One Day in Split, Croatia: The Ultimate Guide
Split is one of my favorite cities I’ve visited! It was my favorite area that I visited in Croatia. Great vibes, waterfront area, beaches with clear water, history, culture, and a great food scene – the perfect combination! While often overshadowed by more popular travel destinations like Dubrovnik, Split should not be missed.
I’m a travel agent, highly-experienced travel itinerary planner, and avid traveler of over 40+ countries. I love to travel to cities around the world and highlight the best tips for my readers.
Split is also a common cruise port for top cruise lines (like Virgin Voyages) and many sailors don’t have a lot of of time to spend in the city. I’d definitely recommend spending more time, if you can!
In this guide, we’ll show you how to spend a perfect day in Split, Croatia! We have tips on what to see, do, and eat, as well as when to go, how to get around, and what to pack.
Get in touch to plan your perfect Split itinerary based on your travel and interest preferences – elevateyourescapes@gmail.com
One Day in Split Quick Guide
Why Spend One Day in Split
Split, the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest one in Dalmatia, was founded by the Roman emperor Diocletian. He later built a palace in the city as his retirement home back in the 4th century AD. It has an extremely rich, and interesting history. The palace is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the heart of the old town, where you can find many historical and cultural treasures.
Split is also a lively and modern city, with a charming waterfront promenade, a colorful market, and a variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs. Aside from being a major ferry port, it’s also a great gateway to the Dalmatian islands. So, if you want to visit Hvar, Brac, or Vis to explore pristine beaches, just hop on one of the ferry boats in the port.
It is also a very walkable city where you can get to Diocletian’s palace, major attractions, hotels, restaurants, and the waterfront very quickly.
You can also explore some of the lushest national parks in Croatia from the town. That includes Krka and Plitvice known for their stunning waterfalls, lakes, and forests. Ultimately, spending one day in Split is worth it, thanks to its several historical sites, natural landmarks, and exciting activities!
One Day in Split: Top Things to Do
Start your day by exploring the Diocletian’s Palace
The Diocletian’s Palace is an attraction of Split and one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world. It covers an area of about 9 acres, and it is not just a palace, but a complex of buildings, streets, squares, and churches.
You can enter the palace through one of the four gates, and wander around the labyrinth of alleys, courtyards, and cellars. See the impressive Peristyle, the central square of the palace, where you can admire the Cathedral of St. Domnius built inside the former mausoleum of Diocletian.
You can also climb the bell tower of the cathedral, which offers a panoramic view of the city and the sea.
You will also see the Temple of Jupiter, the former temple of the Roman god, which is now a baptistery, and the Golden Gate, the main entrance to the palace, where you can find a statue of Gregory of Nin.
See also the Silver Gate, the Iron Gate, and the Brass Gate, which lead to different parts of the city, or the Vestibule, the former entrance hall of the palace, where you can hear local singers perform traditional Dalmatian songs.
Enjoy some delicious treats at the Riva Promenade
If you want to take some aesthetic travel photos, head to one of Croatia’s most popular and beautiful spots – the Riva Promenade. It’s a waterfront walkway along the palace’s south side. You’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the harbor, nearby islands, and the mountains.
At the promenade, you can find plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars. Have a delicious meal and refreshing drink while watching several boats depart and arrive at the port. Many of the restaurants and bars have music. It’s a vibe.
For a bit of entertainment, walk along the promenade to see street performers and artists. Depending on the time of the year you visit, you can also catch several concerts, festivals, and cultural celebrations at the Riva Promenade.
Eat some local specialties for lunch
Split is a city with a rich culinary culture, and you should not miss the opportunity to taste some of the local specialties. Split’s cuisine is based on the Mediterranean diet, with a lot of fresh seafood, olive oil, vegetables, herbs, and wine. Some of the dishes you should try are black risotto, buzara, peka, soparnik, Pašticada, and Fritule.
Some of the best places to eat in Split
Bokeria: a stylish restaurant located at the heart of the city, serving Mediterranean and international dishes using local ingredients. This is my favorite restaurant in Split. Go here! It has a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor and is mostly known as a great wine-drinking spot with a warm atmosphere. I really enjoyed the lamb – it’s one of the best I’ve ever had. Call ahead to make a reservation or be prepared to wait. This place is popular!
Restaurant Bajamonti: Located right in the Old Town, this popular restaurant focuses on meat/steak and fish. (And pizza, apparently… but don’t go here for pizza). It’s located in a very cute courtyard, great for people watching and right off the water. I had a delicious meat and gnocchi special. Highly recommend!
Konoba Matejuška: a cozy and authentic tavern near the Riva Promenade, serving fresh seafood and homemade dishes. It has a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor and is praised for its friendly service and tasty food.
Villa Spiza: a small and charming bistro in the old town, serving seasonal and local food with a creative twist. It has a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor and is recommended for its affordable prices and quality dishes.
Zrno Soli: a fine dining restaurant in the ACI Marina. It offers a stunning view of the sea and the city, and serving Mediterranean cuisine with a modern touch. It has a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor and is one of the Michelin-recommended restaurants in Split.
Fife: a popular and affordable restaurant near the Matejuška harbor, serving traditional dishes in generous portions. It has a 4-star rating on Tripadvisor and is known for its cheap menu, fast service, and casual vibe.
Explore the Marjan Hill
For a relaxing afternoon, take a short walk to Marjan Hill. It’s a low mountain on the western side of the city that offers a great view of Split and its surrounding area. To get to the foot of the hill, either walk along the coast past the ACI Marina and the Meštrović Gallery or take a bus from the city center. Other options include renting a bike or scooter and driving a car.
Once you reach the hill, follow one of the several paths and trails. Depending on which one you choose, you can discover several viewpoints, chapels, monuments, beaches, playgrounds, and picnic areas along the way. The Marjan Forest Park, The Vidilica, The Bene Beach, The St. Nicholas Church, and The Jewish Cemetery being the most popular landmarks.
Relax on a stunning beach
Split has such beautiful beaches with clean, clear water. Bacvice is the most popular beach, and only a 10 minute walk from the Old Town. Kasjuni and Bene are also great beach options.
Now for the very best water, take a day trip out to the islands.
The beaches are rocky, so you’ll want to bring water shoes with you! As summer is very hot, you may also want to bring a portable fan.
We went kayaking off the beach but I wouldn’t recommend it, as the current is pretty strong.
Admire the beautiful art pieces at the Meštrović Gallery
For art lovers and history buffs, don’t miss the Meštrović Gallery. You can see the works of one of the most famous Croatian sculptor and artist – Ivan Meštrović. The gallery is located in a villa that was built by Meštrović himself, between 1931 and 1939, as his summer residence, studio, and exhibition space. The villa is surrounded by a garden, a wall, and a promenade, and overlooks the sea.
The gallery displays a collection of Meštrović’s sculptures, drawings, paintings, and furniture, covering different periods and styles of his artistic career. You can see his works in marble, bronze, wood, and plaster, and admire his mastery of form, expression, and emotion. You can also learn more about his life, his influences, and his legacy.
The gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 4 pm in winter, and from 9 am to 7 pm in summer. The entrance fee is 40 kuna (about 5 euros) for adults and 20 kuna (about 2.5 euros) for students and seniors.
You can also visit the nearby Crikvine-Kaštilac, a complex of a church, a chapel, and a mausoleum, where Meštrović’s ashes are buried, and where you can see some of his religious works.
Enjoy the nightlife of the city
Split is not only a city of history and culture, but also a city of fun and entertainment. This place has a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene, with something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a cozy pub, a trendy bar, a lively club, or a beach party, you will find it in Split.
The bars along the Riva waterfront are quite nice and have a good vibe, but they tend to cost more because of location. I enjoyed having a glass of local Pošip, and enjoying the waterfront evening.
Some of the best places to enjoy the nightlife of the city are the Academia Club Ghetto, Fabrique Pub, Central Club, or Club Bačvice.
Day Trips from Split
Looking for something different than mentioned above? I recommend the following:
- For nature lovers: Krka National Park. Krka is absolutely beautiful. Expect a 1.5 hour ride each way.
- For those on their second trip to Split: Trogir – it’s a lovely city about 30 minutes from Split
- For water lovers: Vis and the blue cave. This is STUNNING! I got to spend an entire day on the water and really enjoyed this.
- For foodies: Take a food tour or cooking class!
Need help deciding what to do?
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Krka National Park
Best Time to Visit Split
Split is a city that can be visited all year round, as it has a mild and sunny climate. However, depending on your preferences, some seasons may be more suitable than others. Most people will travel in the summer, when temperatures are high 80s fahrenheit.
I visited in September and it was the perfect time. It wasn’t nearly as hot as prime summer, and there were less crowds (though, Split was still crowded!). The average high is 77 fahreinheit in September.
Summer (June to August) is ideal for beach lovers, island hoppers, and water sports enthusiasts, but also the most expensive and busiest time. And, like we said, the hottest! It’s sometimes uncomfortable to tour around!
Spring and autumn (April to May and October to November) are ideal for those who want to avoid the crowds, the heat, and the high prices. Tour operations may be more limited in April and November, as crowds are thinner.
Winter (December to March) is ideal for those who want to experience the culture, the history, and the nature of the city, but also the time when the beaches, the islands, and the water activities are not very appealing.
How to Get to Split
By cruise ship, of course! Many cruise lines stop in Split. For instance, it is a stop on the Adriatic Seas Virgin Voyages itinerary.
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By plane: Split has an international airport, located about 25 km from the city center. You can fly to Split from many European and international destinations, such as London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, and Amsterdam. Additionally, you can also fly to Split from other Croatian cities, such as Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and Zadar. You can take a bus, a taxi, or a shuttle from the airport to the city center. I took a taxi to my hotel in Old Town, which cost about 30 euro.
By ferry: Split has a ferry port, located near the bus station and the train station, in the city center. You can take a ferry to Split from many Croatian islands, such as Hvar, Brac, Vis, Korcula, and Mljet. You can also take a ferry to other coastal areas, like Dubrovnik, Rijeka, and Pula. Also, you can take a ferry to Split from some international destinations, such as Ancona and Bari in Italy but these are far!. You can check the timetables and prices of the ferries on the Ferry Croatia website.
By car: Split is connected by a network of highways and roads to other Croatian and international destinations. You can drive to Split from Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Zadar, Rijeka, and other Croatian cities. Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro are also not too far of a drive. Just rent a car in Split or other cities, and use a GPS or a map to navigate. Driving in Split can be challenging, as the traffic can be heavy, the parking can be scarce and expensive, and the roads can be narrow, winding, and crowded. I don’t recommend driving yourself or having a car while touring the city.
By train: Split has a train station, located near the ferry port and the bus station, in the city center. You can take a train to Split from other Croatian cities, such as Zagreb, Rijeka, and Osijek, as well as from some neighboring countries, such as Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. Just check the timetables and prices of the trains on the Train Croatia website. However, trains are not very popular or convenient in Croatia, as they are slow, infrequent, and often delayed.
By bus: Split has a bus station, located near the ferry port and the train station, in the city center. You can take a bus to Split from many Croatian and international destinations, such as Dubrovnik, Zadar, Zagreb, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Ljubljana, and Venice. Check the timetables and prices of the buses on the Bus Croatia website.
How to Get Around Split
Once you are in Split, you can get around the city by the following options below:
By foot: Split is a compact and walkable city. You can reach most of the attractions, restaurants, and bars by foot. Walking is also the best way to enjoy the atmosphere, the architecture, and the culture of the city, and to discover some hidden gems and secrets. However, you will need to wear comfortable shoes, as the streets can be uneven, cobblestoned, and hilly. Much of the Old Town area sits on a hill.
By bike: Split is a bike-friendly city. You can rent a bike from one of the many bike rental shops or kiosks. You can also use the Nextbike service, which costs about 1 euro per hour, or 10 euros per day. This service allows you to rent a bike from one of the 20 stations in the city, and return it to any other station. However, you will need to be careful, as the traffic can be busy, the drivers can be aggressive, and the bike lanes can be scarce and poorly marked.
By bus: Split has a public bus system, operated by Promet, which covers the city center and the suburbs. You can use the bus to reach some of the attractions, such as the Meštrović Gallery, the Marjan Hill, and the Zenta Beach, as well as some of the shopping malls, hotels, and neighborhoods. You can buy a bus ticket from the driver, from a kiosk, or a vending machine, and validate it on board. A single ticket costs 11 kuna (about 1.5 euros) and is valid for 90 minutes. You can also buy a daily ticket for 30 kuna (about 4 euros), or a weekly ticket for 100 kuna (about 13 euros). Just check the routes and timetables of the buses on the Promet website or app.
By taxi: Split has a taxi service, which you can use to get around the city quickly and comfortably. You can hail a taxi on the street, call one by phone, or use an app, such as FREENOW, inDriver, Bolt, or Cammeo. A taxi ride in Split costs about 10 to 15 kuna (about 1.3 to 2 euros) per kilometer, plus a starting fee of about 20 kuna (about 2.6 euros). You can pay by cash or by card. However, you will need to be aware that some taxi drivers may try to overcharge you, take a longer route, or not use a meter. You can avoid this by agreeing on the price before the ride, checking the meter, or using a reputable company or app.
By boat: You can also take a boat tour from Split to some of the nearby islands, such as Hvar, Brac, Vis, and Solta, where you can enjoy some of the best beaches, scenery, and activities in Croatia. Just choose from different types of boats, such as speedboats, sailboats, catamarans, and yachts, and different durations, such as half-day, full-day, or overnight. You can also join a group tour or book a private tour, depending on your budget and preference. There are many boat tour operators and agencies in Split, or you can also book online in advance.
Where to Stay in Split
Split is divided into two main areas: the old town and the new town.
The old town is where you will find most of the attractions, such as the Diocletian’s Palace, the Riva Promenade, and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius.
The new town is where you will find more modern amenities, such as shopping malls, cinemas, and restaurants.
Depending on your preferences, you can choose to stay in either area, but keep in mind that the old town is more crowded, noisy, and expensive, while the new town is more spacious, quiet, and affordable. Most of the tourist attractions are in the old town, so I recommend staying there, especially since you will be staying only a short time!
📍Moderate: I really liked Hotel Slavija, which is an affordable, yet clean and respectable option right in the center of the Old Town.
📍Luxury: Murum Heritage Hotel, Judita Palace
Split is a popular tourist destination, especially in the summer, and the hotels and apartments can fill up quickly. Book them as soon as possible to secure your spot and get the best price. You can always book a refundable option and monitor the price.
Breakfast outside at Hotel Slavija
Useful Tips Before Going to Split, Croatia
- Carry some cash with you. Croatia adopted the Euro as its official currency on January 1, 2023. Therefore, you do not need to exchange or withdraw Kuna anymore, but you can use Euros instead. You should still carry some cash with you, as some places may not accept credit cards. “Cash is King in Croatia,” as my guide said. You should tip around 10% in restaurants and bars.
- Plan your budget. While Split tends to cost less overall in terms of accommodation, food, and activities than the most touristy places of Europe, it still is not the most affordable destination. You can visit smaller cities within Croata, like Sibinek, at a lower budget. By traveling in shoulder season, like September, like I recommended, you will be able to cut costs. Be aware: Croatia restaurants typically charge for bottled water. You can ask for tap, but you may not be successful.
- Dress appropriately for the weather and the culture. Split has a Mediterranean climate, which means that it has hot and dry summers and mild and wet winters. The average temperature in July is 26°C (79°F), while the average temperature in January is 9°C (48°F). You should pack light and breathable clothes for the summer, and warm and waterproof clothes for the winter. You should also bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Split is a coastal city, so you can wear casual and comfortable clothes, but you should also respect the local culture and dress modestly when visiting churches, museums, and other historic sites.
Final Thoughts: One Day in Split, Croatia
Split is a beautiful and vibrant city that offers a mix of history, culture, nature, and fun. You can spend one day in Split and see the main highlights. Consider Diocletian’s Palace, the Riva Promenade, the Marjan Hill, and the Meštrović Gallery. You can also enjoy the local food, wine, and nightlife, and relax on the beaches. However, if you have more time, you can also take day trips to the nearby islands, national parks, and towns, and discover more of the amazing Dalmatian region.
Split is a destination that will charm you with its Mediterranean spirit, friendly people, lively atmosphere, cultural heritage, and stunning scenery. Enjoy!
Get in touch to plan your perfect Split itinerary based on your travel and interest preferences – el@elevateyourescapes.com
