World · 21 Places · Best May–June and September–October
Split travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Split, Dalmatia, Croatia.
Split is Croatia's second-largest city and the beating heart of the Dalmatian coast. Built around and inside a UNESCO-listed Roman emperor's retirement palace, it is one of Europe's most remarkable urban sites: people live, work and party within walls raised by Diocletian in 305 AD. Sun-bleached limestone alleys open onto a grand seafront promenade, beaches lie a short walk from Roman columns, and ferries depart daily for the island playgrounds of Hvar, Brač and Vis. With Croatia's adoption of the Euro in January 2023 and the Schengen Area in the same month, Split is easier and cheaper to reach and navigate than ever.
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The 21 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
This is the Roman emperor's retirement compound from around 305 AD, and unlike most ruins it was never abandoned - the old walls now contain apartments, shops, bars, and the cathedral, with the modern city built into and around the ancient structure. Walking through the Bronze Gate from the waterfront puts you directly into the substructure halls, and the Peristyle square sits at its center. It functions as Split's living downtown, not a fenced-off site.
Originally built as Diocletian's own mausoleum, this octagonal structure was converted into a Christian cathedral centuries after his death, making it one of the oldest buildings in the world still used for its (adapted) religious purpose. The interior is compact and dark, ringed by a colonnade of granite columns brought from Egypt, with a carved wooden door and a domed ceiling that still shows traces of the original Roman construction. The bell tower rises above it as a much later Romanesque-Gothic addition.
This sunken colonnaded courtyard was the ceremonial entrance to Diocletian's private quarters, where the emperor would have appeared to subjects gathered below. Red granite columns and an entablature with sphinxes frame the space, and the cathedral bell tower now rises directly behind it, creating the most photographed junction of ancient and later construction in the palace. It's still an open public square today, not a roped-off monument.
This museum occupies the seaside villa that sculptor Ivan Meštrović designed and built as his own home and studio in the 1930s, and it now holds the largest collection of his work anywhere. The rooms are arranged much as a residence rather than a conventional gallery, with large-scale marble, wood, and bronze figures set against sea-facing windows and a garden of outdoor sculptures. Meštrović is Croatia's best-known modern sculptor, and this is the primary place to see the range of his output in one place.
This forested peninsula rises directly behind Split's old town and has functioned as the city's green escape since medieval times, when it was already referenced as parkland. Paths wind up through pine woods past small stone chapels, climbing walls, and lookout points, with the developed western tip giving way to quieter trails further out. It's used constantly by residents for running and walking, not just visitors.
This palm-lined waterfront strip runs along the harbor side of the old town, directly outside the palace's former sea gate, and functions as Split's main public gathering space. Cafés and bars line the inland side under arcaded buildings, while the water side is kept open for walking, with ferries and boats docked just beyond. It's where the city actually socializes - locals use it for an evening walk (korzo) as much as tourists use it for photos.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Nostromo sits above Split's covered fish market (Ribarnica) just off the Riva, and the kitchen leans on that proximity — whatever came off the boats that morning is what you're eating. The cooking is simple and fish-forward rather than heavily sauced, built around grilling and letting the catch speak for itself, served in a modern dining room with an open display of the day's fish.
Bokeria pairs a modern Croatian menu with a wine list built around small Dalmatian and Croatian producers, in a sleek space that reads more contemporary wine bar than traditional konoba. Dishes take classic ingredients like peka lamb or local cheese and plate them in a more composed, restaurant style rather than home-style portions.
Fife is a longtime Split institution on the western waterfront, the kind of konoba where office workers and fishermen have eaten alongside tourists for decades. The food is unfussy home-style Dalmatian cooking — braises, grilled meats, simple sides — served at close-set tables in a room that hasn't been redesigned to look the part; it just is the part.
Sperun occupies a tight stone-walled space on a narrow street near the Riva, serving Dalmatian seafood and grilled dishes in a format that's more sit-down restaurant than tavern. It draws heavily from the old town's tourist foot traffic, which has pushed the menu toward reliable, familiar renditions of regional standards rather than anything experimental.
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Split is served by Split Airport (SPU), 24km north of the city. The city center is compact and walkable; ferries connect to Dalmatian islands; intercity buses serve the coast; the Bolt and Uber apps work for taxis.
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €20–€35/night (~$22–$38) | €80–€160/night (~$88–$176) | €200–€500/night (~$220–$550) |
| Food (per day) | €15–€25/day (~$17–$28) | €30–€60/day (~$33–$66) | €80–€150/day (~$88–$165) |
| Transportation | €5–€10/day (~$6–$11) | €10–€20/day (~$11–$22) | €30–€60/day (~$33–$66) |
| Activities | €10–€20/day (~$11–$22) | €20–€40/day (~$22–$44) | €50–€100/day (~$55–$110) |
| Daily total | €50–€90/day (~$55–$99) | €140–€280/day (~$154–$308) | €360–€810/day (~$396–$891) |
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Croatia.
May–June and September–October for warm weather without peak crowds and prices.
June offers near-perfect beach weather, long daylight hours and festival atmosphere without August's intensity. September is arguably the best month: sea still warm from summer, crowds thinned, locals return to normal life.
Keep valuables in front pockets or a zipped bag in the packed Peristyle area
Beware of taxi drivers at the ferry terminal who don't use meters — use Bolt or Uber instead
The sea can have strong currents outside the bay; check local conditions before swimming at exposed beaches
Emergency number: 112 (EU standard); Police: 192; Ambulance: 194
Split is an extremely safe destination. The EU average crime index places Croatia consistently among the safest European countries. Violent crime against tourists is virtually unheard of. The main risks are typical of any summer tourist city: pickpocketing in crowded areas, drink-spiking in clubs (r
The best time to visit Split is May–June and September–October. Split has a classic Mediterranean climate: long hot dry summers, mild winters and minimal rainfall from June through September. The city receives approximately 2,700 sunshine hours per year, more than
Croatia is an EU/Schengen member since 2023. EU/EEA citizens enter with a valid national ID card. Most non-EU visitors (including US, UK, Canada, Australia) may stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa under Schengen rules. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
The currency in Split is the Euro (EUR, €) — Croatia adopted the euro on 1 January 2023 (EUR). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language(s) spoken in Split: Croatian (official); English widely spoken in tourist areas. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
The top attractions in Split include Diocletian's Palace, Cathedral of Saint Domnius (Katedrala Sv. Duje), Peristyle (Peristil), Meštrović Gallery (Galerija Meštrović), and Marjan Hill Forest Park. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.
