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Split, Croatia blends Diocletian’s Palace, Adriatic beaches, Roman history, lively markets and island-hopping adventures along Dalmatia’s sunny coast.

Ancient Walls and Adriatic Light

Split occupies a dramatic position on Croatia’s central Dalmatian coast, facing the islands of Brač, Šolta and Čiovo across the Adriatic. At its centre stands Diocletian’s Palace, built at the turn of the fourth century for the Roman emperor Diocletian. The palace is not an isolated archaeological site: its walls, courtyards, cellars and stone passageways form the living core of the modern city, threaded with cafés, homes, shops and galleries.
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A City within a Palace

The historic centre unfolds around the Peristyle, the palace’s ceremonial square, and leads through the Bronze, Silver, Golden and Iron Gates towards the Riva waterfront. Nearby, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius incorporates Diocletian’s mausoleum, while the medieval streets of the former imperial complex reveal layers of Roman, Venetian and later Dalmatian life. Beyond the centre, Marjan Hill provides pine-shaded paths, sea views and small coastal churches above the city’s western edge.

Markets, Beaches and Island Connections

Split’s character is shaped as much by daily routines as by monumental history. The Pazar market fills the eastern side of the old town with fruit, vegetables and local produce, while the fish market reflects the city’s maritime identity. Bacvice Beach is known for picigin, a traditional ball game played in shallow water, and the waterfront becomes a social promenade from morning coffee through warm Mediterranean evenings. Ferries and excursion boats make Split a practical base for exploring nearby islands, yet the city itself rewards slow exploration through its stone lanes, lively squares and shaded slopes of Marjan.

When is the best time to visit Split?

Best: May–July · 24–33°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January12108
February1392
March1579
April2074
May (best)2466
June (best)3037
July (best)3331
August3242
September2886
October23108
November17137
December14124

Getting to and around Split

How to get there

Split Airport is located near Kaštela, west of the city, and provides the principal air connection for central Dalmatia; airport buses, taxis and pre-arranged transfers connect it with Split. The city’s main railway station is beside the ferry port, although rail services are less extensive than road and sea connections. Long-distance buses link Split with Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Zadar and other Croatian cities, as well as destinations in neighbouring countries. The A1 motorway reaches the region through the Dugopolje interchange, while coastal roads connect the city with the Dalmatian coast. Ferries and catamarans depart from the port for islands including Brač, Hvar, Šolta and Vis, with routes varying by season.

Transportation

The historic centre is compact and best explored on foot, although its polished stone paving can be uneven and slippery after rain. Local buses operated by Promet Split serve outer neighbourhoods, the airport area and nearby settlements, while taxis and app-based services are useful for longer journeys or luggage. The ferry port, bus station and railway station are grouped close to the eastern edge of the old town. Driving in the centre is inconvenient because of pedestrian streets, restricted access and limited parking, particularly in summer. Marjan can be reached on foot from the centre, with buses and taxis helping visitors who prefer not to climb its slopes.

Best attractions in Split

Split’s principal attraction is Diocletian’s Palace, whose cellars, ceremonial Peristyle and maze of inhabited streets turn Roman history into an urban experience rather than a remote ruin. The Cathedral of Saint Domnius and its bell tower reveal how the imperial complex was adapted for medieval Christian life, while the nearby Temple of Jupiter adds another layer to the palace’s sacred architecture. The Riva provides a broad waterfront promenade lined with palms and cafés, and the Pazar market offers a more everyday view of the city through fruit, vegetables and local produce. West of the centre, Marjan Hill combines pine woodland, walking paths, sea viewpoints and small historic churches. Bacvice Beach is associated with picigin, a traditional shallow-water ball game, while the Mestrovic Gallery presents the work of Croatia’s leading modern sculptor in a former villa and garden near the coast.

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Best landmarks in Split

Diocletian’s Palace is Split’s defining landmark, a late Roman imperial complex whose fortified walls, gates and ceremonial core still determine the shape of the city centre. At its heart, the Peristyle is framed by columns, sphinxes and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, whose octagonal structure occupies Diocletian’s former mausoleum; its bell tower has become a prominent feature of the skyline. The Golden Gate formed the palace’s grand northern entrance, while the Temple of Jupiter survives as a small but important Roman religious structure. Outside the palace, the Riva represents the city’s maritime face, and the statue of Bishop Gregory of Nin by Ivan Meštrović stands near the Golden Gate. The Mestrovic Gallery, housed in the sculptor’s former residence, adds a significant modern cultural landmark to Split’s historic architectural landscape.

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Explore Split on the map

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Neighbourhoods in Split

Best restaurants in Split

Split’s dining culture draws on Dalmatian coastal cooking, with grilled fish, octopus, mussels, squid, brudet fish stew and black risotto appearing alongside meat dishes such as pasticada, slow-cooked beef served with gnocchi. Local menus also reflect the wider region through peka, prepared beneath a bell-like metal lid, and soparnik, a savoury chard-filled pastry from the Poljica area near Split. The Pazar and fish market are useful for seeing the ingredients that underpin home cooking, while konobas—traditional taverns—offer rustic dishes in intimate stone settings. Around the old town, the Riva and Matejuška, restaurants range from casual seafood counters and bakeries to contemporary kitchens interpreting Dalmatian produce. Fritule, small fried pastries, are a familiar sweet, and Croatian wines from Dalmatia, including varieties made from Pošip and Plavac Mali grapes, often accompany meals.

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Best bars in Split

Evenings in Split tend to begin with coffee or a drink along the Riva, in the lanes of the old town or around Matejuška, the former fishing quarter whose waterfront atmosphere has evolved alongside its restaurants and bars. Veli Varoš offers a more residential setting, while the Bacvice area is associated with beach bars and later-night entertainment, particularly during the warmer months. The city’s nightlife is largely seasonal: summer brings open-air terraces, music and club events, whereas the cooler months are quieter and more locally focused. Visitors can find wine bars, craft beer venues and cocktail spots in and around the centre, as well as live music and cultural performances at theatres and other venues. Respect for nearby residents matters in the dense historic quarters, where homes stand directly above or beside evening businesses.

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Best nightclubs in Split

Evenings in Split tend to begin with coffee or a drink along the Riva, in the lanes of the old town or around Matejuška, the former fishing quarter whose waterfront atmosphere has evolved alongside its restaurants and bars. Veli Varoš offers a more residential setting, while the Bacvice area is associated with beach bars and later-night entertainment, particularly during the warmer months. The city’s nightlife is largely seasonal: summer brings open-air terraces, music and club events, whereas the cooler months are quieter and more locally focused. Visitors can find wine bars, craft beer venues and cocktail spots in and around the centre, as well as live music and cultural performances at theatres and other venues. Respect for nearby residents matters in the dense historic quarters, where homes stand directly above or beside evening businesses.

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Best shops in Split

Shopping in Split is concentrated around the pedestrian lanes of the old town, the streets leading through Diocletian’s Palace and the waterfront approaches. The Pazar, beside the eastern palace wall, is the city’s main open-air produce market, while the nearby fish market provides seafood and a vivid glimpse of local commerce. Small shops and specialist sellers offer Croatian wines, olive oil, lavender products, dried figs, confectionery and food gifts from Dalmatia. Traditional stone and nautical motifs appear in some souvenirs, although quality varies, so independent craft shops are preferable for locally made goods. Marmontova Street is one of the central shopping arteries, combining everyday retailers with cafés and smaller businesses. The city also has modern shopping centres outside the historic core, but the old town’s compact streets provide the most characterful retail setting.

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Split essentials

Currency and Payment
Croatia uses the euro, with the currency code EUR. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, supermarkets, restaurants and many shops, but smaller cafés, market stalls, bakeries and some local services may still prefer cash. ATMs are readily available in central Split, though international visitors should check the exchange-rate and withdrawal options offered by the machine and their own bank. Carrying modest euro notes and coins is useful for markets, small purchases and places where card terminals are unavailable. Keep receipts when paying by card and confirm the amount on the terminal before authorising a transaction.
Safety
Split is generally straightforward for visitors, but the historic centre, ferry port, markets and crowded summer streets require ordinary precautions against pickpocketing and unattended bags. Keep valuables secure on beaches and avoid leaving phones or wallets visible in cafés or vehicles. The old town’s smooth stone paving can become slippery, and coastal paths may have uneven surfaces, so suitable footwear is sensible. Take care in traffic when crossing wider roads outside the pedestrian centre, and use licensed taxis or reputable booking services. During hot weather, carry water, protect yourself from the sun and take extra care on exposed paths around Marjan.
Emergency Situations
For any emergency in Croatia, dial 112, the European emergency number, which can coordinate police, fire and medical assistance. Police can also be reached on 192, the fire service on 193 and ambulance services on 194. Operators may be able to assist in English, although explaining the exact location clearly is important in the maze of the old town. Carry identification and keep travel-insurance details accessible. Pharmacies are common in the city, while visitors requiring urgent medical care should follow the directions of emergency services or accommodation staff rather than attempting to self-diagnose a serious condition.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress respectfully when entering churches and other religious buildings, and avoid climbing on, leaning against or touching fragile historic masonry. In cafés and restaurants, service charges are not uniformly handled, so check the bill and leave a modest tip for good service if appropriate. Swimwear belongs on the beach rather than in the palace streets and shops. Give way to residents using narrow passages, keep noise under control near homes and dispose of rubbish responsibly. Do not remove stones, pottery or other material from archaeological areas. Croatian is the local language, but English is widely understood in visitor-facing businesses.
Local Tips
Use the palace as a geographical reference: the Riva lies along its western waterfront, the Pazar market beside its eastern side and the ferry port immediately beyond. A walk from the old town through Veli Varoš towards Marjan introduces a quieter, residential side of Split before the hill’s pine paths open to sea views. The Pazar is most atmospheric in the morning, while the fish market offers a glimpse of the city’s continuing relationship with the Adriatic. For island travel, compare the available ferry or catamaran route with your intended return, since schedules and seasonal frequency can change.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloBok[Bohk]
GoodbyeDoviđenja[Doh-vee-jen-ya]
YesDa[Dah]
NoNe[Neh]
Please/You're welcomeMolim[Moh-leem]
Thank youHvala[Hvah-lah]
Excuse me/SorryOprostite[Oh-pros-tee-teh]
How are you?Kako si?[Kah-koh see?]
Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?[Doh-broh. Ah tee?]
Do you speak English?Govorite li engleski?[Goh-voh-ree-teh lee eng-lehs-kee?]
I don't understandNe razumijem[Neh rah-zoo-mee-yem]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMolio bih meni, molim[Moh-lee-oh bee meh-nee, moh-leem]
I don't eat meatNe jedem meso[Neh yeh-dem meh-so]
Cheers!Živjeli![Zhee-vye-lee]
I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim platiti, molim[Zheh-leem plah-tee-tee, moh-leem]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Pomoć![Poh-moh-ch]
Go away!Idi odavde![Ee-dee oh-dahv-deh]
Call the Police!Pozovite policiju![Poh-zoh-vee-teh po-lee-tsee-yoo]
Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora![Poh-zoh-vee-teh dohk-toh-rah]
I'm lostIzgubljen sam[Eez-goob-lyen sahm]
I'm illBolestan sam[Boh-less-tahn sahm]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Želim kupiti...[Zheh-leem koo-pee-tee]
I'm just lookingSamo gledam[Sah-moh gleh-dahm]
How much is it?Koliko košta?[Koh-lee-koh koh-shta?]
That's too expensiveTo je preskupo[Toh yeh prehs-koo-poh]
Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?[Moh-zheh-teh lee spoos-tee-tee tsee-yeh-noo?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Koliko je sati?[Koh-lee-koh yeh sah-tee?]
It's one o'clockJedan je sat[Yeh-dahn yeh saht]
Half past (10)Pola (deset)[Poh-lah (deh-set)]
MorningJutro[Yoo-troh]
AfternoonPopodne[Poh-pod-neh]
EveningVečer[Veh-cher]
YesterdayJučer[Yoo-cher]
TodayDanas[Dah-nahs]
TomorrowSutra[Soo-trah]
1Jedan[Yeh-dahn]
2Dva[Dvah]
3Tri[Tree]
4Četiri[Cheh-tee-ree]
5Pet[Peh-t]
6Šest[Shehst]
7Sedam[Seh-dahm]
8Osam[Oh-sahm]
9Devet[Deh-vet]
10Deset[Deh-set]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Gdje je...[Gdyeh yeh]
What's the address?Koja je adresa?[Koh-yah yeh ah-deh-sah]
Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na karti)?[Moh-zheh-teh lee mee poh-kah-zah-tee (nah kahr-tee)]
When's the next (bus)?Kada je sljedeći (autobus)?[Kah-dah yeh sleh-deh-chee (ow-toh-boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (do ....)[Yehd-noo kahr-too (doh)]

History of Split

Greek and Illyrian Beginnings

The wider Split area formed part of the ancient Adriatic world shaped by Illyrian communities and Greek settlement. The nearby Greek colony of Aspalathos, usually associated with the area around modern Split, became connected with the island city of Issa, present-day Vis. Greek maritime trade established lasting links between the central Dalmatian coast and the eastern Mediterranean, while Roman power gradually extended across the region. Although the later city would derive its physical form from the imperial palace, these earlier coastal networks help explain Split’s enduring orientation towards seafaring, commerce and the islands.

Diocletian’s Palace

Roman emperor Diocletian ordered the construction of his retirement palace near his birthplace in Dalmatia, and he spent his final years there after abdicating in 305. Built between roughly 295 and 305, the complex combined a fortified military camp, imperial residence and monumental ceremonial spaces. Its rectangular plan, substantial walls, gates, cellars and central Peristyle reflected both imperial authority and the practical needs of a coastal residence. The palace used stone from local and regional sources, including material associated with the island of Brač. Its survival as the framework of the modern historic centre is the defining fact of Split’s urban history.

From Salona to the Medieval City

After the decline of Roman imperial power, the nearby city of Salona was abandoned or severely reduced during the upheavals of the seventh century. Refugees and inhabitants sought protection within Diocletian’s fortified complex, helping transform an imperial residence into a medieval town. Christian communities adapted Roman spaces, and the former mausoleum became the Cathedral of Saint Domnius. Over the following centuries, Split developed beyond the palace walls while retaining its Roman nucleus. Croatian rulers, local nobles, merchants and religious institutions all contributed to the layered street plan and varied architecture visible in the old town today.

Venetian Rule and Maritime Trade

Venice established firm control over Split in 1420, beginning a long period in which the city was tied to the Venetian maritime empire. Trade, shipping and relations with the Dalmatian hinterland shaped its economy, while Venetian administration influenced civic buildings, churches and urban spaces. The city’s position between the Adriatic islands and the mainland gave it strategic importance, although commerce was also affected by rivalry, conflict and changing regional routes. Venetian architectural details remain visible in the historic centre, particularly in stone façades, courtyards and public buildings that stand alongside much older Roman fabric.

Habsburg Modernisation

Following the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797, Split passed through Habsburg and Napoleonic administrations before returning to Austrian rule after 1815. During the nineteenth century, the city expanded beyond its historic walls and its civic institutions developed within the Austro-Hungarian framework. The port, rail connections and emerging industrial activities strengthened Split’s role as a regional centre. New neighbourhoods grew alongside the old palace, creating a contrast between Roman and medieval streets and the more regular urban development of the modern city. Croatian cultural and political movements also gained influence during this period.

Twentieth-Century Growth and Contemporary Split

Split experienced rapid demographic and economic growth during the twentieth century, especially after the Second World War, when shipbuilding, port activity and industry expanded its regional importance. The city formed part of Yugoslavia until Croatia declared independence in 1991. Modern residential districts spread well beyond the historic core, while the old centre became increasingly important for heritage, culture and tourism. Diocletian’s Palace and the wider historic complex were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979, recognising an urban landscape in which ancient structures remain integrated with the daily life of a living Dalmatian city.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Split, Croatia

Discover Split with Evendo, the 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Plan your perfect trip with ease.

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Unlock the secrets of Split, Croatia with Evendo, the ultimate travel companion. Explore top attractions, local tips, and easily book your experiences—all in one free app.

  • Detailed history of Split and travel essentials
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Welcome to Split, Croatia, a city rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. With Evendo, your journey through Split becomes seamless and unforgettable. From the ancient walls of Diocletian's Palace to the bustling Riva promenade, discover every corner of this Adriatic gem with our comprehensive travel guide.

Evendo offers detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Split. Dive into the local culture with curated tips and recommendations for must-visit spots like Marjan Hill, Bacvice Beach, and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius. Savor the flavors of Split at renowned restaurants such as Konoba Matejuska and Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar.

Our app not only helps you explore but also simplifies your travel planning. Easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, ensuring you never miss out on the city's top offerings. With features like detailed maps, contact information, and local advice, Evendo is your go-to guide for an immersive travel experience.

Experience Split like a local with our 'Near Me' feature, which shows you nearby attractions no matter where you are in the city. Learn about Split's rich history, get travel essentials, and navigate the city with ease. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs. Download Evendo today and start your adventure in Split!

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