Dubrovnik and Hvar seem to garner all the hype. If planning a visit to Croatia though, definitely don’t overlook Split! The city is sublimely easy to manage and the views of the crystal blue Adriatic Sea over red roofed buildings are breathtaking. But what keeps us longing to return, is the romantic Roman architecture. Crumbling under the exhaust of time and humanity, hints of the opulence that once was peak through the chaos of a city that grew up around it. A modern European city that, like many, holds onto the charm of the past. Read on for our list of 10 Can’t Miss Things To Do in Split!
Things To Do In Split, Croatia
1. Explore Split’s Old Town Centre
The old town centre of Split is the high street of the city. Stone buildings with beautiful archways are connected by marble stone pedestrian streets. Here you can find lovely bars and restaurants coupled with boutiques. Our favorite spot was Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar, which featured tapas style food and a great wine list. A bit on the pricier side, so suggest visiting for lunch.
2. Wander Through Diocletian’s Palace
Not your average palace. Diocletian’s Palace is a collection of 220 buildings and home to over 3,000 residents. It is more of a village than a palace. According to Lonely Planet, the “palace” spans 215m from north to south and 180m east to west. The grounds are truly beautiful. Made up of mostly marble, we highly suggest winding through the alleys and archways to find tucked away courtyards and abandoned corners. Duck in and out of shops, restaurants and gelato stalls while enjoying the sounds of local street performers. They’re is something for everyone. You’re likely to get lost, and we highly encourage it.
If you input Diocletian’s Palace into GoogleMaps it should take you to the main courtyard where there is always activity going on, especially at night.
3. Marvel at Cathedral of St. Domnius
The Cathedral of St. Domnius is one of the most well-preserved ancient Roman buildings still standing. You must purchase tickets to enter, however this will give you access to the crypt, treasury and baptistery.
Seen from almost every point in the city is the adjacent Saint Domnius Bell Tower. Tickets can be purchased separately to climb to the top of the bell tower for panoramic views over top of the city. We did not have time to enter either, but were sure to stop to marvel at the extraordinary architecture.
4. Have a Beer at Bacvice Beach
We hate to be the bearers of bad news, but this place is manic and not exactly what we would classify as a beach. Is the water beautiful and crystal clear? Yes. Can you swim here? Yes. But let it be known, there are so many people here during the summer months that you can hardly walk. And the areas where umbrellas, beach chairs and humans are strewn about, is actually concrete with a dusting of sand over top.
We’re not all doom and gloom though. This spot has great vibes as everyone enjoys some time in the sun with views out over the Adriatic Sea. Therefore, we wouldn’t suggest sunbathing here, but recommend grabbing a drink at Žbirac. This little beachside bar hangs off the hill looking over Bacvice Beach. Grab a table and enjoy some local (fairly priced) beers or an espresso.
5. Climb Marjan Hill for Sunset
Input Marjan Hill Stairs into GoogleMaps. 100 steps to the top for the best views of Split we saw our whole trip. There is a viewing platform where you can post up or if that’s too busy, anywhere on the steps offers a jaw dropping view. Bring a bottle of wine and some snacks at sunset and you won’t be disappointed.
If you don’t have time to stop for a bottle of wine or need a refill, pay a visit to Teraca Bamba on the way up or way down. Unbeatable views out over the harbour and a great wine list.
6. Day Trip to Krka National Park
The crystal clear waterfalls of Krka National Park garnered instant fame on platforms such as Pinterest, arguably putting Croatia on the map for many travelers across the world. It is easy to see why. Towering waterfalls with rushing blueish green water, surrounded by lush green forest. What’s not to love? The park is absolutely worth a stop while visiting Croatia, however we definitely have some suggestions of what to do and what not to do on your trip. Read our post here on Tips for Visiting Krka National Park when you do.
7. Reenact Game of Thrones at Klis Fortress
The medieval Fortress of Klis is only a 20 minute drive north of Split. Although over 2000 years old, she made her debut in Game of Thrones as the city of Meereen when Daenerys vengefully crucified the city’s slave masters. Not a Game of Thrones fan? Not a problem. Klis Fortress offers an unbelievable view out over the town of Klis, Split, the Adriatic Sea and beyond.
Free parking is available at the bottom of the site. There is a fee to enter, but in our opinion it’s not necessary unless you have time for a tour. We came for the views and were able to see everything we wanted to outside of the main gate. Highly suggest stopping here on your way back from visiting Krka National Park!
8. Grab a Slice of Pizza
We unfortunately were not impressed with the food in Croatia. At all. What we were pleasantly surprised by though was the pizza. Head to Pizzeria Bokamorra for amazing pizza and great cocktails. The vibe of this place is very trendy/modern, which we don’t typically go for, but this is a great spot to kick off an evening on the town.
9. Indulge in Gelato
Always a sucker for gelato and Croatia has the good stuff. No place in particular to suggest, there’s a stand every other corner. We suggest stopping to get your fill as much as possible.
10. Gaze Out Over the Riva Promenade
The Riva is the promenade along the water. Great views, but super touristy with gimmicky restaurants and shops. Therefore, we suggest taking in its beauty from above.
When exploring Diocletian’s Palace, wander through the main courtyard down a few alleyways that have you convinced you’re going the wrong way, until you find Zalogajnica Dioklecijan. The restaurant couldn’t be more simple. A smattering of outdoor tables at which tourists and locals alike share stories of the day over a local beer and hand rolled cigarette. So what’s so special? The terrace is framed by three massive arching windows offering ideal views right out to the Riva and more importantly to the ocean beyond.
Hit this place for low key sundowners. Feeling peckish? Make sure to try a cheese and ham sandwich, with ham shaved fresh behind the bar. Bonus: the restaurant owner is an older women who is so rude, it’s charming. She doesn’t put up with any shit, so we naturally took a liking to her.
And that’s all for our 10 Can’t Miss Things To Do in Split. As always, let us know if you make it! If you’ve been, we’d also love to hear about any spots we missed.
Lovely! I want GOT site 😅
Like your photography too!!!
Thanks so much Menty! Means a lot