Overview
Split is Croatia's second-largest city and the main urban centre of the Dalmatian coast. It sits on a peninsula jutting into the Adriatic and is anchored by one of the best-preserved late-Roman monuments in the world: the Palace of the Emperor Diocletian, built around the turn of the 4th century AD. Remarkably, the palace was never abandoned — it evolved into a living neighbourhood, and today thousands of people live, work, and socialise within its ancient walls.
Despite frequent comparisons to Dubrovnik, Split has a less curated feel. It is a working port city with a functioning ferry terminal, a covered market, and a genuine local population that gives it an energy distinct from more purely tourist-oriented destinations. The Riva promenade along the waterfront is a social hub at all hours.
Note on administrative geography: Split is the capital of Split-Dalmatia County. Šibenik-Knin County, which includes the city of Šibenik, is a separate administrative region to the north. This guide focuses primarily on the city of Split, while noting Šibenik and surrounding attractions as worthwhile nearby destinations.
Before You Go
Visas
Croatia is a member of the European Union and, as of 2023, part of the Schengen Area. Visa requirements vary significantly depending on your nationality. Do not rely on generalised advice — check TravelerPulse's Visas section and verify current entry requirements with the official Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs or your nearest Croatian embassy before travel.
Health
No specific vaccinations are required for most travellers visiting Croatia from Western countries, but standard travel health precautions apply. Travel health insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its successor (GHIC) is accepted for EU and UK citizens respectively, but confirm coverage before departure.
When to Book
Accommodation in Split fills up quickly for July and August. If you plan to travel during peak summer, book accommodation and ferry tickets well in advance — several weeks or even months ahead for popular island crossings. Shoulder season (May, June, September) offers more availability and more moderate temperatures.
What to Pack
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip — the marble-paved streets inside Diocletian's Palace can be extremely slippery when wet
- Sun protection; Adriatic summer sun is intense
- A light layer for evenings in spring and autumn
- Cash; while card payments are widely accepted, some markets, smaller cafes, and boat taxis still prefer cash
Getting There
By Air
Split Airport (SPU), located in Kaštela about 25 km from the city centre, handles a significant volume of European traffic, with services expanding considerably in summer. A number of European carriers serve Split seasonally, while Croatia Airlines operates year-round scheduled routes. Verify current routes and schedules directly with airlines or at the airport's official website, as seasonal changes are common. Ground transport between the airport and the city includes a regular bus service and taxis; confirm current options and fares at the airport on arrival.
By Ferry and Catamaran
Split's Stari Grad ferry port is one of the busiest in the Adriatic. It connects the city to numerous Dalmatian islands (Brač, Hvar, Vis, Korčula, and others) as well as to Ancona and other Italian ports. Jadrolinija is the principal state ferry operator; several private companies also run faster catamaran services. Schedules, routes, and fares change seasonally — check operator websites and book ahead in summer.
By Bus
Split Bus Station is adjacent to the ferry port and is well-connected to Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Sarajevo, and other regional cities. Long-distance coaches are a common and practical way to arrive from elsewhere in Croatia or the Balkans.
By Train
A rail line connects Split to Zagreb, though journey times are long compared to the bus and the service is infrequent. The route passes through dramatic inland scenery, which makes it worthwhile for some travellers. Verify timetables with HŽ (Croatian Railways).
Getting Around
On Foot
The Old Town — including Diocletian's Palace and the Venetian-era extensions — is compact and best explored on foot. Distances between the main sights, the Riva, and the Meštrović Gallery are walkable. Wear appropriate footwear on the polished stone streets.
City Bus
Split's urban bus network covers the city and surrounding suburbs. Tickets can be purchased from kiosks or on board; verify current fare structures locally as prices are subject to change.
Taxi and Rideshare
Taxis are available throughout the city. Rideshare apps operate in Split — verify which platforms are currently active at the time of your visit.
Car Rental
Renting a car is useful if you plan to explore inland Dalmatia, the Cetina River canyon, or the national parks. Parking in the Old Town area is limited and often expensive. Most car rental agencies have offices at the airport and in the city.
Ferries to Islands
From Split's port you can reach several major islands by ferry or catamaran. Schedules vary by season; always confirm departure times with the operator on the day of travel.
Things to See & Do
Diocletian's Palace
The UNESCO-listed palace complex is the centrepiece of Split and unlike most ancient monuments, it is fully inhabited. Walk through the Golden Gate, Peristyle square, and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius — itself converted from Diocletian's mausoleum in the 7th century — to understand the layers of history compressed into a small area. Several small museums and galleries operate within the palace walls; hours and admission fees vary, so verify locally.
Meštrović Gallery
Housed in the former seaside villa and studio of renowned Croatian sculptor Ivan Meštrović, this gallery holds an extensive collection of his work. It is one of the most significant art museums in the region. Confirm current opening hours and admission fees on the official website before visiting.
Marjan Hill
The forested peninsula west of the Old Town offers walking and cycling paths with views over the city, the islands, and the Mosor mountain range. It is a popular escape from the bustle of the seafront and is easily reachable on foot from the centre.
Day Trips to Islands
Brač (including the famous Zlatni Rat beach at Bol), Hvar, and Vis are all reachable by ferry or catamaran within one to two hours. Each island has a distinct character — Hvar is known for its town centre and social scene, Vis for its relative quietness and good diving, Brač for beaches and stone quarrying heritage.
Pazar Market
The open-air market just outside the eastern walls of Diocletian's Palace operates in the mornings and is a practical, atmospheric place to buy local produce, seasonal fruit, and small souvenirs.
Klis Fortress
About 13 km northeast of Split, this medieval fortress overlooks the gateway pass through which travellers have moved between the coast and the interior for millennia. It held out against Ottoman sieges for decades and offers panoramic views toward the islands.
Food & Drink
Dalmatian Cuisine
The food culture of Split is rooted in Dalmatian Mediterranean traditions: fresh fish and seafood, olive oil, locally grown vegetables, and good-quality wine from the Dalmatian hinterland and islands. Prstaci (date mussels, now protected) were historically important but are no longer legally harvested; you will see other shellfish on menus. Peka — meat or seafood slow-cooked under a bell-shaped lid covered with embers — is a regional speciality worth seeking out, though it typically requires advance notice at a restaurant.
What to Order
- Grilled or baked fish, simply prepared
- Crni rižot (black squid-ink risotto)
- Pasticada (slow-braised beef in a sweet-savoury sauce, served with gnocchi)
- Local cheeses and cured meats from the Dalmatian interior
- Pag Island cheese (paški sir), a firm sheep's milk cheese
Wine and Drinks
Dalmatia produces notable red wines from indigenous grape varieties, particularly Plavac Mali, grown on steep slopes of the Pelješac peninsula. Pošip and Grk are local white varieties worth trying. Rakija (fruit brandy) is the ubiquitous regional spirit. Local craft beer has grown in availability in recent years.
Where to Eat
Restaurants cluster throughout the Old Town and along the Riva. For a more local experience, explore the streets slightly beyond the palace walls. Be aware that restaurants in heavily tourist-trafficked areas can be overpriced relative to quality; a short walk inland often yields better value. Prices and specific restaurant recommendations should be verified through current reviews, as the restaurant scene changes regularly.
Practical Information
Money
Croatia uses the euro. ATMs are widely available in the city centre. Most hotels, larger restaurants, and shops accept credit and debit cards, though smaller vendors, market stalls, and boat taxis may prefer cash. Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks.
Communications
Wi-Fi is available in most accommodation and many cafes. EU roaming rules apply for EU-registered SIM cards. Travellers from outside the EU may wish to purchase a local or international SIM on arrival; verify options at the airport or in mobile phone shops in the city.
Emergency Numbers
In Croatia, the general European emergency number 112 connects to emergency services. The police number is 192, ambulance 194, and fire brigade 193. Confirm these are current on arrival.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated. Rounding up the bill or leaving 10% in restaurants is common practice.
Opening Hours
Shops and attractions in Split often adjust hours seasonally. Many sights have reduced hours in winter. Always verify current opening times directly with the venue or through official sources before planning your day.
Safety
Split is generally a safe destination for travellers. Petty theft — particularly pickpocketing in crowded areas such as the Riva, Pazar market, and inside Diocletian's Palace during peak season — is the most commonly reported issue. Standard precautions apply: keep valuables secure, be aware of your surroundings in busy areas, and avoid leaving belongings unattended on beaches.
The streets within the Old Town can be poorly lit in some sections at night, so take care on the stone steps and uneven surfaces. Sea swimming conditions are generally safe at established beaches, but always check local advisories for currents, particularly on exposed island beaches.
For the most current safety advisories, consult your government's official foreign travel advice portal before departure.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Split has a strong sense of local identity rooted in its Dalmatian heritage, distinct from both the Croatian inland culture and the more heavily touristed Dubrovnik to the south. The city is passionate about football — Hajduk Split, founded in 1911, commands deep loyalty among residents, and match days have a pronounced effect on the city's atmosphere.
The local dialect (Čakavian Croatian) differs noticeably from standard Croatian and is a source of regional pride. While most younger residents and anyone working in tourism will speak English comfortably, learning a few words of Croatian is appreciated.
Catholic heritage is visible throughout the city — the Cathedral of Saint Domnius is the oldest cathedral in the world that has continuously functioned in its original structure, albeit repurposed from a pagan emperor's mausoleum. Religious festivals, particularly around Easter and the feast of the city's patron Saint Domnius (Sv. Duje) in May, are observed with local significance.
Dress modestly when entering churches. While the waterfront and beach areas follow relaxed summer dress norms, wearing only swimwear in shops, markets, or restaurants away from the beach is considered inappropriate and may draw attention.