Top 26 Must-See Attractions in Split

Split, Croatia

Split centers on Diocletian's Palace, a Roman emperor's retirement fortress that somehow became a living neighborhood, its walls now packed with cafes, shops and homes. Step inside to Peristyle Square, ringed by ancient columns and sphinxes, then climb the bell tower of the Cathedral of Saint Domnius for rooftop views over the old town. Just outside the palace walls, the Riva Waterfront Promenade offers a palm-lined stretch for coffee and people-watching against the Adriatic. These sights sit within a few minutes' walk of each other, making them the most efficient way to grasp Split's layered history without losing a full day to transit.

Iconic structures and historical monuments that define Split's character, including the magnificent Diocletian's Palace and historic city gates.

Diocletian's Palace
Must See

Diocletian's Palace

A colossal Roman palace built in 305 AD by Emperor Diocletian. This UNESCO World Heritage site is remarkably well-preserved, with underground chambers (basement), the Temple of Jupiter, and the Cathedral within its walls. The palace covers 30,000 square meters and is one of the most imposing Roman structures outside Italy. Wander through the narrow streets of the basement levels to see where Roman legionaries once stood guard.

⏱ 2-3 hoursNo Booking Needed
Peristyle Square
Must See

Peristyle Square

The stunning central courtyard of Diocletian's Palace featuring classical colonnades, the Cathedral entrance, and a lively atmosphere filled with musicians and visitors. This columned square represents authentic Roman architecture and serves as the beating heart of the palace complex. Great for photography, especially at sunset when golden light illuminates the columns.

⏱ 30-45 minutesNo Booking Needed

Tips for Landmarks & Monuments

  • Visit Diocletian's Palace early morning to avoid crowds and intense heat
  • The basement level maintains cool temperatures even in summer
  • Book cathedral entrance separately; it's not always included with palace access
  • Sunset walks along the walls offer magical photography opportunities

Sacred spaces including the remarkable Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the oldest cathedral in the world still in use, and other churches showcasing centuries of spiritual heritage.

Cathedral of Saint Domnius
Must See

Cathedral of Saint Domnius

The world's oldest Catholic cathedral still in use, built within the ancient mausoleum of Emperor Diocletian (305 AD). The cathedral features a stunning bell tower offering 360-degree views of Split and the islands. Inside, admire the ornate marble altar, medieval paintings, and the tomb of Saint Domnius. The blend of Roman and medieval architecture makes this a must-see spiritual landmark and architectural masterpiece.

⏱ 45-60 minutesNo Booking Needed

Tips for Religious Sites

  • Climb the cathedral bell tower for unbeatable city views (small entrance fee)
  • Dress modestly when visiting; shoulders and knees should be covered
  • Morning visits offer better lighting for interior photography
  • The cathedral bell tower closes at sunset; visit in afternoon for views

Vibrant public spaces filled with Mediterranean atmosphere, local cafés, street performers, and excellent shopping opportunities.

Riva Waterfront Promenade
Must See

Riva Waterfront Promenade

The iconic palm-lined waterfront stretching along the harbor, perfect for sunset strolls, seaside dining, and people-watching. This bustling promenade features numerous cafés, restaurants, and ice cream parlors with tables facing the sparkling Adriatic and nearby islands. Live music often fills the air during evening hours. The Riva is Split's main social hub where locals and tourists converge.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed
Narodni Trg (People's Square)
Must See

Narodni Trg (People's Square)

The historic main square of Split surrounded by impressive Renaissance-style buildings, the 15th-century Town Hall, and a notable defensive tower. This atmospheric plaza hosts markets, cultural events, and open-air performances. The surrounding arcaded buildings provide shade and character while the square itself serves as a meeting point and social space for both locals and tourists exploring the old town.

⏱ 45-60 minutesNo Booking Needed
Marmontova Street
Must See

Marmontova Street

The main pedestrian shopping street featuring boutiques, gift shops, cafés, and restaurants. The tree-lined boulevard connects the waterfront to the palace area and is always lively with foot traffic. Excellent for souvenir shopping and casual dining. Street performers and musicians often perform here, adding to the vibrant Mediterranean atmosphere. An ideal place to experience the daily pulse of Split life.

⏱ 30-45 minutesNo Booking Needed

Tips for Squares & Streets

  • Avoid the Riva during midday heat; visit early morning or evening
  • Prices at waterfront venues are notably higher than side streets
  • Street markets operate mornings and early afternoons in Narodni Trg
  • Marmontova Street is best explored early morning before crowds arrive

Guided experiences, water sports, and specialized activities offering deeper engagement with Split's culture, history, and natural environment.

Diocletian's Palace Guided Tour
Must See📌 Book Ahead

Diocletian's Palace Guided Tour

Professional guided tour exploring the palace's architecture, history, and hidden corners that independent visitors often miss. Guides share fascinating anecdotes about Diocletian, the palace's construction, and its transformation over nearly 2,000 years. Tours typically include the basement level, Peristyle Square, Cathedral, and highlights of the palace structure. Tours are available in multiple languages and vary in length from 1 to 2.5 hours depending on depth.

⏱ 1.5-2.5 hoursBook Ahead
Blue Cave & Island Hopping Boat Tour
Must See📌 Book Ahead

Blue Cave & Island Hopping Boat Tour

Popular boat excursion visiting the stunning Blue Cave on Bisevo Island combined with stops at Hvar and Pakleni Islands for swimming and snorkeling. The Blue Cave's electric blue water creates magical lighting for photography when sunlight enters through the cave opening. Tours include swimming breaks at secluded beaches, snorkeling equipment, and comfortable boats with shaded areas. Morning departures are recommended for best cave lighting and calmer waters.

⏱ 5-7 hoursBook Ahead

Tips for Tours & Activities

  • Book tours in advance during peak season (June-September)
  • Morning tours offer better light and cooler temperatures for outdoor activities
  • Wear swimwear under clothes for water-based tours; shower facilities may not be available
  • Bring sunscreen; Adriatic sun reflects intensely off water and stone
  • Island tours are best in calm weather; sea conditions can cancel excursions
🚤

Day Trips

Nearby destinations and excursions offering diverse experiences from coastal villages to waterfalls, islands, and natural attractions within reach of Split.

Trogir (UNESCO World Heritage Town)
Must See

Trogir (UNESCO World Heritage Town)

A charming medieval town 30km from Split featuring beautifully preserved Renaissance architecture, narrow stone streets, and a picturesque harbor lined with restaurants. The town's Cathedral of St. Lovro showcases remarkable Gothic stonework. Trogir island is connected by bridges, making it easy to explore on foot. Ferry, bus, or rental car access; ferries depart regularly from Split. Trogir captures authentic Dalmatian ambiance with far fewer tourists than Split, making it ideal for photography and experiencing local culture.

⏱ 3-4 hoursNo Booking Needed
Hvar Island (Lavender & Vineyards)
Must See

Hvar Island (Lavender & Vineyards)

Island famous for lavender fields, excellent wines, and the charming harbor town of Hvar featuring a 13th-century fortress overlooking the Adriatic. The island's interior grows fragrant lavender that colors the landscape purple in summer. Hvar town offers waterfront dining, nightlife, and cultural events. Ferry from Split takes 1.5-2 hours. Perfect for wine tasting, beach exploration, and island village walks. Multiple beach clubs cater to various crowds from relaxed to party-oriented.

⏱ 5-8 hoursNo Booking Needed
Brac Island & Zlatni Rat Beach
Must See

Brac Island & Zlatni Rat Beach

Home to the iconic golden Zlatni Rat beach—a distinctive white shingle spit constantly reshaped by currents, creating unique photo opportunities. The island features stone quarries where Diocletian's Palace marble originated and charming villages like Bol and Supetar. Ferry from Split (1 hour) or Trogir offers access to this popular island. Swimming is excellent with crystalline turquoise water. The island combines beach relaxation with authentic village exploration and historical quarry sites.

⏱ 5-7 hoursNo Booking Needed

Tips for Day Trips

  • Ferry schedules vary by season; check timetables in advance
  • Early morning ferries are less crowded and offer better island exploration time
  • Bring towels, swimwear, and sun protection for island visits
  • Islands have limited fresh water supplies; bring refillable bottles
  • Rent scooters or bikes for exploring islands beyond main towns
🍽️

Restaurants

Real, highly-rated Restaurants in Split, sourced from Google Places (rating above 4★).

Pizzeria Sette Sorelle
Must See

Pizzeria Sette Sorelle

★★★★★ 4.9 (11,772)

Pizzeria Sette Sorelle is a highly-rated restaurant in Split, rated 4.9★ from 11772 reviews. Located at Trg Franje Tuđmana 3, 21000, Split, Croatia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Cicibela food and wine bar (SPLIT)
Must See

Cicibela food and wine bar (SPLIT)

★★★★★ 4.9 (5,105)

Cicibela food and wine bar (SPLIT) is a highly-rated restaurant in Split, rated 4.9★ from 5105 reviews. Located at Senjska ul. 8, 21000, Split, Croatia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Thursday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
Restaurant Méditerranée
Must See

Restaurant Méditerranée

★★★★★ 4.9 (146)

Restaurant Méditerranée is a highly-rated restaurant in Split, rated 4.9★ from 146 reviews. Located at Trumbićeva obala 18, 21000, Split, Croatia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: 7:00 – 11:00 AM, 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 7:00 – 11:00 AM, 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 7:00 – 11:00 AM, 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM
  • Thursday: 7:00 – 11:00 AM, 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM
  • Friday: 7:00 – 11:00 AM, 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM
  • Saturday: 7:00 – 11:00 AM, 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM
  • Sunday: 7:00 – 11:00 AM, 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM
Bome Boutique Restoran Split
Must See

Bome Boutique Restoran Split

★★★★★ 4.9 (453)

Bome Boutique Restoran Split is a highly-rated restaurant in Split, rated 4.9★ from 453 reviews. Located at Ul. Dinka Šimunovića 14a, 21000, Split, Croatia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Thursday: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
Ćiri Biri Bela
Must See

Ćiri Biri Bela

★★★★★ 4.8 (2,514)

Ćiri Biri Bela is a highly-rated restaurant in Split, rated 4.8★ from 2514 reviews. Located at Plinarska ul. 6, 21000, Split, Croatia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Soul Kitchen
Must See

Soul Kitchen

★★★★★ 4.8 (1,277)

Soul Kitchen is a highly-rated restaurant in Split, rated 4.8★ from 1277 reviews. Located at prilaz braće Kaliterna 8, 21000, Split, Croatia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Restoran Laf!
Must See

Restoran Laf!

★★★★★ 4.8 (1,008)

Restoran Laf! is a highly-rated restaurant in Split, rated 4.8★ from 1008 reviews. Located at Mažuranićevo šetalište 10, 21000, Split, Croatia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
Fig Split
Must See

Fig Split

★★★★★ 4.7 (3,696)

Fig Split is a highly-rated restaurant in Split, rated 4.7★ from 3696 reviews. Located at Dioklecijanova 1, 21000, Split, Croatia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Restaurant Adriatic
Must See

Restaurant Adriatic

★★★★★ 4.7 (6,092)

Restaurant Adriatic is a highly-rated restaurant in Split, rated 4.7★ from 6092 reviews. Located at Sustipanski put 2, 21000, Split, Croatia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Villa Spiza
Must See

Villa Spiza

★★★★★ 4.7 (2,174)

Villa Spiza is a highly-rated restaurant in Split, rated 4.7★ from 2174 reviews. Located at Ul. Petra Kružića 3, 21000, Split, Croatia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: 4:30 – 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 1:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 1:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Thursday: 1:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Friday: 1:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Saturday: 1:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
Lola Split
Must See

Lola Split

★★★★★ 4.7 (1,858)

Lola Split is a highly-rated restaurant in Split, rated 4.7★ from 1858 reviews. Located at Ul. Mile Gojsalić 1, 21000, Split, Croatia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM
  • Thursday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM
  • Friday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM
  • Saturday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM
  • Sunday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM
Morei
Must See

Morei

★★★★★ 4.7 (3,031)

Morei is a highly-rated restaurant in Split, rated 4.7★ from 3031 reviews. Located at Narodni trg 13, 21000, Split, Croatia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM
  • Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM
  • Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM
  • Thursday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM
  • Friday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM
  • Saturday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM
  • Sunday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM
BOKAMORRA HAUTE COUTURE PIZZA & COCKTAILS
Must See

BOKAMORRA HAUTE COUTURE PIZZA & COCKTAILS

★★★★★ 4.7 (5,633)

BOKAMORRA HAUTE COUTURE PIZZA & COCKTAILS is a highly-rated restaurant in Split, rated 4.7★ from 5633 reviews. Located at Trumbićeva obala 16, 21000, Split, Croatia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Friday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
  • Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
  • Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Bokeria Kitchen & Wine
Must See

Bokeria Kitchen & Wine

★★★★★ 4.6 (6,349)

Bokeria Kitchen & Wine is a highly-rated restaurant in Split, rated 4.6★ from 6349 reviews. Located at Domaldova ul. 8, 21000, Split, Croatia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM
  • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Dvor
Must See

Dvor

★★★★★ 4.6 (2,888)

Dvor is a highly-rated restaurant in Split, rated 4.6★ from 2888 reviews. Located at Put Firula 14, 21000, Split, Croatia.

⏱ 1-2 hoursNo Booking Needed

Opening Hours

  • Monday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
  • Thursday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
  • Friday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
  • Saturday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM
  • Sunday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM