How To Spend One Day in Split, Croatia: 3 Epic Itinerary Ideas

I have been a regular visitor to Split, Croatia, for more than twenty years. It’s an ever-changing place that should not be missed.

Are you trying to decide how to enjoy one day in Split? There are hundreds of ways how to spend 24 hours in Split; here are three ways I suggest.

Visit Split Croatia

Split is Croatia’s second-largest city and the central transportation hub in Dalmatia. Boats, trains, buses, and planes connect Split, making it easy to reach.

The downside—if there is one—is that many people consider Split a transit destination. Waiting for their connection, they spend only a few hours in the city.

That’s a real pity, of course. A large city in the middle of the Dalmatian coast must have something more to offer, right? And Split does, indeed. Split has LOADS of things to do.

This wonderfully historic city is filled with centuries—and sometimes even millennia-old architecture and is home to one of the Adriatic’s greatest waterfronts. Split, to say the least, belongs on any Balkan travel itinerary.

If you’re planning on visiting Split, don’t just rush through. Take your time. Slow down. Set aside at least 24 hours in Split to get to know this magnificent city more intimately. We also recommend visiting in spring, before the summer crowds arrive.

24 Hours In Split  – Idea Number 1

Morning

• Explore Diocletian’s Palace:
  • Visit the Peristyle, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, and the Cellars
• Riva Promenade:
  • Enjoy a coffee or breakfast and absorb the early morning ambiance

Mid-Morning to Afternoon

• Marjan Hill:
  • Hike up for panoramic views of Split and its surroundings
  • Explore the trails, chapels, and hermitage caves
• Beaches:
  • Choose a beach, perhaps Bacvice or Jezinac, to relax, swim, or sunbathe
• Lunch:
  • Enjoy Dalmatian cuisine in one of the restaurants in the old town

Afternoon to Evening

• Mestrovic Gallery:
  • Appreciate the works of the renowned Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic
• Varos:
  • Stroll through this historic neighborhood, noticing its stone streets and old houses
• Dinner:
  • Choose a konoba (tavern) for a traditional peka dish or fresh seafood

Evening to Night

• Nightlife:
  • Consider a pre-drink at a bar around the Palace or Riva
  • Explore nightclubs or bars for late-night entertainment
  • Or opt for a calmer evening walking along the Riva, enjoying the sea breeze

My Suggestions To Make It Better For You

• Flexibility: keep some flexibility for spontaneous decisions or a leisurely pace
• Travel Mode: consider walking to nearby attractions to see even more

One Day In Split Itinerary Idea Number 2

Morning

• Market Visit:
  • Explore Pazar Market for fresh local produce and souvenirs
  • Have a light breakfast of fresh fruits or local snacks from the market stalls
• Split Archaeological Museum:
  • Dive into the rich history of the region, exploring artifacts from different eras

Mid-Morning to Afternoon

• Ferry to Solta Island:
  • Take a ferry to Solta Island (usually around a 1-hour journey)
  • Explore the tranquil island, perhaps visiting the olive oil or honey producers
• Beach Time on Solta:
  • Relax on one of its serene beaches or explore the small villages
• Lunch on Solta:
  • Choose a cozy, local eatery for a leisurely lunch

Afternoon to Evening

• Return to Split:
  • Take a ferry back to the mainland in the late afternoon
• Veli Varos Walk:
  • Explore the Veli Varos neighborhood, known for its charming narrow lanes and traditional Dalmatian architecture
• Dinner in Split:
  • Opt for a restaurant offering a different style of cuisine, perhaps something international or modern Croatian

Evening to Night

• Split’s Art Scene:
  • Check out any ongoing events, exhibitions, or performances in the city
• Evening Walk:
  • Visit Sustipan Park, with its peaceful ambiance and beautiful sunset views
• Nightcap:
  • End the day at a wine bar, sampling some Croatian wines, perhaps choosing a venue that offers a wine-tasting experience

My Suggestions To Make It Better For You

• Prioritize Comfort: ensure you have comfortable footwear as this itinerary involves various terrains
• Stay Hydrated: Carry a water bottle, particularly when venturing to Solta, to stay refreshed
• Ferry Times: be mindful of the ferry schedules to and from Solta to ensure timely returns

Brands We Use And Trust

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Spend One Day In Split Idea Number 3

Split has enough to offer to keep you (very )busy for more than 24 hours. It’s a vast city, but all places of interest are located around the City Harbor.

Just up from the harbor lies Stari Grad, the Old Town. This Old Town has a domino shape and consists of two square-shaped areas—Diocletian’s Palace to the east and the medieval part, which developed beside it, to the west.

Split’s iconic waterfront promenade between the Harbor and Old Town lies the Riva. Numerous open-air cafés, bars, and palm trees line this wide pedestrian walkway. When spending 24 hours in Split, you’ll get to see all of this at a pleasant, unrushed pace.

One Day In Split: Morning

Protected as World Heritage by UNESCO, this place is exceptional because it’s both where Split was founded and still the city’s beating heart. Split’s number one attraction is Diocletian’s Palace, essentially an enormous retirement home built for Roman Emperor Diocletian.

The city evolved in and around this ancient complex—people still live in some of these buildings, while other structures now house shops, restaurants, bars, and even museums.

You’ll need at least a whole morning to explore Diocletian’s Palace. There’s more to it than you might think. The Palace has four huge gates surrounded by massive walls—the Golden, Silver, Brass, and Iron Gates.

It would be best if you didn’t miss Diocletian’s Cellars, which now houses souvenir stands and art galleries, the Peristil, the Entry Vestibule, and the Cathedral of St. Dominus.

Remember to pick up a map at the visitor center—you’ll need it to navigate this busy area. What’s so beautiful about Diocletian’s Palace is that it still feels alive despite being completely free to visit. There’s always activity going on.

In fact, it’s no stretch to say that the Palace is probably busier now than it ever was, even during Diocletian’s time when it was primarily a private residence. It’s more than impressive that a vast complex like this has been so well preserved.

One Day In Split: Afternoon

You’ll need a place to let that abundance of cultural wealth and historical facts sink in. So, grab a seat at one of Old Town’s plentiful restaurants and coffee bars. Make sure not to order dessert because you’ll want to get some gelato later on while wandering the Old Town’s alleys.

Spend the rest of the afternoon simply, spontaneously, exploring the Old Town at your own pace. There’s plenty of shopping to be done (head to BreakTime Nautical and tell them we sent you) there, and it’s just a bunch of fun wandering through this charming maze of cobbled streets.

If you’re after some more culture, you may want to visit the Meštrović Gallery. This marvelous art museum, dedicated to Croatia’s most influential artists, is a short bus or taxi ride west of the Old Town.

One Day In Split: Evening

The top evening activity in Split is promenading on the Riva. Locals do it every night; many tourists join them on their strolls.

There are some food carts, street performers, a wonderful sea breeze, and a lovely sunset if you’re lucky. Wander along the Riva, keeping your eyes peeled for a place for dinner. A good choice would be Restaurant Bajamonti, situated on Trg Republike just west of the Riva.

If you’d like to extend the evening a bit longer after dinner, head back to the Old Town for a cocktail at one of the open-air bars. In Diocletian’s Palace, Lvxor Café has an incredibly atmospheric outdoor seating area, literally on the steps of the Peristil. Surrounded by ancient Roman columns, this is probably the most historic patio you’ll ever sit on. Another great place to eat (or get coffee and cake) is Brassiere on 7 – located right on the Riva, so you have fantastic views that come with impeccable service. 

If you would like to spend more than 24 hours in Split, consider staying another day and going on a day trip to one of the other great destinations in the area, such as Trogir and Klis Fortress.

As mentioned at the top of this post, Split is a central transportation hub and makes the perfect base to explore many of Croatia’s best islands and a few of the lesser-known islands like Šolta.

You can get anywhere from Split by various means of transportation. Consider a day trip to neighboring Trogir, the waterfalls of Krka National Park, which are relatively easy to reach, or a Dalmatian island like Hvar or Brač, for example. Plus, here are a bunch of other day trip suggestions from Split.

How To Get To Split

Air

Split’s international airport is just 20 kilometers away. From the airport, you can easily catch a shuttle or a bus to your accommodation. This is a quick and convenient option if you’re flying in.

Bus

If you’re already in Croatia, buses are another great way to get to Split. There are bus stops right near the airport, and both lines will take you straight into the city. Once you’re in Split, you’ll find bus stops scattered all over, making it easy to get around, especially if you’re near shopping areas or hotels.

Ferry

Traveling by ferry is the best choice if you’re coming from the islands or across the Adriatic Sea. The ferry port is located in Split’s harbor. Ferries can also take you onward to your next destination if you’re planning to explore further.

Train

Split has a train station, and you can get here from Zagreb for around 30 euros. Several trains run daily between Zagreb and Split, making it a reliable option. From the Split train station, you can also travel to other cities in Croatia, including Varazdin, Rijeka, and Osijek.

Car

If you prefer driving, there are plenty of places to rent a vehicle in Split and the surrounding areas. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Private Transfers

Private transfers are often more affordable than you’d expect, and they can be a lifesaver during busy periods. They offer convenience and ease, especially if you’re looking to avoid the hassle of public transport.

Parking

Parking in Split can be a bit tricky. While some hotels offer private parking, many don’t, so you’ll need to rely on public lots. These are mostly located near shopping areas but be prepared for traffic, high rates, and limited spaces. Planning ahead is vital if you’re driving.

This is just one of a hundred ways to spend 24 hours in Split. In the comments below, let us know how you’d do it.