If you’re going to Croatia and want to know what the finest things to do in Split are, you’ve come to the right place!
Split is the most lively city in Croatia, full of history and beauty along the coast! You will love visiting the UNESCO sites, the Riviera, the views from Marjan Hill, and the other attractions in the area. They’re all amazing!
This 2025 guide will tell you about 20 of the top things to do in Split, Croatia. There are a lot of things to do in Split that will keep you busy for a few days. You may wander around the Old Town and see the majestic Diocletian’s Palace, or you can enjoy the views from the Riva, which is full of palm trees.
This is my top list of favourite things to do in Split. You don’t want to miss it!
Discover 20 Things To Do In Split, Croatia: Secret Spots, Popular Attractions and More!
Is Split worth visiting?
Yes! Split is the most famous place to visit in Croatia, after Dubrovnik. It’s beautiful, rich in history, and full of charm, so we suggest staying at least three days to do it justice!
The Old Town of Split is full of hidden gems, and the waterfront is vibrant and stunning. It’s more than just a place to stay before going on an island hopping trip.
There are many fun day trips you can take between historic sites, such as to waterfalls, islands, and other nearby historic places like medieval Trogir. Split is a great place to stay!
Walk along the river promenade
Start your holiday to Split by walking along the beautiful Riva, which is Croatian for “promenade.” It runs through the old town, lined with palm trees and bustling shops. By far, the Riva is one of the most beautiful hotels in Croatia. It’s also the most recommended favourite place to walk around and enjoy a drink at sunset on the Olive Tree deck, where you can feel the breeze from the sea.
See the Palace of Diocletian
UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Palace of Diocletian, is what makes Split what it is! Roman ruins, like arches and columns, can be found in this important part of the old town. You can now walk around and eat there.
Diocletian’s Palace is known as the “living museum” because you can do more than just look at it. You can shop, eat, drink, and stay inside the Palace to experience the open beams, tunnels, and stone walls. This top rated guided walking tour is worth it if you want to discover more hidden gems and learn about the city’s past. It’s easy to get around.
In the evening, the main square (Lvxor) is a lively place. You can sit on a red cushion against the wall and enjoy live acoustic music. At the small tables in between, you can get a drink. Plus, this is one of the coolest things to do in Split Old Town!
Go up the Domnius Cathedral
This Roman building, St. Domnius Cathedral, is one of the best kept in Croatia, and it’s easy to find from anywhere. The most famous thing to do in Split old town is to climb the bell tower for views. You can go inside the cathedral.
At the top, you can see all of Split Old Town, which is reason enough to climb up the stone steps and, at the very top, the slightly shaky metal stairs! They cost about €3.50 each and can be bought at the base of the church.
The old town of Split
Wandering around the old town by yourself is one of the best ways to get your bearings. The old town is much bigger than just Diocletian’s Palace, and you’ll soon find secret gems among the narrow cobblestone streets, such as beautiful buildings, small shops, cafés, and lots of artisan stalls.
It’s possible to shop here and get lost in the maze of streets at the same time. That’s the fun of visiting an old city! One of my favourite discoveries was the Marvlvs Jazz bar!
Go to colourful Republic Square
As you walk around Split’s Old Town, be sure to head straight to Republic Square (Trg Republike). It’s very pretty, with lots of pastel-colored buildings that look like piazzas in Venice!
It is one of the biggest and most important areas in Split. During the summer, concerts are often held there, which changes the look of the area. In the middle, it’s a nice place to walk around and look at the pretty buildings. You could even stop for a drink on a sunny patio!
Purchase trinkets at the Palace
Inside the Palace and under the old arches, you can find some nice artist booths and unique items to buy, like postcard paintings, popular jewellery, and lavender gifts. Croatia LOVES lavender, and you can find it everywhere.
Take a piece of Split home with you and shop somewhere different. This is the place to go, and it’s lit up with fairy lights!
Embrace the Sunset with River Drinks
As the sun goes down, one of the nicest things to do in Split is to have a drink on the lively Riva and watch the boats fill the harbour.
At the end of the Riva, near Marjan Hill, you’ll find Venerada, a more sedate spot with great local wine, and the visually stunning Olive Tree, where you can have cocktails in a lively ambience.
Take a look at Velis
Nestled between Riva and Marjan Hill, the oldest neighbourhood in Split is Veli Varos. Its distinctive green shutters and typical stone walls will help you identify it.
This neighbourhood of Split’s Old Town is worth seeing not just because it’s attractive and has many guest homes and apartments, but also because it’s different!
Check out the view from Marilyn Hill
From a bit of a distance, Marjan Hill is the best place to see Split as a whole. You can escape the old town for a short time and enjoy the surrounding nature and views.
At the end of the Riva, there is a small notice for Marjan Hill. Just go up the stairs; you can’t go wrong, and the trip is pretty easy. Suddenly, bird songs and crickets replace the noise of the Riva!
It will take you approximately 15 to 20 minutes to reach the top. Once you do, enjoy the view and treat yourself to a glass of wine on the deck of this restaurant!
Lockdown at Gooshter beach club
To get away from the crowds and spend a few hours at the beach in Split, you have to go to Gooshter Beach Club! The Le Meridien Lav Split is the premier 5-star hotel in Split, and its stylish beach club, featuring lovely decor, is a notable addition. It’s also my top pick for people who want to stay on the beach!
It’s less than 15 minutes away, and you can easily take an Uber to get there. You won’t regret it; I’ve been there many times, and it’s beautiful. It even has its own harbour with yachts!
Soak up the sun at Mistral beach
Another great place to swim and sunbathe is Mistral Beach and Beach Club, which the Radisson Blu hotel operates. The town is a little closer than Gooshter Beach Club, but only by 5 minutes!
You can rent beach beds and cabanas with views of the water at this beach as well. It’s a great place to be in the summer, much better than any of the beaches nearby! Check out my guide to the best beaches in Split, Croatia, if you want to find more great beaches.
Book a trip to sail at sunset
Sailing around the beautiful shores at sunset is one of the most memorable things to do in Split. This small-group sunset sailing trip is ideal for witnessing breathtaking sunsets. If you’re making a last-minute choice to go on a sailing trip, this is the best one because it was one of the best parts of our trip to Split.
There aren’t many people on the sail, so drinks are free and music is relaxing. The view of Diocletian’s Palace is also nice. It’s a great thing to do, and since you only ride for two hours, you can fit it right into your evening!
Check out the stalls at the Pazar market
Pazar market, which is also called “green market,” is right next to the Palace’s east wall. It’s a nice place to shop and watch some locals go about their daily lives. Every Saturday, the Green Market is open from dawn until dusk. You can buy clothes, hats, honey, and a variety of items related to lavender.
Visit Klis Fortress to learn about the past
Klis is a must-see destination if you’re interested in history, Game of Thrones, or simply enjoying nice views. Over 2,000 years ago, this old castle guarded the mountain pass that leads to Split. Walking through it feels like going back in time, with added sword-fighting vibes. It was even used as the city of Meereen in Game of Thrones. Once you get there, you’ll understand why.
Relax at Bačvice or Ježinac Beach
Things to do in Split include historic ruins and bustling cafés, but sometimes you need to relax on the beach. If you want a relaxing swim or a noisy throng, there are plenty of options near the city.
Start with Bačvice Beach. Split classic. The city’s most popular beach is a short walk from Old Town and is often busy. Locals playing picigin, tourists sunbathing on the sand, and beach bars playing music late into the night are common sights. The shallow sandy shore makes it ideal for a lazy swim or float, and the atmosphere is convivial.
Looking for a family-friendly option? Proceed to Plaža Ježinac. Hidden just beyond Marjan Hill, it offers the perfect blend of clear water, smooth rocks, and a more laid-back atmosphere. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or reading by the water.
You can enjoy tapas at the lovely Bokeria
It’s almost impossible to miss Bokeria Kitchen and Wine Bar in Split’s old town. The building is stunning, featuring floor-to-ceiling arched windows and a high-end Mediterranean interior.
This restaurant is renowned for its delicious tapas and generous glasses of Aperol. It’s a classy spot to spend the evening and enjoy the mood and beautiful scenery!
Things to do in Split Day trips and excursions
Explore the beautiful Hvar and Pakleni Islands
One of the best things about living in Split is how close it is to the islands. Taking a boat from Split to different islands is much easier than from Dubrovnik, and this is one of the best things to do in Split.
The tour starts in Split’s harbour and stops at some of the most stunning places in the Adriatic, such as Hvar’s Riviera Town, Palmizana, Mlini, Markin Kovac, and many other secret beach coves and swimming spots. It was a magical day!
This is your only chance to see the most beautiful island in Croatia. Take a luxurious boat trip between Hvar and Pakleni instead!
Visit Krka National Park and try some wine
Krka is just over an hour from Split and features swimming pools with clear water, lakes, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests surrounding it. Wineries and nature also surround it.
There is no better way to enjoy Croatian wine than right from the vineyards. This includes a stop at Skradin to taste wine, as well as local cheeses and meats.
Wine tours often take place in beautiful settings. You will love it so much that another winery is available – Split to Dubrovnik through Ston! It’s such a fun way to learn about Croatian culture!
Boat tour of Epic Islands
One of the most popular Split boat trips is to jump from island to island around the beautiful islands. It’s a great way to get to know the islands!
If you don’t have a lot of time for your trip, hopping between islands and spending time on each one is a terrific way to make the most of your time and experiences.
You won’t believe how beautiful the scenery is on our 5 Islands Boat Tour. You must see Hvar Town and Komiza on Vis Island before leaving Croatia.
The nicest thing about this tour is that you may book it for yourself or for a group of up to 12 people, so everyone is happy!
Check out Trogir Old Town
Trogir stands out as one of Croatia’s most beautifully preserved heritage towns, located just under an hour from Split, making it a perfect choice for a day trip.
There are several ways to reach Trogir from Split, but the best option is to pair it with a visit to the Blue Lagoon. Trogir is small enough to explore on foot, allowing you to see the historic sites and enjoy drinks on the beautiful Riva in just a few hours.
Regardless of whether you have just a few hours or an entire day to spare, seize the opportunity to explore one of the most captivating destinations in Croatia!
FAQS for Things to do in Split, Croatia
We recommend staying in Split for at least three days. This will give you enough time to see the best of the city, relax on the beach, and visit a nearby location that is best seen from Split, like Trogir or the Blue Lagoon and the Krka Waterfalls. This would make a great 7–10 day trip!
From May to late September is the best time to visit, as the weather is warm and sunny, and the city is full of life. There are a lot more things to do in the summer, like boat trips and days at the beach! During July and August, there are many tourists.
Split is an easy place to get around on foot. The old town is pedestrianised, and there is a long promenade to walk along. You can easily take a cheap Uber to get to the beaches. But don’t get a white cab; they are way too expensive, unless you have found a good driver who will let you negotiate a price ahead of time.
Are you going to drive around Croatia? If you rent a car at the airport, you can park outside of the old town and go to close places like Trogir right away.
How do I get to Split, Croatia?
The airport in Split is a major transfer hub, and it’s easily accessible from either the UK or the USA. It takes about 40 minutes to drive from the airport to the centre of Split’s old town.
The bus, train, and ferry stops are right next to each other, and it’s only a short walk into the old town. Please remember to book your ferry in advance.
