15 Unmissable Things to Do in Split Croatia for First Timers

Looking for the best things to do in Split, Croatia?

After spending several days exploring the city, eating my way through Old Town, climbing bell towers, relaxing on local beaches, and taking one of my favorite boat tours of all time, I completely fell in love with Split.

In this guide, I’m sharing the places and experiences that stood out most during my visit, along with a few local favorites and hidden gems that I think are genuinely worth adding to your itinerary.

15 Incredible Things to See and Do in Split, Croatia

Split completely won me over.

What started as the first stop on my Croatia itinerary ended up being one of my favorite places from the entire trip. I loved wandering through the ancient stone streets, eating way too much good food, and finding little corners of the city that felt like stepping back in time.

Here are my favorite things to do in Split that I think are actually worth your time.

1. Explore Diocletian’s Palace at sunrise

If you only take one piece of advice from this list, let it be this: get up early and visit Diocletian’s Palace before the crowds arrive.

Most visitors don’t realize that this isn’t just a palace you walk into and out of. The palace is actually woven into the heart of Old Town Split. Restaurants, apartments, shops, and little alleyways all exist within the ancient Roman walls.

The palace was built for Roman Emperor Diocletian and today feels more like a living open-air museum than a traditional historic attraction.

I woke up early and wandered through it just after sunrise, and it ended up being one of my favorite memories from Split.

The streets were completely empty, the golden light was bouncing off the stone walls, and I had some of the most famous spots nearly all to myself.

By mid-morning, the atmosphere is completely different, so if you can drag yourself out of bed early, it’s absolutely worth it.

2. Take a Split Food Tour

I’m a firm believer that one of the best ways to learn about a destination is through its food.

Whenever I arrive somewhere new, I try to book a food tour within my first day or two. Not only do you get introduced to local dishes, but you also learn little bits of history and culture that you’d probably never discover on your own.

The food tour I joined in Split ended up being one of my favorite experiences in the city!

We sampled traditional Croatian dishes, local olive oil, regional wines you can only get in Croatia, and some seriously delicious food from family-run establishments throughout the city.

It was also a great way to get restaurant recommendations from a local before spending the rest of my trip eating my way through Split.

3. Visit the local street market

One of my favorite things to do in any city is visit the local market, and Split’s market is no exception.

Locals often refer to it as the Green Market, and it’s one of the best places to experience daily life in Split.

You’ll find stalls piled high with seasonal fruits and vegetables, local cheeses, olive oils, dried figs, spices, and all kinds of products produced throughout Croatia. It’s a fun place to wander, even if you don’t plan on buying anything.

I especially recommend stopping by in the morning when vendors are fully set up, and locals are doing their daily shopping. It feels much more authentic than browsing souvenir shops and gives you a glimpse into everyday life in Split.

💡 Kate’s Tip: If you’re taking the food tour I recommended above, you’ll also visit the Green Market and sample several local foods while you’re there. It’s one of my favorite reasons to book the tour because you get to knock out two experiences at once.

4. Take a Walking Tour of Split

I’ll be honest… history isn’t usually the thing I’m most excited about when I travel.

Give me a beach, a food tour, or a glass of wine, and I’m usually pretty happy with a place. But the walking tour I took in Split completely changed my perspective.

What makes Split so fascinating is that you’re not just looking at ruins behind ropes and information signs. You’re walking through a city that’s been continuously lived in for centuries.

A good local guide can help bring centuries of Roman history to life and help you understand the fascinating stories behind the streets, buildings, and landmarks you’re seeing.

If it’s your first time visiting Split, I highly recommend doing a walking tour early in your trip. You’ll leave with a much deeper appreciation for the city and a better understanding of what you’re looking at as you continue exploring on your own.

⭐ I remember texting my husband after the tour that this was the best walking tour I’ve ever done!

5. Watch the Changing of the Roman Guard Ceremony

Every day at noon, the main square inside Diocletian’s Palace transforms into a scene that feels straight out of Ancient Rome.

An actor portraying Emperor Diocletian emerges into the square alongside the Empress Prisca, Roman legionnaires, and Praetorian guards dressed in traditional armor and uniforms.

Accompanied by the sound of drums and fanfare, the Emperor greets the crowd in both Latin and English and officially welcomes visitors to his palace.

It’s definitely one of the more touristy things to do in Split, but honestly, I thought it was a fun way to bring the city’s Roman history to life. Since the ceremony only lasts a short time, I recommend arriving a little early to grab a good viewing spot in the square, especially during the busy summer months.

💡 Kate’s Tip: After the ceremony, you’ll usually have the opportunity to take photos with the guards in their traditional Roman uniforms. Just know that it’s not free. They’ll happily pose for pictures, but they do expect a tip or payment afterward. Is it touristy? Absolutely. But if you’re a sucker for cheesy vacation photos like I am, it makes for a pretty fun souvenir.

6. Climb Marjan Hill

If you want the best views in Split without spending a dime, head up to Marjan Hill.

Located just a short walk from Old Town, Marjan Hill offers some of the best views over Split, the harbor, and the Adriatic Sea, and has the ruins of an old church at the top.

The route starts from the stone staircase near the waterfront and climbs about 300 steps before connecting to a paved path that leads to the main viewpoint.

I’ll be honest, I expected this to be more of a workout than it actually was. The climb is pretty easy, there are plenty of places to stop along the way, and the views at the top are more than worth the effort. I also loved that it never felt overly crowded, even during the middle of summer.

💡 Kate’s Tip: There’s a terrace café partway up the hill where you can stop for a cold drink with a view. Highly recommend if you’re visiting during the hotter months.

7. Do the Blue Cave & Five Islands Boat Tour

If you only have time for one day trip from Split, make it this one!

This full-day island-hopping adventure is one of the most popular day trips from Split, and I loved every minute of it.

It takes you speeding across the Adriatic Sea to some of Croatia’s most beautiful islands, swimming spots, and coastal villages.

With stops at the famous Blue Cave, the island of Vis, hidden coves, swimming locations, and the island of Hvar.

This ended up being my favorite day of my entire Croatia trip. One minute you’re cruising across bright blue water, the next you’re swimming in a secluded bay or wandering through a harbor town. It never felt repetitive, and there was always something new to see.

If you’re hoping to visit some of Croatia’s nearby islands during your trip, this is one of the easiest ways to do it.

💡 Kate’s Tip: Wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring a dry bag. Between the speedboat, sea spray, and swimming stops, you’ll thank me later.

8. Climb the Bell Tower of Saint Domnius

I’m a complete sucker for a good viewpoint, so there was no chance I was leaving Split without climbing the Bell Tower of Saint Domnius Cathedral.

Located right in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace, the tower rises above the city and offers some of the best views of Split’s terracotta rooftops, harbor, and surrounding coastline.

The climb starts out a little steep and narrow, but once you reach the upper sections, the stairs become much easier.

The view from the top is absolutely worth the effort. Seeing the palace complex from above really helps you appreciate just how much of modern Split is built right into the ancient Roman city.

💡 Kate’s Tip: Try to visit earlier in the day before the midday heat kicks in. The staircases can get pretty warm during the summer months.

9. Relax at Kašjuni Beach

When most people think of Split, they think of history. But honestly, one of my favorite afternoons was spent doing absolutely nothing at Kašjuni Beach.

Located at the base of Marjan Hill, Kašjuni is one of the most beautiful beaches near Split. The water is crystal clear, the setting feels much more natural than some of the city beaches, and the surrounding cliffs and pine trees make it feel a little more secluded.

I took an Uber there and spent hours swimming, relaxing, and soaking up the sunshine. Compared to some of the busier beaches closer to town, it felt much more peaceful and local.

💡 Kate’s Tip: If you walk beyond the main beach area, you’ll find smaller coves and quieter swimming spots that many visitors never bother exploring.

10. Shop for authentic handmade Croatian filigree jewelry

If you’re looking for a meaningful souvenir to bring home, skip the magnets and pick up a piece of traditional Croatian filigree jewelry instead.

Filigree is a delicate style of jewelry making that uses fine strands of silver woven into intricate patterns. It’s a craft that’s been passed down through generations and is one of the most beautiful traditional souvenirs you’ll find in Croatia.

I discovered it through a local guide who took me to a small jewelry shop in Split, and it ended up being one of my favorite purchases from the trip. I bought a piece for myself as well as gifts for family members, and they’re still some of my favorite travel keepsakes.

💡 Kate’s Tip: Look for shops that make the jewelry by hand rather than importing mass-produced pieces. You’ll pay a little more, but you’ll end up with something much more special. I’ve linked the little shop where I bought my pieces here!

11. Try traditional Croatian burek

You really can’t visit Croatia without trying burek at least once.

This popular street food is made from layers of flaky pastry filled with ingredients like meat, cheese, spinach, or potato. You’ll find it everywhere from bakeries to dedicated burek shops, and it’s one of the most affordable meals or snacks you’ll find in Split.

I’ll be honest… burek wasn’t my favorite thing I ate in Croatia, but I’m still glad I tried it. Sometimes part of traveling is tasting the foods that locals grow up eating, even if they don’t end up becoming your personal favorite. Plus, when in Croatia, you kind of have to try the most Croatian snack there is.

💡 Kate’s Tip: If I could do it again, I’d probably order the meat-filled version. It seemed to be the most popular option with locals and looked much more flavorful than the one I chose.

12. Walk the Riva at sunset

The Riva is Split’s waterfront promenade, lined with palm trees, outdoor cafés, and benches that are perfect for people watching.

And in my opinion, sunset is the best time to experience it.

As the day starts to cool down, locals come out for evening strolls, boats gently rock in the harbor, and the entire waterfront takes on that beautiful golden glow. The atmosphere feels lively without being overwhelming.

I found myself walking the Riva multiple times during my trip because the energy changes throughout the day. But sunset was always my favorite. There’s just something about watching the light reflect off the water while the city starts winding down for the evening.

💡 Kate’s Tip: Enjoy the views along the Riva, but save your dinner for one of the restaurants tucked inside Old Town. You’ll get way better food for your money.

13. Experience a Croatian Wine Tasting

Croatia doesn’t get nearly enough credit for its wine.

Before visiting, I honestly had no idea how much wine was produced here, or how good it was. Many Croatian wines aren’t widely exported, which means you may never get another chance to try some of these varieties once you leave the country.

Split has several wine bars that offer wine tasting flights paired with small bites. It’s a great way to sample different regions without leaving the city and learn a little more about Croatia’s wine culture along the way.

💡 Kate’s Tip: Make a reservation if there’s a particular wine bar you want to visit. The more popular tastings can fill up quickly during the summer season. PS. Zinfandel is where I did my tasting and it was one of the more affordable options in the city.

14. Explore the hidden streets of Old Town Split

Some of my favorite moments in Split were just wandering and getting lost in the hidden streets.

The main attractions are wonderful, but don’t make the mistake of rushing from one landmark to the next. Some of the city’s best surprises are tucked away down narrow stone alleyways and quiet side streets that most visitors walk right past.

I spent hours simply wandering around without a plan, and that’s how I found hidden courtyards, beautiful architecture, cozy cafés, and some of my favorite restaurants. Old Town is incredibly walkable, and getting a little lost is honestly part of the experience.

💡 Kate’s Tip: Put your phone away and just wander. And if you’re trying to avoid crowds, head out in the early morning before the day-trippers arrive.

15. Eat the best Oysters ever!

Okay, this might sound dramatic, but Croatia’s oysters completely blew me away. As you can tell by the photos above… I just couldn’t get enough!

I’d heard people say Croatia has the best oysters in the world, and honestly, I thought that sounded like typical travel hype. Then I tried them and immediately understood what everyone was talking about.

The oysters here are incredibly fresh, clean-tasting, and surprisingly buttery, with a hint of sweetness. They don’t have the overly briny flavor that turns some people away.

I had the best oysters of my life in Split at the Adriatic Sushi & Oyster Bar and still think about them to this day.

If you’re even remotely a seafood fan, this is one experience I wouldn’t skip.

💡 Kate’s Tip: Oysters aren’t cheap in Split, but they’re one of those things that’s worth splurging on at least once. Pair them with a glass of Croatian white wine and thank me later.

How to Get Around Split 

Getting around Split is honestly really easy, which is one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much.

Between the walkable Old Town, affordable Ubers, and the number of tours available, I never once felt stressed trying to get from place to place. Most of the time, transportation is something you won’t even have to think about.

Walkable Old Town

If you’re staying inside the Old Town walls, you’ll be able to walk to just about everything.

Many of Split’s top attractions are within walking distance of one another, which makes exploring incredibly easy

The historic center is completely pedestrian-only, so there are no cars to worry about, just narrow stone streets, hidden alleyways, restaurants, shops, and historic sites around every corner.

Honestly, half the fun is simply wandering around and seeing what you stumble across.

Take a Taxi/Uber

Split has both taxis and Uber, and I found Uber especially easy to use during my trip.

I used it several times, including getting from the airport to my accommodation and visiting Kašjuni Beach.

The rides were affordable, drivers arrived quickly, and it was by far the easiest way to reach places outside the Old Town area.

Hire Private Transfers

I’ll be honest… after a long travel day, I love having someone waiting for me at the airport. It’s one less thing to figure out when you’re tired and just want to get checked into your hotel.

I regularly book private transfers through Welcome Pickups and have also had great experiences booking transfers through Viator. Both have been reliable, professional, and completely stress-free, especially when arriving late in the day.

Take Guided Tours

If you’ve been around here for a while, you already know I’m a tour girl.

One of my favorite ways to explore a new destination is by joining a guided tour early in my trip. Not only do you get to learn things you would probably miss on your own, but you can relax and let someone else handle all the navigating.

Whether it’s a walking tour through Old Town or a full-day island hopping excursion, it’s one of the easiest ways to get around and make the most of your time in Split.

Tips For Visiting Split

I absolutely loved my time in Split, and honestly, it’s a pretty easy city to figure out once you’re there.

That said, there were definitely a few things I learned along the way that would’ve been nice to know beforehand.

So before you go, here are a few tips that’ll help you make the most of your trip.

Tip 1: Get Up Early to Experience Split Without the Crowds

I know… you’re on vacation. But trust me on this one.

One morning, set your alarm and head out before the city wakes up. Split’s Old Town feels completely different in the early morning. The streets are quiet, the light is gorgeous, and you can actually enjoy places like Diocletian’s Palace without weaving through crowds.

Plus, if you’re anything like me and love photos, this is hands down the best time to take them.

Tip 2: Stay Inside the Old Town Walls

If it’s your first time visiting Split, I really recommend staying inside the Old Town walls.

Yes, it’ll probably cost a little more, but being able to walk everywhere is absolutely worth it. Most of the best restaurants, historical sites, and things to do are right there, and there’s something really special about stepping outside your hotel and immediately being in the heart of all the action.

Tip 3: Carry Some Cash With You

A lot of places in Split take cards, but not all of them.

I found several smaller restaurants, bakeries, beach bars, and local spots that were cash-only. I even missed out on eating at one restaurant I really wanted to try because I didn’t have enough cash on me.

Learn from my mistake and keep a little extra cash in your wallet.

Tip 4: Plan Around the Cruise Ships

When cruise ships are in port, the narrow streets of Old Town can get noticeably more crowded.

If you can, do your sightseeing early in the morning or later in the evening and save things like beach trips, food tours, or day trips for the middle of the day.

You’ll have a much more enjoyable experience and avoid the biggest crowds.

Tip 5: Make Restaurant Reservations in Advance During Summer

The good restaurants in Split fill up surprisingly fast, especially during the summer months. If there’s somewhere you really want to eat, don’t leave it to chance. Make a reservation earlier in the day or the day before.

Bonus Tip: Skip the Restaurants Along the Riva

The Riva is absolutely worth visiting for the views and atmosphere, but honestly… I wouldn’t eat there.

Most of the restaurants along the waterfront are pretty touristy and expensive for what you get. Instead, walk a few blocks into Old Town and find a restaurant tucked away down one of the little stone streets.

That’s where I found some of my favorite meals in Split.

Here’s a list of my favorite places I ate (or had highly recommended by locals):

• Mazzgoon – This was my first dinner in Split, and it set the bar high. It’s tucked away in a narrow alley with a romantic atmosphere, and everything I ordered was fantastic.
• Adriatic Sushi & Oyster Bar – Home to the best oysters I’ve ever eaten in my life. They’re definitely a splurge, but absolutely worth it if you’re a seafood lover.
• Leonis Restaurant – A beautiful spot built right into the old city walls. I loved the octopus salad, and it’s a great choice for a relaxed lunch.
• Villa Spiza – This tiny local restaurant came highly recommended by my tour guide. They only serve what’s fresh that day, and when they sell out, they’re done. It doesn’t get much more authentic than that. (cash only!)
• Galerija – One of my favorite dinner atmospheres in Split. Think twinkling lights, a cozy outdoor patio, and amazing food.
• Cafe Kala – My favorite coffee shop in Split. It’s tucked away from the main tourist areas, has a relaxed local feel, and the prices are surprisingly affordable.

That’s a Wrap

Split ended up being one of my favorite cities in Croatia, and honestly, I can see myself going back someday.

It has a little bit of everything… history, beaches, amazing food, and some incredible day trips all packed into one beautiful coastal city.

I hope this guide helped you narrow down what to add to your itinerary.

And if you’re looking for help putting it all together, don’t miss my complete 3-day Split itinerary where I share exactly how I spent my time, where I ate, and the experiences I wouldn’t miss.

Thanks for reading!

I’ll catch ya on the next adventure.