A Day in Split:
Must-See Attractions
Things to See in Split: Top Attractions You Cannot Miss
We will be looking forward to your visit to Split, the 2nd largest city of Croatia and the most popular city of Croatia and the centre of the Dalmatian coast. Nestled in the mountains and the beautiful Adriatic Sea, Split Croatia has its own ancient history and Mediterranean charm to delve into. It’s a place that you feel, not just see. From the ruins of Rome, to centuries-old stone streets, busy markets and sunset promenades, Split has a history that you cannot forget. With its marble streets, busy squares, sea salt and pine scent throughout the environment, visiting Split is an experience that is sensory overload.
1. Diocletian’s Palace
The Heart of Split. No Croatia palace is more celebrated or more vibrant than Diocletian’s Palace. Designed to be the sumptuous empire-building home of Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century, it is the very center of the city itself. His ancient buildings and the cafés, boutiques and homes all fill its walls today, a combination of rare antiquity with quotidian life. Inside Split is where you will find some of the most fascinating landmarks, including the Peristyle (Peristil), the Cathedral of Saint Domnius (Sv. Duje) and the Golden Gate (Zlatna vrata). Whether you decide to visit Diocletian’s Palace alone or in a guided walking tour Split, walking through this living monument is just like pausing your steps and stepping back in time.
The Peristyle
The Peristyle is the central courtyard of the palace that used to be exclusively reserved for a single emperor. Today, it is at the beating heart of Old Town life, where musicians play a show in the street beneath ancient columns, and townsfolk gather for coffee under the Mediterranean sun. Visitors will discover how this Diocletian’s Palace courtyard functioned to be both a ceremonial space and a gathering spot for citizens as part of our Diocletian’s Palace walking tour. It’s also one of Split’s most photogenic spots, especially in the golden light of late afternoon.
The Cathedral of Saint Domnius
Initially constructed as Emperor Diocletian’s mausoleum, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius Split (Sv. Duje) is now the world’s oldest working Catholic cathedral. It is one of the most amazing religious buildings in Europe, as it combines Roman and Christian architecture. Climb to the bell tower Split for panoramic vistas across the red rooftops, harbor, and Adriatic islands. Visitors on our guided walking tour frequently tell us this is the moment they fall in love with Split’s skyline.
The Golden Gate (Porta Aurea)
This was the old northern entrance of an empire the Golden Gate Split, which in marble arches with Roman symmetry still impresses to this day. At today’s moment such spaces have become familiar and one of the most famous of Diocletian’s Palace entrances. Visitors have been greeted with great distinction and come into the old city in its place and live here. Our walking tour Split stops here to tell the stories of Roman guards, imperial parades, and the centuries-spanning change in that city which bring this ancient gate of Rome back to life, our local legend.
2. Old Town Split
A walk through history. Outside of the palace is Old Town Split. It is a maze of narrow streets where each turning reveals a new chapter in the history. Its architecture ranges from Roman to Gothic to Venetian; yet everything feels seamlessly built in around each other. Wandering these streets alone or with a local guide, you’ll stumble upon small wine clubs, centuries-old churches, and bustling markets full of color and sound.
Marjan Hill
Up above the city, Marjan Hill Split is a green sanctuary with some nature views in Split. A network of trails serpent through pine forests to views of the harbor and surrounding islands. Ideal for hiking, biking, or just watching the sunset over the Adriatic. Along the way here are centuries-old chapels and peaceful spots perfect for letting you breathe in peace away from town.
Prokurative: Republic Square
The Prokurative Split is one of the city’s most sophisticated areas. Architected in the 19th century and inspired by Venice’s St. Mark’s Square, it’s encircled by red neo-Renaissance façades and arched galleries that open into the sea. A popular concert, festival and open-air café destination, the grounds are essential touchpoints for local people and tourists alike and a crucial stop in our guided tour Split.
Riva Promenade
Beautiful Waterfront. Not many places epitomize Split as the Riva Split promenade. Running along the old city walls, this palm-lined walkway has postcard-perfect Adriatic Sea views. Cafés spill onto the street, the smell of espresso wafts through the air and there’s always a hum of conversation morning, noon or night. During our walking tours, guides reveal how Riva transformed from a Roman pier into the city’s social center.
Fruit Square
Best known locally as Voćni trg, Fruit Square Split is one of the most lively parts of the city. Once a bustling marketplace, today it is the site of baroque palaces, pulsating cafés and a renowned statue of the former Croatian poet Marko Marulić, dubbed the father of Croatian literature by many. Visitors will find both this city center attraction on our structured tours and get to learn about Split’s heritage and how people live each day.
3. Hidden Gems and Local Favorites in Split
Split Croatia hides treasures on its streets, hills, and rivers that have existed for millennia. Our walking tour Split hidden gems takes you off the standard way to see things as they really are, as locals view them.
Marjan Hill
Up above the city, Marjan Hill Split is a green sanctuary with some nature views in Split. A network of trails serpent through pine forests to views of the harbor and surrounding islands. Ideal for hiking, biking, or just watching the sunset over the Adriatic. Along the way here are centuries-old chapels and peaceful spots perfect for letting you breathe in peace away from town.
Varos
At the base of Marjan is Varos Split, one of the city’s oldest districts. Tucked inside this historic neighborhood are tight stone paths where fishermen and artisans once lived, friendly courtyards and traditional Dalmatian houses. Now, Varos is famous for its genuine taverns (konoba) and hidden cafés, with a touch of local flair, a true view of life in Split of the olden days.
Bacvice Beach
Just a short walk from the city center, Bacvice Beach is Split’s most famous sandy beach and the ultimate spot for local chill. With shallow turquoise water, it’s ideal for swimming, sunbathing or engaging in a game of picigin, the Split beach tradition that many love. Nestled between cafés and bars, it is a lively spot to unwind and get to know the city’s playful side.
Green Market (Pazar)
If you are interested in living locally, go to the Green Market in Split, just outside the palace walls. Stalls fill up with fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, regional cheeses and olive oil, blended with the sounds of everyday trade. Our guided walking tour Split includes a tour of Pazar, with guides sharing information on things like local products, traditions, and the significance of the market for several generations in this region.
Other Noteworthy Attractions
Split’s cultural diversity transcends the Old Town. And see the Roman artifacts housed in the Archaeological Museum, the imposing Gregory of Nin Statue, one of the famous local landmarks considered to bring you good luck and the Mestrovic Gallery, featuring work of Croatia’s most famous sculptor, Ivan Mestrovic. Each of these distinctive attractions in Split Croatia contributes another kind of dimension to how interesting the city is.
Explore Split Croatia to feel the rhythm of a city that has lived more than 1,700 years. You can’t simply experience it through monuments. It is important to note that every moment is telling a story, be it the pomp of Diocletian’s Palace or the sunsets on Riva.
Take one of our guided tours in Split or walking tours in Split, and explore Split with a local guide that teaches you the stories, legends, and secret places which make this city unforgettable. Book our tour today and discover Split, the city where history breathes and the Adriatic sparkles.