Article mis à jour le 5 Aug 2024

3 days in Split : visiting the must-sees

It was with a touch of nostalgia that I returned to this city. I first came to Split 15 years ago, when I was doing an Erasmus course in neighbouring Slovenia. The city hasn’t changed, but it has become one of the most exclusive places in Croatia. At the same time, this city has everything to please, and I hope to confirm your desire to go there ! Read my guide to Split in 3 days.

The city of Split is situated on the Adriatic coast and benefits from plenty of sunshine. The historic centre is steeped in history, and you can reach the islands of paradise in just a few minutes by boat. As in most southern European cities, I love the Mediterranean atmosphere. It’s very clean, there are plenty of terraces and I didn’t feel the least bit unsafe.

Not far away, you can also take a road trip to the Balkans organised by Aurélie !

Itinerary for visiting Split in 3 days

This article is in three parts :

• Firstly, I’ll guide you through the city via must-see places in Split.
• In the second part, I’ll give you the not-to-be-missed boat trips.
• And finally, you’ll find all the practical information you need to organise your trip to Split (where to sleep, when to go, where to eat and where to have a drink).

The city centre is fairly small and everything can be done on foot. But I’d still recommend spending a day and a half there, so as not to rush around and make the most of the many narrow streets.

How do I get to Split ?

To get to Split, you can compare flights on the Ulysse website. You can save €10 on your first flight booking by registering via our link !

What to do in Split during your 3-day trip ?

⮕ Find many activities to visit Split according to your desires.

⮕ You can also opt for a free guided tour of Split, to discover all the cultural richness of this city.

⮕ Or, if you fancy a little unusual tour of Split, this is your chance to hire a boat. You can find half-day boats, without a licence, with / or without a skipper.

Diocletian’s Palace

In the heart of Split lies the majestic Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built as a retirement residence for the emperor, today the palace is a blend of ancient ruins and modern life. With its narrow streets, hidden courtyards and historic buildings, it gave me the impression of living in ancient times. After all, we’re talking about 30,000 square metres, built between 295 and 305 ! Today, the palace is the heart of the city, with its cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops. A beautiful contrast between modernity and history.

As you can imagine, the streets are packed all day in the summer. I therefore recommend that you come early in the morning. It gets light early in Split, so don’t hesitate to venture into the palace around 6am. It’s easy to forget the slap in the face when you wake up !

The Riva Promenade

After exploring the ancient ruins, head for the Riva, Split‘s seafront promenade. Lined with palm trees and lively cafés, it’s the perfect place to relax and watch the boats come and go in the harbour. Enjoy a coffee on the terrace while admiring the view of the neighbouring islands and mountains in the background.

In the evening, the Riva becomes a meeting place for locals and tourists alike, with street musicians, live entertainment and a festive atmosphere. The many restaurants and bars offer delicious local cuisine, with specialities such as grilled fish, fresh seafood and the famous Cevapi, spicy meat sausages.

The Republic Square

Republic Square (or Prokurative) in Split is a magnificent public space with its old red arcades and numerous terraces. You can feel it’s steeped in history ! Situated near the Riva, on the western side of the city, it offers a breathtaking view of the Adriatic Sea. It’s a must-see for locals and tourists alike. The square hosts a variety of cultural events, concerts and festivals throughout the year.

Mount Marjan

If you want the best view of Split, head for Mount Marjan, to the west of the city. This 178-hectare forest park can be visited on foot or by bike, but it is best known for its breathtaking views. It’s the city’s green lung, and a great contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city centre !

Culinary specialities not to be missed

When it comes to specialities, you’ll find plenty of stews (meat or fish), but also black risotto. The latter, called Crni Rižot, is prepared with squid ink. It is creamy and garnished with pieces of cuttlefish and other seafood. And, like any self-respecting port city, you’ll find plenty of fish in most of the city’s restaurants.

There are also plenty of ice-cream parlours in Split. I’ve tried several and recommend Al Mare Gelateria. The prices are reasonable and I find the flavours less sweet than the competition.

3 days in Split : visit the neighbouring islands

I’d advise you to plan a full day to explore the islands around Split, or even a full day AND half a day. The surrounding islands are truly magnificent !

The island of Brac

This is the closest island to Split, only 30 minutes by boat. All boat trips inevitably stop at Brac to enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters. But you can also take the opportunity to stroll around the island, which offers a host of viewpoints over the Adriatic !

Visit Hvar

Be warned, you’re guaranteed to fall in love with this island ! It’s impossible not to fall under the spell of this island. On the one hand, because Hvar is very wild and has many small beaches. On the other hand, the town is truly sublime and steeped in history. Indeed, you arrive by boat and disembark in a medieval style with cobbled streets and ancient buildings.

With all its terraces and little shops, the atmosphere is very pleasant. I recommend a visit to Café Snob, which is beautifully decorated and has a rooftop with fans to keep you cool !

The island of Paklinski Otoci

Less well known to the general public, this island opposite Hvar has virtually no hotels. People come here for the day, to enjoy the surroundings or the restaurants in the heart of nature. I had the opportunity to have lunch at Palmizana Meneghello and I can’t recommend this address highly enough. Even if everything is expensive on these islands, there are still small, authentic and affordable places where you can eat very well. This restaurant has been run by a family for over 50 years ! You’ll eat in the middle of the vegetation and the food is good, hearty and reasonably priced.

How do I book a boat trip ?

In Split, you’ll find a number of kiosks on the Riva. But I recommend that you look around and book your boat trip in advance to guarantee availability and a fair price. What’s more, this one is really complete, with 3 islands and the blue lagoon !

Unusual : Visiting Split in a different way

⮕ One of the most popular activities in Split is the electric Tuktuk tour ! In fact, this 2-hour tour is ideal for exploring the city. A stop at Diocletian’s Palace with the guide is even included in the ride. There’s also access to the viewpoint from Mount Marjan.

Where to eat during your 3 days in Split ?

During my stay, I had the opportunity to try out several restaurants. But here are my top 3 not to be missed :

• Galejira Food : found by chance, this restaurant is located in a small alleyway and has its own little courtyard surrounded by large stones. As well as the setting, the service is top-notch and the food excellent. Special mention for the salmon croissant !
• Bokeria Kitchen & Wine : this is the best-known address in Split, so make sure you book a few hours in advance. The prices are a bit high, but the quality is top-notch and the atmosphere is great.
• Fig : once again in the “beautiful inner courtyard” category, you’ll find this restaurant in Diocletian’s palace. With its fresh produce and creative, colourful cuisine, I recommend that you try this restaurant during your stay in Split. What’s more, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.

🥂 Where to have a drink in Split ?

During my stay, I had the opportunity to try out several addresses. But here are my top 3 not to be missed :

• La Riva : well, it’s not an address, but rather a location. In fact, I’d recommend any bar on the Riva with a view of the port and the palm trees along the promenade. Prices are pretty much the same in most establishments.
• Charlie’s bar : this is Split’s cheapest address! And it’s rare enough to be worth mentioning… It’s a great place to party and the atmosphere is very relaxed, but you’ll also get a lot of young people. Normal, given the prices 🙂
• The Republic Square : as with the first address, head towards the square and choose the bar you like best. But this is where you’ll find the biggest terraces, and I have to admit I love the setting ! Especially at the end of the day, when the pink walls really stand out in the softer light.

Organising your trip to Split : my tips

Where to stay in Split ?

During my stay in Split, I had the opportunity to stay at the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa. The hotel is modern and very well equipped, with two swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), a large spa, a gym and a beach club just a few metres away. In fact, even if you’re not staying at the hotel, I’d still recommend a visit to the beach club, which is really hot ! The Radisson Blu is located 10 minutes by car (or 15 minutes by bus) from the city centre.

If you’re looking for accommodation right in the city centre, I’d recommend Illyria Luxury Studio Apartments. It’s rare for Split but it’s very modern and well decorated with quality materials ! What’s more, you can take advantage of a kitchen to save money. And in a city like Split where it’s not cheap, that can be very interesting 😊.

When should you visit Split ?

Split‘s location offers some of the best sunshine in Europe. So you can enjoy it pretty much all year round. If you can, avoid July and August, as prices are higher and it’s much more crowded. Ideally, plan a trip between April and June or September and October.

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