Some places surprise you. Others completely steal your heart.
For me, Split, Croatia did exactly that.
I can’t quite pinpoint what made me fall in love with the city so quickly. Maybe it’s the vibrant energy, the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, or the way ancient Roman history blends seamlessly with modern seaside life.
Split sits beautifully between dramatic mountains and the sparkling Adriatic Sea. Roman ruins, historic cathedrals, and medieval streets intertwine with bustling cafés and a lively waterfront promenade known as the Riva.
I actually visited Split twice in the same year. The first time was with a friend during the final stop of our InterRail trip across Europe. We loved it so much that I returned later that summer with my family.
Rather than planning a strict itinerary, Split is the kind of city that’s best enjoyed slowly — wandering through the streets, discovering hidden corners, and soaking in the atmosphere.
So instead of a day-by-day guide, here are some of the best things to do in Split, Croatia based on my two visits.
Things to do
1. People Watch Along the Famous Riva Promenade
The Riva is the beating heart of Split.
This bustling waterfront promenade stretches along the edge of the Old Town and is one of the best places in the city to simply relax and watch the world go by.
What I loved most were the small details — the neat rows of white umbrellas shading outdoor cafés, the glossy stone tiles reflecting the sunlight, the comfortable armchairs spilling out onto the promenade, and the weathered grey walls of Diocletian’s Palace rising just behind.
During the day, small stalls sell souvenirs and bundles of colourful lavender that fill the air with a gentle floral scent. As evening falls, the atmosphere changes completely as street performers and musicians appear, giving the whole area a lively buzz.
Honestly, I could sit in one of the Riva cafés people-watching for hours.
2. Climb Marjan Hill for the Best View of Split
You can’t visit Split without seeing the city from above.
Marjan Hill, located at the western end of the Riva, offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the region.
The walk up is a little bit of a climb, but it’s well worth the effort. As you reach the viewpoint, the entire city opens up beneath you — a beautiful patchwork of orange terracotta rooftops, narrow medieval alleyways, and the towering spires of Split’s cathedral, all framed by the deep blue Adriatic Sea.
We went just before sunset, after the hottest part of the day had passed, and I’d highly recommend timing your visit the same way. The golden evening light makes the whole city glow.
It feels like discovering a hidden viewpoint that reveals the true beauty of Split.
3. Explore the Historic Diocletian’s Palace
At the centre of Split lies one of the most fascinating historic sites in Europe: Diocletian’s Palace.
Built nearly 1,700 years ago by the Roman Emperor Diocletian, the palace dominates the Old Town and forms the core of the modern city. In fact, Split feels as though it was built around the palace itself.
Today the palace is not just a historic monument — it’s a living part of the city filled with cafés, restaurants, homes, and winding stone streets.
As you wander through the ancient passageways, you’ll find impressive Roman columns, grand courtyards, and atmospheric stone staircases that have stood for centuries. At the centre stands the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, complete with its iconic bell tower which visitors can climb for sweeping views over the city.
Although guided tours are available to explain the history in detail, we preferred simply getting lost in the maze of streets and appreciating the architecture at our own pace.
4. Relax at Bačvice Beach
One of the best parts of visiting Split is how close the sea is.
Just a short walk from the Old Town lies Bačvice Beach, one of the city’s most popular swimming spots.
The water here is unbelievably clear — the kind of bright turquoise that almost looks unreal. During our stay, we spent a huge amount of time here simply relaxing, swimming, and cooling off from the Croatian summer heat.
If you’re sunbathing here, keep an eye out for a traditional Croatian game called picigin.
This energetic beach game involves a group of players standing knee-deep in the water, hitting a small ball back and forth while trying to keep it from touching the sea. It looks deceptively simple but requires impressive reflexes and coordination.
Naturally, my family and I decided to give it a try. After about ten minutes — and a lot of swimming around chasing the ball — we admitted defeat and went back to relaxing instead.
Still, it was fun to try!
5. Experience Split’s Legendary Nightlife
Split isn’t just beautiful during the day — the nightlife is just as memorable.
When I first visited with my friend Hannah during our InterRail trip, Split was our final stop before heading home. By that point, we had partied in almost every country we visited, so naturally we wanted to end the trip on a high note.
After a long day relaxing on the beach, we were persuaded to join a pub crawl around Split — and it turned out to be one of the best nights of the entire trip.
The evening began with a party boat, cruising along the Adriatic while music played and everyone danced as the sun set. Later the group moved to several bars before finishing the night at a club overlooking the sea.
By the time the music finally stopped around 4am, a group of us ran straight into the sea — fully clothed — for a late-night swim.
Unsurprisingly, a number of other partygoers followed.
It was chaotic, spontaneous, and completely unforgettable.
Where to Stay in Split
Best Hostel in Split for Backpackers
If you’re travelling with friends or backpacking through Europe, I highly recommend Grand Hostel Lero.
Located about a 10-minute walk from the Riva, the hostel offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. When we stayed, we actually booked a private twin room because by that point in our InterRail trip we were craving a little privacy.
Although technically a hostel, the accommodation feels more like staying in a comfortable apartment, and we felt at home straight away.
Best Apartments in Split for Families
When I returned to Split with my family, we stayed at Apartments My Place, which I would absolutely recommend for families.
The apartment was incredibly clean and located just 200 metres from Bačvice Beach, making it perfect for quick trips down to the sea.
The host was lovely, the apartment was spacious, and there was free private parking, which was extremely convenient as we had rented a car during our trip.
If I visited Split again, I would happily stay there again.
Why Split Is One of the Best Cities to Visit in Croatia
Split is one of those rare destinations that offers a little bit of everything — ancient history, stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.
Whether you’re exploring Roman ruins, swimming in the Adriatic, or enjoying a sunset drink along the Riva, the city has an effortless charm that’s hard to resist.
And if you’re anything like me, one visit probably won’t be enough.
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