Best Things to Do in Split, Croatia: Top Attractions

Q: Is Diocletian’s Palace free to enter?

Yes. Diocletian’s Palace is part of Split’s Old Town, so you can walk the streets, squares, and gates for free. You usually only pay for specific interior sites (for example the cathedral complex and bell tower, the Temple of Jupiter, and the Palace Cellars), and inclusions can vary by season.

Q: Where is the best viewpoint in Split?

For a central panorama over the Old Town and harbour, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius bell tower is the classic pick. For a greener, more relaxed viewpoint, head up Marjan Hill, where several lookouts give wide views of Split and the islands.

Q: What are the best free things to do in Split?

Wander the Old Town streets and palace lanes, enjoy sunset and people-watching on the Riva, and walk up into Marjan for viewpoints and shaded trails. Browsing the morning green market (Pazar) is also a great free stop near the centre.

Q: What are the best day trips from Split without a car?

Easy no-car options include Trogir by bus and islands like Brac, Hvar, or Solta by ferry or fast catamaran (season and sea conditions matter). For waterfalls without logistics, a guided tour to Krka National Park is often the smoothest option.

Q: What is the best area to stay in Split for sightseeing?

For maximum walkability, stay in or next to the Old Town (Diocletian’s Palace area) so you can reach the top sights on foot. For beach access and nightlife with a short walk to the centre, Bacvice is a strong alternative, while Veli Varos is a popular close-but-calmer area near Marjan-side walks.

Split is one of the most walkable cities on Croatia’s coast, with many of its best attractions clustered inside the UNESCO-listed historic core built around Diocletian’s Palace. What makes it special is that the "palace" isn’t a single monument you enter and leave, but a living neighbourhood where Roman walls, courtyards, and gates blend into buzzing cafés, narrow lanes, and waterfront views.

This page is your shortcut to the best things to do in Split, whether you have a few hours or a few days. Start with the must-sees in the Old Town and along the Riva, then branch out to Marjan viewpoints, nearby beaches, museums, and easy day trips, using the links below for deeper guides to each highlight.

Split attractions quick overview

Must-sees: Diocletian’s Palace and the Old Town lanes, the waterfront Riva, a viewpoint (Marjan or the bell tower), and an easy swim (often Bačvice).
How much time you need: 1 day covers the Palace core + Riva + Old Town highlights; 2–3 days lets you add Marjan, beaches, museums, and relaxed meals by the sea.
Best time to explore: Go early morning or later afternoon for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds in the stone streets of the Old Town.
What’s free vs ticketed: Wandering the UNESCO old town streets, gates, and squares is generally free; tickets usually apply to specific sites (like towers, collections, and some interior monuments).
Best quick viewpoint: Marjan viewpoints for classic panoramas.
Best quick beach: Bačvice is the famous central sandy beach; for a more scenic swim under pines, look toward Marjan-side coves.
Building an itinerary: Start with the Palace and city core (including the Riva), then add Marjan and a beach if you have extra time.

Top attractions in Split (Top 12)

If you want the “best of Split” without overplanning, start with the UNESCO Old Town around Diocletian’s Palace, add one viewpoint (Marjan or the bell tower), then finish with either a beach break or a museum. Here are the top picks travellers prioritise most often.

Diocletian’s Palace (UNESCO Old Town) - Split’s headline sight is a living Roman complex you explore mostly by wandering: gates, lanes, courtyards, and hidden corners stitched into the modern city.
Cathedral of Saint Domnius and the bell tower viewpoint - One of Split’s best “wow” moments is climbing for rooftop-and-harbour panoramas right in the heart of the old town (tickets usually apply for the tower/complex).
Diocletian’s Palace Cellars (Basement Halls) - The best-preserved Roman spaces in the palace area and a perfect stop when you want shade, history, and a quick deep-dive below street level.
Peristil (Peristyle) and the Sphinx - The palace’s main ceremonial square and one of the most photogenic corners of Split; don’t miss the ancient Sphinx beside the steps.
Temple of Jupiter - A compact but standout palace landmark that’s easy to add to your Old Town loop, right near the core palace sights.
Riva promenade - Split’s waterfront "living room" for coffee culture, people-watching, and sunset strolls with the Old Town just behind you.
Gregory of Nin (Grgur Ninski) - The city’s most famous statue stop, known for the toe-rub tradition and an easy photo break just outside the palace area.
Pazar (Green Market) and the Fish Market - The quickest way to see "real Split" in the morning: produce, herbs, local staples, and the day’s catch a short walk from the old town.
Marjan Hill viewpoints and pine-forest walks - The easiest nature escape from the old town, with stairways and trails leading to panoramic lookouts and greener, quieter corners of the city.
Bačvice Beach - Split’s classic central beach for a low-effort swim break, close to the port area and easy to reach on foot from the centre.
Meštrović Gallery - Split’s signature museum experience for art lovers, and one of the best "heat break" options when you want culture beyond the palace lanes.
One easy day trip from Split - If you have an extra day, Split is an ideal base for islands, waterfalls, and nearby historic towns; use this hub to pick the best fit for your time and season.

Want to see Split’s highlights without worrying about routes, timing, or what to skip? Booking a top-rated guided experience is the easiest way to cover the Old Town and Diocletian’s Palace efficiently, with local context you would likely miss on your own. Below is our recommended tour pick from Split - ideal if you want a smooth plan, proven value, and a stress-free way to tick off the city’s must-sees.

Walking Tour of Split and Diocletian's Palace

Uncover Split’s story where it all began on a small-group walking tour of Diocletian’s Palace and the historic centre

With a local guide, you will see how the Roman complex became a living city, while visiting headline spots like the Peristyle and the Golden Gate, plus the palace substructures beneath the streets.

It is an easy, high-value way to explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site in a short time, with multiple departure options to fit your day and a smaller group for more personal attention and questions.

Check availability and prices

Split attractions map: the best self-guided walking route

Split’s top sights are tightly packed, so you can follow an easy on-foot loop through the UNESCO Old Town, then add one “extra” (Marjan, a beach, or a museum) depending on your time. Use this route as a simple sightseeing flow and swap stops in and out without backtracking.

Tip: Pin the stops in Google Maps and walk them in order. The Old Town loop is short in distance, but allow extra time for viewpoints, tickets, and photo stops.

Old Town loop (2-3 hours with stops)

Start: Golden Gate and the main palace approach (great for first photos and orientation).
Peristil (Peristyle) and nearby palace lanes (the heart of the complex and your best "sense of place" moment).
Cathedral of Saint Domnius and bell tower viewpoint (do the climb early if you want fewer people and clearer views).
Temple of Jupiter (a quick, high-impact stop near the palace core).
Diocletian’s Palace Cellars (ideal for shade and Roman atmosphere, especially on hot days).
Riva promenade (coffee, people-watching, harbour views, and the easiest reset point).
People’s Square (Pjaca) and old-town streets (short detour for architecture, cafés, and classic Split atmosphere).
Pazar (Green Market) and Fish Market (best in the morning; a quick local-life snapshot near the centre).
Finish: Gregory of Nin (easy photo stop just outside the palace area).

One-day Split itinerary (Old Town + one big extra)

Morning: Do the Old Town loop while it’s cooler, then add the bell tower climb if it’s on your list.
Midday: Lunch and a long coffee on the Riva, plus a quick market wander if you’re nearby.
Afternoon option A (nature + views): Head to Marjan for viewpoints and pine-forest shade.
Afternoon option B (swim break): Walk or ride to Bačvice Beach for an easy central swim.
Afternoon option C (culture): Visit the Meštrović Gallery for a strong museum pick outside the palace lanes.
Sunset: Return to the waterfront for golden-hour photos and a slow stroll along the harbourfront.

Promenades, squares, and markets

If you want Split’s best atmosphere fast, do this trio: coffee on the Riva, a quick square detour for architecture, and a market walk for local flavours. These stops are all close to the Old Town, so you can fit them into the same loop without extra transit.

Riva promenade - Split’s signature waterfront for people-watching, sea views, and an easy break between Old Town sights.
Prokurative (Republic Square) - a grand open square just off the Riva, known for its elegant facades and cultural events.
Marmont Street - the marble-lined pedestrian street for shops, cafés, and an easy stroll linking the centre with the waterfront area.
Pazar (green market) - the best quick stop for fresh produce and local staples, right by the Old Town.
Fish Market (Peškarija) - a classic Split experience for the morning catch and a peek into everyday city life.
Best time to go: visit markets in the morning for the best selection, then switch to squares and the Riva later in the day for the best atmosphere.

Viewpoints, parks, and beaches near the centre

Split is perfect for mixing sightseeing with sea time. After the Old Town loop, you can swap crowds for shade on Marjan, catch sunset from a clifftop park, or walk to a beach along the seaside promenade east of the centre.

See parks and beaches in Split

Marjan Hill - the city’s best green escape for viewpoints, pine shade, and easy trails a short distance from the Old Town.
Sustipan Park - a small clifftop park near the marina with some of the best sea views in Split and a great sunset feel.
Bačvice Beach - the classic central sandy beach for a quick swim break close to the port area.
Firule Beach - an easy, family-friendly option with a calmer feel, also reachable along the seaside promenade.
Kašjuni Beach - a scenic pebble bay under Marjan if you want a more natural setting and clearer cove vibes.
Local tip: In peak summer, do viewpoints early or late, and use the seaside promenade to beach-hop without planning transport.
Practical note: Marjan paths can have temporary works or access changes - check the latest local updates if you are heading deep into the park.

Museums and galleries

Split’s museums are an easy win when you want a break from the heat, a slower-paced cultural stop, or a solid rainy-day plan. If you only have time for one, pick Meštrovic for art or the Archaeological Museum for context on Roman and ancient Dalmatia.

See museums in Split

Meštrovic Gallery - the top choice for art lovers, set in the former villa of Croatia’s most famous sculptor, with a peaceful setting away from the busiest Old Town lanes.
Archaeological Museum - the best place for ancient context, with major collections that help you understand Split, Salona, and the wider Roman and Greek history of the region.
Ethnographic Museum - a compact, high-value stop inside the palace area, focused on traditional life and regional culture, with a memorable rooftop perspective over the historic core.
Croatian Maritime Museum - a great pick if you are curious about Adriatic seafaring heritage, ship models, and maritime history in a fortress setting.
Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments - ideal if you want medieval and early Croatian history, with stone monuments and artefacts from the 7th to 15th century.
Seasonal tip: If you are in Split in late January, check whether the city is running “Night of Museums”, when many museums offer free admission during the event.

Best day trips from Split

Split is one of Croatia’s best bases for day trips: you can reach UNESCO towns like Trogir, big-view history like Klis Fortress, waterfall scenery at Krka, and popular islands by ferry or fast catamaran. The best choice depends on your month, sea conditions, and how much travel time you want in a single day.

See best day trips from Split for the full guide, including public transport ideas, island logistics, and season tips. For DIY planning, start with Split ferries and Split bus, then confirm your exact departures on the operator’s official timetable close to your travel date.

Best easy half-day (culture, low effort): Trogir - a compact UNESCO old town that works in any season and is one of the simplest no-car day trips.
Best close-by views and history: Klis Fortress and nearby Salona (Solin) - a great pick when you want big panoramas and Roman ruins without committing to a long day.
Best waterfalls day: Krka National Park - the most practical waterfall escape from Split for a full-day nature break.
Best iconic nature (but long): Plitvice Lakes - unforgettable scenery, but expect an early start and lots of travel time.
Best island day by ferry (no car): Hvar Town or Brač - choose one base, walk the old town, add a viewpoint, then finish with a swim.
Best bucket-list boat day: Blue Cave and multi-island speedboat routes - a full day on the water and most sensitive to wind and swell, so keep your schedule flexible.
Quick rule: if the sea is rough or the forecast is windy, prioritise mainland trips (Trogir, Klis/Salona, Krka) and save speedboat routes for calmer days.

If you want to skip planning and lock in a great day out, the simplest option is to book a top-rated guided trip with transport included. Below you will find our recommended Split day trip pick, chosen for strong reviews, clear logistics, and great value - ideal if you want a smooth experience without worrying about schedules, tickets, or getting back to Split on time.

From Split: Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour

Hassle-free Krka National Park and winery day trip from Split

Visiting Krka National Park from Split is much easier on a guided trip. This day tour includes round-trip transport, a river cruise, and plenty of time in the park to walk the famous wooden paths, see the waterfalls, and explore key highlights at a comfortable pace.

After Krka, you stop in riverside Skradin for free time (often used for a quick swim at the beach, lunch, or a short wander), then finish with a local winery visit featuring tastings of Croatian wine plus regional bites like cheese and olive oil. National park entry is paid separately on the day, so you keep flexibility while still getting an easy, well-organized experience.

Check availability and prices

Practical tips for visiting Split attractions

Most Split attractions are best enjoyed on foot, but a few small planning moves will save you time, heat, and queues - especially in peak summer. Use these tips to see the Old Town comfortably, add Marjan or a beach with less hassle, and avoid common tourist mistakes.

Beat the crowds and heat: explore the Old Town early morning or later afternoon, then save museums, long lunches, or shaded walks for midday.
Palace tickets are not a thing: there is no single ticket to "enter" Diocletian’s Palace because it is part of the city - you usually pay only for specific sites inside the area (towers, collections, and some interiors). If a site matters to you, confirm on the day what is included and what is open.
Viewpoints take effort: the cathedral bell tower climb is one of the best views, but it involves lots of steps and can feel narrow and exposed - wear grippy shoes and skip it if you are uncomfortable with heights.
Wear the right footwear: Split’s stone streets and steps can be slippery, especially when polished by foot traffic or after rain - sandals with poor grip are the fastest way to ruin your day.
Use buses for the "long add-ons": if you are heading beyond the centre (Marjan-side beaches, Bene, or eastern promenade beaches), public transport can be easier than walking in midday heat - start with Split by bus.
If you are driving, plan parking first: centre parking fills quickly in July and August and most spaces are paid/regulated - use parking in Split to pick a realistic option before you enter the old town zone.
Respect rules in the historic centre: Split enforces public-order rules with fines for things like public drinking in the old town area, urinating in public, and climbing monuments - if you are unsure what is allowed, read the official guidance: Enjoy & Respect - Split public order rules.
Day trip logistics: if you are using ferries or catamarans, timetables change seasonally and sell-outs happen - check the last return sailing before you commit and start with Split ferries.
Peak-season queues: for intercity buses in July and August, buying tickets ahead helps because the terminal can get very busy - start with Split main bus station for practical notes.

FAQ: Split attractions

Is Diocletian’s Palace free to enter?

Yes - the “Palace” is part of Split’s Old Town, so you can walk the streets, squares, and gates for free at any time. You usually only pay for specific interior sites inside the complex (for example the cathedral complex and bell tower, the Temple of Jupiter, and the Palace Cellars), so check what is included at the ticket point if you are planning a specific visit. Read more about Diocletian’s Palace.

What are the must-see attractions in Split if you only have one day?

Start with Diocletian’s Palace and the Old Town lanes, then take a long break on the waterfront Riva. If you have time for one extra, choose either a viewpoint (Marjan or the bell tower) or a swim at Bačvice - that gives you the best mix of history, views, and sea time without rushing.

Where is the best viewpoint in Split?

For the most central panoramic view, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius bell tower is the classic pick because it looks over the entire Old Town and harbour. For a greener, more relaxed viewpoint, head up Marjan Hill, where several lookouts give you wide views of Split and the islands.

What are the best free things to do in Split?

Wander the Old Town streets and palace lanes (free), enjoy sunset and people-watching on the Riva, and walk up into Marjan for viewpoints and shaded trails. You can also browse the Pazar (green market) in the morning for a quick local-life snapshot near the centre.

What are the best day trips from Split without a car?

The easiest DIY options are places you can reach by public bus or ferry: Trogir is a simple cultural half-day, and islands like Brač, Hvar, or Šolta work well by ferry or fast catamaran (season and sea conditions matter). If you want waterfalls without logistics, a guided tour to Krka is often the smoothest option. Start here: best day trips from Split.

What is the best area to stay in Split for sightseeing?

If your priority is walkability, stay in or next to the Old Town (Diocletian’s Palace area) so you can reach the top sights on foot and go out easily in the evening. If you want beach access and nightlife with a short walk to the centre, Bačvice is a strong alternative, while Veli Varoš is a popular “close but calmer” area near the old town and Marjan-side walks.