Things to do in Split, Croatia
- The city's urban core is unique because it was not built around a palace, but rather the palace was repurposed into the city itself as inhabitants moved in during the 7th century.
- Split houses the world's oldest cathedral, Saint Domnius, which was originally constructed as the mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Diocletian.
- The city's local culture revolves heavily around 'fjaka', a state of mind described as a blend of relaxation and indifference to daily pressures.
- Split holds a distinct record for producing more Olympic medalists per capita than almost any other city in the world, despite its relatively small size.
- The traditional game of 'picigin', played with a small ball in shallow water, originated on the city's sandy beaches.
About Split, Croatia
Split is a unique urban center built directly into the remains of the Roman Diocletian's Palace, serving as the functional heart of the city today. The city serves as the primary transportation hub for the Dalmatian coast, bridging historical sites like the Saint Domnius Cathedral with natural retreats like the Forest Park Marjan. Travellers can ascend to the Marjan viewpoint for panoramic views of the Adriatic or explore the defensive architecture of the nearby Klis Fortress. This Mediterranean port city seamlessly integrates ancient ruins into modern life, allowing residents and visitors to shop and dine within millennia-old limestone walls.
Highlights of Split, Croatia
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
This UNESCO site functions as the city's living room, featuring shops, bars, and homes nestled inside ancient Roman ruins.
Parks
This large protected peninsula offers miles of jogging trails, pine forests, and quiet coves away from the urban bustle.
Temples
Visit this structure to see the transition from an imperial mausoleum to an active Catholic church.
Historical places
Pass through this massive original entrance that once guarded the northern approach to the Roman imperial complex.
Places of interest
The terrace provides the most recognizable photographic vantage point looking down over the palace and the Adriatic Sea.
Historical places
This medieval fortification perched on a cliff offers a dramatic perspective of the Split hinterland.
Beaches and ponds
This historic fishing harbor area is the preferred local spot for sunset gatherings and evening drinks by the water.
Venues
Walk the ruins of this ancient Roman amphitheater located just a short distance from the modern city center.
Top things to do in Split, Croatia
The 344 highest-rated places in Split, Croatia, ranked by travellers.
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Historical places
Diocletian's Palace is a fortified Roman residence built at the turn of the 4th century for Emperor Diocletian. Unlike t...
2
Beaches and ponds
Golden Horn, locally known as Zlatni Rat, is a unique 500-meter-long pebble beach that extends into the Adriatic Sea nea...
3
Parks
Forest Park Marjan is a protected natural peninsula rising directly above the city of Split, encompassing over 170 hecta...
4
Venues
Poljud Stadium is a distinctive shell-shaped multi-purpose venue located in the Poljud neighborhood of Split. Designed b...
5
Historical places
Klis Fortress is a medieval stronghold perched on a limestone cliff between the Mosor and Kozjak mountains, serving as a...
6
Temples
Saint Domnius Cathedral is the world's oldest Catholic cathedral still in use in its original structure. It was original...
7
Historical places
Španjola Fortress, locally known as Fortica, dominates the skyline of Hvar town from a position 100 meters above sea lev...
8
Historical places
Kamerlengo Castle is a 15th-century maritime fortress located at the southwestern tip of Trogir's island core. Construct...
9
Historical places
Peovica, commonly known as Mirabela Fortress, is a 13th-century stone fortification perched on a steep cliff directly ab...
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Places of interest
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Temples
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Historical places
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Places of interest
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Historical places
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Beaches and ponds
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Places of interest
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Beaches and ponds
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Historical places
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Beaches and ponds
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Places of interest
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Venues
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Beaches and ponds
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Places of interest
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Beaches and ponds
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Historical places
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Temples
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Parks
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Museums
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Temples
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Beaches and ponds
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Split, Croatia on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Split, Croatia
May to June or September to October, when temperatures are moderate and the peak summer crowds have thinned.
3-4 days to cover the central historical sites, the parks, and local day trips.
The historic center is strictly pedestrian-only, while buses cover the outer districts and ferries link to the islands.
Stay in the Varoš neighborhood for traditional stone houses near the center or in the Grad area to live within the palace walls.
Mid-range, with costs rising significantly during the peak summer months of July and August.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 344 curated attractions in and around Split, Croatia, ranked by traveller ratings.
Diocletian's Palace is the highest-rated place to visit in Split, Croatia right now.
The largest category is temples, with 147 places to explore.
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