Essential Split Travel Guide: What to See & Do

Split is one of Croatia’s most distinctive coastal cities, bringing together ancient stone streets, Mediterranean energy, forested hills, and brilliant Adriatic scenery. Built around the retirement residence of Roman Emperor Diocletian, the city has developed into a remarkable destination where history remains part of everyday life.

Explore Diocletian’s Palace and Split’s Old Town

The UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace forms the heart of Split’s Old Town. Constructed in the early fourth century as both a fortified residence and an imperial retreat, the palace now contains homes, cafés, shops, churches, museums, and lively squares.

Roman foundations stand alongside medieval, Renaissance, and later architecture, creating an urban landscape unlike almost anywhere else in Europe. Visitors can explore several of Split’s most important historic landmarks, including:

• The Peristyle
• The palace cellars
• The Cathedral of Saint Domnius
• Jupiter’s Temple
• The Golden, Silver, Iron, and Bronze Gates

Nearby, Pjaca, Fruit Square, and the Venetian-style Prokurative add to the city’s atmosphere. The polished toe of the Grgur Ninski statue is also associated with a popular good-luck tradition.

Experience Split’s Waterfront and Local Culture

The palm-lined Riva is Split’s social centre. Its cafés, restaurants, and views across the harbor make it a natural place to experience the city’s everyday rhythm.

Split’s cuisine reflects its Dalmatian setting. Fresh seafood, hearty pašticada stew, soparnik, seasonal produce, gelato, and strong coffee all play a role in local life. At the Green Market, visitors can see this lifestyle up close among stalls selling fruit, vegetables, and herbs, alongside the market’s friendly bustle.

Enjoy Marjan Hill, Beaches, and Adriatic Views

For outdoor experiences and some of the best places to visit in Split, Marjan Hill offers wooded trails, viewpoints, chapels, rocky coves, and panoramas over the city and nearby islands. Beaches and swimming areas extend along the coastline, giving Split an appeal that goes beyond sightseeing.

What to See in Split

For travelers deciding what to see in Split, the city’s greatest attraction is its unusual balance. An ancient palace remains a living neighborhood, a lively waterfront sits beside historic walls, and culture, nature, and everyday life naturally overlap.