Why Visit Split

Split is a coastal city in Croatia with a lot to offer visitors. You can explore the ancient Roman ruins of Diocletian’s Palace, enjoy the beautiful beaches and islands, sample the delicious local food and drink, experience the lively nightlife, and take in the stunning natural scenery. Split is a great place to visit if you want to experience the best of Croatia’s culture, history, and natural beauty. It’s a perfect little mix of everything

 

Things to do in Split

• Visit Diocletian’s Palace: This ancient Roman palace, built in the 4th century AD, is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Visitors can explore its many galleries, courtyards, and underground chambers, and learn about the palace’s fascinating history.
• Relax on the Beach: Split is home to several beautiful beaches, including the popular Bacvice beach, located near the city center. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.
• Take a Boat Tour: Visitors can take a boat tour to the nearby islands of Brac and Hvar, which offer some of the most picturesque beaches and stunning natural scenery in Croatia.
• Try Local Food and Drink: Split has a vibrant food scene, with plenty of restaurants and cafes serving up delicious local specialties like fresh seafood, grilled meat dishes, and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. Visitors can also enjoy local wines, craft beers, and traditional spirits like rakija and grappa.
• Explore Marjan Hill: This forested nature reserve offers panoramic views of the city and the Adriatic Sea, as well as plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore.
• Visit the Museums: Split has several museums showcasing its history and culture, including the Archaeological Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, and the Museum of Croatian Archeological Monuments.
• Experience the Nightlife: Split has a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from. Visitors can dance the night away in the clubs of the city center, or enjoy a cocktail or beer in one of the many trendy bars along the Riva, Split’s main waterfront promenade.

Attractions and Things to see in Split

• Bacvice Beach: This popular beach, located near the city center, is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
• Riva Promenade: This waterfront promenade is a great place to take a stroll, enjoy a coffee or cocktail at one of the many bars and cafes, and take in the beautiful views of the sea and the city.
• Cathedral of St. Domnius: This historic cathedral, located within the Diocletian’s Palace, is one of the oldest Christian buildings in the world.
• Split Archaeological Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of Split and the surrounding area, with exhibits ranging from ancient Roman artifacts to medieval artworks.
• Klis Fortress: This medieval fortress, located just outside Split, offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and has been featured in popular TV shows like Game of Thrones.
• Ivan Mestrovic Gallery: This museum showcases the work of Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic, with exhibits ranging from small-scale sculptures to monumental works of public art.
• Green Market: This bustling market, located in the city center, is a great place to sample local fruits, vegetables, and other culinary delights.
• Varos: This historic neighborhood, located just outside the city center, is a charming maze of narrow streets, colorful houses, and stunning views of the sea and the surrounding hills.

 

Where to stay in Split

Split, Croatia has a variety of accommodation options for visitors. Here are some areas to consider when deciding where to stay:

• Old Town (Diocletian’s Palace): This area is the heart of Split’s historic district, and is home to many hotels, apartments, and guesthouses. Staying in the Old Town puts you within easy walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions, including Diocletian’s Palace, the Riva Promenade, and the Cathedral of St. Domnius.
• Bacvice: This area is located just east of the city center, and is home to the popular Bacvice Beach. Staying in Bacvice puts you within easy walking distance of the beach, as well as many bars, restaurants, and cafes.
• Marjan: This forested hill overlooking the city is home to many hiking and biking trails, as well as several hotels and guesthouses. Staying in Marjan puts you in a quieter, more natural setting, while still within easy reach of the city center.
• Radunica: This historic neighborhood is located just outside the Old Town, and is known for its narrow streets and colorful houses. Staying in Radunica puts you in a quieter, more residential area, while still within easy walking distance of the city center.
• Znjan: This area is located to the south of the city center, and is home to several large hotels and apartment complexes. Staying in Znjan puts you close to several popular beaches, as well as a large shopping center.

 

Is Split Expensive?

Compared to some other European destinations, Split is generally considered to be affordable. Prices for accommodation, food, and activities are generally lower than in places like Paris or London, but can still vary depending on the time of year and the specific location within the city. Generally, prices are higher in the tourist areas, especially during the peak season in the summer. However, by staying in less touristy areas and avoiding expensive restaurants, it is possible to enjoy Split on a budget.

Cafes, Night clubs, and Bars in Split

Split has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many cafes, bars, and nightclubs to choose from. Here are some popular spots:

• Central Square: This bustling square in the heart of the Old Town is home to several cafes and bars, and is a popular spot for people-watching.
• Hemingway Bar: This popular bar, located just outside the Old Town, has a great selection of cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Vanilla Club: This nightclub, located near Bacvice Beach, is one of the most popular in the city, with a lively atmosphere and a great selection of DJs.
• Tropic Club: This open-air nightclub, located in the heart of the Old Town, is a popular spot for dancing the night away.
• F-Caffe: This trendy cafe/bar, located in the Marjan neighborhood, is a great spot for a coffee or a cocktail, with a beautiful terrace overlooking the city.
• Academia Club Ghetto: This underground nightclub, located in the Old Town, is known for its great music and eclectic crowd.
• Gaga Bar: This laid-back bar, located near the Riva Promenade, is a great spot for a drink and some people-watching.
• Galerija Club: This stylish club, located near the city center, has a great atmosphere and a diverse crowd.
• Charlie’s Bar: This popular bar, located in the Varos neighborhood, is known for its great cocktails and friendly atmosphere.

 

Food and Restaurants in Split

Split is a great destination for foodies, with many restaurants serving up delicious traditional Dalmatian cuisine, as well as international dishes. Here are some popular spots to try:

• Konoba Nikola: This cozy, family-run restaurant in the Old Town serves up delicious traditional Dalmatian dishes, including grilled fish and seafood.
• Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar: This trendy restaurant, located in the city center, offers a modern take on traditional Croatian cuisine, with a great selection of local wines.
• Uje Oil Bar: This popular spot, located near the Riva Promenade, specializes in high-quality olive oils and traditional Dalmatian dishes, such as prosciutto and cheese plates.
• Buffet Fife: This no-frills restaurant, located near the ferry terminal, is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, serving up hearty traditional dishes, such as grilled meats and stews.
• Dvor: This elegant restaurant, located in a historic palace in the Old Town, offers a fine dining experience with a focus on local ingredients and traditional flavors.
• Zrno Soli: This popular seafood restaurant, located near Bacvice Beach, serves up fresh fish and seafood dishes with a modern twist.
• Villa Spiza: This cozy restaurant, located in a hidden alleyway in the Old Town, offers a changing daily menu of fresh, locally-sourced dishes.
• Paradigma: This stylish restaurant, located near the Marjan hill, offers a modern take on Mediterranean cuisine, with a great selection of vegetarian and vegan options.
• Corto Maltese: This popular spot near the Riva Promenade offers a casual atmosphere and a menu of international dishes, such as burgers and pizzas.
• Nostromo: This upscale seafood restaurant, located near the ferry terminal, offers a great selection of fresh fish and seafood dishes, as well as a beautiful outdoor terrace.

Beaches in Split

Split is located on the Adriatic Sea and has several beautiful beaches to choose from. Here are some popular options:

• Bacvice Beach: This is the most popular beach in Split, located just a short walk from the city center. It’s known for its clear waters and sandy bottom, as well as its lively atmosphere with bars and restaurants.
• Kasjuni Beach: This beautiful pebble beach is located at the base of the Marjan Hill and offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. It’s a great spot for swimming and sunbathing, as well as water sports like kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
• Bene Beach: This family-friendly beach is also located at the base of the Marjan Hill and offers plenty of shade and picnic areas, as well as a playground for kids.
• Trstenik Beach: This small pebble beach is located in the southeastern part of Split and is a great spot for swimming and sunbathing, with crystal-clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Znjan Beach: This long, pebble beach is located on the outskirts of Split and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, with plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants nearby.
• Kaštelet Beach: This secluded beach is located near the Marjan Hill and is a great spot for a quiet swim and some relaxation.
• Jezinac Beach: This small pebble beach is located near the city center and offers clear waters and a peaceful atmosphere.
• Firule Beach: This long, sandy beach is located east of the city center and offers plenty of space for swimming and sunbathing, as well as water sports like windsurfing and kitesurfing.
• Ovcice Beach: This small pebble beach is located near Bacvice Beach and is a great spot for a quiet swim away from the crowds.

 

Public Transportation in Split

Split has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and ferries, making it easy to get around the city and surrounding areas.

Bus

The local bus company in Split is called Promet Split, which operates a network of routes throughout the city and the suburbs. The buses are relatively inexpensive and run frequently, with routes and schedules available on the Promet Split website.

Ferry

Split is a major transportation hub for ferries, offering connections to several nearby islands, including Hvar, Brac, and Vis. The main ferry terminal is located in the city center, with schedules and prices available on the Jadrolinija website.

Taxi

Taxis are also available throughout the city, with taxi stands located in various parts of the city. However, it’s important to ensure that the taxi is licensed and that the meter is running to avoid being overcharged.

Bicycle

Split also has a growing network of bike rental services and bike paths, making it an eco-friendly and enjoyable way to explore the city.

Walking

Finally, Split is a compact and walkable city, with many of the main attractions located within walking distance of each other. It’s a great way to get some exercise and take in the sights and sounds of the city.

Split History

Split has a rich and varied history, dating back to its founding as a Greek colony in the 4th century BC. Over the centuries, it was ruled by the Romans, the Venetians, and the Austrians, among others, leaving behind a diverse cultural heritage and architectural legacy. The most notable landmark in Split is the Diocletian’s Palace, built by the Roman emperor Diocletian in the 4th century AD, which still stands today as one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture in the world. Throughout its history, Split has played a key role in the development of the region, serving as an important port city and cultural center. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its stunning beaches, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.