Best places for shopping in Split

Split is the best place on the Dalmatian coast for “proper” shopping: a walkable Old Town packed with boutiques and souvenir shops, two famous daily markets for local produce and food gifts, and several modern malls for international brands and one-stop errands.

If you are travelling along the coast or island-hopping through central Dalmatia, Split is where you can restock beyond basic groceries - think clothing, swimwear, cosmetics, pharmacy essentials, electronics accessories, and gifts that are easy to pack. The city centre is compact, so you can combine shopping with sightseeing around Diocletian’s Palace and the Riva without losing half a day.

For the classic city-centre shopping walk, start on the waterfront and head to Marmontova Street, Split’s best-known shopping street with stores, cafés, and a lively evening atmosphere. For local flavours, browse Pazar (the Green Market) by the Palace walls and the nearby Fish Market (Peškarija) for the morning catch and a glimpse of everyday Split life.

• Best for boutiques + brands in the centre: Old Town lanes and Marmontova Street
• Best for edible souvenirs: Pazar for local products and Peškarija for seafood
• Best for “serious shopping” in one place: shopping malls (ideal in summer heat or bad weather)
• Quick tip: go to markets earlier in the day, and always double-check Sunday/holiday opening times before you set off

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Where to shop in Split by area

Split is easy to shop on foot: the Old Town around Diocletian’s Palace is best for small boutiques, local products, and souvenirs, while Marmontova Street is the city-centre strip for a classic “shops + coffee” stroll starting near the Riva. If you are planning a full day out, you can combine shopping with sightseeing and finish with a meal at one of the many options in our Split restaurants guide.

Old Town shops near Diocletian’s Palace

The lanes in and around Diocletian’s Palace are Split’s most atmospheric place to shop. Expect a mix of souvenir shops, artisan-style gifts, jewelry, natural cosmetics, and specialty foods, with quality varying from stall to stall. A popular browse-first stop is Diocletian’s Palace Cellars, where you will often find small stalls selling easy-to-carry gifts; from there, continue into the surrounding streets to compare prices and find better-made items with clear labels and materials.

• Best for: souvenirs, small gifts, local design pieces, jewelry, and edible treats you can pack
• Smart strategy: browse first, then buy from the shop that clearly shows origin, materials, and pricing
• Practical tip: for food gifts like olive oil, spreads, or sweets, ask for secure packaging for your luggage

Marmontova Street

If you want a straightforward shopping walk in the centre, head to Marmontova Street. It runs up from the Riva and is Split’s best-known shopping street for branded fashion, accessories, and a lively café scene. It also connects easily toward Prokurative, making it a good “shop-and-stroll” route even if your group wants to mix shopping with architecture, squares, and people-watching.

• Best for: a central shopping street vibe close to the waterfront, with plenty of cafés for breaks
• When to go: late afternoon into early evening, when the street feels busiest and most atmospheric
• Good to know: Sunday and public-holiday openings can vary by store, so check ahead if you have a specific shop in mind

Markets in Split

If you want the most authentic shopping in Split, start with the markets. They are not just for locals: they are a quick, affordable way to taste Dalmatia, pick up edible souvenirs, and see everyday Split life in action. The two main markets sit close to the Old Town, so you can easily combine them with sightseeing around Diocletian’s Palace.

Pazar (Green Market)

Pazar is Split’s main open-air market, located next to the east wall of Diocletian’s Palace and one of the city’s best places to experience local daily life. Split’s official tourism information highlights its setting around the church of St Dominic and its role as a key spot for fresh, seasonal produce. Go in the morning for the liveliest atmosphere and the best selection, especially in summer when the heat builds later in the day.

• Best buys: seasonal fruit and vegetables, dried herbs, honey, olive products, nuts, and small jars of local treats
• Best time to go: morning, when stalls are fullest and produce is freshest
• Good to know: card acceptance varies by stall, so having some cash makes shopping easier

Fish Market (Peškarija)

Split’s Fish Market (Peškarija) is both a shopping stop and a city landmark. According to Split’s official tourism information, it is one of the central points of everyday life and an architectural monument, built over 120 years ago in Secession style. Even if you are not cooking, it is worth visiting in the morning to see the Adriatic catch at its freshest and the market at its busiest.

• Best for: a glimpse of local life and the freshest seafood experience in the city
• Best time to go: early morning for the widest choice and most authentic atmosphere
• Traveller tip: if you are staying in an apartment, buy what you will cook the same day and ask for simple preparation advice

Shopping malls in Split

If you need international brands, air-conditioned comfort in summer, or one-stop convenience (supermarket, drugstores, electronics, and food), Split’s malls are the easiest option. They are also useful if you are staying on the islands and want to do a bigger restock day-trip to the city.

Mall of Split

Mall of Split is one of the city’s biggest “all-in-one” shopping options, positioned as a major retail destination with around 200 brands. It is located at Josipa Jovića 93 and is well connected by public transport, with several city bus lines stopping nearby. If you are arriving by ferry, the mall also advertises a free shuttle from the Split ferry port at specific departure times, which can be a practical option if you do not want to deal with taxis or parking.

• Best for: the widest choice of stores in one place, including a large supermarket and a food court
• Typical opening pattern: the centre is commonly open daily, while individual venues (supermarket, food court) may have different hours
• Getting there: multiple city bus lines serve the mall area, and a seasonal free bus may operate from the ferry port (always check the current schedule before you go)

City Center one Split

City Center one Split is a large retail complex on Vukovarska 207, popular for fashion, home stores, and practical errands. It is easy to reach by car and is also accessible by public transport, with city buses connecting the centre to nearby stops. Like many places in Croatia, Sunday trading can vary by date, so it is worth checking the mall’s published “working Sundays” information if you are shopping on a weekend.

• Best for: an easy “everything in one stop” shopping day, especially if you want a mix of fashion, home, and services
• Getting there: reachable by car via Vukovarska/Lovrinačka; public transport options include city bus lines that run toward the centre area and nearby districts
• Plan around Sundays: treat Sunday opening as date-specific and verify before you go

Joker

Joker is the most convenient mall if you want something close to the city centre: it is walkable in about 10 minutes from central Split and is served by several city bus lines. The mall’s standard retail opening is typically Monday to Saturday, while some facilities (restaurants, cinema, fitness) may keep different hours. If you are shopping late in the day, it is also a practical place to combine errands with food and entertainment, then continue your evening with the options in our restaurants in Split guide.

• Best for: a quick mall visit without going far from the centre, plus cinema/fitness/food options
• Typical opening pattern: shops are commonly open Monday to Saturday, while Sundays and holidays can be limited or closed (check venue-by-venue if you are going for food or cinema)
• Getting there: easy on foot from the centre; city buses also serve the area

Specialty shopping in Split

Beyond malls and the Old Town, Split is a great place to shop for specific needs: outdoor and watersports equipment for active travellers, and high-quality edible souvenirs that are easy to pack and genuinely local. If you are staying on the islands, this is also the most practical city to fix gear, replace essentials, or stock up on “take-home” treats before flying out.

Outdoor and sports gear

If you are planning activities like cycling, kitesurfing, windsurfing, or stand-up paddling, eXtreme Shop is one of Split’s best-known specialist stores. It focuses on technical watersports equipment and higher-end bikes, and it also offers bike servicing, which is useful if you need a quick repair during a trip or want advice on routes and setup.

• Best for: kitesurfing, windsurfing, SUP gear, BMX and mountain bikes, accessories, and bike service
• Good to know: for expensive gear, ask about warranty and returns, and consider airline baggage limits if you plan to fly home with oversized items
• Practical tip: if you only need equipment for a day or two, compare buying with renting through activity providers (often the most cost-effective option for short stays)

Local food gifts and edible souvenirs

For souvenirs you will actually use, focus on local food products. Start at Pazar (the Green Market) for seasonal produce and small jars of local specialties, then browse specialty food shops for gift-ready packaging. If you are staying in an apartment and want to cook, add a morning stop at the Fish Market (Peškarija) and plan a meal using fresh ingredients. If you would rather taste first and buy later, use our restaurants in Split guide to find great places to try Dalmatian flavours.

• Easy-to-pack favourites: olive oil, honey, dried herbs, fig products (jam/spread), chocolate, sea salt, and local sweets
• Liquids and bottles: wine and rakija can be excellent gifts, but pack them securely in checked luggage and buy sealed bottles from reputable sellers
• Quality check: look for clear labels (origin, ingredients, producer) and avoid unmarked “tourist jars” unless you can verify what you are buying

What to buy in Split

Split is a great place to shop for souvenirs that feel genuinely Croatian and are easy to pack. For the best mix of choice and atmosphere, browse the Old Town around Diocletian’s Palace and the stalls in the Palace Cellars, then pick up edible gifts at Pazar (the Green Market). If you want big-brand convenience or practical items (pharmacy, cosmetics, basics), finish at one of the shopping malls.

• Olive oil and olive-based products - One of the most popular Croatian take-home gifts. Look for sealed bottles with clear origin and harvest/producer details, or choose gift-friendly olive cosmetics (soaps, balms) if you are travelling light.
• Lavender and aromatic herbs - Lavender sachets, soaps, and essential-oil style products are classic Dalmatian souvenirs and easy to pack. For better quality, choose items with ingredient labels rather than “mystery” tourist pouches.
• Local sweets and chocolate - Croatia has strong chocolate-and-candy traditions, and boxed sweets make an easy, suitcase-friendly gift. Grocery stores and specialty shops both work well for this.
• Wine and rakija - Great gifts if you are checking a bag. Buy sealed bottles from reputable sellers and pack them securely; always check your airline and customs rules for liquids and alcohol limits before you fly.
• Nautical-style jewelry and bracelets - The coast inspires a lot of Split’s small accessories, from rope bracelets to maritime-themed pieces. These are lightweight, affordable, and easy to bring home.
• Kravata (tie) and Glagolitic-style items - Ties are closely linked to Croatian heritage, and Glagolitic motifs are a popular design theme on souvenirs like magnets, notebooks, and jewelry.
• Food gifts for keen cooks - Honey, herb blends, fig products (jam/spread), and other pantry staples are easy to pack and feel local. Pazar is the best starting point, and you can combine shopping with a morning browse of the Fish Market (Peškarija) if you are cooking in an apartment.

If you are short on time, do this: start with a quick browse of the Old Town, walk up Marmontova Street for central shops, then stop at Pazar for edible souvenirs and finish with a relaxed meal from our restaurants in Split guide.

Practical shopping tips

Opening hours, Sundays, and public holidays

In Split, most shops follow a simple pattern: city-centre stores and boutiques keep standard daytime hours, malls have longer and more predictable schedules, and markets are best earlier in the day. The main exception is Sundays and public holidays. Croatia’s retail rules mean many stores do not open every Sunday, and openings can depend on the specific date and the retailer’s chosen “working Sundays.”

• Best approach: if you are shopping on a Sunday or holiday, check the official website of the mall or store you plan to visit before you go
• Malls are the most predictable: major centres publish “working Sundays” calendars and special holiday hours updates
• Markets: plan for mornings and do not leave market shopping to late afternoon

VAT refund for non-EU travellers

If you live outside the EU, you may be eligible for a VAT refund (tax-free shopping) on goods you buy in Croatia and take out of the EU. In general, you need a single invoice above the minimum threshold (Croatian guidance has traditionally used HRK 740, roughly €100), you must export the goods outside the EU within the required time window (by the end of the third month after purchase), and you must validate the paperwork at customs when you leave the EU.

• At the store: ask for tax-free paperwork when you pay (not every shop offers it)
• At departure: allow extra time at the airport/exit point for customs validation, and keep the items and receipts accessible
• Good to know: rules and minimum thresholds can be shown in euros now, so follow the store’s current tax-free instructions

Payments, bargaining, and avoiding tourist traps

Cards are widely accepted in Split, especially in malls and established shops, but cash is still useful for markets and smaller stalls. Bargaining is not typical in regular stores, but at outdoor markets you can sometimes get a small discount if you are buying several items (always keep it friendly).

• Carry a little cash: it makes market shopping faster and easier
• Compare before buying: in the Old Town, prices and quality can vary a lot from one shop to the next
• Check labels: for cosmetics and food gifts, choose products with clear ingredients, origin, and producer info
• Think “packable”: magnets, small crafts, sweets, and sealed pantry items travel better than fragile or unlabelled goods

Plan more time in Split

If shopping is only one part of your trip, these guides help you plan the rest of your Split itinerary - from the must-see sights in the Old Town to where to eat and the best excursions beyond the city.

• Split travel guide - Start here for transport basics, neighbourhoods, and practical planning before you arrive.
• Best attractions in Split - The top things to see, including the Old Town highlights you can combine with shopping.
• Restaurants in Split - Where to eat well near the centre, from quick bites to proper dinners after a shopping day.
• Best day trips from Split - Easy excursions to islands and nearby towns when you want a break from the city.
• Parks and beaches in Split - The best swimming spots and green escapes for a more relaxed afternoon.

FAQ: shopping in Split

Where is the best shopping street in Split?

For a simple “shop-and-stroll” route in the city centre, head to Marmontova Street. Split’s official tourism information describes it as one of the main shopping oases in the centre, starting from the Riva and linking easily toward Prokurative, with cafés and restaurants along the way.

Where are the main markets in Split?

Split’s two main markets are both close to the Old Town. Pazar (the Green Market) sits right by the east wall of Diocletian’s Palace, and the Fish Market (Peškarija) is a short walk away. For the best atmosphere and selection, visit both in the morning.

What are the best souvenirs to buy in Split?

The easiest “good value + easy to pack” souvenirs are edible gifts and small local products. Good picks include olive oil and olive cosmetics, honey, dried herbs, fig products (jam/spread), sweets or chocolate, and lavender-based items. For browsing, start around Diocletian’s Palace and the Palace Cellars, then buy food gifts at Pazar where you can compare multiple stalls.

Are shops open on Sundays in Split?

Sometimes, but not reliably. In Croatia, retailers can only choose a limited number of “working Sundays” each year, so Sunday opening depends on the specific date and the business. If you need to shop on a Sunday or public holiday, check the official website (or official social channels) of the store or mall you plan to visit before you go.

Which shopping mall is best in Split?

It depends on what you need. Mall of Split is a strong choice if you want a large selection in one place and you are timing your visit around Sunday opening, because the centre publishes current working times and “working Sundays” updates. City Center one is another top option for a full shopping day, and it also publishes its current working hours and working-Sundays calendar. Joker is the most convenient if you want a mall close to the centre for quick errands.

Can non-EU travellers get a VAT refund in Croatia?

In many cases, yes. Croatia’s tax-free guidance for travellers generally requires a single invoice above the minimum threshold (historically HRK 740), and the goods must be taken out of the EU within the allowed time window (with customs validation when you leave). Because procedures can vary by retailer and may be updated, ask for tax-free paperwork at the time of purchase and keep receipts and purchased items accessible for departure.

How do I combine shopping with sightseeing in Split?

A simple route is: start at the Riva, walk up Marmontova Street for central shops, then explore the Old Town around Diocletian’s Palace. Add a morning stop at Pazar for edible souvenirs, and finish your day with ideas from our restaurants in Split guide.

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