Split is a tourist city, and as such mostly profit-oriented, especially during the summer season. Still, there are ways to enjoy it for free. This is our selection of freebies, maybe someone else would include some others. Here are alphabetically ordered suggestions.
Beaches
Main rule is this: there are no private beaches in Split, except partly the one in front of Radisson Blu hotel, and the one in Le Meridien Lav Hotel. There are those under concession, where it’s possible to rent a seabed and/or parasol. But, if you want to lay down your towel, you can do it wherever you want. And have in mind that Split has about 15 kilometers of seashore line, and most of it – except city port – is suitable for swimming.
Churches
Unlike some other cities with similar historical heritage, pretty much all churches in Split have free admittance, no matter how precious are some artifacts inside. The only exception is the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, where it’s required to buy a ticket for sightseeing of the church itself, treasure and the bell tower. Of course, entrance is free on holly mass, but it’s required to respect the service and worshipers. Beside cathedral, our favourite churches are Saint Francis, tiny Saint Martin, and legend-filled Saint Anthony monastery.
Diocletian’s Palace
Centerpiece of Split is its biggest landmark, ancient Diocletian’s Palace, not only the foundation of the city, but city itself. Many tourists arriving to Split believe they will find actual palace, a building remained from the Roman times. Of course, it’s not so. Browse around the Palace, and enjoy it’s hidden corners, tiny squares, alleys and witness centuries-long life within its walls. That’s probably the best way to sense the pulse of the city.
Diocletian’s Salute
For some, it can be pure tourist-oriented kitsch, or just a bait for those interested only in commercial interpretation of history. However, during the season every day at noon Peristil is packed full with tourist expecting to see actors playing roles of emperor Diocletian, his wife Prisca and imperial guard and saluting visitors to the Palace. And it’s fun, check out this video.
Galleries
All Split museums require paid admission, with different discount rules, but in the same time all art galleries and temporary exhibitions are free of charge. That’s the case even when such exhibitions are placed in museum venues. There are several very busy, and attractive galleries, like Milesi Palace, Salon Galic, Photography Gallery, Gallery of the Fine Arts, Gallery Kula, Gallery of Split City Museum, etc. Especially during the Split Summer Festival, there are lots of interesting exhibitions around the city.
Green and fish market
Word market means that something is on sale there, but nobody will twist your arm if you just browse around the stalls on picturesque Split Green Market (locally “pazar”) and 120 years old Fish Market (locally “peškarija”). Every morning dozens of sellers offer everything good of food Dalmatia has to offer, and some of those from beyond local area. Of course, buying some fresh fruit, vegetables or seafood is an investment into your health, so consider this free medical advice.
Marjan – hiking, walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, worshiping
That green hill overlooking Split is one of its main symbols, but also its biggest recreational area. There are no many cities with such diversed piece of nature almost in the city center. Unless you rent a bike, everything you want to do on Marjan is free of any charge, but not free of careful behaving, according to the natural and historical treasures it offers. As an introduction and collection of advices, check our series on Marjan (links to previous chapters are at the end of the article).
Mingling at Matejuška
There are many popular bars and clubs in Split, but there is also Matejuška. This old fishermen’s cove is one of the busiest night-gathering places, where young tourists can meet their local counterparts, and just make friends with them, and chat while sitting on a long wall in the middle of the city port. In case you still need a drink, there are several stores around where you can buy a beer or three, much cheaper than in bars, and just enjoy in sipping it open-air.
Seaside promenading
Paris has its Seine, Florence has Arno, Cannes has Croisette, and Split has Riva. Excellent choice for evening stroll, before or after the dinner, for enjoying sunset and observing people around you. Promenade doesn’t include only main Riva, in front of the Diocletian’s Palace, but also newly renovated Western Riva and whole strip from ACI marina to Bačvice beach.
Self-service sightseeing
There are dozens of travel agencies in Split, and maybe even more guidance services. However, those more adventurous self-learning leaning visitors can decide to have a sightseeing tour by themselves, like we recently described here. It’s easy, and it’s – of course – free. Just follow City light panels around the city center, and all the way to Marjan viewing point, there are 16 of them, map is available here. Good additional assistance can be found in two Tourist Board’s Information Centers placed on Riva and Peristil.
