All things Roman, beaches and cruise ships — that was what described Split for me. This was the first beach-side town after making your way from Zagreb, Croatia’s capital city.

If you plan to spend more time in the Dalmatian islands which is what we did, Split is a great introduction to the Adriatic coast.

The country currently uses Euros and I was also amazed how some parts were expensive and some parts not too bad on the affordability spectrum.

Split was a town where there was a lot of modern touches but still had elements of the past for you to discover and explore.

It is not all touristy as you will still Splićani people doing their own thing once you move out from the touristy stretches and walk around.

Here’s where I recommend that you to spend your time in Split on a 2 or 3 day itinerary:

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Also Read: 7 or 10 Days Croatia Itinerary: National Parks To Coastlines

Where To Stay in Split

Here are my recommended places to stay in Split!

Leonilda Rooms (We stayed here and it was perfect!)
Kovacic rooms
Ivona

Best 2-3 Day Itinerary of Split: Eat, Hike & Beaches

Day 1

Explore the Diocletian’s Palace

The Diocletian’s Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important Roman ruins in the world. It is a massive complex that was built in the 4th century AD by the Roman Emperor Diocletian as his retirement home.

Today, the palace is a bustling hub of activity, with shops, restaurants, and cafes lining its streets.

As I walked through the palace, I was struck by the sheer scale of the complex. The palace covers an area of over 30,000 square meters and is home to over 200 buildings.

There were tons of tourists groups and I found the best time to visit the palace is early in the morning. You will get to walk around the intricate carvings and mosaics that adorned the walls of the palace.

Don’t forget to sneak in and grab a coffee at this hole-in-the-wall shop called Meštar o' Kave.

You could also opt for a guided walking tour and get to see the “Game of Thrones" sites along with Diocletian’s Palace.

Explore Peristil Square, the 57-meter-tall belfry

Peristil Square is the central square of the Diocletian’s Palace and is one of the most beautiful parts of the complex. The square is surrounded by ancient Roman buildings and is dominated by a 57-meter-tall belfry.

This square is not just any square. The square has been the site of many important events throughout history, including the coronation of the Croatian king in the 10th century.

The museum is over three levels and the ticket price is €12 for all 3. There are three points of interest in this spot, the cathedral, the bell tower which you can walk up and a small museum behind the ticket desk.

Also, the fact that it is not in any of people’s tour or itineraries is enough reason for you to be here and check it out for yourself!

Stroll down the Riva

You can’t miss the Riva in Split! It is Split’s main waterfront promenade and is one of the city’s most popular attractions.

The promenade is lined with palm trees and is home to numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops.

It is also a great spot to check out stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the nearby islands. You can even have an awesome snorkelling experience or sea kayaking in Brela from Split.

If you love people-watching and soaking up the local atmosphere, it’s a great way to have a very chill day on your first day. I also enjoyed the street performers and musicians who added to the lively atmosphere of the Riva.

Have dinner at Konoba Fetivi

If you are looking for an authentic Croatian dining experience, Konoba Fetivi is the perfect spot. Located in the heart of the old town, this restaurant offers yummy traditional Dalmatian dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.

The menu changes seasonally, but some of the must-try dishes include the octopus salad, black risotto, and grilled fish.

Day 2

On the second day in Split, I was ready for some adventure to take a long stroll and be able to have a bird’s eye view of Split.

Exploring Marjan Hill on foot or by bike

We found Marjan Hill the perfect spot to go for a walk. Most people are in the Old Town or the main promenade by the sea but I urge you to break away and head to Split’s very own nature reserve.

The Marjan Peninsula boasts a sprawling 742-acre Forest Park, often dubbed the "lungs of the city."

You can just use Maps.Me to begin walking from the Old Town or use the Marjan Steps through the beautiful mountain park surrounding the place.

Or you could be adventurous like me and rent a bicycle to go cycle all the way up to Marjan Hill. it can be a bit hilly but I loved stopping by at the beaches.

Once you reach the summit of the stairs, take in the breathtaking views to the west, where you'll spot Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as the picturesque islands of Čiovo and Šolta.

We stopped along Jezinac Bay for beachside quiet time. This was a shallow beach and it was perfect to chill out away from the crowds!

Take a sunset cruise

After all that walking and cycling, a sunset cruise to wind down the day is one of the best things to do in Split.

You get to enjoy stunning views in a relaxing atmosphere with live music and unlimited drinks on this 2-hour cruise. There’s a good selection of music from old-school beachy vibes without the loud party anthems.

And the views can be pretty amazing since it is afterall sunset on the Adriatic which speaks for itself!

Also Read: These Best Islands in Croatia (Near Split) Beat Everything I've Seen!

Day 3

I would say reserving the best for the last and this would mean exploring Split’s coastline, stunning beaches and its national parks.

Krka Waterfalls With Food & Wine Tasting Tour

So much has been said about Krka waterfalls and who would have thought you’ll be able to do this from Split!

Krka waterfalls is known for its series of 7 waterfalls. In the south, Skradinski Buk waterfall is flanked by traditional watermills. It is often compared to Plitvice Lakes National Park but less touristy and you get to enjoy a short boat ride down the river, have a swim and explore the park.

The perfect ending to this tour is the wine tasting at the small family vineyard! You get to visit Plastovo village and get to know one of the local winemakers while sampling fine Dalmatian wine, homemade olive oil, cheese, and bread.

The 5 Islands Boat Tour

This is perhaps the best way to see the nearby islands around Split.

This awesome boat tour around the islands allows you to jump into the crystal-clear waters at one of the quieter bays and explore Vis and Hvar. We learned a bunch about the islands' history while chilling on the boat.

Going off-season was perfect to dodge the crowds. You can also visit the fishing village of Komiza where the film 'Mamma Mia' was shot!

Where To Eat in Split?

Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar

For a more upscale dining experience, I would recommend Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar. This trendy restaurant is known for its modern Mediterranean cuisine and extensive wine list. The menu features a variety of small plates, perfect for sharing, as well as larger entrees.

Some of my favorite dishes include the sea bass ceviche, truffle risotto, and slow-cooked lamb.

Villa Spiza

If you are looking for a cozy, intimate dining experience, Villa Spiza is a great choice.

This small restaurant is tucked away in a narrow alley in the old town and offers a daily-changing menu based on what is fresh and available at the local market.

The dishes are simple but flavorful, and the atmosphere is charming and relaxed.

Dvor

For a unique dining experience with a stunning view, head to Dvor. This restaurant is located in a historic building on the outskirts of Split, overlooking the sea.

The menu features a mix of Croatian and international dishes, and the wine list is extensive. Make sure to reserve a table on the terrace for the best view.

Also read all my other Balkans posts:

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Offbeat Split: A 2-3 Days Travel Itinerary + Best Things To Do