Split Travel Guide: Diocletian’s Palace, Mediterranean Charm & Historic Streets
Home to the ancient Diocletian’s Palace and a lively Mediterranean waterfront. Split is Croatia’s second-largest city and one of the most vibrant destinations on the Adriatic. Built around the monumental 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace — one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the world — the city seamlessly blends ancient history with modern Mediterranean life. The palace complex forms the living heart of the Old Town, where cafés, shops, and homes occupy the original Roman structures. Beyond the palace, Split offers beautiful seafront promenades, nearby beaches, Marjan Hill for panoramic views, and easy access to the islands of the Dalmatian coast. With its relaxed atmosphere, excellent food scene, and rich cultural heritage, Split is the perfect base for exploring central Dalmatia. This complete Split travel guide covers everything you need to plan a memorable trip.
A Brief History of Split
The story of Split begins with Roman Emperor Diocletian, who built his retirement palace here between 295 and 305 AD. After his death, the palace was abandoned and later repurposed. In the 7th century, refugees from nearby Salona (an ancient Roman city destroyed by invaders) settled inside the palace walls, turning it into a thriving medieval town. Over the centuries, Split grew under Byzantine, Venetian, Habsburg, and Yugoslav rule. The palace itself became a living city, with new buildings constructed within and around the original Roman structures. Today, over 3,000 people still live inside the ancient palace walls, making it one of the most remarkable inhabited Roman monuments in the world.
Cost Breakdown: Visiting Split
Split offers good value compared to Dubrovnik while still providing a full Mediterranean experience. Here’s a realistic daily budget per person (excluding accommodation):
Budget per person per day:
- Budget Traveller: €50–75
- Mid-Range: €80–130
- Comfort: €150–220
Sample Costs:
- Diocletian’s Palace entry (various sights): €10–25 combined
- Traditional peka or seafood lunch: €15–25
- Bus or ferry ticket: €2–15
- Kayak or boat trip: €30–60
- Glass of local wine: €3–7
- Double room in central area: €70–150 per night
Top Attractions in Split
1. Diocletian’s Palace
The heart of Split and one of the most impressive Roman monuments in existence. Built as a retirement palace for Emperor Diocletian, this vast complex now forms the Old Town. Wander through ancient halls, temples, and underground chambers while modern life continues around you.
Location: Centre of the Old Town.
Highlights:
- Peristyle square with its ancient columns
- Underground cellars (basement halls) with perfect Roman architecture
- Temple of Jupiter and Cathedral of St. Domnius
- Living history — people still live and work inside the palace
- Nighttime lighting that creates a magical atmosphere
2. Riva Promenade & Waterfront
Split’s beautiful palm-lined waterfront promenade is the social heart of the city. Lined with cafés, restaurants, and yachts, it offers stunning views of the harbour and mountains beyond.
Location: Along the south side of the Old Town.
Highlights:
- Iconic palm trees and sea views
- People-watching and evening atmosphere
- Ferries to nearby islands departing from here
- Outdoor cafés perfect for coffee or sunset drinks
3. Marjan Hill
A green lung rising directly above the Old Town, Marjan Hill offers peaceful forest paths, scenic viewpoints, and the chance to escape the city bustle. The views over Split, the islands, and the sea are spectacular.
Location: West of the Old Town.
Highlights:
- Panoramic viewpoints including Bene and Telegrin
- Peaceful pine forest walks
- Small chapels and historic sites
- Excellent for sunrise or sunset
4. Cathedral of St. Domnius & Bell Tower
Built within the former mausoleum of Emperor Diocletian, this is one of the oldest cathedrals in the world. Climb the bell tower for incredible views over the red rooftops of the palace.
Highlights:
- Ancient Roman mausoleum converted into a cathedral
- Beautiful Romanesque architecture
- Climbable bell tower with panoramic views
- Adjacent treasury with religious artefacts
5. Bacvice Beach & Seafront
Just a short walk from the Old Town, Bacvice is Split’s most popular city beach with shallow, warm water and a lively atmosphere. The famous picigin game (handball played in shallow water) originated here.
Highlights:
- Shallow sandy beach perfect for families
- Lively promenade with cafés and bars
- Water sports and picigin games
- Beautiful sunset views
6. Island Day Trips
Split is the perfect base for exploring the Dalmatian islands. Popular day trips include Hvar, Brač, Šolta, and Vis — all reachable by ferry in under 2 hours.
Highlights:
- Stunning beaches and clear water
- Historic towns and lavender fields on Hvar
- Golden Horn beach on Brač
- Blue Cave on Biševo (day trip from Split)
7. Park Šuma Marjan
A large protected forest park on the hill above Split with trails, viewpoints, and historic sites. It is one of the best places in the city to escape the summer heat.
Highlights:
- Extensive walking and hiking trails
- Multiple scenic viewpoints
- Historic chapels and hermitages
- Great for birdwatching and nature photography
8. Poljud Stadium & Sports Culture
Home to Hajduk Split, one of Croatia’s most passionate football clubs. Even if you’re not a sports fan, the atmosphere around match days is electric and worth experiencing.
Highlights:
- Iconic stadium architecture
- Passionate local fans (Torcida)
- Opportunity to catch a match
- Sports museum nearby
Local Food & Drink in Split
Dalmatian Peka & Slow-Cooked Specialities
Peka remains a highlight — lamb, veal, or octopus slow-cooked under a metal bell with potatoes and herbs. Other classics include pašticada (beef stewed in sweet wine sauce with prunes) and brudet (fish stew).
Where to try: Konoba Varoš, Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar, or family-run taverns in the Varos neighbourhood.
Fresh Seafood & Grilled Fish
Split’s location ensures incredibly fresh seafood. Try grilled fish (sea bass, bream), black risotto, buzara-style mussels or shrimp, and fried calamari. The daily catch is displayed on ice at many restaurants.
Where to try: Restaurant Dvor, Konoba Trattoria, or along the Riva promenade.
Dalmatian Wines
Try Pošip and Grk whites from nearby islands, or robust Plavac Mali reds. Split is also close to the famous Dingač and Postup wine regions on the Pelješac peninsula.
Where to try: Wine bars like Zinfandel or Uje Oil Bar. Many restaurants offer house wine by the carafe.
Rakija, Craft Beer & Coffee
Sample local rakija (fruit brandy) — especially travarica (herbal) or orahovac (walnut). Craft beer scene is thriving. Coffee culture is strong — enjoy a morning kava on the Riva or in a hidden square.
Signature: Try a “spritz” with local prosecco or the refreshing lemonade with mint and honey.
When to Visit Split
The best time to visit Split is late spring (May–June) or early autumn (September–October) for warm weather and fewer crowds. Summers are lively but busy, while winters are mild and more local.
- May–June: Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, ideal for sightseeing.
- July–August: Peak season — hot, busy, and most expensive.
- September–October: Still warm with beautiful light and thinner crowds.
- November–April: Mild weather, lower prices, authentic local feel.
Disclaimer: Prices and opening hours are approximate and subject to change. Always check current conditions, ticket availability, and restaurant bookings before your visit. This guide is for general reference only.