Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and a very famous place that many people choose to visit during their vacation in this country. One day in such a large city might not seem much, but there’s a lot do see and do in just one day in Split. And this article will be all about it. We’re going to present you with some ideas on what to see in Split Croatia in one day, and recommend some activities you can implement in your itinerary.
Split is a city that will charm you with its easygoing way of living and true Mediterranean vibe. A lot of people stop in it during their travels in Croatia before continuing to some other location, such as Hvar, Pitvice Lakes, Dubrovnik, or any other place in Croatia. If you are going to travel through different places in Croatia and Split is on your way, we suggest you take some time and visit it, at least for just a few hours or a quick coffee on the Riva. But if you can spend a whole day in Split, here’s what it might look like.
Morning: Dive into Ancient History Ok, we’re starting our one day in Split. The first thing we suggest is for you to head to the old part of this city and drink a coffee on a Riva promenade. It’s the most vibrant place in Split, and having a coffee here is almost like a tradition. While you sit in a local cafe, observe what life in Split looks like, watch the ships and ferries enter and leave Split’s Port, and watch the seagulls flying over your head in search of something to eat.
After you’ve had your coffee or any other drink, it’s time to start sightseeing. Our first location will be the famous Diocletian’s Palace in Split, located just behind your backs if you were sitting on the Riva.
1. Diocletian’s Palace Start your sightseeing with the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace . This is one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the whole world. As part of this route, explore:
The Peristyle Square
Cathedral of Saint Domnius (make sure you climb the bell tower for the best panoramic views!)The basement cellars (location featured in Game of Thrones series, parts of which were filmed in Split)
Gregory of Nin statue located just outside the Golden Gate (rub the golden toe for good luck)Wander through the narrow streets of the old part of the city.
Tour Suggestion:
Walking Tour of Diocletian’s Palace and Old Town – Explore the old part of Split through a guided experience that will take you to hidden alleys, unravel Roman secrets, and stories you might miss on your own.
Late Morning: Explore Local Life After the morning and exploration of the old part of Split, it’s time for another coffee. This time we suggest you drink it somewhere inside the Old Split, in one of the alleys or on a square. Drinking coffee is a ritual in Croatia, and we drink a lot of it here. Once again, you can observe the life in Split and its unique vibe. After you end your drink, we’ll continue with other locations, and these will be Green Market and Riva promenade.
2. Green Market (Pazar) Visit Split’s Pazar market where locals shop for fresh products such as cheese, honey, and dried fruits. We suggest you grab a quick snack here.
3. Riva Promenade and Sustipan Park When it comes to what to see in Split in one day, the Riva promenade is a place you can’t miss. You already had your drink here and observed it a bit, but now it’s time for a walk along it. Start just in front of Diocletian’s Palace and walk toward the Sustipan Park and observe the town from a different perspective. Once you reach Sustipan, enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and boats leaving for different locations on the islands close to Split .
Afternoon: Views and Nature We have already seen a lot of places and attractions in Split. In just a few hours, we were able to soak up the unique vibe of Split. Now it’s time to enjoy some great views and walk to the Marjan Hill. We suggest taking the stairs from the old part of Split and slowly climbing up and enjoying the perfect views along the way.
4. Marjan Hill You can also drive up to Marjan Hill (via public transport) for the best panoramic views of Split, the Adriatic Sea, and nearby islands such as Brač and Šolta. Stop at the famous Vidilica viewpoint and visit the small chapels that can be found on the trails on Marjan Hill.
Optional Stop: Bene Beach, located on the northern side of the Marjan, is a great place for swimming or enjoying a relaxed lunch.
Evening: Sea Adventure or Evening Walk Depending on whether you have some energy left after a day full of exploration, you can either choose to relax in the city or embark on an adventure. We suggest considering a sunset kayaking tour in Split. We were kayaking guides in Croatia for a long time and kayaking is one of the best ways of exploring the coastline. Alternatively, we suggest an afternoon sailing tour in Split.
Tour Suggestion #2 (Option A):
Sunset Sea Kayaking Tour – Kayak along the Split coastline and watch the sun kiss the Adriatic.
Tour Suggestion #2 (Option B):
Sunset Sailing Tour in Split – If you’d still like to experience the beautiful sunset, but want to do it in a more relaxed manner, then Split sunset sailing is the best option for you.
Final Tips Before You Venture To Split for One Day We hope that this article about what to see in Split Croatia in one day was helpful and you’ve got some ideas on how to spend your time in this Mediterranean oasis. Here are a few final tips before you continue your online journey. Make sure to explore other topics on our blog, you might find some inspiration there, too.
Start your day in Split early to enjoy a peaceful morning without the crowds, especially if visiting Split in summer.
Wear comfortable walking shoes for the best experience.
If you’re planning on visiting in peak season, we suggest booking any tours in advance.
We hope that your one day in Split will be a rewarding experience. Have a pleasant stay in Croatia!
