Croatia Travel Guide – The Best Things to Do in Split

Located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is an incredible country that has been growing in popularity in recent years thanks to its role as a filming location for the hit show Game of Thrones. Split is the second largest city in Croatia, and there’s so much to do it can be hard to know where to start. If you’re planning a trip to the region, here’s my guide to Split which includes the top things to do, where to eat, best hotels, how to get around, and more!

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How to Get to Split

There are a few ways to get to Split depending on where you are coming from. 

International: If you’re coming from outside of Croatia, you’ll most likely fly into Split’s international airport. 

From Dubrovnik: If you are already in Croatia and traveling from Dubrovnik, then you can either drive, fly, or take a ferry. Driving from Dubrovnik to Split takes around 4 hours and you can either rent a car or hire a private shuttle. There’s also a ferry/catamaran that you can take from Dubrovnik to Split, but this will take a bit longer, around 5 hours. There’s also a few buses that run between Dubrovnik and Split, but they often experience delays so you’ll want to plan for potential disruptions. 

From Zagreb: If you’re traveling to Split from Zagreb, you can either fly, drive, or take a train. The flight from Zagreb to Split is under an hour and operates several times a day. Just like driving from Dubrovnik, driving from Zagreb takes around 4 hours and you can either rent a car, get a private shuttle, or take a bus. While there is a train that goes from Zagreb to Split, it takes almost 8 hours so I would not recommend it.

Best Time to Visit Split

Split sees the most tourists during the summer months of July and August. However, in my opinion, the best time to visit is May, June, or September. The weather is still warm, there’s fewer crowds compared to peak season, and hotel prices will be lower. 

While July and August do have great weather for laying on the beach and swimming, hotel prices will be significantly higher, there’s a LOT more tourists, and reservations will be needed for many restaurants.

10 Best Things To Do In Split

1. Diocletian’s Palace

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The Diocletian’s Palace is a UNESCO-listed Roman palace complex built around 305 AD for Emperor Diocletian in the heart of Split, and today it functions as a living old town. Roughly half palace and half fortified city, it’s packed with narrow stone streets, hidden courtyards, shops, cafés, and residences. The key things you’ll want to see are the Peristyle courtyard (the palace’s central square), the Cathedral of Saint Domnius (originally Diocletian’s mausoleum), the Temple of Jupiter, and the underground cellars. 

2. Catamaran Island Hopping Cruise

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A trip to Croatia wouldn’t be complete without a boat day! The Pakleni Islands are a stunning chain of small, forested islands just off the coast of Hvar, known for their crystal-clear turquoise waters, secluded coves, and beach atmosphere. Many boat tours will also take you to the famous Blue Cave, known for its glowing, electric-blue water, created when sunlight passes through an underwater opening and reflects up through the cave, illuminating the entire interior. A catamaran cruise is a great way to explore them all while also soaking up some sun or going for a quick dip in the refreshing Adriatic water!

3. Visit Krka National Park

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Krka National Park is a stunning waterfall-filled park located about 1 hour from Split, known for its series of cascading falls, lush greenery, and easy-access walking paths. The park’s main highlight is Skradinski Buk, a wide, multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by wooden boardwalks that loop through scenic viewpoints, historic water mills, and shaded forest trails. Other notable spots include Roški Slap and Visovac Island, home to a picturesque monastery set in the middle of the river. Most visitors spend 2–4 hours exploring, making it a popular day trip from Split, and the park is more compact and easier to navigate than Plitvice. 

4. Day Trip to Hvar Island

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Hvar is one of the most popular island day trips from Split, and can be reached easily by ferry or catamaran.  Hvar is known for its lively atmosphere, upscale beach clubs, and scenic harbor in Hvar Town, along with easy access to the Pakleni Islands for swimming and boating. You can visit Fortica Fortress at the top of a hill for panoramic views, explore the cobblestone streets of Hvar Town, see the Cathedral of St. Stephen, visit the Franciscan Monastery, relax at a beachclub, or go nightlife hopping!  While Hvar can definitely be done as a day trip (that’s what we did), it’s even better with an overnight stay to fully experience its nightlife.

5. Plitvice Lakes National Park

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Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s most famous natural attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its stunning chain of 16 terraced lakes connected by cascading waterfalls and vivid turquoise waters. Located about 2–2.5 hours from Split or Zagreb, the park is full of hiking trails, offering immersive views of waterfalls like Veliki Slap (the tallest in the park!). You’ll want at least 4–6 hours to explore since the park is massive and there are so many route options. 

Tip: You’ll definitely want to book tickets in advance during peak season (summer) and bring comfortable walking shoes! Also note that you cannot swim in any of the lakes at Plitvice.

6. Relax at a Beach Club

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A trip to Croatia wouldn’t be complete without relaxing at one of the country’s gorgeous beaches. Split’s location on the Adriatic Sea means crystal clear, perfectly blue water. There’s countless beaches in Split as well as plenty of beach clubs and bars to rent sunbeds and relax with a cocktail! 

Tip: most beaches in Croatia are fairly rocky, so you may want to bring water shoes!

7. Croatian Wine Tasting

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If you’re a fan of wine, then you’ll definitely want to try out the wines of Croatia. Croatia’s mediterranean climate means the country produces incredible wines of all varieties. You can take a trip to a vineyard for panoramic views, or if you want a more relaxed environment you can visit one of the city’s wine bars. We went to Bedalov winery just outside the city and absolutely loved it!

8. Walk the Riva Promenade

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If you arrive in Split by boat, one of the first things you’ll see is the Riva Promenade. The Riva Promenade is the main waterfront strip in Split and one of the most iconic areas in the city, running along the southern edge of Diocletian’s Palace. Lined with palm trees, cafés, restaurants, and bars, it’s the social heart of Split where people come to stroll, relax, and people-watch throughout the day. The promenade offers beautiful views of the harbor and passing boats, and it’s especially popular at sunset and in the evening.

9. Croatian Food Tour

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If you’re a foodie or want to learn about local gastronomy, a food tour in Split is a great way to combine sightseeing with local cuisine. You’ll sample traditional Dalmatian foods like prosciutto, cheese, olive oil, seafood, and wine, often with visits to the Green Market (Pazar) and local restaurants. Be sure to come hungry!

10. Split Markets

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If you love shopping or want to bring back gifts for friends and family, you’ll definitely want to visit the markets in Split’s Old Town. The most famous market in Split is the Green Market (Pazar), a lively open-air market located right outside the eastern walls of Diocletian’s Palace. There’s rows of vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, local cheeses, cured meats, olive oils, honey, baked goods, and even handmade souvenirs. Just a short walk away is the Split Fish Market (Peškarija), known for its fresh Adriatic seafood. 

Where to Eat and Drink in Split

Best Bars in Split

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Bar Sistema | Cocktail Bar

String’s Bar | Cocktail Bar

Paloma Nera Bar | Cocktail Bar

The Daltonist | Craft Bar

Marvlvs Library | Jazz Bar

Fabrique Pub | Casual Pub

Charlie’s Bar | Casual Bar

Best Beach Clubs in Split

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Mistral Beach Club

Beach Bar Lungomare

Joe’s Beach Club

Gooshter Beach Club

How to Get Around Split

Walking: Getting around Split is easy and mostly walkable, especially within and around Diocletian’s Palace and the Old Town, where cars aren’t allowed and most major sights are within 5–15 minutes on foot.

Uber/Bolt: Rideshare apps like Uber and Bolt are available across Croatia and usually offer better prices than taxis. 

Public Transport: There’s no metro/subway in Split, but the city has an extensive bus network covering the city, nearby areas, beaches, etc. You can buy tickets directly on the bus, through the Promet Split app, or local kiosks.

Other: The ferry port is right next to Old Town, making it easy to reach islands like Hvar or Brač via ferries and catamarans. If you want more flexibility, you can rent a car or scooter, but it’s usually unnecessary unless you’re planning day trips outside the city.

How Many Days to Spend in Split

Croatia has so many places to see, so if you are trying to visit multiple cities during your trip, I would recommend spending 3-4 days in Split. In my opinion, 4 days in Split is the perfect amount of time to explore the city, do a day trip to one of the national parks, relax at a beach club, and see all of the major attractions without rushing.

Is Split Safe for Solo Travelers?

Split is generally considered to be pretty safe for tourists, and has a fairly low crime rate. However any time you are traveling you’ll want to take the usual precautions like watching your bags, avoiding poorly lit areas, etc. Most issues in the tourist areas of Split are related to petty theft like pickpocketing or taxi scams so just be sure to stay alert in crowded areas.

What to Wear in Split

Split has a mediterranean climate, which means hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll want to wear clothes that are light, breathable and comfortable. The sun in the Mediterranean region is also much stronger than you think, so it will often feel hotter than what the forecast says. It’s a great time to wear any linen outfits you’ve been wanting to show off, and cotton is another breathable fabric that I’d recommend. And of course, don’t forget your swimsuit!

If you’re visiting in the off season, then layers will be your best friend so you can quickly adapt to the changing temperature throughout the day. A light cardigan or jacket is perfect for chilly mornings and evenings.

If you’re planning to visit churches, I’d also recommend bringing a light scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders with. Also, Split’s Old Town is mostly cobblestone, so you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes and leave your heels at home!