Conquering the Splitski đir one local bar at a time…
An absolutely necessary task to conquer while you are in Split is to experience the “Splitski đir”, or in other words, the Split way of life. While visiting the tourist attractions is a must, the only way to get a true taste of Split is by hanging out with the locals, and today we bring you some of the best local hangouts to get a true sense of the Split experience.
While we couldn’t name them all, here’s a look at some of the best Split has to offer.
Gaga: Located just behind Split’s famous Pjaca, Gaga Caffe Bar is tucked away in the old town and is one of the favorite hangouts for locals. A popular place for cheap drinks, loud music, and a whole lot of talking gives Gaga the perfect bar environment. While Gaga gets crowded in the summertime, you’ll find that you can enjoy the local atmosphere both inside the bar or outside on the terrace. Gaga is located at Iza Lože 5.
Academia Club Ghetto: A sure winner for both tourists and locals alike, Ghetto is the bohemian hangout located on Dosud 10 in the heart of the old town. Known for bringing in a creative crowd, Ghetto has live music and djs, art exhibitions, and a stunning courtyard perfect for a summer hang. Drinks are reasonably priced and you’ll find yourselves meeting some of Split’s most interesting crowd here.
Teak: Located on Ul. Majstora Jurja 11, Teak is situated in one of Split’s ancient alleyways and is full with a local crowd by day and night. Whether you choose to sit inside Teak’s enticing walls or outside in the picturesque courtyard, you’ll find locals young and old choosing Teak for a coffee, beer, and plenty of conversation.
Leopold’s: The favorite beer hangout in Split, Leopold’s is known for, well, their incredible beer selection. Carrying domestic crafts, local breweries, and an inviting overall beer selection, Leopold’s fills up with a diverse Split crowd complete with hip bartenders. Located in the center of Split on Poljana Tina Ujevića, Leopold’s is also a delicatessen providing finger foods of smoked meats and cheeses.
Treće Poluvrijeme (Kuka): You haven’t really done Split until you’ve been to Kuka, the late night Split establishment with a very serious local crowd. Kuka is known for domestic music and a room packed with domestic people, usually singing at the tops of their lungs to favorite songs from the past. A place everyone should experience at least once while they’re in Split, you should also expect to be here until 5 am. While talking isn’t easy in Kuka, you’ll most likely bond with a local over the clink of a cocktail glass and a dance. Kuka is located at Ul. Zrinsko Frankopanska 17 by Stari Plac.
Zanat: We almost don’t want to share this place with you because of how local it is, but in an effort to make sure you get the full local experience, Zanat is a bar you have to visit. Considered a secret hangout known really only by locals, Zanat boasts some of the cheapest drinks in Split. Splićani can be found here usually playing cards or pool, and if we remember correctly, there is no music – just the sounds of the many conversations going on inside. Because Zanat is top secret, you’ll have to find a local to find the location – but what we can tell you is that it’s very close to the famous Peristil. Pro tip: You should also only go here with a local.
Tri Volta: Ah Tri Volta, a famous Split establishment with one of the best views above the Riva. Located on Dosud 9, Tri Volta is THE local spot. Cheap pints, domestic specialties, and a neighborhood crowd of the young and old make for a truly legendary Split experience. We also recommend trying their prosciutto and cheese plate as it is known to be one of the best in Split.
