Whether you live in Split or are visiting the city, these are some of the must-see places to check off your Split list.
There are many places to see, people to meet, and things to do while you’re spending time in the city of Diocletian, so today we are bringing you some of our favorite spots you shouldn’t miss while you’re here.
Of course, there are the easy ones like exploring the cracks and crevices of Diocletian’s palace, Peristil, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, Marjan hill, and having coffee in the various squares and on the Riva, but what are some of the other spots we would suggest? Here are just a few.
HNK: The Croatian National Theatre of Split was opened in 1893 and is known as one of the oldest surviving theaters in Dalmatia. Hosting hundreds of performances every year, why not catch a ballet or opera while you’re in town?
Kinoteka Zlatna Vrata: Also known as the Golden Gate Cinema, Zlatna Vrata is a cultural institution in Split that specializes in classic and art films. Located in the heart of Diocletian’s palace near the famous Golden Gate, the cinema is set in the Center for Culture and Lifelong Learning at Golden Gate. This Split cinematheque is also a member of the European Association of Europa Cinemas, the most important European association of cinema.
City Museum of Split: If you’re planning on exploring the museums of Split, this one is a must. The 15th-century Papalić palace houses the City Museum of Split, and the museum collects, studies, preserves, and exhibits the material and spiritual history of the city of Split. Here you can see exhibitions from prehistory to the 20th century.
Pusti me proć: Translated to “let me pass”, this narrow street is only 57 centimeters wide and is just around the corner from the Temple of Jupiter. Typically, only one person can pass through the street at a time, and it surely makes for a great photo op!
Temple of Jupiter: A temple dedicated to the ancient Roman god Jupiter, the Temple of Jupiter was built from 205 until 305 AD. Located just around the corner from Peristil, before the entrance to the temple you can find one of twelve Egyptian sphinxes Emperor Diocletian brought over from Egypt.
Fish Market and Green Market: If you want to get a real taste of the local life in the city, you’ll want to visit both of these establishments. The fish market is loud with negations and smells of, well, fish, and if anything this is an incredible place to take photos. The Green Market is your go-to for the freshest produce from the family farms of Dalmatia, and if that isn’t enough to tempt you….we don’t know what is.
Poljud Stadium: Built in the late 1970’s, Poljud is home to Split’s famous football team HNK Hajduk Split. This 35,000 capacity stadium is perfectly set by the famous Adriatic sea and mountains, and watching a match during sunset is truly one of the most spectacular sights in Split. If there is a game going on while you’re here, we consider it a must!
Mestrović Gallery: Ivan Mestrović Gallery is an art museum dedicated to the work of 20th-century sculptor Ivan Mestrović, arguably Croatia’s greatest sculptor ever. Originally bought as a summer house, Mestrović donated the gallery and his artwork to the state, which became what we now know as the Mestrović Gallery. Here you can find sculptures, drawings, paintings, and even furniture sets by Ivan Mestrović.
Sustipan: Because we are always up for nature, Sustipan is a green oasis located on the southwest cape of the Split harbor. Covered in pine trees and a perfect view of the Adriatic, Sustipan was once a cemetery for the residents of Split. Today, this park is the perfect place for an afternoon hang, and you’ll oftentimes see many of the locals partaking in various outdoor activities – tightrope, anyone?
West Riva: Is the main promenade of Split too busy with coffee drinkers? Lucky for you, there is another option! Just a short walk away you can enjoy the (somewhat) new West Riva. A perfect place to watch the boats sail by, there are just enough cafes and restaurants for you to enjoy here.
Sv. Frane: The Church and the Monastery of St. Francis (Sv. Frane) are located at the very end of the Riva. The church dates back to the 13th-century, and while it has undergone various restorations and reconstructions, you’ll find 15th-century paintings and the Franciscan monastery next to the church boasts a library with over 3,000 books.
Veli Varoš: One of the oldest suburbs in Split, Varoš was founded by fishermen in the late 17th-century. To get a truly local feel, get lost in the alleyways and enjoy the local architecture – another perfect place for photos!
Vidilica: Because you’re most likely planning on exploring Marjan hill (or we at least hope you are), Vidilica is a terrace cafe just on your way up. For one of the most stellar lookouts onto the city, be sure you don’t miss this one – and be sure to continue exploring Marjan after!
