10 Best Things to do in Split, Croatia
Are you looking for the 10 best things to do in Split, Croatia? Then keep reading!
Split is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe. It is full of stunning sandy beaches, vivid blue waters, and beautiful old towns. Planning a summer getaway to the beautiful city of Split, Croatia will show you one of the country’s most beautiful destinations and will have you falling in love!
Split is located along the stunning Croatian coastline and is a wonderful city to visit for every type of traveler. It has beaches for beach lovers, historic buildings for history buffs, nearby national parks for nature lovers, and plenty of clubs and bars for party lovers.
It is a place brimming with excitement and the vibrant atmosphere that makes up Split is one of the things that makes it so special. It is also one of the best places to visit on a European girl’s trip!
💡 I visited Split on a girl’s trip with my partner and it fit both vibes! I love Split and find it such a unique place that I have visited time and time again.
Find here the 10 best things to do in Split that should be on everyone’s list. Prepare to fall in love with one of Europe’s most magical coastal gems.
(Disclaimer: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and you may even receive a small discount. See disclosure for more information.)
In This Post
Top 10 things to do in Split
Spend a Day at The Beach
Spending a day at the beach is easily one of the best and most enjoyable things to do in Split. Due to its location along the coast, there are a plethora of Split beaches to enjoy a sunny day on! Many of the beaches are located within the city and you can easily walk to them.
There are family beaches, party beaches, and private beaches. In the summer months, Split’s party beaches are full of people drinking and listening to music all day, which is super fun and very enjoyable to join in on.
Here’s a quick list of the six best beaches in Split:
➡️ Bačvice Beach ⭐️ MY PERSONAL FAVOURITE ⭐️ : Located right in the center of the town, this sandy beach is a favorite.
➡️ Kasjuni Beach: This pebble beach is located beneath Marjan Hill and is known for its natural beauty with clear waters and forest backdrop.
➡️ Kastelet Beach: Also known as Obojena, Kastelet is a pebble beach close to the old town and is a popular spot among a younger crowd.
➡️ Jezinac Beach: Jezinac offers good cliff jumping spots. It’s a mix of rocky and cemented areas, close to the old town, with some bars in the vicinity
➡️ Ovcice Beach: Next to Bačvice Beach, this small pebbly beach has a beach bar, changing cabins, and jet ski rental. It’s a more local spot, close to the old town, and offers affordable prices at the beach bar
You can also venture a little bit further from Split and visit some of the most unique and picturesque beaches like Bol (pictured below).
There is no better way to soak in the beautiful blue water and enjoy the warm sun than on a beach. Many people visit Split with the intention of just enjoying the beach and treating it as a beach vacation getaway. If this is your plan you can easily beach hop and discover new and beautiful beaches every day!
Visit Diocletian’s Palace
Diocletian’s Palace is an ancient palace built in Split in the 4th Century that was made for the Roman emperor Diocletian. This huge stone palace takes up about half of the Old Town in Split and is well worth the explorations.
The stunning stone architecture is something to admire as one of the most well-preserved pieces of Roman architecture in the world. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site! It is free to explore the palace grounds but going inside the palace and exploring various places has varying costs. From around $4 – 6$ depending on where you want to enter (towers, basement, etc).
For an in-depth tour and explanation of everything you need to know about this incredible palace, it is best to join a tour. You can even get the Game of Thrones Tour if you are a fan!
Go Island Hopping
Going island hopping is easily one of the best things to do in Split. The city is known as the gateway to the Dalmatian Islands, offering easy access to several stunning islands, each with its unique charm and beauty.
➡️ Hvar: Known for its vibrant nightlife, luxury lifestyle, and stunning landscapes, Hvar is a frequent first stop.
➡️ Brač: Famous for the Zlatni Rat beach, often hailed as one of the best in Croatia, Brač is another must-visit.
➡️ Vis: A bit more secluded, Vis is known for its unspoiled beauty and historical significance. It’s a great place to enjoy tranquil beaches and explore unique historical sites.
➡️ Šolta: Perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and enjoy serene beaches, local wine, and olive oil tasting.
➡️ Korčula: Often referred to as “Little Dubrovnik,” Korčula is known for its medieval walls and historic charm.
The best way to go island hopping in Split is with a tour! See the tours below for some great options.
Explore the Old Town
Split’s old town is a stunning area to explore. The stone streets are full of restaurants with charming patios, local shops, and more that are perfect for enjoying. One of the best things to do in the old town is to go for a drink and meal at one of the many outdoor restaurants.
You will find various restaurants with seating under umbrellas and enjoying a cold drink and local meal while admiring the beautiful surroundings is one of the top things to do in Split.
Venture to Trogir
Trogir is a beautiful old town located along the coast of the Adriatic. Here you will find a stunning and amazingly well-preserved old town surrounded by the country’s known blue waters. The architecture here is a mix of Renaissance and Baroque making it a unique area of architecture to explore.
There is plenty to do and see in Trogir making it the perfect day trip to experience another beautiful place in Croatia. One of the top things to do in Split is venture to nearby cities and attractions to really soak in and experience the beauty of this region.
Climb the Saint Domnius Bell Tower
Saint Domnius Bell Tower is located in Diocletian’s Palace and is a must-visit while in Split. From the outside, the tower stands tall amongst the buildings but the real excitement is climbing to the top to admire the views of Split from above.
From the top of the bell tower, you are welcomed by panoramic views of Split from above where you can see the orange thatched roofed houses and blue water of the coast. It is beyond magical and one of the best things to do in Split to see the city in its entirety.
Venture to Krka National Park
Krka is one of the many national parks in Croatia that has gained notoriety due to its stunning natural beauty. Krka National Park is located just an hour from Split and is the perfect day trip for anyone seeking beautiful nature views and a magical experience.
This national park is huge and is great for swimming, hiking, exploring and more. Most people come to see the famous Krka waterfalls, which are one of Croatia’s most famous tourist attractions.
Just NOTE: in the summer months Krka waterfalls are PACKED with people. This can often make the falls feel like more of a tourist attraction than anything else. If you don’t like being around tons of tourists I would suggest skipping the falls or going in the off-season.
Beyond the waterfalls, there is plenty to do and see at Krka. You can talk a hike or walk that will bring you around the park showing you the nature that makes up the country. Or you can go on an adventure tour and see the park in a more exciting way! Just be sure to prepare for any weather conditions whether that is heat in the summer or cold in the winter.
Hike Marjan
Hiking to the top of Marjan Park is one of the top things to do in Split. From the top of the hill, you get some of the best views of the city and the beach and they are stunning! The hike up can be hard in the summer months with the sun beating down on you, but it is very worth it.
While the view and park offer a welcome escape from the crowds in the city below and give you a breath of fresh air.
Marjan is very easy to reach from Split meaning you can walk from Split to the hike and down. It is great exercise too, which you may need after enjoying the delicious local foods, drinks and ice cream in Split. This park is clean and well-kept and one of the top things to do in Split.
Visit Klis Fortress
Fortress Klis (Fortress of Klis) is a must-see while in Split especially if you are a Game of Thrones fan! This fortress is called “Meereen” in GOT where Danaerys freed the slaves. A visit here will have you feeling like you’ve been transported to the set.
Even if you are not a Game of Thrones fan a visit here is one of the best things to do in Split. The views are stunning, there’s a pub for drinks with a view, and it is super historic and interesting to discover!
Stroll the Promenade
Strolling the long and beautiful promenade is one of the best things to do in Split. The Split promenade is always bustling with life and energy. There are plenty of restaurants with ocean views and ice cream shops galore.
This is one of the best places to stop for a bite to eat in a vibrant atmosphere and some stunning views! You can also just walk across the waterfront here after you eat and enjoy an ice cream while enjoying the waterfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of your frequently asked questions in regards to traveling to Split.
Is Split, Croatia worth going to?
Split is 100% worth visiting! The unique blend of ancient history with modern vibrancy, makes it a must-visit city.
Its most renowned historical site, Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a deep dive into the city’s Roman past. While the various beaches offer endless opportunities for sunbathing and swimming.
⭐️ Split’s location also makes it the perfect destination for island hopping to the picturesque Dalmatian Islands ⭐️
I love the city and find it such a unique mix of history, culture, beaches, and nightlife. Just note that it does have a pretty young crowd – think ages 18-30 as the highest age group. But this isn’t really an issue for me.
Which is nicer Split or Dubrovnik?
Choosing between Split and Dubrovnik depends on your personal preferences:
- Split: Known for its vibrant city atmosphere, rich Roman history, and proximity to beautiful islands like Hvar and Brač. It has a more lively atmosphere with a blend of modern and ancient elements and tends to be more budget-friendly compared to Dubrovnik. However, Split has fewer historical landmarks and sandy beaches within the city compared to Dubrovnik.
- Dubrovnik: Famous for its stunning medieval architecture, well-preserved city walls, and spectacular coastal views. Dubrovnik is a popular filming location for TV series like “Game of Thrones” and offers an abundance of beautiful beaches and nearby islands like Lokrum. It tends to be more expensive and crowded, especially during peak seasons.
Both cities have rich historical and cultural heritage, but Split leans more towards Roman influences, while Dubrovnik offers medieval charm.
Dubrovnik has more accessible beaches within the city, but Split is closer to picturesque islands. Dubrovnik generally sees higher tourist traffic and is more expensive than Split
Where to Stay in Split
Some of the best areas to stay in Split are:
➡️ Old Town: Best for first-time visitors who want to immerse themselves in the city’s history and culture.
➡️ Radunica: Perfect for travelers on a budget, Radunica is a historic and charming downtown neighborhood.
➡️ Bacvice: Known for its popular beach and vibrant nightlife, Bacvice is southeast of the city center and offers a mix of beach activities and party atmosphere.
➡️ Meje: Regarded as one of the coolest neighborhoods in Split, Meje is located west of the city center and offers a mix of green spaces and coastline.
➡️ Veli Varoš: Ideal for families, Veli Varoš is a traditional Croatian neighborhood with charming winding streets and well-preserved architecture.
Split is one of Europe’s best and most beautiful cities. If you are looking for the perfect summer getaway full of swimming, great food and history, then this is the place for you. While visiting be sure to use this list of the top things to do in Split to make you visit the best it can be.
Like this post? Pin “Top things to do in Split” for later!
Love,
SSW
