Visit Split
This city was originaly a palace that eventually became a living city. Split is built inside the walls of the Diocletian’s Palace, a 1,700 year old Roman ruin. You can walk through narrow white stone alleys that house modern shops and hidden apartments. The Riva promenade is lined with palm trees and views of the bright blue Adriatic sea. It is a place where history is alive and people still live inside the emperor's ancient walls. You can find laundry hanging between Roman columns and modern bars in ancient basements.
Climb the bell tower of the Saint Domnius Cathedral for a view of the red roofs and the many islands in the distance. The Marjan Hill park offers a great escape for a hike with a fresh sea breeze and hidden stone chapels. You can find local fish markets and small wine bars in the tight corners of the old town. The light makes the white stone glow all day long and looks amazing at sunset.
Split is a major hub for a trip along the Adriatic Highway. You can take your car onto a ferry to the nearby islands of Hvar or Brač or follow the winding coast road south. The views of the water are some of the best in the world and change at every turn. The roads curve around the mountains and the sea in a way that is very fun to drive. It is a dream path for anyone who loves the ocean air and wide horizons.
Top sights to visit
- Diocletian’s Palace Park near the harbor to walk through this 1,700 year old Roman city. It is not just a museum but a living neighborhood where locals live inside ancient stone walls. You can find tiny shops and cafes tucked into every stone corner.
- Saint Domnius Cathedral Climb the high bell tower for a view of the red rooftops and the blue sea. The building was first built as a tomb for an emperor before becoming a church. It is the oldest cathedral building still in use in the world.
- The Riva Promenade This wide walking path along the water is lined with palm trees and white stone benches. It is the best place to sit with a coffee and watch the large ferries head out to the islands. The energy is bright and very social.
- Marjan Hill Park Drive to the edge of the city to find this huge green park on a peninsula. It offers many hiking trails and hidden stone chapels built into the cliffs. The views of the Adriatic Sea from the summit are truly incredible.
- The Peristyle Square This is the central court of the palace where Roman columns stand tall under the sun. At night locals sit on the stone steps to listen to live music and enjoy the air. It feels like a movie set from an ancient time.
- Gregory of Nin Statue Visit this massive bronze statue and rub the big toe for good luck on your journey. It was made by a famous artist and stands near the golden gate of the palace. It is a fun and fast stop for every traveler.
- Jupiter’s Temple Hidden in a narrow alley this small temple has a black sphinx from Egypt guarding the door. The stone ceiling inside is perfectly kept and shows great Roman detail. It is a quiet gem away from the main palace crowds.
- Bacvice Beach This is the most famous sandy beach in the city where locals play a ball game called Picigin. The water is very shallow and warm making it perfect for a quick swim. It is located just a short walk from the main port.
- Vestibul Look up at the sky through the open dome of this ancient circular foyer. It has amazing sound quality and you can often hear local singers performing traditional songs. It is a unique and hauntingly beautiful spot in the palace.
- The Split Fish Market Visit this lively market early in the morning to see the local catch of the day. It is built with special stone that keeps flies away so it stays very clean. It is a great place to see the real local life of the coast.
- Klis Fortress Drive 15 minutes north to see this mountain fort that looks over the entire valley. It was used as a filming site for famous shows and offers a rugged look at local history. The road up offers amazing views of the coast.
- Veli Varos District Explore the narrow and winding streets of this old fishing neighborhood. The small stone houses and steep stairs are full of flowers and quiet charm. It is a great place to find a local tavern for a hearty meal.
Hotel deals
Weather forecast
Top Local Experiences
Explore with a Local Expert
Like to plan a trip to Split?
Enter your location and we’ll help you plan your adventure
History of Split
Split has one of the most incredible origin stories in the world. It began in the year 305 as a massive retirement palace for the Roman Emperor Diocletian. When the Roman Empire collapsed, local people moved into the palace walls for protection, building their homes and shops among the ancient columns. Over time, the palace became the city itself. You can still see laundry hanging from Roman windows and modern bars inside the emperor’s old basement.
Throughout the centuries, Split was ruled by Venetians, Austrians, and French, each adding their own style to the stone streets. The city grew into a major Mediterranean port, famous for its salt, wine, and olive oil trade. The grand Riva promenade was built during the time of Napoleon to give the city an elegant face toward the sea. It is a place where every stone has been used and reused by different cultures for over a thousand years.
For road trippers, Split is a gateway to the islands and the rugged Dalmatian coast. Driving along the mountains above the city gives you a stunning view of how the white stone palace sits right against the blue water. It is a city of salt and stone that feels alive with music and history. It is a rare place where you don't just visit history; you literally walk through it every time you cross the street.