Any list of things to do in Split really begins the moment you reach the walls of the ancient Diocletian’s Palace — and that first encounter tells you how much time to set aside for the largest city in Dalmatia. Whether you have a single day or a longer stay, here is a practical, well-tested plan: from the UNESCO-listed old town, along the seafront Riva promenade and up Marjan hill, to the ferry port with its links to the surrounding islands. We write as hosts who point guests this way almost daily — no sugar-coating, and always with a calm return to your accommodation, well away from the city bustle, in mind.
Diocletian’s Palace, the beating heart of the old town
Diocletian’s Palace (Croatian: Dioklecijanova palača) is the ancient residence of a Roman emperor, today inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list and still a living part of the city — people live within its walls, and cafes and shops trade there. This is no open-air museum but a tangle of narrow lanes best explored simply by wandering, without a rigid plan. Enter from the main courtyard and let yourself get lost in the side passages — that is when Split shows its finest side. We tell our guests to come early in the morning or in the late afternoon, since the palace can get hot and crowded in the middle of the day.
Cathedral of St Domnius, the Peristyle and the palace substructures
At the very core of the complex lies the Peristyle — a stately colonnaded square that was once the palace’s ceremonial centre. Right beside it rises the Cathedral of St Domnius (katedrala sv. Duje), housed in the emperor’s former mausoleum; the climb up its bell tower rewards the effort with a panorama of rooftops and sea. It is also worth descending into the cool substructures beneath the palace, which give a real sense of the building’s original layout. Check opening hours and ticket prices on the spot before your visit.
A seafront stroll: the Riva and Marjan hill
The Riva is the grand waterfront promenade right at the water’s edge, lined with palms — the place for a morning coffee and an evening walk once the heat eases off. From its western end you can head up Marjan hill, the green lungs of Split, with viewpoints looking out over the old town, the harbour and the islands. It is the simplest way to see the whole city from above and catch your breath after the tight lanes.
Beaches, the harbour and ferries to the islands
The best-known city beach is Bačvice — shallow, with a sandy bottom, which makes it a good choice with children. Split is also the region’s main ferry port: this is where ferries set off for Brač, Hvar and Šolta, so a full-day island trip is easy to plan. Sailing timetables and fares change with the season — check them directly with the operator before you set out.
Getting to Split, and whether to drive into the centre
From our apartments in Marina, Split airport is roughly a 20-minute drive, while the city centre itself lies a little further on. An honest word of advice: central Split is cramped, and parking right by the old town can be awkward and expensive. It is far easier to leave the car in one of the parking lots on the outskirts and walk in — the old town is explored on foot in any case. That way you avoid circling in search of a space and start your visit in a relaxed frame of mind.
Where to stay near Split
If you want to pair your sightseeing with genuine rest, it pays to sleep outside the city. We offer the White Cascades apartments in Marina — four apartments, each with its own pool, around 700 m from the beach and close to Trogir, with Split airport roughly 20 minutes away. You book directly with the owner, so it is easy to ask about routes and local tips. You visit Split for the day and come back to quiet, greenery and the cool water of the pool.
Split — frequently asked questions
How much time do you need to see Split?
Half a day is enough for the old town alone, taking in Diocletian’s Palace, the cathedral and the Riva. If you want to add Marjan hill and the beach, set aside a full day. A trip to one of the islands is a separate, all-day outing.
What should you see in Split on a first visit?
Diocletian’s Palace, the Peristyle, the Cathedral of St Domnius with its bell tower, the palace substructures, the Riva promenade and the viewpoints on Marjan hill.
Is it worth driving into the centre of Split?
Probably not. The centre is cramped and parking is a hassle. It is easier to leave the car on the outskirts and walk into the old town on foot.
How far is it from Split to the White Cascades apartments?
Our apartments are in Marina near Trogir; Split airport is roughly a 20-minute drive, and the city centre itself a little longer.
Where do the ferries to the islands leave from?
Ferries to Brač, Hvar and Šolta run from the main port in Split. Check current timetables and fares with the operator before you sail.
