Diocletian's Palace (Old Town)

Split, Croatia

The UNESCO-listed Roman palace that is the living heart of the city, its courtyards, cellars and lanes full of homes, cafés and bars. Unmissable and uniqu…

Explore Split

Split — TL;DR

Split is unlike any other city on earth: its old town is a 1,700-year-old Roman palace, built by the Emperor Diocletian for his retirement and never abandoned — its walls, cellars and courtyards now woven with homes, cafés, bars and markets, still fully alive.

Split at a glance

What are the best things to do in Split? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Split trip feel like more than a checklist.
How many days do you need in Split? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Split — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a day for a nearby…
When is the best time to visit Split? May, June and September for warm weather, swimmable sea and manageable crowds.
Where should I stay in Split for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport.
How do you get around Split? The old town is compact and pedestrian — walk everywhere.

Split overview

May, June and September for warm weather, swimmable sea and manageable crowds. July and August are hot and very busy (and the island-hopping is at its peak). Spring and autumn are lovely and quieter; winter is mild but sleepy.
The old town is compact and pedestrian — walk everywhere. Buses and taxis serve the wider city; the Riva promenade and ferry port are central. Catamarans and ferries reach Hvar, Brač, Vis and beyond; the airport is a short transfer.
Euro (EUR)
Croatian. English is widely spoken in tourism.
CET (UTC+1, UTC+2 in summer)
A rising Dalmatian fine-dining scene inside the palace walls; a strong konoba (tavern) revival celebrating local seafood and Peka; craft-cocktail and wine bars in the old town; and the city cementing itself as the hub for Adriatic island-hopping and Game of Thrones tourism.

Where to eat, drink & do in Split

Split neighborhoods

Diocletian's Palace (Old Town) The UNESCO-listed Roman palace that is the living heart of the city, its courtyards, cellars and lanes full of homes, cafés and bars. Unmissable and unique.
Varoš The old fishermen's quarter of steep stone lanes climbing the hill behind the palace, atmospheric and quiet. The old town's charming edge.
The Riva & Matejuška The palm-lined seafront promenade and the old fishing harbour beside it, the city's social living room for a coffee or sunset drink. Beautiful and central.
Marjan Hill The forested peninsula rising above the city, laced with walking and cycling trails, viewpoints, chapels and swimming coves. Split's green lung.
Bačvice The city beach district just east of the centre, home to the sandy Bačvice cove and the local game of picigin, with beach bars and nightlife. The city's beach scene.

Practical info for Split

Getting around in Split? The old town is compact and pedestrian — walk everywhere. Buses and taxis serve the wider city; the Riva promenade and ferry port are central. Catamarans and ferries reach Hvar, Brač, Vis and beyond; the airport is a short transfer.
When to go in Split? May, June and September for warm weather, swimmable sea and manageable crowds. July and August are hot and very busy (and the island-hopping is at its peak). Spring and autumn are lovely and quieter; winter is mild but sleepy.
What's changing now in Split? A rising Dalmatian fine-dining scene inside the palace walls; a strong konoba (tavern) revival celebrating local seafood and Peka; craft-cocktail and wine bars in the old town; and the city cementing itself as the hub for Adriatic island-ho
Seek out Klis Fortress in Split? A dramatic hilltop fortress above the city (a Game of Thrones filming site) with staggering views over Split and the islands. Historic and cinematic.
Base yourself in Diocletian's Palace (Old Town) in Split? The UNESCO-listed Roman palace that is the living heart of the city, its courtyards, cellars and lanes full of homes, cafés and bars. Unmissable and unique. Known for roman ruins, cafés, history.

Frequently asked questions about Split

What are the best things to do in Split? Balance one or two headline sights with unhurried time in the neighbourhoods highlighted in this guide — that mix is what makes a Split trip feel like more than a checklist. Book any high-demand entries in advance, keep evenings loose for a proper dinner, and leave at least one afternoon completely unplanned for the small discoveries Split tends to reward.
How many days do you need in Split? Three to four full days is the sweet spot for a first visit to Split — enough to cover the main neighbourhoods on foot, sit down for two or three proper meals, and still keep a day for a nearby day-trip or a slow morning. Extend to five or six days if you plan to combine the city with the surrounding region.
When is the best time to visit Split? May, June and September for warm weather, swimmable sea and manageable crowds. July and August are hot and very busy (and the island-hopping is at its peak). Spring and autumn are lovely and quieter; winter is mild but sleepy.
Where should I stay in Split for the first time? First-time visitors do best in one of the walkable central neighbourhoods covered in the Where to Stay section of this guide — the ones that put you within a short walk of dinner and public transport. Avoid staying next to the main transit hubs unless convenience trumps atmosphere for your trip.
How do you get around Split? The old town is compact and pedestrian — walk everywhere. Buses and taxis serve the wider city; the Riva promenade and ferry port are central. Catamarans and ferries reach Hvar, Brač, Vis and beyond; the airport is a short transfer.

Practical notes for Split

Best time to visit: May, June and September for warm weather, swimmable sea and manageable crowds. July and August are hot and very busy (and the island-hopping is at its peak). Spring and autumn are lovely and quieter; winter is mild but sleepy.
Getting around: The old town is compact and pedestrian — walk everywhere. Buses and taxis serve the wider city; the Riva promenade and ferry port are central. Catamarans and ferries reach Hvar, Brač, Vis and beyond; the airport is a short transfer.
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Language: Croatian. English is widely spoken in tourism.
Timezone: CET (UTC+1, UTC+2 in summer)
Current trends: A rising Dalmatian fine-dining scene inside the palace walls; a strong konoba (tavern) revival celebrating local seafood and Peka; craft-cocktail and wine bars in the old town; and the city cementing itself as the hub for Adriatic island-hopping and Game of Thrones tourism.

Other neighborhoods in Split

Varoš — The old fishermen's quarter of steep stone lanes climbing the hill behind the palace, atmospheric and quiet. The old town's charming edge.
The Riva & Matejuška — The palm-lined seafront promenade and the old fishing harbour beside it, the city's social living room for a coffee or sunset drink. Beautiful and central.
Marjan Hill — The forested peninsula rising above the city, laced with walking and cycling trails, viewpoints, chapels and swimming coves. Split's green lung.
Bačvice — The city beach district just east of the centre, home to the sandy Bačvice cove and the local game of picigin, with beach bars and nightlife. The city's beach scene.

Read the full Split guide