21 Unbeatable Things to Do in Split, Croatia

Best Things to Do in Split, Croatia

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If you’re planning a Croatia trip, chances are you’ll visit Split.

The country’s second-largest city, Split is sandwiched between the Adriatic Sea and the Mosor mountain range.

Along with Dubrovnik, it’s a gateway to the Dalmatian coast and the idyllic islands of Hvar, Korcula and Brac.

There are many exciting things to do in Split – from exploring its 1,700-year-old Diocletian’s Palace to tasting fabulous Croatian wines and hiking in Marjan Forest Park. Plus, Split is a perfect base for island-hopping day trips.

We recently visited this beautiful city for the third time. (Spoiler: We’d go back in a heartbeat!)

Here’s our guide to the top attractions and activities in Split.

Visiting Split, Croatia
The beautiful city of Split, Croatia

Best things to do in Split, Croatia

1) Explore Diocletian’s Palace

The Peristyle at Diocletian's Palace
The Peristyle (central square) was the heart of Diocletian’s palace

Diocletian’s Palace isn’t just one attraction – its the heart of Split’s Old Town.

Dating back to 305 AD, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a sprawling maze of of over 220 buildings, housing some of the city’s coolest restaurants, shops and cafés.

The palace was commissioned by the Roman emperor Diocletian as both a summer villa and military camp. It became his retirement home after he abdicated due to poor health (the only Roman emperor to do so).

To build it, he imported marble from Italy and even brought back sphinxes from Egypt after crushing a rebellion. Unfortunately, only one sphinx remains, standing proudly at the Peristyle (main square). Though it’s been in Split for under 2,000 years, it’s actually over 3,000 years old – one of the city’s oldest treasures.

No Split itinerary is complete without wandering Diocletian’s Palace.

Look up as you explore – you’ll see a gloriously eclectic mix of medieval and Roman architecture. And don’t miss the historic Golden Gate, the grand entrance Diocletian himself once used.

Guided tour of Diocletian’s Palace:

A guided walking tour is a great way to learn about the history of the palace and see sights you might otherwise miss if wandering about on your own.

This “Old Town and Diocletian Palace” walking tour (1½ hours) is top-rated.

2) Stroll the Riva

Colorful flowers line the pedestrian Riva in Split, Croatia
The Riva is the popular seaside promenade fronting the Old Town

The Riva is Split’s lively waterfront promenade and the perfect place to soak up the city’s energy.

Strolling this 820-foot stretch is one of the best free things to do in Split – enjoy Adriatic views on one side and buzzing cafés, shops and restaurants on the other.

The seafront-side of Split's Riva is lined with tall palm trees and shaded benches.
The seafront-side of the Riva is lined with tall palm trees and shaded benches

As the sun sets over the sea, the Riva comes alive. Whether you’re window shopping, picking a spot for dinner or just people-watching, it’s the ideal place for an evening stroll.

If you’d like to linger for a while, the Riva is lined with cozy bars, cafés and restaurants.

Grab a waterfront seat and sample Ozujsko, a popular Croatian beer. Hungry? Try Adriana for pizza or traditional Dalmatian cuisine at Brasserie on 7.

The Ivan Mestrovic Gallery is dedicated to the work of Croatia’s most famous sculptor.
The Ivan Mestrovic Gallery is dedicated to the work of Croatia’s most famous sculptor (Credit: Ivan Mestrovic Gallery)

Ivan Mestrovic is to Croatia what Michelangelo is to Italy.

The most famous 20th-century Croatian sculptor, Ivan Mestrovic was most prominent in the Zagreb art scene. But he also built a mansion in Split as a residence in the 1930s.

He ultimately emigrated to the USA, becoming the first Croatian sculptor to exhibit his work in New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

While he only lived in Split for a short time, Mestrovic left his mark on the city, and there’s nowhere better to witness this than at the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

The art-and-sculpture museum is housed in his vast neoclassic mansion (an architectural marvel itself) and displays some of his best work.

As you approach, you’ll notice a number of bronze sculptures outside, surrounding the building and overlooking the sea. But step inside to admire some of his most famous pieces of work, including two lovely pieces, the mythology-inspired Psyche and Contemplation (made in an Art Deco style).

In total, Mestrovic created a whopping 192 awe-inspiring sculptures and 583 drawings between 1898 and 1961!

Don’t miss the inspiring film, which details his life, including the wars he lived through and years he spent in exile. We found it quite moving, and it explains how these events influenced his work.

Through Mestrovic’s art, you’ll learn about his policies and philosophy and uncover the fascinating story of what it meant to be a sculptor throughout 80 years of tumultuous European history.

Once you’ve finished exploring the museum, take a short walk to the private chapel across the street, where you can take in immense coastal views and also some impressive wood carvings inside.

No doubt about it. This gallery is one of the highlights of Split.

4) Climb the bell tower

For great views of Split Old Town, climb to the top of the cathedral’s bell tower.
For great views of Split Old Town, climb to the top of the cathedral’s bell tower

Look up at Split’s skyline. Notice the 187-foot-high bell tower that rises up from the Cathedral of Saint Domnius?

It dates back to the 13th century (but was refurbished in the 20th century).

The piece de resistance is the view from the top. For around 20 kuna (less than $3 USD), you can climb up 200 stairs and take in panoramic views of Diocletian’s Palace, the Adriatic and Split city, sprawling beneath you.

But don’t miss the rest of the cathedral as well. (The bell tower is positively modern compared to it.) It’s the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world.

The Cathedral of Saint Domnius is one of the iconic symbols of Split.
The Cathedral of Saint Domnius is one of the iconic symbols of Split

The cathedral’s main structure is the historic mausoleum built for Diocletian (the emperor who built the palace).

Inside the cathedral, admire ornate carvings depicting scenes from Christ’s life and more.

5) Visit Trogir on a day trip

The beautiful medieval town of Trogir
The beautiful medieval town of Trogir is located on an island, connected by bridges to the mainland

One of the best day trips from Split, Trogir is a charming town nicknamed “Little Venice.”

But you won’t find any canals or gondolas here. Instead, it’s named after the Italian city thanks to its winding cobblestone streets.

No matter that it has no canals. Visiting Trogir is absolutely delightful!

With a history spanning 2,300 years, Trogir was first settled by the ancient Greeks, then influenced by Romans, Venetians, Ottomans and Croats.

The result? A stunning mix of architecture, where Gothic buildings sit beside Romanesque masterpieces like the Cathedral of St. Lawrence.

Part of the ornately carved stone doorway to the Cathedral of St. Lawrence
Part of the ornately carved stone doorway to the Cathedral of St. Lawrence

While Trogir isn’t packed with attractions, its ancient buildings and slower pace of life will capture your heart. And if you climb the cathedral’s bell tower, you’ll be treated to the most amazing views!

We took the local bus to Trogir and back (a 40- to 60-minute ride from Split), enjoying a delicious lunch of home-made shrimp linguine at Restaurant Tragos in Trogir.

6) Go underground in Diocletian’s Palace basement

Visitors tour the historic cellars of Diocletian’s Palace
Visitors tour the historic cellars of Diocletian’s Palace

Back in Split, one of the best parts of Diocletian’s Palace is actually underground.

Descend into the basement of Diocletian’s Palace where ancient artifacts – including a stone sewer system – offer a glimpse into the city’s past. Stalls near the entrance sell local arts and crafts.

It’s a little cold underground, so you might want to wear a sweater.

And there’s a small entrance fee; you can buy your cellar tickets here.

7) Pop into the Split City Museum

The Split City Museum is housed in the palace – in an impressive Gothic townhouse in the heart of Old Town Split.

It’s a good place to visit to get an overall impression of the city and learn about its history in a short space of time (an hour is sufficient).

Tickets are inexpensive.

8) Gawk at the beautiful views from Marjan Hill

You get great views of Split and its harbor from Marjan Hill.
You get great views of Split and its harbor from Marjan Hill

A 584-foot-high hill, Marjan Hill is a fabulous green oasis close to the Old Town of Split.

With walking trails meandering through the pine forest, it’s a great place to escape the crowds of the Old Town when you need a dose of nature.

But the real reason to go to Marjan Hill is to gawk at the spectacular 360-degree views offered at the top. We found it quite easy walking up the wide set of stone stairs.

You don’t even have to go to the top.

The views half-way up are splendid enough. You’ll find a pleasant café bar (Vidilica) here. Enjoy a coffee or beer while soaking up panoramic views of Split’s Old Town and the cruise ships and boats in the harbor.

The Vidilica café bar is a pleasant place to take in the views from Marjan Hill in Split, Croatia.
The Vidilica café bar is a pleasant place to take in the views from Marjan Hill

It’s also pleasant to wander through the tree-shaded Old Jewish Cemetery, founded in 1573.

Along with Diocletian’s Palace (#1), Marjan Hill is one of the top attractions in Split.

9) Go stand-up paddleboarding at night

After exploring on land, why not take to the sea?

For a unique Split sightseeing experience, try this night-time stand-up paddleboarding tour.

It starts at sunset, with views of the sky ablaze in orange and pink. Then, as night falls, your LED-lit paddleboard glows beneath you, illuminating the Adriatic’s depths. You’ll also enjoy views of the city’s twinkling lights.

Along the way, a local guide shares insights about the Adriatic Sea – and helps if you’re new to paddleboarding.

10) Rub the toe of Bishop Gregory of Nin

This 28-foot-tall statue of Bishop Gregory stands just outside the palace’s Golden Gate.
This 28-foot-tall statue of Bishop Gregory stands just outside the palace’s Golden Gate

Remember Ivan Mestrovic, the Croatian sculptor?

He created the towering statue of Bishop Gregory of Nin, which stands outside Diocletian’s Palace – and rubbing its toe is now one of the top things to do in Split!

Gregory, who defied Rome in 926 AD by advocating for the national language in churches, is revered as a protector of Croatian culture. Statues of him are found across Croatia, but Split’s is one of the largest.

So many people have rubbed Bishop Gregory’s toe for good luck that it’s been worn smooth and shiny.
So many people have rubbed Bishop Gregory’s toe for good luck that it’s been worn smooth and shiny

So why rub the toe?

It’s a Croatian custom. Just just like wishing on a wishbone, locals believe it brings good luck.

You’ll know which toe grants wishes – it’s the only one that’s not dark bronze. Constant rubbing by locals and tourists has turned it golden!

11) Explore Klis Fortress

Klis Fortress is interesting to explore, especially if you’re a “Game of Thrones” fan (and the views are amazing)
Klis Fortress is interesting to explore, especially if you’re a “Game of Thrones” fan (and the views are amazing)

While not in the city center, Klis Fortress is a must-see in Split for history buffs and Game of Thrones fans.

Located in the tiny village of Klis about eight miles away, this hilltop fortress dates back over 2,000 years.

Originally built by the Illyrians in the 2nd century BC, it later became a Roman outpost before evolving into a key medieval stronghold, defending this part of Croatia from Mongols and Ottomans.

Beyond its rich history, Klis offers wonderful views of Split. And Game of Thrones fans will recognize it as the filming location for Meereen!

12) See the waterfalls at Krka National Park

On a summer day, visiting the Krka waterfalls is a treat.
On a summer day, visiting the Krka waterfalls is a treat

Chase waterfalls on this fun day trip from Split.

Spreading out over 55 square miles, Krka National Park encompasses seven waterfalls.

The most popular (and spectacular!) is Skradinski Buk Falls, which plunges 148 feet into a turquoise pool.

They’re a spectacle to look at, but as of 2021, you can no longer swim in these falls. This is to preserve the water quality in the park. (You can, however, swim at other places in the park.)

Another gorgeous Krka waterfall is the multi-tiered Roski Slap (slap means waterfall in Croatian). This is actually a series of twelve waterfalls with a total length of 2,133 feet, so it’s the perfect place for a waterfall walk.

Once you’re all waterfalled out, visit Visovac, a miniature island in the Krka River.

Franciscan Monks settled on the island in 1445, and they constructed a monastery and church. Although you won’t find the original monastery today (it was rebuilt in the 18th century), there’s a small exhibit to explore with some artifacts and a library.

Krka National Park is located about 50 miles, or an hour’s drive, from Split’s town center. You can visit it independently by renting a car or by going on a guided tour.

Guided tours often include stops at local businesses and/or visits to other attractions – so they can be great opportunities to discover other aspects of Dalmatian culture.

For example, this full-day Krka and Sibenik tour combines a visit to the waterfalls (including swimming and a Dalmatian lunch) with a visit to Sibenik to see the UNESCO-listed St. James Cathedral.

And this highly-regarded Krka tour features olive oil, wine and cheese tasting, as well as a boat ride to the small town of Skradin.

13) Get nautical at the Croatian Maritime Museum of Split

The white-hulled 1931 vessel “Bakar” in the Croatian Maritime Museum courtyard.
The bow of the 1931 vessel “Bakar” in the Croatian Maritime Museum courtyard

Because there are so many historical and cultural Split tourist attractions, sometimes it’s easy to forget that the Adriatic Sea is right at your doorstep.

But visit the Croatian Maritime Museum of Split (which opened in 1997) and you’ll get a full overview of Croatian marine history.

Located in the Gripe Fortress, it displays a fairly small but fascinating collection, ranging from Adriatic galley ships to the cruise liners that dock in the modern city today in the summer months.

Once you’re finished, step outside into the fortress courtyard. See the huge bow of a vessel named Bakar from early socialist Yugoslavia days, along with a traditional fishing boat (called a “gajeta”) from the 1850s, one of the oldest surviving vessels in the region.

14) Taste Croatian wines at Zinfandel Wine Bar

Croatian wine and crooning go hand-in-hand at Zinfandel Wine Bar in Split, Croatia.
Croatian wine and crooning go hand-in-hand at this popular wine bar (Credit: Zinfandel Wine Bar)

Croatia makes some first-rate wines. That’s not surprising, considering the country has the perfect weather for growing wine grapes.

Take Zinfandel (aka Primitivo). It’s the parent grape of Plavac Mali, Croatia’s most popular red wine.

Then there’s Posip, produced in Croatia’s southern Dalmatia region. (Dalmatia is a narrow strip of land along the Adriatic coast, encompassing hundreds of Croatian islands and the city of Split.)

Posip is a fresh white wine with hints of melon, citrus and apple flavors.

Grk is our favorite white Croatian wine. It’s a beautiful high-quality dry wine, primarily made in the village of Lumbarda on the island of Korcula.

Anyway, Split has a handful of inviting wine bars.

One of the best is Zinfandel Wine Bar, a great spot for wine tasting and a bite.

The home-made pastas are excellent. Try the chevre ravioli with burnt fig jam, sage butter and pine nuts.

You can taste more than 60 wines by the glass, and there’s live music every night. A soulful couple belted out songs à la Amy Winehouse and Macy Gray the night we went.

15) Soar on a zipline

Fancy ziplining?

You’ll feel like Batman as you soar through the treetops in Kozjak Mountain, about a 30-minute drive from Split.

You don’t need to worry about making your own way there, as this ziplining tour (which is rated 5 stars) picks you up from your Split hotel.

The tour includes a full safety briefing and a chain of canopy rides. You’ll take in the sea, mountains and forests while zooming in the air around this beautiful part of Croatia.

16) Relax at one of Split’s beaches

While Split is one of Croatia’s best coastal cities, it’s not really known for its beaches. (There are better beaches in Dubrovnik and on the islands.)

But when you’re hot and want to cool off with a swim, there are some beaches in Split you might want to check out.

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Bacvice Beach

The closest beach to Split Old Town, Bacvice Beach is soft and sandy.

Because the water is shallow by the shore, locals love to play a sport called Picigin there. (It involves throwing a ball to teammates in shallow water, without dropping the ball.) There’s even a Picigin World Cup in Split each year!

Bacvice Beach can be very busy in the summer months, especially in the middle of the day. And some reports say it isn’t the cleanest. (We didn’t go there, so we can’t comment personally.)

Kasjuni Beach

Kasjuni Beach is one of the best beaches in Split.
Kasjuni Beach is one of the best beaches in Split

This beach is probably a better bet (our hotel suggested it over Bacvice Beach).

It’s further away, though, almost two miles from Split center on the Marjan Peninsula. (Take a taxi or Uber, or the local bus #12, to get there.)

With somewhat of a rural feel, Kasjuni Beach is one of the best places to visit in Split for a swim in the perfectly blue Adriatic Sea.

There are a couple of beach clubs where you can rent beach chairs under an umbrella (and get a drink). But feel free to spread out your towel right on the pebble beach if you don’t want to pay anything.

This beach can also be busy during the peak summer season, but we’re told the crowds are always smaller here than at Bacvice Beach. Go in the morning to stake out the best spot to chill for the day.

Radisson Blu Beach Club

Cabanas by the sea at Mistral Beach Club, Split
Fancy lounging in a cabana by the sea? (Credit: Mistral Beach Club)

If you’re looking for somewhere to both enjoy the Croatian coastline and have a few drinks or some beachside food, check out the Mistral Beach Club at the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa.

Serving Mediterranean-style tapas and fruity cocktails, this beach club is the perfect place to spend a day – sipping, noshing and swimming as you go!

17) Go on a Game of Thrones tour

Ask any TV buff what they think of when you say Croatia, and they’ll likely say three words: Game of Thrones.

Many scenes from Series Three, Four and Five were filmed in the Split city center and vicinity.

One of the best Game of Thrones-themed places to see in Split is Diocletian’s Palace. It’s where Daenerys locked up her dragons.

The palace was used for other scenes throughout the series too.

Klis Fortress (see #11 above) is another popular filming location – it was the site for Meereen City.

You can visit these Game of Thrones locations independently. Or if you want to learn lots of trivia about the series and see as many places as possible in a compact period of time, opt for a Game of Thrones tour.

Either way, it’s something you must do in Split if you love the show!

18) Shop

Lavender sachets for sale
Lavender sachets for sale

Hands up if you enjoy shopping for souvenirs or gifts when you’re on vacation! Well, you’re in luck in Split.

The main streets of the Old Town are lined with stores selling locally-made artisanal crafts, traditional Croatian wine, lavender products and the like. There are some mouthwatering gelato shops too.

And don’t get us started on the shoe stores!

Being a large city, Split has a few different shopping areas depending on what type of product you fancy.

If you want to buy or window shop for designer brands, head to Marmont Street. If you’re looking for unique souvenirs and craft products, visit the cellars of Diocletian’s Palace (#6), where you’ll find a local gift market.

Alternatively, the Mall of Split is the largest shopping center in Dalmatia, featuring well-known brands like Mango and Timberland.

19) Go on a Croatian food tour

Share the love of food on a Croatian food tour in Split
Share the love of food on a Croatian food tour in Split (Credit: EATinSPLIT)

Italian, Greek and Spanish cuisines are famous all over the globe. But what about Croatian cuisine?

It’s also famous for its rich flavors and fresh ingredients. Grilled lamb, fish that was swimming in the sea just hours before it ended up on our plates, squid ink risotto, creative pastas, truffle cheeses, delicious Croatian desserts. We ate very well in Split and Croatia!

A great way to learn all about Croatian food is to go on a guided food tour.

In Split, this gastronomical food tour by “EATinSPLIT” begins at the famous Green Market, where you’ll sample a traditional inland brunch of cheese, pancetta, prosciutto and peka bread (baked under a peka bell lid).

Then you’ll taste seafood, hand-made macaroni pasta and olive oil pies (accompanied by Croatian wines, of course!) at a hidden konoba (traditional tavern-style restaurant) inside Diocletian’s Palace.

Lastly, you’ll visit the oldest pastry shop in the Old Town for some traditional sweets and gelato.

You’ll leave stuffed and happy – and know a lot more about the history and gastronomy of Split!

20) Walk the Veli Varos area

Take a step back in time as you amble through the maze of narrow pedestrian-only streets in Split’s historic Veli Varos area.

Hugging the Old Town to the west, this part of the city dates back to the 17th century when it was first founded by fishermen. The quaint stone houses still echo with history.

It’s a lovely place for a morning stroll but it’s most famous for its churches.

Possibly the main attraction in Veli Varos is the Church of St Nicholas. Built in a pre-Romanesque style, the 11th century church has a massive bell tower.

There’s also the parish Church of St. Cross which dates back to 1681 and has a baroque bell tower.

Also, don’t miss the Franciscan Monastery and Church of St. Francis, home to the tombs of notable people from Split, like Croatian writer Marko Marulic.

Don’t worry about getting lost. We did, and it was no problem. It’s fairly easy to find your way out back to the seaside or Marjan Hill area.

21) Enjoy a “Blue Lagoon” day trip

Turquoise waters of the beautiful blue lagoon near Split
Who wants to go for a dip in the turquoise waters of this beautiful blue lagoon near Split?

Croatia is gloriously warm (er, hot!) in the summer months. So why not dive into its crystal clear waters on a blue lagoon day trip!

Usually, blue lagoons are created by coral reefs and are found in countries much further south like Thailand or Kenya.

But a collection of small islands close to Split is home to a blue lagoon similar to its tropical counterparts, thanks to the shallow waters between each island.

You can visit this blue lagoon on a Split day trip or half-day trip. The best way to see it is by booking an organized tour.

This 5-islands tour aboard a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) is a good option for an all-day trip. It includes snorkeling and swimming in the blue lagoon, as well as visits to the Blue Cave (which glows blue) and the seductive islands of Vis and Hvar.

Some blue lagoon day trips, like this 5½-hour speedboat tour, include a stop at historical Trogir (#5 above).

Travel tips for visiting Split

Best time to visit Split, Croatia

Sightseeing in Split
It’s obviously more pleasant to be sightseeing in Split when the weather is warm as opposed to cold

Summer in Split

Like much of Europe, Split is heaving in the summer months, particularly in July and August, when European children are off school.

If you’re visiting during these months, you’ll find that hotels may be costly and fully booked far in advance. Attractions will be much busier.

Of course, if you’re a fan of hot weather, these months are perfect. Temperatures can reach up to 85 F or higher.

(And if you have school-age children and want to travel as a family, you might only be able to go during school holidays.)

Just make sure that you book your accommodation and any tours well in advance.

Spring and autumn in Split

If you’re looking for a quieter vacation and are able to travel out of peak season, head to Split in the shoulder season months of either May or September.

European school holidays usually end in the first week of September at the latest.

During shoulder season, the weather will still be warm (expect highs of around 73 F in May and 77 F in September). In fact, it was downright hot for us in early June.

But there’ll be fewer crowds. Hotels are likely to be cheaper too.

September is great for sea swimming as well. (In May, you might find that the Mediterranean waters are a little chilly!)

Split in winter

Visitors in winter clothes walking in Split, Croatia
Split is a year-round destination (but some tours won’t be available in winter)

In the winter months, Split is a lot cooler – expect highs of around 50 F and lows of 42 F in January. In December and February, it’s usually marginally warmer.

But this season sees far fewer crowds and the whole region has a much more local vibe.

There are still plenty of things to see in Split in the winter, though.

Because it’s a city, its main sites stay open year-round. You might find that some tours aren’t running or the most touristy beachside restaurants are closed, but local spots stay open.

Plus, during the winter, you’ll enjoy way fewer crowds and cheaper prices.

How to get to Split

You can reach Split by air, rail or road. Its airport is the second-busiest in the country, after Zagreb, with flights to many European destinations.

If you’re flying from the USA, you might need to transfer somewhere in Europe, such as London. European airports are well-connected to Split.

From the Split Airport (also known as the Saint Jerome Airport), you can take a taxi or the #37 bus to get to the city center.

Alternatively, if you’re already exploring Croatia, Split is around a 6-hour train ride from Zagreb or a 4½-hour bus ride from Dubrovnik.

As well, various local ferries travel to Split from Dubrovnik and some of the Croatian islands. Jadrolinja is the largest ferry company (it’s state-owned).

Where to stay in Split

Being a large city, there are countless hotels in Split to choose from. Here are a few recommendations to make the selection easier:

Judita Palace Heritage Hotel

Guestrooms are comfy and luxurious at Judita Palace Heritage Hotel, Split
Guestrooms are comfy and luxurious (Credit: Judita Palace Heritage Hotel)

We adore the Judita Palace Heritage Hotel – we stayed here, and couldn’t have been happier.

Housed in a lovingly restored 16th-century building, this boutique gem is an oasis right in the center of the Old Town.

The 19 guestrooms are extremely comfortable, featuring polished wood floors, elegant furniture, glittering chandeliers and luxurious newly-renovated bathrooms. Bathrobes and slippers are included.

Breakfast – complete with fresh fruit, pastries and egg dishes – is included in the rates.

It’s served in an attractive light-filled room with antique furniture. The breakfast plates are gold-rimmed; even the cutlery is gold.

The lovely breakfast room at Judita Palace Heritage Hotel
The lovely breakfast room  (Credit: Lower image, Judita Palace Heritage Hotel)

The staff are welcoming and extremely helpful. And they’re familiar with North American tastes (many Americans stay at the Judita Palace).

Nothing was too much trouble, from meeting us at the ferry (when checking in) to carrying our bags to the taxi area outside the Old Town (when checking out) – and all of this with good grace and humor.

Hotel Park

Situated just outside of the Old Town, Hotel Park has all of the features you’d want to feel like you’re on a real vacation, while being just a stone’s throw from Split’s best amenities.

Built in 1920, it was extensively refurbished in 2015. You’ll enjoy both historic grandeur and modern luxury when you stay here.

Take a dip in the outdoor pool, order a fresh cocktail at the bar or simply appreciate your room. All rooms feature comfortable beds, tea- and coffee-making facilities and ensuite bathrooms.

Radisson Blu Resort & Spa

Stay at the Radisson in Split for pools and access to the Mistral Beach Club.
Stay at the Radisson for pools and access to the Mistral Beach Club (Credit: Radisson Blu Resort & Spa)

If you fancy somewhere that’s right by the sea, opt for the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa.

This modern resort suits both business and leisure travelers.

It has a bit of a vacation vibe, with beachfront restaurants, a beach club and two gorgeous pools for enjoying Croatia’s summer heat.

It’s not easy walking distance to the Old Town though. (Diocletian’s Palace is a little over 1½ miles away.)

Now you know what to do in Split, Croatia!

Split is one of the best cities to visit in Croatia
Split is one of the most best cities to visit in Croatia, and it’s worth spending a a few days here!

Once you step into this gorgeous Croatian city, you’ll understand what all the travel guides rave about.

The cobbled streets, ancient buildings and epic seafront views make Split look like it pranced right off a postcard.

It’s brimming with history just waiting for you discover. And the local food scene is one of the best in Croatia.

Whatever your tastes, there’s something for everyone in majestic Split.

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Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation.

Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)

Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info.

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About the authors

Janice and George Mucalov are award-winning travel journalists who’ve explored all seven continents. They share destination guidesluxury hotel reviewscultural adventurescruise insightstravel tips and more on their luxury travel blog, Sand In My Suitcase. See About.

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