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About Split
Split is Croatia's second-largest city and the beating heart of the Dalmatian coast. Built around and inside a UNESCO-listed Roman emperor's retirement palace, it is one of Europe's most remarkable urban sites: people live, work and party within walls raised by Diocletian in 305 AD. Sun-bleached limestone alleys open onto a grand seafront promenade, beaches lie a short walk from Roman columns, and ferries depart daily for the island playgrounds of Hvar, Brač and Vis. With Croatia's adoption of the Euro in January 2023 and the Schengen Area in the same month, Split is easier and cheaper to reach and navigate than ever.
- Capital
- Zagreb (national capital); Split is regional capital of Split-Dalmatia County
- Largest city
- Split
- Population
- 170000
- Languages
- Croatian (official); English widely spoken in tourist areas
- Currency
- Euro (EUR, €) — Croatia adopted the euro on 1 January 2023
- Time zone
- CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2) in summer
Explore Split by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Split
The 21 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Cathedral of Saint Domnius (Katedrala Sv. Duje)
Peristyle (Peristil)
Meštrović Gallery (Galerija Meštrović)
Marjan Hill Forest Park
Riva Promenade
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Split Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Split, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Split
- Days 1-2Split city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Split
- Days 1-3Split comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Split, departure
Where to stay in Split
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget €50–€90/day (~$55–$99)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range €140–€280/day (~$154–$308)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury €360–€810/day (~$396–$891)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Radisson Blu Resort Split
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Marmont
Check rates on Booking.comPalace Judita Heritage Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Vestibul Palace
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Split
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Nostromo
Bokeria Kitchen and Wine Bar
Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar
Fife
Konoba Fetivi
Restaurant Sperun
Getting around Split
Split is served by Split Airport (SPU), 24km north of the city. The city center is compact and walkable; ferries connect to Dalmatian islands; intercity buses serve the coast; the Bolt and Uber apps work for taxis.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €20–€35/night (~$22–$38) | €80–€160/night (~$88–$176) | €200–€500/night (~$220–$550) |
| Food (per day) | €15–€25/day (~$17–$28) | €30–€60/day (~$33–$66) | €80–€150/day (~$88–$165) |
| Transportation | €5–€10/day (~$6–$11) | €10–€20/day (~$11–$22) | €30–€60/day (~$33–$66) |
| Activities | €10–€20/day (~$11–$22) | €20–€40/day (~$22–$44) | €50–€100/day (~$55–$110) |
| Daily total | €50–€90/day (~$55–$99) | €140–€280/day (~$154–$308) | €360–€810/day (~$396–$891) |
Best time to visit Split
May–June and September–October for warm weather without peak crowds and prices.
June offers near-perfect beach weather, long daylight hours and festival atmosphere without August's intensity. September is arguably the best month: sea still warm from summer, crowds thinned, locals return to normal life.
Essential travel tips
- Diocletian's Palace is free to enter and explore at any hour — the palace walls are a neighbourhood, not a museum
- Buy ferry tickets from Jadrolinija (jadrolinija.hr) in advance for peak summer; walk-on passengers can usually board outside August
- The Riva café scene runs on coffee culture — 'kava' means coffee and locals linger for hours
- Promet Split city buses require tickets bought at a kiosk before boarding or via the Promet app
- Most restaurants in the old town are open noon–midnight; kitchens may close between 3pm and 6pm
- Tipping is not mandatory but 10% is appreciated at sit-down restaurants
- ATMs (bankomats) are widely available; Visa and Mastercard accepted almost everywhere
Safety information
Keep valuables in front pockets or a zipped bag in the packed Peristyle area
Beware of taxi drivers at the ferry terminal who don't use meters — use Bolt or Uber instead
The sea can have strong currents outside the bay; check local conditions before swimming at exposed beaches
Emergency number: 112 (EU standard); Police: 192; Ambulance: 194
Frequently asked questions
Is Split safe to visit in 2026?
Split is an extremely safe destination. The EU average crime index places Croatia consistently among the safest European countries. Violent crime against tourists is virtually unheard of. The main risks are typical of any summer tourist city: pickpocketing in crowded areas, drink-spiking in clubs (r
What is the best time to visit Split?
The best time to visit Split is May–June and September–October. Split has a classic Mediterranean climate: long hot dry summers, mild winters and minimal rainfall from June through September. The city receives approximately 2,700 sunshine hours per year, more than
Do I need a visa to visit Split?
Croatia is an EU/Schengen member since 2023. EU/EEA citizens enter with a valid national ID card. Most non-EU visitors (including US, UK, Canada, Australia) may stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa under Schengen rules. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Split?
The currency in Split is the Euro (EUR, €) — Croatia adopted the euro on 1 January 2023 (EUR). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Split?
The main language(s) spoken in Split: Croatian (official); English widely spoken in tourist areas. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
What are the top attractions in Split?
The top attractions in Split include Diocletian's Palace, Cathedral of Saint Domnius (Katedrala Sv. Duje), Peristyle (Peristil), Meštrović Gallery (Galerija Meštrović), and Marjan Hill Forest Park. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.