Perched on a sunny peninsula along the glittering Adriatic, Split is a common stopping point for visitors to Croatia who come in search of sun, seafood and…. Game of Thrones.

But, although Split is the largest city in Dalmatia (and second largest in Croatia), I think that its main sights are doable in a day, with most points of interest being in the compact but touristy Old Town. While the city is much larger than that, most other parts are residential and therefore not much fun to frolic.

With its heaving crowds (certainly in July, when I visited!) and relative lack of big sights, I personally think the best way to enjoy Split is by taking a laidback approach filled with beach time, oversized cocktails and abundant feasting. It’s also a great base for day trips and (for those braver than I) many adventurous activities from rafting and canyoning to whizzing around on an ATV.

So, what is there to do in Split? Turns out, quite a lot, once you factor in some of its epic surroundings… so read on for a list of the best things to do in Split, from classic must-sees to surprising tours, views, and activities.

1. Diocletian’s Palace

We’ll start with the #1 attraction to see in Split, which is the ancient wonder of Diocletian’s Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a maze of narrow streets, where you can wander through Roman architecture, discover hidden courtyards, and stumble upon charming cafes and shops.

Built between 295 and 305 AD as a residence for the Roman emperor Diocletian, this palace/fortress structure covers a huge amount of space, about half of Split’s Old Town area. The palace was designed with grandiose courtyards, temples, and expansive living quarters, all enclosed within robust walls. It’s also mostly free to explore, although you might want to book a walking tour to learn more about what you’re seeing here.

Highlights include the Golden Gate, the grandest entrance which was once reserved for the emperor himself, leading into the heart of the complex. Inside, the Peristyle Square stands out as a central gathering place, flanked by impressive columns and the ancient Cathedral of Saint Domnius, which was originally Diocletian’s mausoleum.

NOTE: One thing many visitors miss is that there’s actually underground tunnels here, where you can explore the eerie catacombs and cellars crammed with centuries worth of stories. If you like vaguely spooky attractions then it’s worth buying the extra pass to see these cellars, which were also used as a filming location for Game of Thrones – the catacombs were used to depict the dungeons under the pyramid in Meereen where Daenerys locked up two of her dragons!

Or, if you want something a little different, you can even book a wine tasting in the palace, like this one.

2. Cathedral of Saint Domnius

The other main landmark of Split is the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, a complex comprised of a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary (which was previously a Roman mausoleum) and a bell tower that’s dedicated to Saint Domnius, the patron saint of Split.

Since the mausoleum was originally built around 305 AD, the cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals in the world still in use, uniquely blending Roman and Christian elements. The interior of the cathedral is adorned with stunning Romanesque sculptures and altars, including the intricately carved wooden doors by Andrija Buvina, which date back to the 13th century.

The treasury, housed within the cathedral, also contains a collection of religious artifacts, including manuscripts, relics, and liturgical items that provide further insight into the region’s religious history.

PS: You can climb the bell tower for some epic views!

3. Explore Split’s Old Town

Of course, one of the best ways to get a feel for Split is a little wander around its Old Town. I’d recommend doing this as early in the day as possible, to avoid the crowds and heat which can make it a much less pleasant experience during peak season.

Some highlights include…

• Peristyle Square: the central courtyard of Diocletian’s Palace. This is where you can often catch live performances, enjoy outdoor dining, and feel the pulse of the city.
• Jupiter’s Temple: This 3rd century Roman temple (which is part of Diocletian’s Palace) has one of three remaining sphinxes that Diocletian brought to Split from Egypt, although it’s sadly missing a head!
• Fruit Square (Vocni Trg): One of the most beautiful squares in Split, with a Venetian tower and the Baroque-style Milesi Palace from the 17th century
• Green Market (Pazar): If you like ogling fresh produce and getting a sense for local life, this market is a nice spot for a quick stop
• Old Town Hall: The impressive Gothic-style former Town Hall dates back to 1443 and often hosts art exhibitions nowadays
• People’s Square (Narodni trg): Another gorgeous square lined with shops, restaurants and cafés, along with a beautiful old clock tower that’s part of Cyprian’s Palace – a Romanesque palace from the 14th century

NOTE: I would honestly book a walking tour like this one if you can. Split’s Old Town is pretty enough, but I think without any historic context around what you’re actually looking at, you might get bored quickly.

Want less walking? You can also book a Tuk Tuk tour of the city’s highlights.

4. Riva Promenade

With the main sights of Old Town out of the way, another great thing to do in Split is a leisurely walk along the lively Riva Promenade, the city’s bustling waterfront lined with spendy restaurants, cafes, and bars.

First built over 200 years ago, during French rule of the area, the Riva has since been reconstructed several times to become the lovely wide-open space you see today. This is one of the most popular parts of the city with tourists and locals alike, for having coffee in the morning or going out for dinner and drinks at night.

Granted, prices here can be higher than elsewhere, but the vibe is great, with perfect views of the Adriatic pretty much all along the strip.

5. Marjan Hill

For the best view in Split, hike up Marjan Hill, a lush park that overlooks the city.

From here, you can see everything, from the iconic bell tower of Saint Domnius and the Riva Promenade to the Dinaric Alps and sparkling Adriatic. There are many hiking and cycling trails through the pine forests, as well as viewpoints specifically designed for you to sit and enjoy the stunning views.

The hill is also home to tennis courts, the Marjan Zoo and the Split Science Museum, so there’s plenty to do here besides just going for a walk. Little wonder why it’s a popular spot for locals to enjoy the outdoors on the weekends! It also helps of course that there are some lovely beaches at the foot of the hill on the north side as well.

6. Klis Fortress

Another fun thing to do in Split is the short trip to Klis Fortress, an imposing medieval stronghold perched on a hill and seen in Game of Thrones as Meereen.

Originally established as a small stronghold by the ancient Illyrians, it gained prominence during the medieval period as a key defensive position for the Kingdom of Croatia. Over the years, the fortress was fiercely contested by various powers, including the Ottoman Empire, which captured it in the 16th century. Its strategic location allowed it to control access between the Mediterranean coast and the hinterland, making it one of the most important fortifications in Dalmatia.

Today, Klis Fortress is a popular destination for history enthusiasts and Game of Thrones fans alike. Visitors can explore the remnants of the fortress’s defensive structures, including the imposing gates, battlements, and watchtowers. The fortress also features a small museum where you can learn more about its history, plus the views from here are pretty epic.

7. Enjoy some beach time

Now, with most of the sightseeing out of the way, I think it’s time to move onto more relaxing things to do in Split.

As I mentioned before, I think this is the best way to enjoy the city!

There are quite a few beaches in and around Split, with the most popular picks being…

• Bacvice Beach: a sandy (but busy) haven near the city center. The shallow waters make it a perfect spot for swimming.
• Žnjan City Beach: A bit further east from Bacvice is the larger (and also busy) Znjan City Beach. It’s lined by beach clubs and hotels so you can rent sunbeds or loungers. There’s also a wheelchair accessible section for this beach!
• Kastelet/Jezinac: While it’s marked as two beaches on Google maps this is kind of just one, with plenty of parking, a café and protected swimming area. It’s a pebbled beach rather than sand but still quite popular with young locals.
• Kasjuni Beach: A more ‘remote’ beach, although it’s still easy to get to by car or bus, backed by the stunning Marjan Hill and with a couple of beach bars for refreshments. It also connects to the local naturist beach, so just be aware if you decide to go for a walk!

8. Do a Game of Thrones tour

Ah yes, remember when we were all obsessed with this show? It feels like a lifetime ago now, but Game of Thrones tourism is still alive and well in Croatia, so if you’re hoping to unleash your nerdy side, then here’s another fun Split activity for you!

While there wasn’t a lot of filming in Split relative to Dubrovnik (AKA King’s Landing), there are still some iconic sights to take in, so if you’re a Game of Thrones nerd hoping to see filming locations with ease, then consider booking a tour like this one.

9. Do an illuminated kayak or paddle board tour

Getting out into the water is one of the best ways to enjoy Split. Luckily, there are tons of fun opportunities for that!

One of the more unique ones I came across in my research were these glow-in-the-dark paddling tours, where you go out at night on fun glowing kayaks and paddle boards.

• Book a kayak glow tour here
• Book a paddle board glow tour here

10. Head out for a sunset cruise

Or, if you want something more relaxing, a number of companies in Split offer fun sunset cruises that take you out on the water during golden hour, with add-ons like live-music and (of course) drinks.

Here is a super highly rated option!

11. Split Archaeological Museum

For a nerdier thing to do in Split, there’s the Split Archaeological Museum, home to a vast collection of relics such as Roman sculptures, mosaics, pottery, coins, and early Christian sarcophagi.

Founded in 1820, this is the oldest museum in all of Croatia. It houses an extensive collection of items excavated from nearby archaeological sites, including Salona, the ancient capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. The museum also features an impressive lapidarium in its garden, where larger stone artifacts, including statues and inscriptions, are displayed among lush greenery.

Inside, the museum’s well-curated exhibits provide insights into the daily lives, religious practices, and artistic achievements of the people who shaped the history of Dalmatia, so it’s a must-visit if you want to learn more about the region.

12. Ivan Meštrović Gallery

Another option for culture-oriented Split activities is the Ivan Meštrović Gallery, a haven for art enthusiasts, featuring the works of Croatia’s most famous sculptor.

Housed in a beautiful villa that Meštrović designed himself in the 1930s, the gallery was originally intended to be his family home and studio. However, it was transformed into a museum in 1952, following his donation of the property and a significant portion of his works to the Croatian people.

Surrounded by lush gardens, the gallery contains a collection of over 200 of his works, ranging from monumental sculptures in marble, bronze, and wood to delicate drawings and sketches. The beautifully landscaped gardens are also dotted with some of Meštrović’s most iconic outdoor sculptures, and a lovely spot to sit after exploring the gallery interior.

13. Visit a small museum

I don’t think that museum hopping is the best thing to do in Split by any means, but if you’re struggling for things to do in Split on a rainy day, or maybe want to check something more unusual off your list, just know that there some smaller museums to check out as well, including…

• Froggyland: Home to over 500 stuffed frogs posed in humorous and peculiar ways… mainly doing very human things. Weird.
• Game of Thrones Museum: Filled with props, costumes and photos from the series, with a photo of yourself sitting on the Iron Throne included.
• Museum of Illusions: A fun museum for kids or teens, with mind-bending optical illusions and opportunities for cool photos.
• Diocletian’s Dream (VR Experience): Go back in time to see Diocletian’s Palace at its prime in Croatia’s only VR museum!

14. Wander around Varos

For those in search of hidden gems in Split, be sure to make your way to the Varos neighbourhood, a stony labyrinth of narrow streets and old houses. Granted, there’s not much to do here apart from ogle the photogenic tangle of courtyards, churches and houses (many of which are abandoned), but if you want to find a corner of Split that’s not crawling with your fellow tourists, this is a good bet.

Once upon a time, Varos was the home of fishermen, farmers, and laborers who lived outside the walls of Diocletian’s Palace. Dating back to the medieval period, Varos was characterized by its winding streets and modest stone houses, which reflected the humble origins of its inhabitants. The area was known for its tight-knit community, where generations of families lived and worked, contributing to the daily life of Split.

Over time, Varos has evolved while retaining much of its traditional charm. You’ll find lots of cute accommodation options here, and even quite a few resident cats who are so popular that their usual haunts are marked on Google maps!

15. Day Trip to Krka Waterfalls

The Krka Waterfalls, located within Krka National Park, make for an ideal day trip from Split, offering a breathtaking natural escape just over an hour’s drive from the city.

This park is renowned for its series of stunning waterfalls, particularly Skradinski Buk, one of the most famous and picturesque cascades in Croatia. While once upon a time, swimming here was an absolute dream, doing so is now prohibited, so take note of that if your main intention is to swim!

Still, there are wooden pathways that wind around the falls offering photo spots, as well as the opportunity to see local wildlife, so in my books, it’s still a worthwhile place to see.

The park also features several historical and cultural sites, such as the Krka Monastery and the Ethno Village, where you can learn about traditional Croatian life. Additionally, you can take a boat ride to the islet of Visovac to see another ancient and picturesque monastery.

16. Venture out to the Blue Cave, Hvar & the Five Islands

Another epic choice for a day trip is taking a boat to see some of the most iconic sights on the islands off the coast of Split in the Adriatic Sea.

This full-day speedboat tour will take you to some gorgeous spots on the five main islands, including the incredible Blue Cave and the Budikovac Blue Lagoon. You’ll get plenty of time for swimming and exploring different villages, like Komiza on Vis island – where Mamma Mia 2 was filmed.

You’ll also get time to explore Hvar, one of the most well-known and picturesque of the islands, with lunch at the harbour town of Hvar, one of the most beautiful harbours in the world.

17. Enjoy an adventurous day tour

Finally, for those looking for more adventurous things to do in Split, the good news is there are a LOT of potential day trips you can book, including…

• Dinara Nature Park ATV Quad Tour: This quad tour explores the Dalmatian hinterland, with beautiful views and a delicious BBQ lunch included.
• Extreme Canyoning on Cetina River: Go for a hike along the Cetina River, sliding down rapids and clambering through tunnels to reach the Velika Gubavica waterfall where you can go for a swim!
• Cetina River Rafting Tour: You can also go rafting on the Cetina River, with breaks for swimming or cliff jumping.
• ATV Quad Adventure Tour: While this tour combines quad riding with swimming in the Cetina River, and also includes a picnic lunch!

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Split?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more of the best Split activities to the list. Happy and safe travels! 🙂