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Bucket list destination:

Last updated: 19 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Jane Foster

Split is a dream destination for those looking to combine cultural sightseeing with outdoor pursuits, or culinary adventures with a seaside chill-out.

Split’s main attraction is its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, centred on the ancient palace built by Roman Emperor Diocletian, and the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings that grew up inside and around it.

Beyond the city, the Marjan Peninsula offers mellow footpaths and stunning sea views, while nearby excursions include island-hopping along the coast, rafting and canyoning in the Cetina valley, hiking on Mount Biokovo and soaking up some rays on the Makarska riviera.

Orientation

Split is Croatia’s principal port for ferries to the Dalmatian islands and Italy. Based around Diocletian’s Palace (295 AD), the old town is the main attraction, with several boutique hotels and plenty of bars, restaurants and cafés.

West of here lies the picturesque village of Varoš (home to the Meštrović Gallery) and the tip of the Marjan Peninsula, with Mount Biokovo to the south east.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

Grand Split Walking Tour with Diocletian's Palace

Split

Grand Split Walking Tour with Diocletian's Palace
This tour is a great option if you are short on time or have other plans, but want to learn more about the beautiful city of Split. Your guide will take you through the 1700-year-old Diocletian's Palace and show you important places and historical monuments that have shaped the city into what it is today. Join us and experience the old town of Split with our local and knowledgeable guides in this interesting and fun 90min walking tour.

Price: €14

Min age: 0

Rating 4.87 / 5 [74 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Split & Diocletian's Palace Walking Tour

Split

Split & Diocletian's Palace Walking Tour
Take a walk through Split's 1,700 years of history, accompanied by a local guide who will bring the past to life. Among the sights on this 90min tour are Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, Riva Harbour, and the Golden Gate.  The meeting point is the Golden Gate, look for a guide with a blue umbrella!

Price: €14

Min age: 7

Rating 4.84 / 5 [582 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Shared Departure Transfer: Split,Trogir,Makarska Riviera hotels to Split Airport

Split

Shared Departure Transfer: Split,Trogir,Makarska Riviera hotels to Split Airport
Ensure peace of mind with this convenient, reliable transfer from hotels in Split, Trogir, Makarska, Tucepi or Baska Voda to Split Airport. Your friendly driver will ensure that you will reach the airport relaxed and on time for your flight!

Price: €16

Min age: 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [24 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Walking Tour of Split with a 'Magister' of History

Split

Walking Tour of Split with a 'Magister' of History
This is a walking tour of Split with a local historian! I will guide you through all of the relevant sites in the center of Split in a logical manner following the cities development through time. I have a Master's degree in history, so I can provide much more knowledge than what is learned at a tour guide course. I have years of study and passion for history behind me and I am really trying to carry that forward. Also, I am a local, born and still living in Split! I combine that with the expertise and education I gained as a teacher to make my tours a logical and pragmatic experience. I speak fluent English and I enforce dialogue as much as I can during my tours since it provides much more personal contact with the guide and it's easier and more enjoyable to learn that way. I will present you with 3D reconstructions of the sites, which are a result of my own work and dedication, in order to bring the past to life for the visitor!

Price: €27

Min age: 1

Rating 4.99 / 5 [584 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Hidden Gems of Dalmatia : 48 Hour Open-Top Bus Pass from Split

Split

Hidden Gems of Dalmatia : 48 Hour Open-Top Bus Pass from Split
Welcome to the Hidden Gems of Dalmatia Open-Top Bus Tour! With a convenient 48-hour pass, you'll get the most out of your 2-day stay in Dalmatia, with 4 different sightseeing bus routes and a walking tour of Split all in 1 ticket. Discover Dalmatia in a holistic way, exploring the authentic local heritage on a bus route for nature lovers. Enjoy stunning views while visiting the medieval fortress of Klis, and uncover the secrets of Ancient Rome's history on the Ancient Salona bus route. You'll also have the opportunity to soak up Split's beauty on an open-top bus route and an informative walking tour. With your pass, you can take your time and explore at your own pace, as it's valid for 48 hours. Don't miss out on the chance to discover the hidden gems of Dalmatia with this comprehensive tour.

Price: €30

Min age: 1

Rating 4.43 / 5 [127 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Split Walking tour with a Photo session

Split

Private Split Walking tour with a Photo session
Join me on a journey of 1700 years as we explore together the fascinating history of the Unesco city of Split. We will walk on the footsteps of the emperor Diocletian and you will get to know how did a Roman villa of a retired emperor become a live city.

Price: €35

Min age: 0

Rating 4.90 / 5 [11 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Split Walking Tour with Cathedral Entrance

Split

Private Split Walking Tour with Cathedral Entrance
This is a private walking tour that is custom made just for you and your small group! No other participants will join on your tour. It is unique that this tour includes inside visit of the Cathedral in Split (Diocletian's Mausoleum). Cathedral of Split is one of the oldest and most unique cathedrals in the world - it is a burial site of the roman's emperor Diocletian!

Price: €35

Min age: 0

Rating 4.77 / 5 [18 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Split Tour in Private Electric Rickshaw

Split

Split Tour in Private Electric Rickshaw
Our Electric Rickshaw tour through the city of Split is unique in many ways and here are a few reasons: • Our TOUR is designed so that guests can relax and enjoy the comfort of our electric rickshaws, while at the same time enjoying the beauty of the city. • Our GUIDES are excellent connoisseurs of Split and are always ready to share their knowledge about the history and culture of the city with guests, and their desire for guests to enjoy the tour will surely leave an indelible impression. •Our TOUR offers an amazing experience for all the senses. In addition to seeing the most beautiful sights of Split, you will also enjoy the fresh air and sounds of the city. The beauties of Split are indescribable, and our tour allows guests to see them in the best possible way. From charming alleys to beautiful parks, our tour covers the best that Split has to offer. DON'T MISS out on this unforgettable adventure - BOOK YOU electric rickshaw CITY TOUR TODAY!

Price: €40

Min age: 18

Rating 4.95 / 5 [296 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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City Bike Tour of Split

Split

City Bike Tour of Split
Enjoy a guided bike tour as you discover the history, culture and the nature of this Mediterranean pearl by cycling through the streets of downtown Split. You will cycle through 1700 years buildings such as Diocletian palace. Safety is key, so you will be provided with a high quality bike and helmet.

Price: €45

Min age: 0

Rating 4.92 / 5 [254 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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'Game of Thrones' Walking Tour in Split (tickets included)

Split

'Game of Thrones' Walking Tour in Split (tickets included)
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the hit HBO series 'Game of Thrones' on this 3.5-hour tour of the show's filming locations in Split. With a local guide at your side, discover the fictional city of Meereen while exploring the mountainside fortress of Klis and the UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace. Hear insider gossip about the series, see where Daenerys Targaryen plotted her return to power, and creep around the cellars where the slaves conspired with the Unsullied Army to overthrow the masters.

Price: €79

Min age: 0

Rating 4.62 / 5 [198 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Transfer from Split to Dubrovnik with Mostar Town

Split

Private Transfer from Split to Dubrovnik with Mostar Town
Book our car either van Split to Dubrovnik private transfer via Mostar or and ride with a local driver-guide from Split to Dubrovnik. Visit Mostar town on the way and make this transfer more scenic. We provide Croatia private transfers with professional, English-speaking drivers in Croatia. Meet your driver at your hotel or private residence in Split, and relax on the journey to Dubrovnik in your very own, air-conditioned vehicle. Book this transfer and you will get a confirmation email immediately. Finally, you will be provided with a voucher. This is a Stress-free ride from Split to Dubrovnik with Mostar on the way!

Price: €87

Min age: 1

Rating 5 / 5 [33 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private 2-hour walking tour: UNESCO Split - Diocletian's palace & City panorama

Split

Private 2-hour walking tour: UNESCO Split - Diocletian's palace & City panorama
Uncover the little-known treasures of Split on a 2-hour insider walking tour with a savvy guide. Explore ancient cellars and pathways of the 1700-year old palace of the emperor Diocletian, hidden alleys, medieval squares and city walls. As you walk, you'll learn the history of the Roman, medieval and the contemporary city of Split.

Price: €91

Min age: 1

Rating 4.97 / 5 [43 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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The Best of Split Private Tour

Split

The Best of Split Private Tour
PRIVATE WALKING TOUR OF SPLIT WITH THE DIOCLETIAN'S PALACE Discover the Old Town of Split with all the delightful little secrets and anecdotes of this gorgeous Mediterranean city. We kick-off in style with the magnificent Diocletian's Palace in the heart of the Old Town and travel back to the ancient Roman Empire. We take a step into the rich cultural heritage of this vibrant city with its numerous palaces, quirky narrow streets and lively markets. Learn more about this UNESCO World Heritage site while taking a relaxing walk through the streets, squares and the grandiose Diocletian's Palace. As we stroll further along, hear stories of not only the past, but equally contemporary Split. Really absorb what makes this atmospheric and exciting city kick. Discover how the city's inhabitants lead a feel-good outdoor lifestyle throughout the year spending time at numerous squares, or on the main waterfront Riva.

Price: €165

Min age: 1

Rating 4.98 / 5 [249 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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When to go

High season (July-Aug) sees the old town hot and crowded, with many people passing through to take ferries to the islands; on the plus side, the Split Summer Festival creates a vibrant nightlife.

The shoulder season (May-June, September-October) is possibly the loveliest time to visit – the weather is dry and sunny, the sea warm enough to swim, and the old town busy but not packed.

During low season (November-April), Split is far quieter and the weather somewhat unreliable. However, this can also be a rewarding time to visit as the locals will have more time for you.

Getting there and away

Split International Airport is located near Kastela, 25km west of the Old Town. The cheapest way into town is to catch the airport bus that meets all incoming flights, dropping passengers at the end of Split’s seafront promenade, directly in front of Diocletian’s Palace and just a five-minute walk from the ferry port.

Taxis are also readily available and several car-hire companies are based at the airport if you’re planning on exploring beyond Split.

Getting around

If you’re staying in Split’s car-free Old Town you can explore everything on foot. The only city bus most visitors will need is the no.12, which runs west along the coast to Bene, on the tip of the Marjan peninsula, passing the Meštrović Gallery en-route.

Car rental is readily available for day trips; alternatively, frequent local and inter-regional buses run down the coast to Omis and Makarska.

Where to stay

Visitors coming to Split primarily to explore its cultural attractions should base themselves in the magnificent, car-free Old Town, which is home to several boutique hotels as well as plenty of bars and restaurants.

Where to eat or drink

In Split’s car-free Old Town, there’s a plethora of eateries serving traditional Dalmatian cooking with an emphasis on seafood, as well as plenty of busy cafés and small romantic bars – most have outdoor tables.

Along the coast, you’ll find more modern restaurants with an international slant serving contemporary Mediterranean cuisine – some have impressive sea-view terraces. For noise reasons, Split’s half-dozen late-night clubs are also on the coast, outside the historic centre.

Where to shop

The Old Town is packed with small boutiques selling shoes and clothes (mainly imported from Italy, though Croatian designers are making their mark), plus foodie treats such as wine and olive oil.

For handmade jewellery and etchings of Split’s old town, head for the stalls in the podrum (underground chambers) between the Peristil and the seafront. The pazar (open-air market), selling fruit, cheese, cured meat and bread, is the place to stock up for picnics.

Other guides relevant to this destination

Dalmatian Islands

Dalmatia, Croatia

view of Korcula old town from the water

A magical, unspoilt archipelago of a thousand-plus islands stretching along Croatia’s southern coast. A heady mix of sea, mountains, adventure sports and medieval buildings