36 Hours in Split, Croatia: Blending History with Modernity
Welcome to Split! Located on the beautiful Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, Split is a city that blends ancient history with modern charm. As the country’s second-largest city, Split offers a vibrant atmosphere with its most famous landmark being the awe-inspiring complex of Diocletian’s Palace. Split has a bit of something for everyone with ancient cobblestone streets, bustling markets, stunning beaches, and lively nightlife. Here’s a guide to a short weekend in Split, Croatia, with a sampler platter of cultural experiences and coastal beauty. Time to explore history and modernity in Split in 36 hours!
Day 1
(1) Diocletian’s Palace
Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site which was once Roman Emperor Diocletian’s palace, is an impressive compound fit for every Split itinerary and hard to miss. It dates back to the 4th century AD and is one of the most well-preserved Roman architectural sites in the world. It spans 7.5 acres and is walled-off. Enjoy the labyrinthian side streets and copious amounts of limestone.
(2) Cathedral of Saint Domnius
Next, head to the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, located within the complex of Diocletian’s Palace. It was built in the 7th century AD and is considered one of the oldest Catholic cathedrals in the world. It was dedicated to the patron saint of Split and is a symbol of the city’s Christian heritage. Take the steps up to the bell tower for a breathtaking (quite literally) view of the city.
(3) Peristil Square
Good news! After all those stairs, your next stop isn’t far at all! You’re already in Peristil Square, so take a look around the heart of Diocletian’s Palace. This square was originally the central courtyard of Diocletian’s residence but is now a hub for both locals and tourists. It may be hard to ignore everyone relaxing around with ice cream cones.
(4) Riva Promenade
Take a walk along Split’s picturesque waterfront with cafes, restaurants, and bars. This beautiful esplanade stretches along the Adriatic Sea and is a popular gathering sport for everyone to enjoy the views, food, and coastal walks.
(5) Marjan Hill
Next, it’s time to tie up those sneakers and hike up to the top of Marjan Hill for stunning panoramic views of Split and the surrounding islands. It takes about 2 hours to moderately climb all the way up to the top, but there are multiple observation decks along the way which you are able to stop at (and turn around). After your hike, you’ll want to end the day at a restaurant! We greatly enjoyed our seafood platter at Restaurant Babylon.
Day 2
(6) Bacvice Beach
Your half-day today is way more relaxing! Start the morning by heading to Bacvice Beach, Split’s most famous sandy beach with clear water and a lively ambiance. Be aware, if it’s a nice day, the sandy area may be completely swamped by everyone in Split. We took up a spot along the concrete edges and had an equally fantastic time in the sun, minus the sand.
(7) Green Market
For lunch, make your way to the Green Market, a vibrant marketplace where you can indulge in local produce and delicacies. Take your pick of colorful fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and more. This is a great market to experience the region’s culture.
(8) Game of Thrones Tour
Forgive me if this next recommendation lacks accuracy, as I’m not a Game of Thrones fan! However, it’s hard to ignore the plentiful options across the city that go to iconic filming locations. These tours often include visits to Diocletian’s Palace, which were the backdrop for the city of Meereen, as well as Klis Fortress, which was Meereen’s exterior. Since I’m not an expert, I’ll let Viator do the talking. For those of us who aren’t as into Game of Thrones, a few more hours at the beach can’t hurt…
That’s all for Split! I hope you enjoyed this unique destination in the Balkans to explore history and modernity. Don’t forget to check out our other European destination guides. Happy sampling!