While Zagreb might be Croatia’s capital, Split steals the spotlight as a Mediterranean gem that perfectly blends ancient history with modern coastal living. This seaside city, with its mix of Roman architecture and laid-back beach culture, offers visitors a chance to experience Croatian life away from the more crowded tourist spots like Dubrovnik.
From hidden local cafes tucked into 1,700-year-old walls to peaceful pebble beaches where you can watch the sunset, here are 21 places in Split that showcase why this city has become a favorite stop for travelers exploring the Dalmatian Coast.
Diocletian’s Palace
Of all the historic sites I’ve explored in Croatia, none captures the spirit of Split quite like Diocletian’s Palace. This sprawling Roman complex, built in the 4th century, isn’t just another ancient ruin – it’s a living, breathing part of the city where locals still make their homes and run businesses within its weathered walls. Walking through the narrow limestone streets feels like stepping into a time machine, where Roman architecture meets modern cafes and shops. It’s not your typical museum experience – the palace is actually more like a small town within a town, complete with hidden courtyards, underground chambers, and centuries-old churches. The central square still buzzes with activity just as it did in Roman times, making it one of those rare places where history doesn’t feel stuck behind a glass case.
Marjan Hill
Rising like a green sentinel above Split’s bustling Old Town, Marjan Hill has been a favorite escape for locals since Roman times. This forested peninsula stretches along the western edge of the city, dotted with ancient churches and Mediterranean pine trees that provide welcome shade on hot summer days. Walking paths wind their way up to the summit, where you’ll find a Croatian flag marking the highest point at 178 meters above sea level. The hill’s south-facing viewpoints offer perfect spots to watch boats drift in and out of Split’s harbor, while hidden beaches along the northern coast give swimmers a quiet alternative to the city’s busy shores. Local families often gather here on weekends, bringing picnics to enjoy among the medieval chapels and stone benches that tell stories of Split’s rich past.
Bacvice Beach
If you’re looking for Split’s most beloved city beach, head straight to Bačvice. Located just a 10-minute walk from the historic center, this sandy stretch is where locals and tourists come together to swim, sunbathe, and play picigin – a unique beach sport invented right here that involves keeping a small ball from touching the water. The shallow, clear waters make it perfect for families, while the surrounding cafes and bars create a lively atmosphere from sunrise to well after sunset.
Riva Promenade
The Riva Promenade has been Split’s beating heart since the 1800s, stretching gracefully along the city’s waterfront like a well-worn welcome mat. This palm-lined walkway hugs the southern facade of Diocletian’s Palace, where locals and visitors alike gather to watch boats bob in the harbor or sip coffee at the many outdoor cafes. During my evening walks here in summer 2019, I found myself drawn to the simple pleasure of joining the traditional Croatian pastime of ‘špica’ – the ritual of seeing and being seen while strolling along the polished limestone surface. The promenade comes alive at sunset when the limestone reflects the golden light, and families, street performers, and musicians create an atmosphere that feels both timeless and distinctly Mediterranean.
Split Cathedral
Many visitors flock to Split Cathedral for its impressive bell tower, but this ancient religious site offers much more than just a place to pray. The cathedral, which was originally built as Roman emperor Diocletian’s mausoleum in the 4th century, stands as one of the oldest Christian churches still in use today. Inside, you’ll find a mix of Roman architecture and medieval Christian elements, including wooden doors carved with scenes from Jesus’s life that have survived since the 13th century. While the climb up the bell tower requires some effort, those who make it to the top are rewarded with views across Split’s terracotta roofs and the sparkling Adriatic Sea beyond.
Klis Fortress
I always tell Game of Thrones fans to visit Klis Fortress when they’re in Split. Perched on a rocky ridge overlooking the city, this medieval stronghold served as the filming location for Meereen in the hit TV series. Beyond its Hollywood fame, the fortress tells the real-life story of Croatia’s defense against Ottoman invaders and offers sweeping views of Split, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding mountains.
Republic Square
Many locals and tourists gather at Republic Square, one of Split’s most well-known meeting spots, but this landmark is much more than just a place to rendezvous. The square, which dates back to the late 19th century, features a collection of Neo-Renaissance buildings that tell stories of the city’s past architectural glory. During summer evenings, the space comes alive with outdoor cafes and restaurants where people sip coffee and watch street performers. While some visitors come for the people-watching and atmosphere, others appreciate the square’s convenient location near the waterfront promenade, making it an ideal starting point for exploring Split’s other attractions.
Game of Thrones Museum
Many fans of HBO’s hit series Game of Thrones come to Split to see its filming locations, but the Game of Thrones Museum offers an even deeper dive into the show’s world. Located in the heart of the city, this museum houses original props, costumes, and set pieces from the series, allowing visitors to get up close with items like dragon eggs and the Iron Throne. While touring the exhibits, guests can learn about the show’s production process in Croatia and see behind-the-scenes photos from filming. The museum also offers interactive experiences where visitors can dress up in medieval costumes and take photos with replicas of famous weapons from the series, making it a must-visit spot for both casual viewers and die-hard fans of the show.
Mestrovic Gallery
Art enthusiasts flock to the Mestrovic Gallery to see the works of Ivan Mestrovic, Croatia’s most famous sculptor, but the building itself is just as noteworthy as the art it houses. Located in a beautiful 1930s villa that served as both the artist’s home and studio, the gallery displays his finest sculptures in marble, bronze, and wood. The rooms flow naturally through the three-story space, with large windows that fill the galleries with natural light and offer views of the Adriatic Sea. While many visitors come for the artwork, the peaceful gardens surrounding the property provide a perfect spot for contemplation and offer one of the best views of Split’s coastline.
Znjan Beach
Located about 4 kilometers east of Split’s bustling city center lies Znjan Beach, one of the area’s newest coastal attractions. Unlike the packed shores closer to town, this long stretch of pebble beach offers plenty of space to spread out and relax. Between cooling dips in the clear Adriatic waters, you’ll find locals playing picigin (a traditional ball game) or gathering at the beachfront bars and cafes that line the promenade. The beach has steadily grown in popularity with both residents and tourists since its development in the early 2000s, but its distance from the Old Town means it rarely feels overwhelming. Pack some water shoes for the pebbly shore, grab a spot under one of the pine trees for shade, and settle in for a laid-back day by the sea.
Mind-Blowing Fact:
If you’re looking to escape the crowds at Split’s main beaches, Znjan Beach offers a more laid-back vibe with plenty of space to spread out your towel on its pebbly shore. The beach’s shallow waters make it perfect for families with kids, while the selection of casual bars and restaurants along the promenade means you won’t have to venture far for a cold drink or quick bite.
Green Market
Have you ever wandered through a local market where fresh figs and cherries spill from woven baskets, and the scent of herbs fills the morning air? That’s daily life at Green Market Split, the beating heart of Croatia’s coastal city where locals have traded produce for generations. Just steps from Diocletian’s Palace, this open-air market is where fishermen display their morning catch, grandmothers sell homemade olive oil, and farmers stack their seasonal vegetables in neat, colorful rows. You can sample local cheese, pick up some Croatian prosciutto, or simply people-watch as residents haggle over the price of fresh Mediterranean ingredients for their family meals.
Split City Museum
Housed in the Gothic-Renaissance Papalić Palace from the 15th century, the Split City Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past. The museum sits in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace, where centuries of history unfold through its collection of weapons, documents, and traditional clothing. Its courtyard features an ornate stone staircase leading to exhibits that tell stories of Split’s cultural evolution – from its Roman origins to its days as a medieval trading port. The highlight is the restored noble family rooms, complete with period furniture and artwork that help visitors picture daily life in Split during the Renaissance era. Don’t miss the ancient stone fragments and inscriptions scattered throughout the building, each piece adding another layer to Split’s rich historical narrative.
Park Suma Marjan
Looking to escape the busy streets of Split? Park Suma Marjan is your perfect urban retreat. Rising above the city on a peninsula, this sprawling forest park offers miles of walking trails, hidden beaches, and lookout points where you can see the entire city spread out below. Whether you’re jogging along the pine-shaded paths, having a picnic on the grass, or exploring the small medieval churches scattered throughout the park, you’ll find plenty of ways to connect with nature without leaving town.
Mind-Blowing Fact:
This sprawling hilltop park overlooking Split offers visitors a chance to escape the busy streets and wander through fragrant pine forests while taking in panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and nearby islands. Local residents have embraced Marjan as their go-to spot for morning jogs, rock climbing, and weekend picnics since the 1960s, earning it the nickname “the lungs of Split” for its role as the city’s natural retreat.
Temple of Jupiter
Built in the 3rd century AD, the Temple of Jupiter sits quietly within Diocletian’s Palace, a testament to Split’s deep Roman roots. While smaller than many ancient temples, its well-preserved barrel-vaulted ceiling and black granite sphinx guarding the entrance tell stories of the city’s imperial past. The temple was later converted into a baptistery, and today you’ll find a bronze statue of St. John the Baptist by Ivan Meštrović inside. Walking through its stone doorway feels like stepping back in time – the worn steps and weathered walls have witnessed centuries of Split’s history unfold. Don’t miss the original Roman reliefs carved into the ceiling, depicting various deities that have watched over visitors for nearly two millennia.
Kasuni Beach
Escape the crowds and find your own slice of paradise at Kasuni Beach, a peaceful spot tucked away on Split’s Marjan Peninsula. This pebble beach offers clear, blue waters perfect for swimming and plenty of shady spots under pine trees when you need a break from the sun. Pack a picnic and settle in for the day, or rent a beach chair and umbrella from one of the nearby vendors. For the best experience, come early in the morning to watch the sunrise over the Adriatic Sea, or stay late to catch one of Split’s famous sunsets from this secluded vantage point.
Poljud Stadium
Soccer fans shouldn’t miss a visit to Poljud Stadium, home to the beloved local team Hajduk Split. Located near the city’s waterfront, this 35,000-seat arena opened in 1979 and features a distinctive shell-shaped design that makes it one of the most recognizable sports venues in Croatia. The stadium comes alive during match days when passionate supporters fill the stands with their chants and team colors, creating an atmosphere that gives visitors a real taste of Split’s soccer culture.
Split Archaeological Museum
The Split Archaeological Museum has been sharing Croatia’s rich past with visitors since 1820, making it the oldest museum in Southeast Europe. Located in a yellow neo-Renaissance building just outside the city center, this treasure trove houses over 150,000 artifacts that tell stories spanning prehistoric times through the Middle Ages. The museum’s collection includes everyday items from Roman-era Split, intricate jewelry from ancient settlements, and stone carvings that once adorned the city’s buildings. My favorite part is the garden, where weathered stone monuments and sarcophagi rest among Mediterranean plants, creating an oddly peaceful outdoor gallery. The building itself, completed in 1914, adds its own layer of history to the experience, with its grand staircase and traditional architecture serving as the perfect backdrop for these ancient tales.
People’s Square
If you’re looking for the true heart of Split, head to the People’s Square (Narodni Trg). Located just west of Diocletian’s Palace, this charming open plaza has been the city’s main gathering spot since medieval times. You’ll find locals chatting over coffee at outdoor cafes, historic buildings like the Old Town Hall framing the square, and the iconic clock tower that’s been keeping time for centuries.
