Things to do in Split – 20 attractions and experiences

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | What to see and do in Split, Croatia? Split is one of our favorite cities on the Adriatic Sea – a city where Roman palace ruins, narrow cobblestone streets and historic squares coexist with restaurants, beaches and a lively promenade. We have visited Split several times and are happy to return.

Split – historic city on the Adriatic Sea

Split is Croatia's second largest city, located on the Adriatic Sea in central Dalmatia. The city's most famous attraction is Diocletian's Palace, which began construction around 300 AD for the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Today, the palace area is a vibrant part of Split's historic center, with homes, restaurants, shops, and small squares nestled within the nearly 1,700-year-old walls.

We have visited Split several times and find the city to have an unusually nice combination of history, people, restaurants, sea and excursion opportunities. Here we share our best tips on things to see and do in Split.

Things to do in Split – 20 attractions and experiences

Split has a lot to discover in a relatively small area, and many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. Here are our tips for 20 things to see and do in Split – both classic sights and some experiences outside the historic city center.

1. Discover Diocletian's Palace

Diocletian's Palace began construction in the late 3rd century and was completed around 305 AD. Within the walls of this enormous structure are the historic parts of Split. This palace, which is 30,000 square meters in size, is one of the best-preserved Roman palaces in the world. When it was built, it was the residence of the emperor when he retired from power in 305 AD.

In the 6th century, neighbouring areas were attacked by Slavs and Avars (an Asian nomadic people) and the city's population moved into the palace for protection.

2. See the Peristyle

The Peristyle is the central square of Diocletian's Palace and one of the most atmospheric places in Split's old town. It was the entrance to the emperor's private parts of the palace, and the square was surrounded by impressive columns. Today, the Peristyle is still a natural gathering place, surrounded by historical buildings and outdoor cafes.

3. Visit St. Domnius Cathedral and Bell Tower

Located in the heart of Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius is one of Split's most important historical buildings. The cathedral is unusual in that it was originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, before later becoming a Christian church. Today, it is considered one of the oldest cathedrals in the world still in use.

Next to the cathedral stands the tall bell tower. Those who climb the stairs are rewarded with fine views of Split's old town, the harbor and the Adriatic Sea.

4. Descend into the basement of Diocletian's Palace

Beneath Diocletian's Palace are large underground vaults and cellars, which are among the best-preserved parts of the Roman palace. The cellars were originally intended to support the emperor's living quarters above and therefore provide an idea of how the palace was once designed.

You can visit part of the basement area for free and there are small sales stands here today. Other parts are open as a museum for an entrance fee. The basements have also been used as a filming location for Game of Thrones.

5. Go through the Golden Gate

Golden Gate, Golden Gate, was the most important of the four gates into Diocletian's Palace. It was located on the north side of the palace and was the grand entrance that the emperor and his entourage used when arriving by land. The other gates were called the Silver Gate, the Iron Gate, and the Sea Gate.

Outside the gate stands the large statue of Bishop Gregory of Nin, created by Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović. According to popular tradition, touching the statue's big toe is said to bring good luck, something many visitors take the opportunity to do.

6. Experience the Roman Changing of the Guard

During the tourist season, historical performances are held at the Peristyle, where Diocletian and his entourage make their entrance in Roman costumes. You can also see the Emperor and Empress welcoming the people.

According to our guide in the old days it was similar, but then the people had to lie flat on the ground with their arms outwards to honour the Emperor (and not to be able to assassinate him). We didn't have to do this, and instead we were welcomed with a small drink with a taste of honey or cherry. Definitely more pleasant!

7. Touch Gregory of Nin's toe

Gregory of Nin was a 10th-century Croatian bishop who is famous for opposing the Pope and advocating the use of Croatian in the church instead of Latin. Gregory's statue stands just outside the Golden Gate and touching his big toe is believed to bring good luck.

8. Stroll through Split's Old Town

One of the best things to do in Split is also one of the easiest – just strolling around without any particular destination. The historic city center is filled with narrow cobblestone streets, small squares, old houses, shops, cafes and restaurants.

What's special about Split is that the Roman remains don't sit isolated as a historical monument. Instead, Diocletian's Palace has become a living part of the city, where people live and work amidst the nearly 1,700-year-old walls. Feel free to continue beyond the palace grounds to the charming neighborhoods around Pjaca and People's Square.

9. Go on a guided tour

If you are interested in history, it might also be interesting to join a guided tour of the historic parts of the city. Together with a guide, history comes to life in a different way.

We have taken a guided tour of Split ourselves and found it very informative. When you get the stories behind the buildings and places, it becomes easier to understand how the Roman palace gradually developed into the urban environment we see today.

10. Stroll along the Riva promenade

Along the waterfront in Split runs a palm-lined and grand harbor promenade called Riva. It's lovely to stroll here, look out over the boats in the harbor and soak up the holiday atmosphere with the Adriatic Sea right next door. There are also plenty of restaurants.

When you have reached the end of the Riva the promenade to the west, then you will find Republic Square which is both impressive and very beautiful.

11. Visit Pazar – Split’s Market

Pazar is Split's bustling food market, just outside the Silver Gate on the east side of Diocletian's Palace. It sells fruit, vegetables, nuts, flowers and local produce, among other things. Strolling among the stalls is a great way to get a glimpse of everyday life in Split.

On the streets around the central areas you will also find long rows of market stalls selling things like clothes, bags, jewelry, sunglasses and, not least, lavender. Lavender is a famous natural product in Croatia and everywhere you will find these purple stalls with bags of dried lavender and essence in small sachets.

12. Stroll in Marjan Park

Marjan Park is a large green area on a hill just outside the center of Split. After a long uphill walk, you will find long, beautiful walkways and fantastic viewpoints. You can also check out the Church of St. Nicholas and a Jewish cemetery that was established in 1573.

13. Follow the promenade towards Žnjan beach.

If you fancy a long walk along the coast, you can start in Split and walk all the way east towards Žnjan beach. Almost the entire promenade, which is around 5 kilometres long, runs beautifully along the waterfront. As well as beautiful views, there are a number of restaurants, bars and cafés along the way.

14. Check out Split's museums

Split has several interesting museums. Some of the most worth seeing include the Split City Museum, the Split Ethnographic Museum, and the Game of Thrones Museum.

If you want a different experience In Split you can visit the Froggyland frog museum. Here you can see hundreds of stuffed little frogs, which are around a hundred years old and perform activities that are usually done by people, such as playing tennis, going to school, conducting trials, rocking babies or romping out of the pub in the wee hours. Really entertaining!

• Archaeological Museum has a large collection of ancient monuments, including from the old city of Salona (Ul. Zrinsko Frankopanska).
• Froggyland is a special place with stuffed frogs. (Ul. kralja Tomislava 5)
• Game of Thrones museum is for everyone who loves the popular fantasy series (Bosanska ul. 9).
• Split City Museum talks about the history and cultural heritage of the city (Papalićeva ul. 1).
• Split Ethnographic Museum showcases traditional folk costumes (Ul. Iza Vestibula 4).

15. Sunbathe and swim

One thing you won't want to miss doing in Split, if you come here during the summer months, is sunbathing and swimming. There is a wide range of beaches in and around Split, such as:

• Bacvice – Split's most famous beach, close to the center and famous for the traditional ball game picigin.
• Žnjan - the largest beach in Split, is located east of the centre.
• Firule - beach on the road between the centre and Žnjan
• Ježinac - a rocky beach located on the Riviera Split
• Kaštelet - beach which is located just beyond Ježinac

16. Experience Diocletian's Dream

If you want to experience Split's fascinating Roman history in a more interactive and vivid way, try "Diocletian's Dream". This Virtual Reality experience takes you to the Roman era in a whole new way. A different and fun thing to do in Split!

17. Explore filming locations from Game of Thrones

Do you like the TV series "Game of Thrones"? Many scenes in the series were filmed in Croatia, especially in Dubrovnik, but also in Split. Here are some of the filming locations you can check out in and around Split:

• The basement of Diocletian's palace - This is where Daenerys goes to train her dragons.
• Alley at Papalićeva in Diocletian's Palace - Here the slaves rebel and write "Kill the Masters" on the wall.
• Village of Zrnovnica - You can see Daenerys' handmaiden Missandei bathing here in season four.
• Klis Fortress - Here Daenerys takes the city of Meereen and punishes the rulers by nailing them to crosses.

18. Eat Dalmatian food at a konoba

After a few intense hours of history or shopping, a lunch in the sun may be in order. Split is full of cosy outdoor restaurants, most of which offer similar menus of meat, fish, pasta, risotto or even burgers. Of course, you can also find a so-called 'konoba', a traditional tavern, and try local dishes such as pašticada. or pointing.

• Restaurants in Split - our top restaurant tips
• What to eat in Croatia? - 20 Croatian specialities

19. Relax at the spa

All year round, you can enjoy spa and wellness in Split. For example, you can stay at the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, which is located by the sea about 3 kilometres from the city centre. Here you can relax in the swimming pool, whirlpools, sauna and relaxation room. There is also a wide range of treatments to choose from, such as traditional massage, Asian treatments and facials.

READ MORE: Spa weekend at the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa in Split

20. Visit the ancient Salona in Solin

Salona served as the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia, and during its heyday, 40,000 people may have lived here. Today, you'll find this archaeological park in Solin, just outside Split. Here you'll find the ruins of walls with towers and gates, temples, Roman baths, and an amphitheater.

Excursions from Split

Split has a strategic location on the Dalmatian coast and there are many exciting places to visit nearby – cities, islands and national parks. Here are some tips.

Trogir

The car-free little city of Trogir is located on its own small island, about 45 minutes north of Split. Here you will find high city walls, narrow medieval quarters and cozy restaurants. The old town is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its architecture.

Island of Šolta

Šolta is a beautiful island with modest tourism compared to its more famous neighbours. That's why it's a bit more exciting to travel here. You can get to the Rogač harbour on the island with Jadrolinija or KSC (Krilo Shipping Company).

When we were here we experienced a Croatian folk dance performance, which almost reminded us a bit of Swedish folk dance. At the Martinis Marchi hotel we also had a walking tour and a very good lunch.

Island of Hvar

On Hvar Island There are great opportunities for sunbathing, swimming and boat trips. You can also discover the interesting historical towns of Hvar and Stari Grad. You can easily get to the island from Split with one of the three shipping companies that operate the route (Kapetan Luka, Jadrolinija and Krilo Shipping Company).

Island of Brac

Brač is a fantastically beautiful island, where you can visit Supetar or Bol, rent a boat or explore the island by car. Here you can also find the white limestone that was used to build the White House. Or why not visit the famous Zlatni Rat beach, which has been named the most beautiful beach in Croatia several times? You can easily travel from Split to Supetar with the Jadrolinija shipping company, a trip that takes about 50 minutes.

Omiš

Omiš is a special town with its wide river and high mountains. Enjoy the view at the Mirabella fortress or take a boat trip on the Cetina river. Go on a thrilling Zip-line over the Cetina river. You can get to Omiš by car or bus from Split, which takes about 40-50 minutes.

Sinj

If you are interested in culture and history, it might be exciting to take a trip to the small town Sinj. The city is famous for the Sinjska Alka knight tournament – a tradition that is on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage. Here you will also find the Church of Our Lady with the "miraculous Madonna".

Krka National Park

Krka National Park is one of Croatia's biggest tourist attractions. This stunningly beautiful national park offers cascading waterfalls, footbridges over rushing water and wonderful boat trips. You can either get here by car or by bus to the Skradin station, which takes just over an hour.

Where to stay in Split?

Where to stay in Split? If you want to stay in a central location and with a pool, we can recommend nice Hotel Park. This 5-star hotel has an outdoor terrace and fantastic rooms, and is close to attractions such as Diocletian's Palace and Split Cathedral, as well as the Riva promenade.

If you want to stay even more central, with a great breakfast and a really awesome view from the roof, you can stay at the... Cornaro Hotel.

If you want to be able to sunbathe and swim at a nice beach or enjoy a spa... we can recommend Radisson Blu Resort & Spa which is located on the lovely Znjan beach. Here you can also enjoy wellness and various treatments.

If you are travelling by motorhome or want to camp in another way, we can recommend Camping Stobrec, which is a very nice campsite just outside Split. From here you can easily get to Split by local bus.