Diocletian's Doorstep

Things to Do in Split, Croatia

A first-visit guide to the historic centre, walking tours, food, viewpoints and the day trips actually worth leaving Split for.

  1. Golden Gate
  2. Peristyle
  3. Vestibule
  4. Cellars
  5. Riva
Explore

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Things to Do in Split, Croatia

Split rewards visitors who slow down. The historic centre is compact enough to explore on foot, but the city also works as a base for Roman sites, fortresses, islands and some of central Dalmatia’s easiest day trips. This guide starts with the experiences that make the most sense for a first visit, then helps you decide what to add if you have more time.

Start with Diocletian’s Palace and the Old Town

The historic core grew around Diocletian’s Palace, built in the late third and early fourth centuries. Today the Palace is not a sealed archaeological site: streets, homes, cafés, churches and shops occupy the same urban fabric. That is why walking is the best introduction to Split.

For context, start with our guide to Diocletian’s Palace, then continue into the wider Split Old Town.

Take a walking tour if you want the story, not just the sights

You can see the Palace independently, but a good walking tour explains how the Roman plan, medieval additions and modern city fit together. Compare the main options on our Split walking tours page. If you prefer a private experience, see our Split tour guide guide.

Climb into the cathedral complex

The Cathedral of Saint Domnius sits beside the Peristyle and incorporates the former mausoleum of Emperor Diocletian. It is one of the clearest places to understand how Split reused and transformed the Roman city rather than replacing it.

Walk the Riva, then keep going

The Riva is Split’s waterfront promenade and a natural break between the dense lanes of the historic centre and the harbour. It is useful as a meeting point, a coffee stop and a starting point for continuing west towards Veli Varoš and Marjan.

Go up Marjan for a different view of Split

Marjan changes the pace completely. Instead of Roman stone and narrow lanes, you get pine forest, viewpoints and walking paths above the city. It is a good choice when you want something active without committing to a full day trip.

Try Split through its food

Markets, bakeries, wine bars and Dalmatian dishes add a second layer to the city. If food is a priority rather than a side stop, a guided tasting can be more efficient than choosing places at random. See our Split food tours guide.

Visit Klis Fortress

Klis rises above the approaches to Split and offers both history and wide views over the coast and surrounding mountains. It also appears in Game of Thrones location itineraries. Our Klis Fortress guide covers visiting independently and as part of a tour.

Make a half-day trip to Trogir

Trogir is compact, historic and close enough to combine with Split without turning the day into a transport exercise. See Split to Trogir for the practical options and when an organised tour is worthwhile.

Use a full day for the islands or a longer excursion

If you have at least one extra day, Split opens onto a much wider set of experiences: Hvar, the Blue Cave, Krka, Omiš and other island or inland trips. Start with our best day trips from Split guide rather than booking the first excursion you see.

If you only have one day in Split

Keep the day compact: historic centre first, then choose one additional priority such as Marjan, food, a private guide or a short excursion. Our one day in Split itinerary is designed around that trade-off.

Arriving by cruise ship?

Cruise passengers have a different problem: the city is easy to reach, but the return-to-ship deadline matters more than squeezing in one extra attraction. Use our Split cruise port guide for time-boxed options.

How to choose what to do

Plan from here

For the most useful next step, compare walking tours in Split, browse tours and experiences in Split, or build your day around our Split itinerary.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do first in Split?

For a first visit, start with Diocletian’s Palace and the surrounding Old Town. A walking tour or self-guided route gives you the context for the rest of the city.

How many days do you need in Split?

One full day is enough for the historic centre and a little more; two or three days give you room for Marjan, food experiences and a day trip.

Is Split easy to explore without a car?

Yes. The historic centre is compact and walkable. A car is more relevant for selected excursions outside the city than for sightseeing in central Split.

Start with Split on foot

Compare walking tours before adding day trips or boat excursions.

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