Split is one of Croatia’s best cities to visit. It has more ancient sights to see than pretty much anywhere else, including Dubrovnik, and is just a cool town in its own right. Since Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik are all relatively close, you should try to hit all three of them during any trip to Croatia.
Where to Stay
Villa Split Heritage Hotel – We stayed at the Villa Split and loved everything about it. It’s in the absolute perfect location, right in the center of the old city, the staff were wonderful and the room was spacious, comfortable and incredibly nice. The air conditioning was perfect and the bed was extremely comfortable. I honestly wouldn’t recommend staying anywhere else.
Things to Do in Split
Ancient Ruins
Head to Diocletian’s Palace on your first day of sightseeing. In this ancient square you’ll find a tourist center where you can buy the inexpensive pass that allows you access to all the main ancient sights in the city. The main one’s that you’ll want to see for sure are listed here below.
Diocletian’s Palace
The dominant square of the ancient core of Split. Nowhere else in Europe will you see anything like this. It’s a nearly perfectly preserved 4th-century complex of buildings and towers around a stunning central square. The place is really a time portal to ancient Rome as it appears much like you’d expect it to if you were back in ancient times. The streets surrounding the palace even still have their original paving stones.
Peristil Square
This is the original Roman court sitting at the center of Split and in front of Diocletian’s Palace. This square is the center of Split’s social scene in the ancient part of the city and you’ll often find some great local musicians playing music while the people sit around on the ancient roman steps drinking coffee and eating ice cream.
St. Domnius Cathedral
This open air cathedral with a small circular hole in the center of its massive dome dates back to 350, making it the oldest cathedral in the world. Make sure to check out the cathedrals massive wooden doors which have survived unchanged since the early 1200s.
Campanile (Split’s Iconic Bell Tower)
The bell tower sits adjacent to Diocletian’s Palace on Peristil Square. With the pass you bought earlier, you will be able to walk to the top of the tower to get the best view of Split in the town.
Jupiter’s Temple
This 3rd century Roman temple to the god Jupiter built right on the edge of Peristil Square is a must stop for a few minutes of your time. While the original temple was dedicated to the Roman version of Zeus (Jupiter), the temple was repurposed by John the Baptist in the 6th century and turned into the Baptistery of St. John. In the front of the temple you’ll find one of the 12 sphinxes brought to Croatia from Egypt by the Emperor Diocletian.
Golden Gate
An ancient landmark from the 4th century CE that served as a gate to the city of Split.
Riva
This is the lively main beach drag that runs along the sea in Split. Here you’ll find touristy restaurants and shops, but it’s a great place to walk and grab a drink.
Marjan Hill
Just on the western border of the city is Marjan Hill and atop the hill, Marjan Forest Park. If you’re into hiking this is a nice walk that provides decent views of the city below. It’s a decent view but fairly underwhelming, however, compared to the much better one you get from the bell tower.
If you enjoy walking tours and learning more about the history of the places you’re visiting, check out this great walking tour.
Beaches
Splits main beaches are Bačvice Beach, Zvoncac, Ovcice, and Firule.
Food to try in Split
Strukli: a popular traditional Croatian dish served in households across the regions in the north of the country, composed of dough and various types of filling which can be either boiled or baked. For more information on Strukli click HERE.
Where to Eat
Pizza Bokamorra: To this day this might actually be the best pizza I have ever eaten.
Kadena: Upscale restaurant outside of Split’s downtown, serving elegant seafood dishes
Dvor: 20 min from downtown with beautiful garden seating and views over the sea. Stunning location to enjoy fresh seafood cooked over a charcoal grill.
Perivoj: An historic villa serving some of the best desserts and cakes in town
Konoba Matejuska: Try their specialty black risottos and amazing seafood at incredibly reasonable prices.
Apetit: Lots of stairs to get to the palazzo on the top of this 15th-century Papalićeva palace, where you’ll dine on wonderfully creative Dalmatian inspired dishes.
Uje Oil Bar: Elegant tapas restaurant right in the heart of Split’s Old Town
Zrno Soli: High-end, fine-dining seafood
