Another popular Croatian city that’s swarmed by visitors over the past years thanks to Game of Thrones, Split is a pretty diverse and fascinating city. Its landscape is a mix of a lovely coastal area ad a pine forest hill right in the city where you can hike or cycle, as well as a primarily Roman influenced old town.
Apart from the Klis Fortress and Diocletian’s Palace that was seen in Game of Thrones, Split has museums, a quaint neighborhood you can get lost in, ancient churches and close to beaches or islands you can escape to.
If that still doesn’t give you an idea of how much the town has to offer, here’s a list of best things to do in Split to help you figure out where to go while you’re in the city.
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11 Best Things To Do in Split, Croatia
1. St. Duje’s Cathedral
With the central part of this structure dating back to 350, St. Duje’s Cathedral is the oldest in the world. This grand octagonal church was originally constructed as a mausoleum of Diocletian, a legendary Roman emperor.
Much of this building was unchanged from the way it was built centuries ago, especially the original 24 supporting columns, as well as its Romanesque wooden doors which are over 800 years old.
Definitely, among the more fascinating things to see in Split, you should also check out St. Duje’s crypt, baptistery, and treasury.
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday – 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Contact Information
Phone: +385 21 342 589
Address: Ul. Kraj Svetog Duje 5,21000, Split, Croatia
2. Klis Fortress
Now housing a museum and open to the public for visits, the Klus Fortress had a turbulent history since it was built over two thousand years ago. This ancient fortress is perched on a limestone bluff on top of terraced hills and is just a quick drive northeast of Split.
One of the most intriguing Split attractions, Klis Fortress has also enjoyed increased popularity over the recent years when it was featured in the hit TV series Game of Thrones. The trek up to Klis is quite strenuous but well worth it as it offers some of the best views of the nearby coast and Split.
Once you get to the fortifications, you’re free to explore it and even visit a small museum that has swords and costumes on display, as well as details about Klis’ history.
Opening Hours
Every day from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Admission Fee
For the period from November 1 to December 31,
Adults 40 kn – (€5.38)
children (up to 15 years) – 20 kn (€2.68)
Contact Information
Address: Kliška tvrđava, 21231, Klis, Croatia
Phone: +38521240578
3. Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments
Split’s long history, which dates back to the 2nd or 3rd century can easily fill up a museum. In ways, it truly did at the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments, which contains 20,000 artifacts.
One of the best attractions in Split, this museum’s collections include armor, everyday household items, jewelry, and weapons. There are also various stone carvings, inscriptions, and reliefs associated with Croatian royalty and clergy that dates back fro. 900s to 1100s.
Opening Hours
Summer Hours (15.06. – 15.09.)
Monday-Friday
from 09:00 to 13:00
from 17:00 to 20:00
Saturday
from 09:00 to 14:00
Winter Hours(15.09. – 15.06.)
Monday-Friday
from 09:00 to 16:00
Saturday
from 09:00 to 14:00
closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Admission Fee
free
Contact Information
Phone: +385 (0)21 323-901
Address: Stjepana Gunjace bb, 21000 Split, Split, Croatia
Email: muzej@mhas-split.hr
4.Culinary Tour
Get to know more about Croatia without visiting a museum or fortress, but by trying what it has to offer in the culinary department.
Croatian cuisine is an interesting mix of Eastern European, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern influences, so it’s quite exciting to know how all those would factor in any dish that’s uniquely Croatian.
Join a walking tour that takes you through restaurants, markets, and even a Winehouse – one of the best activities to do in Split, where you get to learn about the city’s culinary history, their specialties and even sample some dishes or taste some wine.
This is while you explore Split’s busy streets up to the Diocletian Palace, where the winery is located.
5. Kašjuni Beach
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Need a quick respite from climbing fortress or exploring the city center with other travelers? Head on to the nearby Kašjuni Beach, a still unspoiled piece of coastal paradise just west of Split’s city center.
It is situated in the foothills of Marjan peninsula, quite secluded with no concrete or plastic in sight. Sit or lay on the sand, relax on a rock or take a dip n the clear blue waters. Kašjuni Beach is the perfect getaway while you’re in Split, without straying from the city center.
6. Diocletian’s Palace
Forming nearly half of the old town of Split, the Diocletian’s Palace is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was built around the 4th century, for the legendary Roman emperor Diocletian.
This structure though is more of a fortress than a palace, and some of its ruins can be found around the city of Split, each with a fascinating story about the iconic building.
Diocletian’s Palace has also attracted a great number of visitors over the years because of the TV series Game of Thrones, making it among the best places to see in Split.
In the series, it was used as the location for Daenerys’ throne room, where she keeps and trains her dragons.
Contact Information
Address: Dioklecijanova ul. 1, Split, 21000, Croatia
7. Marjan Hil
One of the popular symbols of Split is Marjan hill, which is surrounded both by the city ad the coast. Here, you can enjoy unparalleled views of Split’s city center, the sea and nearby mountains Mosor and Kozjak.
Marjan Hill also has a pine forest area and trails that are suitable for hiking, running and cycling, making it an ideal place to enjoy a bit of nature without leaving the city.
8. Peristyle
Another place that’s associated with Emperor Diocletian, Peristyle is the main square of the Diocletian’s Palace. It is made of red granite pillars and has great acoustics so it’s an ideal venue for theatre productions, concerts, and dance parties.
It’s a nice place to just relax or walk aimlessly as you explore parts of the palace of the old town that’s not often seen by visitors.
There’s also a flight of stairs here that leads to the domed Entry Vestibule as well as the entrance to the Jupiter temple.
9. Brač
If you have more time to spare and want to be somewhere different but not too far from Split, Brač island is just 50, minutes away by ferry.
Pronounced as ‘bratche’, this tiny island in the Adriatic sea boasts of a white pebbled beach called Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape), and also a popular windsurfing site.
It’s a family-friendly place perfect for relaxing and bonding with nature, as you can hike and cycle around the island to enjoy Brač’s picture-perfect scenery.
10. Split City Museum
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A museum that’s primarily dedicated to the city’s history and culture, Split City Museum is located in an old house and contains a wealth of information about Split.
It’s a more straightforward and educational way to get to know this Croatian city, and definitely one of the best things to do in Split. The museum’s location also provides amazing views of its surrounding areas.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Admission Fee
Adults – 20kn (€2.71)
Students and Children – 10kn (€ 1.35)
Group 15kn – (€2.03)
Contact Information
Phone:+385 21 360 171
Address: Papalićeva ulica 1 21000 Split Croatia
Email: muzej-grada-st@st.htnet.hr
11. Varoš
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Located at the northwest part of the Diocletian’s Palace and at the base of Marjan Hill, Varoš or Veli Varoš is among the oldest parts of Split. This is really just a fun place to get lost in as you walk through the maze-like streets and a number of churches.
This neighborhood is pretty old and said to have been founded during the late 17th century. It’s one of the best places to visit in the Split and it gets you right in a typical neighborhood and lets you take in the local ambiance.
Planning to visit Split and don’t know where to stay yet? Here’s our list of recommended hotels in Split, Croatia.
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