- Question: Why is Split referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’?
- Answer: Split is hailed as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ for its beguiling blend of ancient history and modern life.
- Question: Where is Split located?
- Answer: Split is the second largest city of Croatia, nestled on a central peninsula on the Dalmatian coast.
- Question: What historical landmarks can be found in Split?
- Answer: The city is home to the sprawling Roman Diocletian’s Palace, which is over 1,700 years old, along with other ruins dating to the Roman Empire (video), exuding an Old-World ambiance.
- Question: What is the atmosphere like at Split’s waterfront?
- Answer: The city has a bustling, vibrant waterfront lined with palm trees and buzzing restaurants and bars, where fresh seafood can be enjoyed against a backdrop of beautiful harbor views.
- Question: What can visitors find in the streets of Split?
- Answer: Split features a labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets with tucked-away shops, boutiques, galleries, and museums, as well as some of the best restaurants in the country.
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1. Bacvice Beach
Relax on sandy shores and enjoy lively summer nightlife.
Bacvice Beach is a beautiful natural sandy beach in the heart of the city, next to the city port, that can comfortably accommodate thousands of bathers. Bacvice is packed in summer, becoming Split's own Copacabana where beach football and the game called ‘picigin’ – Split’s version of beach rugby – is played. The beach has a promenade running along the seashore, which draws strollers of all ages, and there are a few cafés, beach bars, and restaurants serving drinks and food, and the area comes alive at night.
Bacvice Beach, Split, Croatia
2. Ethnographic Museum
Explore Croatian heritage and admire traditional artifacts in historic surroundings.
Located in the Diocletian's Palace, the Ethnographic Museum explores the old ways of life in Split and the surrounding regions through exceptional collections of pottery, wood carvings, jewelry, regional costumes, knitting, weapons, and other various handmade artifacts. Founded in 1910 and located next to the Peristyle - the central square of the Palace - the museum is housed in a beautiful building that is of vital architectural, cultural and historical significance that guards the entrance to the top of the Vestibul, which offers spectacular views of the sea, the Old Town, and Vestibul below.
Ethnographic Museum, Ul. Iza Vestibula 4, 21000, Split, Croatia, Phone: +385-21-34-41-64
3. Diocletian’s Palace
Walk through ancient Roman ruins and discover hidden treasures.
Dominating the heart of the Old Town of Split, Diocletian’s Palace is an ancient palace that was built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian in 305 AD. The beautifully preserved 4th-century citadel and UNESCO World Heritage Site rests at the center of the city and is bisected by Roman streets with original paving stones. Built as a combination of a luxury summer villa and a Roman military camp (castrum), the palace is divided into four sections with two main streets and contains residential buildings and military garrison quarters. While the interiors of the castle have been adapted throughout the centuries to accommodate the growing city around it, the outlines of the Imperial Palace are still visible.
Diocletian’s Palace, Dioklecijanova ul. 1, 21000, Split, Croatia, Phone: +385-9-77-79-07-19, Video
4. Academia Club Ghetto
Enjoy an artsy vibe and savor drinks in a unique setting.
Located in the Diocletian's Palace, Academia Club Ghetto is a unique bar and club on the edges of the palace walls in the city center that draws a cult following and is a fantastic spot to have a drink and watch some of Split’s more colorful characters in action. Nestled in a cozy courtyard with a spectacular green terrace on Dosud Street, the Club exudes a slightly grungy, underground feel and often hosts art exhibitions, local and visiting DJs, live performances, and other events.
Academia Ghetto Club, Dosud ulica 10, 21000, Split, Croatia, Phone: +385-9-11-97-77-90
5. Saint Domnius Cathedral
Admire stunning architecture and climb for breathtaking city views.
Located in the Mausoleum of the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the Diocletian's Palace, the Saint Domnius Cathedral, locally known as the Sveti Dujam, is the city’s main Catholic cathedral and the seat of the Archdiocese of Split-Makarska. Built in the 7th century AD, St. Domnius Cathedral is the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world and blends ancient pagan, Christian Medieval and modern heritage. The Cathedral has a stunning interior with red granite Corinthian pillars, reliefs of hunting erots, masks, and human heads, and a cupola lined with glittering mosaics. The Cathedral’s 190-foot bell tower was added in the 13th century, and visitors can climb to the top for breathtaking views over the city.
Cathedral of Saint Domnius, Ul. Kraj Svetog Duje 5, 21000, Split, Croatia
6. Adriatic Graso
Savor fresh seafood while enjoying panoramic Adriatic views.
Located on Sustipan Cliff at the foot of Marjan Hill, Restaurant Adriatic Grašo is perfectly positioned to take in spectacular views of the city, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding islands of the archipelago. Established over 20 years ago, the restaurant is renowned for its traditional and regional Dalmatian cuisine, including fresh seafood and catch-of-the-day fish, Dalmatian cured meats, and fresh salads and vegetables. The restaurant’s terrace has plenty of seating for alfresco dining in the warmers months, but reservations are essential in the high season, and the full service bar serves a variety of local and imported beers, wines, and spirits, as well as handcrafted cocktails. Restaurant Adriatic Grašo is open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week.
Adriatic Graso, Uvala Baluni b.b., Splitsko-dalmatinska županija HR, Phone: +385-21-39-85-60
7. Zinfandel Food & Wine
Indulge in local wines and enjoy delicious Mediterranean cuisine.
Zinfandel Food & Wine is a contemporary restaurant with exposed brick walls and floor-to-ceiling windows in the heart of the Old Town that promises an exceptional Dalmatian dining experience. Diners can select dishes from the tapas and small platter menu, off the á la carte menu, or go for a five-course tasting menu, both of which feature signature Dalmatian dishes such as roasted Adriatic octopus salad, saffron risotto, oxtail ravioli, filet mignon with sweet potato, and ricotta-stuffed calamari. The exquisite cuisine is paired with over 100 Croatian and international wines that can be enjoyed by the bottle or the glass, as well as local beers and handcrafted cocktails. Zinfandel Food & Wine is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Monday through Saturday.
2 Maruliceva Ulica, Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija, 21000, Croatia, Phone: +385-21-35-51-35
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Cornaro Hotel – A stylish boutique hotel in the city center.
Explore Diocletian’s Palace – Walk through the historic heart of Split with stunning Roman architecture.
Summer (June-August) – Hot and lively, ideal for island hopping, beaches, and festivals.
Hotel Park Split – A luxury beachfront hotel with great amenities.
Relax at Bacvice Beach – Enjoy the Adriatic Sea and experience the local beach game "picigin."
Fall (September-November) – Warm weather with fewer crowds, great for exploring and wine tasting.
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa – A modern hotel with stunning sea views.
Take a ferry to Hvar or Brac – Enjoy beautiful islands with crystal-clear waters.
Winter (December-February) – Mild temperatures, perfect for a quiet cultural getaway.
Hotel Vestibul Palace – A boutique hotel located within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace.
Visit Marjan Hill – Hike for breathtaking panoramic views of Split.
Map:
Plan Your Trip
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