been lived into and morphed into what is the city center of Split today. There is no entrance, meaning there aren’t any entrance fees nor are there any opening hours. The palace is part of the city and the city is part of the palace.

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. Among the more breathtaking sights in the Diocletian Palace are the Peristyle (central courtyard), the Vestibule (a circular anteroom) and the Podrumi (the cellars). Let’s dig a little bit deeper into each of these!

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 — from theatre to concerts. The bar across from the cathedral has set up their tables on the stairs of the Perystile and made a dreamy setting to enjoy a coffee or an aperitivo (at a premium, of course).

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. Domus 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 — a 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. Part of it is 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.

You might recognize the cellars from Game of Thrones as this is where Daenerys kept her dragons.

Location: Diocletian’s Cellars

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 it’s history and architecture of Split cathedral are certainly impressive, the best part is the view from the bell tower (57m). Trust me, it’s totally worth the roughly 200 steps!

Location: Saint Domnius Bell Tower
Opening Times: Mon–Sat 8am–7pm, Sun 12:30–6:30pm
Entrance fee: 70 kn including the cathedral, bell tower & treasury

6. Walk through the Golden Gate

In Roman times the Split’s palace was surrounded and protected by large 25metres 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

7. 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
Read next: Nin travel guide (coming soon)

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

Split city center was also used for the filming of GOT. If you’re a true fan you’ll recognize many of its corners from the series. Among the more prominent scenes filmed here (besides the dungeon), is the uprising in Mereen. The scenes of the slave rebellion were filmed in the old torn and Papalićeva Street definitely stands 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

9. Visit the Jupiter Temple & the Sphinx

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

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

Location: Temple of Jupiter

Entrance fee: 10kn

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. Hop into 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: 9am–9pm, closed on Mondays

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 centre 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, Croatia

Split is very well connected with all major cities in Croatia and the main port for the ferries to the surrounding islands. You can reach Split by boat, bus, train or plane. If you decide to drive to Split keep in mind that the old town is pedestrian only and there is a serious parking shortage in town. It’s a good idea to check your parking options before booking your accommodation.

By plane

Resnik Airport is a 30-45min drive from Split airport to Split old town. There is a public bus (37 or 38) that will get you close to the old city center but if you have luggage or want to catch a ferry then this shuttle bus is a better solution for you.

Where to eat in Split

I’ve had the opportunity to try out plenty of restaurants during my trips to Split and as with much of Croatia, I’ve never been disappointed in the food. That being said, these are the restaurants that really stood out to me and I highly recommend.

Konoba Korta for local dishes and friendly service. They’re open for breakfast lunch and dinner and have some of the friendliest staff in Split. I always feel welcome here, the food is delicious and the kitchen is happy to accommodate for any dietary requests.

Zrno Soli for seafood. Located in the Marina it serves traditional Mediterranean dishes with a modern twist. It is regarded as one of the most prestigious restaurants in Split and is the perfect place to dine if you’re celebrating a special occasion.

Kat’s Kitchen Deli for brunch or breakfast. Their avo on toast is delicious and don’t even get me started on their sweets! Everything I’ve tried at Kat’s Kitchen Deli was to die for and their food presentation is second to none.

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.

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).