Planning your dream trip to Croatia and wondering if you should squeeze one day in Split into your busy itinerary? The answer is a resounding YES, and the great news is, you can see all of this bite-sized city in just a day. In this one-day Split itinerary, I’m covering all of the top attractions and must-sees, so that you can jet off to the Croatian islands the next day without feeling like you’ve missed a thing. This is going to be a jam-packed day, there’s no doubt about it, but I promise it’s worth it!
This guest post was written by Ella from Many More Maps
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1-Day Itinerary Split
Stop 1 – Breakfast at D16 Coffee
Split is surprisingly short on hipster coffee shops, but luckily you’ll find one of the very best right inside Diocletian’s Palace. We’ll get into what, exactly, Diocletian’s Palace is in a minute, but first – coffee! There aren’t a whole lot of breakfast items on offer here, but their croissants are pretty solid, and you won’t want to fill yourself up too much since there’s so much exploring up ahead! The main reason this place stands out is that their cups of coffee (complete with latte art – a rare sight in Split!) cost less than €2 a cup.
Top tip: Croatia used to use its currency, the Croatian kuna, but as of January 2023, Croatia uses the Euro! Outdated travel guides may still refer to the Croatian kuna, so bear this in mind when planning your trip.
Stop 2 – Walking Tour of Diocletian’s Palace
Coffee and breakfast consumed, it’s time to start checking out the sights, and where better than Diocletian’s Palace? Diocletian’s Palace, at the heart of Split, isn’t a palace at all. It’s actually an expansive fortress complex blending ancient Roman architecture with modern Croatian life. Originally built for Emperor Diocletian, this UNESCO World Heritage site is now full of shops, houses, and restaurants within its ancient walls.
It can be pretty tricky to learn much about the palace wandering it independently since there are not many informational signs around. For this reason, it’s far better to book a spot on a guided walking tour to explore the palace in-depth. Don’t miss climbing to the top of the Pjaca Clock Tower for the best views of the city!
Stop 3 – Varoš Neighborhood
After immersing yourself in the ancient charm of Diocletian’s Palace, a stroll through the Varoš neighborhood is the perfect next step. As you wander, make a point to visit the serene Sveti Mikula Church, before heading over to snap a few photos of Matejuška, a scenic pier where the local fishermen gather.
This quaint area, one of Split’s oldest, is a charming maze of narrow streets and unique traditional homes. Around seemingly every turn you’ll find a cozy café or a small, family-run restaurant serving up local specialties. And when you need a moment to soak it all in, pause at the People’s Square, a quaint and somewhat bohemian square surrounded by stone houses. It’s less touristy here, and the perfect contrast to Diocletian’s Palace so that you can enjoy a more authentic slice of Split life.
Stop 4 – Bačvice Beach
After your wander through Varoš, make your way to Bačvice Beach, a local favorite just a short walk from the city center. Known for its shallow waters and sandy shores, Bačvice is the perfect spot to bask in the sun and take advantage of the Dalmatian coast’s glorious weather.
Getting to Bačvice is a breeze – just follow the coastline southeast from the city center, and you’ll find yourself here in no time. Here, you can dip your toes in the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea or join in a game of picigin, a traditional Croatian ball game played in the shallow waters.
Stop 5 – Marjan Hill
After soaking up the sun at Bačvice Beach, it’s time to lace up your trainers and head to Marjan Hill, the city’s green oasis. This lush, wooded hill is a breath of fresh air and offers the best panoramic views of Split and the surrounding sea. From here you can spot many Croatia cruises and yachts. This will be one of the highlights of your one day in Split! From here you can spot many Croatian sail boats and yachts.
You can reach Marjan Hill by heading west from the city center. As you start your ascent, you’ll find paths winding through fragrant pine forests and along scenic viewpoints. Whether you choose to hike, rent a bicycle, or just find a peaceful spot to sit and admire the view, Marjan Hill is the perfect place to connect with nature and escape the buzz of the city for a few hours. Oh, and if you want to witness the sun setting over the ocean, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better spot to do it from.
Stop 6 – Dinner at Riva Promenade
As the day winds down, make your way to the Riva Promenade for a dinner to remember. This waterfront area is always buzzing in the evening, lined with palm trees and a whole host of lovely restaurants and cafes. If you have time to take a stroll along the dock before dinner you’ll be wowed by the gleaming superyachts moored in the harbour. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how the other half live.
For dinner, consider heading to Fife for a traditional, cozy vibe filled with locals and serving up delicious local dishes at affordable prices. For a more upscale experience, Restaurant Méditerranéev is the go-to spot with its stunning harbor views and fresh catch of the day. No evening meal in Split is complete without trying local favorites like crni rižot (black risotto) or pašticada, a deliciously slow-cooked beef dish. Pair your meal with a glass of local wine, and you’ve got the perfect end to your day in Split!
Stop 7 – Enjoy Split’s Nightlife
Not ready to go to sleep just yet? We don’t blame you! Split is one of the top party cities in Europe, so you’d be crazy to miss out on dancing the night away here if you have the energy. The city comes alive as the sun sets, offering everything from laid-back wine bars to lively clubs, so there’s no excuse not to stay out.
Chill pubs, wine bars, and cocktail lounges are scattered all over the city, and you won’t need to look far to find somewhere cool. If partying is what’s on your mind, though, Club Central or Vanilla Club are the places to be. Both are hotspots for locals and tourists alike, playing all the popular tunes that will keep you dancing till the early hours. Have fun!
Additional Things to Do in Split
Finding yourself with some extra time in the city? No worries – although this one day in Split itinerary covered all of the main things to do in the city, there are a few other things to do to extend your time:
- Visit the Fortress of Klis: The fortress served as one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones.
- Get the bus to the nearby town of Trogir
- Take a kayaking tour
- Go on a local food and wine-tasting tour
- Take the ferry to Brac Island and spend one day in Bol
Best Time to Visit Split Croatia
When planning your 1-day Split itinerary, timing is everything. The city is a tourist hotspot during the high season, from late May to early September when the sun is shining, the ocean is warm, and the streets are alive with the buzz of bars, restaurants, and clubs.
However, in the off-season, especially from November to March, Split transforms entirely, and turns into a bit of a ghost town! For this reason, it is important to visit Split during the high season for the full experience, or the shoulder season (April-May and September-October) for a more relaxed but still fun experience.
Where to Stay in Split Croatia
Split has a whole host of accommodation options, from budget backpacker hostels all the way to, well, the sky is the limit! If you’re backpacking, solo traveling, or on a super tight budget, you can’t go wrong with the Old Town Hostel. It’s basic, sure, but it’s also super affordable, located right in the Old Town, and very social indeed – perfect if you want to meet a few travel buddies.
For budget accommodation that’s a step up from the hostel experience, look no further than Centro di Centri Rooms. This charming independent hotel has an unbeatable location and cute local decor, perfect for a stay that goes beyond the cookie-cutter budget hotel experience. It’s important to mention that, during the peak summer season, it’s going to be almost impossible to find anything half decent for less than €100 per night. So, for Split in summer, a budget stay will probably set you back around €120/night.
How Many Days Do I Need in Split, Croatia?
In Split, the beauty is in its compact charm. Believe it or not, one day in Split is plenty to get a real taste of what this stunning city has to offer. From wandering through the ancient corridors of Diocletian’s Palace to soaking up the sun on Bačvice Beach and then winding down with a scrumptious dinner at the Riva Promenade, you can pack it all into a single, action-filled day. However, Split isn’t just about the city itself – it’s also the perfect launchpad for island hopping! If you’ve got a bit more time, consider using Split as your base to explore nearby islands like Brač, Hvar, and Vis or cities like Trogir and Zadar on a day trip. Each offers its unique charm!
And don’t forget to save this post for your perfect day in Split Croatia!
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