The Perfect 1, 2 or 3 Days in Split Itinerary (2024)

Planning the perfect Split itinerary is something that ends up on almost everyone’s to-do list before visiting Croatia. But determining whether to spend 1, 2 or 3 days in Split can be a bit of a challenge when considering all there is to do in and around the city.

Although many tourists are adding this destination to their Croatia itineraries, Split is an amazing city to visit and an excellent base from which to explore Croatia’s Dalmatian coastline.

Its small size and proximity to many other Croatian attractions mean that you can be easily entertained and occupied no matter how long you spend here.

How Many Days in Split?

Even though it is Croatia’s second-largest city, from a tourist perspective, Split is actually quite small and you can easily see all of its main historical sites and attractions in just one day.

However, I would honestly recommend spending a minimum of 2 days in Split. This way, you will be able to see everything that the city has to offer and you could also go on a nearby day trip or spend some time at the beach.

If you have 3 days to spend, this is even better. This will ensure that you can get to all of the highlights within the city, see some of the towns and attractions within the closest proximity to Split and even get out to some of the further-flung day trips from Split.

Using Split as a base to explore southern Croatia and even parts of Bosnia & Herzegovina means that you could choose to spend however much or little time you might have to devote to your itinerary.

Getting To & Around Split

Like most elsewhere in the Balkans, Croatia does not have an extensive rail network and therefore train connections into Split are few and far between.

There is one train that runs from Zagreb, but it is neither frequent nor commonly used. My suggestion when you visit Split is to do as the locals do and hop on a much faster and more comfortable bus.

There are frequent connections both domestically and internationally and the network runs quite efficiently.

The fact that Split is a massive transport hub means that there are routes connecting the city to numerous other places in Croatia (such as Zadar and Dubrovnik) and in neighbouring Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina and some even further. You can browse schedules for many bus companies here.

The Split bus station is also located incredibly close to the Split Old Town and you can easily get from there to anywhere in the city without too much travel time.

Split is also home to its own international airport that serves several different airlines and effectively connects the city across Europe and beyond. This means that it is quite easy to visit Split as a short weekend or city break.

The Split airport is located about 25 kilometres from the city centre and there are frequent buses that connect the two. It is also possible to take a relatively affordable Uber or Bolt ride to your accommodation without worrying about breaking the bank.

Split is also a major ferry port and you can visit a range of beautiful island destinations in Croatia (such as Brac, Korcula and Hvar island) and even some connections to Ancona in Italy.

Once you’re in the city, you will find that it is compact and easy to navigate and explore Split on foot. In fact, if you’re just planning on visiting the city and not embarking on any day trips, you will find that you don’t need to rely on any other transport other than your own two feet. However, if you’re staying for longer and want to visit places outside the city of Split, you will find it easiest to rent a car.

Driving in Croatia is straightforward and the roads are well-maintained. While you can opt to take the bus to more mainstream and well-trafficked day trips from Split, it is far easier to visit multiple places in one day with your own vehicle and it will also allow you more flexibility.

If you are planning on renting a car in Croatia, we recommend using RentalCars.com to find deals on car hires across many available companies.

It can also be a good idea to take out a third-party excess insurance policy with iCarHireInsurance to save money on high prices for insurance from the rental car company while also ensuring that you won’t have to pay a deductible should any damage happen to the car.

1, 2 or 3-Day Split Itinerary

Now that we’ve covered everything you need to know before heading to Croatia’s second-largest city, it’s time to dive right into the perfect Split itinerary! No matter if you’re planning to spend one day or want to see Split in 3 days or more, follow this itinerary with each successive day to ensure that you have a great trip to this Adriatic gem of a city!

Day 1 – Diocletian’s Palace, Riva & Marjan Hill

If you only have one day in Split, spend it in Split’s old town and Diocletian’s palace area (which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site) taking in all of the main sites.

Cathedral of St Domnius

The best first stop is the Cathedral of St Domnius. As the main Catholic Cathedral in Split, this church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is the seat of the Archdiocese of Split-Makarska. Located in the centre of Diocletian’s Palace, it is one of the most distinct buildings in the old town of Split.

What makes this church unique is that it once served as the mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Diocletian — for which the palace was constructed for him to live out his retirement. The oldest part of the cathedral, the part that was once the mausoleum, dates back to the 3rd Century CE.

If you want to get some of the best views of Split and the harbour, then make sure to climb up the bell tower.

You do have to pay to do this and though there aren’t too many stairs in the bell tower, however, be aware that some of them are quite slick and steep.

Jupiter’s Temple

After enjoying the Cathedral, head over to Jupiter’s Temple — another remnant from Diocletian that was then later repurposed for the Christian takeover.

Originally a temple for the god Jupiter (Zeus) — from whom Diocletian believed he was descended — the building was then repurposed into a Catholic baptistry.

The structure itself is quite small and is located in front of the temple, where you can also see one of the two Egyptian sphinxes that Diocletian imported from Egypt. The other, which is more intact, can be seen in the square in front of the cathedral.

Fish Market

After taking in these historical sites, it’s time to browse something very dear to Croatian culture, a local market! And in the centre of Diocletian’s Palace lies a thriving fish market where locals can hawk their fresh catch. This is an excellent place to see what is native to the Adriatic waters and to see where locals source their seafood.

The market is open daily from 6 AM to early afternoon, however, it is worth noting that it’s least active on Mondays. This is because most fishermen don’t go out on Sundays and therefore there is no fresh catch to sell the next day.

You can see all these sights and also learn more about the history of Split and Diocletian’s Palace by taking this walking tour with a local guide. And if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you may love this tour of the show’s filming locations.

Green Market

Visiting local markets is one of the best ways to get an insight into local cultures and it’s one of my favourite things to do wherever I visit, and Split is no exception!

Not far from the old town lies the Green Market, an expansive fruit and vegetable market where you can get everything from local produce, cheese, flowers, homemade wine and rakija and much more.

If anything, I would recommend skipping the typical souvenir shops and browsing through this area to find something unique to bring home. You also have the added benefit of supporting a local vendor!

Lunch

After a morning of sightseeing, it’s time to stop for a bit of lunch. There are lots of places to eat in Split, but not everything is of the same quality.

If you are looking to chow down on some local fare away from the tourist traps, however, I recommend finding a table at Villa Spiza. This locally-run restaurant tucked away in a quiet alley serves delicious local seafood at affordable prices with friendly and attentive service. It is local and tasty and highly recommended.

If you’re after something a bit more on the fast-food side but still using fresh local ingredients, then you can’t go wrong with Zlatna Ribica. This fried fish bar is located close to the fish market, so you can see where they source their produce from! It is affordable, quick, and super popular with locals.

If you want to learn more about Split cuisine, then you can consider taking a food tour.

Riva

After lunch, work off all that food with a leisurely stroll down Riva, the newly renovated seaside promenade.

This area is completely pedestrianised and lined with open-air cafes and benches and there are also some local vendors that have stalls set up. This is a great place to browse for some unique souvenirs or just lounge and people-watch.

Marjan Park

After spending most of your day exploring the old town and Diocletian’s Palace area, it’s time to work up a bit of a sweat and head to Marjan Park, a hilltop park area that is located to the west of the city centre.

Construction on the hill has been banned by the Croatian government and provides a rare solace from the rapidly-changing Dalmatian coast.

You can hike up to several beautiful viewpoints in the park to se Split and its surrounding islands. The highest point at the top of the hill, the Telegrin viewpoint, offers the best views of the area. This easy city hike is one of the best things to do in Split.

The lower Vidilica viewpoint near the Jewish cemetery has better views of the old town itself and there is also a nice cafe there.

Dinner

After enjoying a sunset view from Marjan Park, it’s time to end the day by heading to dinner. We recommend eating at the trendy Bokeria.

This place serves absolutely delicious modern Croatian cuisine at agreeable prices. The service is fantastic, as is the wine list.

Located in Diocletian’s Palace, it is also worth it to go for a short stroll through the city streets once the sun goes down and enjoy the beauty of Split by night.

Day 2 – Trogir, Omiš & Beach Time

If you have 2 days in Split, spend your second day on an excursion to a nearby town or two. Or else, if the weather is fine, head to the beach and soak up the beautiful sunshine!

Trogir

One of the most popular day trips from Split is to the UNESCO-listed island town of Trogir. Located only about 30 kilometres from Split’s city centre and actually very close to the Split International Airport, this is a great place to reach by bus as well if you haven’t rented a car on your trip.

Trogir is an absolutely charming and historic town located on its own island that is accessible by a small bridge from the mainland. The town is small but will instantly take you in by its beauty.

Take the time to wander around its lovely seaside promenade and maybe stop for a coffee, drink or ice cream and watch the people go by and the boats come in and out of the harbour.

You can reach Trogir in about 30-45 minutes by car from Split and buses leave frequently from the main bus station, as well. If you want to save money on parking, make sure to find a spot in a lot before you cross the bridge into the town itself.

You can also visit Trogir by taking an organised tour or alternatively, if you have your own transport, take a 1.5-hour walking tour when you arrive to learn more about the town.

Omiš

Another close-by yet more off-beat day trip from Split is the lovely town of Omiš, which is located 30 kilometres south of Split. Though this town is small, it is absolutely lovely and worth venturing down to visit it.

Known for its dramatic cliffs that jut into the harbour and also for its great beaches, this is the perfect place to visit if you want to avoid hordes of tourist crowds and just see a charming Croatian seaside town that holds onto its local feel.

There are some great places for swimming and also some good cafes, so plan to linger. You can also take a half-day tour to nearby Cetina River for rafting if you’re feeling more adventurous!

Beach Day

Though there aren’t any beaches in the immediate city centre of Split, you don’t have to venture far to find a place to lay out your towel or grab a lounging spot on the water.

The majority of Split’s beaches are pebble or rock, so don’t go in expecting soft white sand, however, the water is clear, calm and warm in the summer and early autumn months (the latter of which is arguably the best time to visit Split) so it is an ideal place to go swimming.

The most popular beaches in Split include Bacvice and Firule. There are also some lesser-visited beaches located at the foothills of Marjan Park. You can also go on a boat tour to some swimming spots and islands if you prefer to spend the day on the sea!

Day 3 – Krka National Park & Šibenik

If you have 3 days in Split, spend it on a longer day trip to some places that lie further afield. These two options can be done in one day and make for an excellent day out from the city, especially if the weather is warm.

Krka National Park

Krka National Park is one of the most popular places to visit from Split and it is also one of the most beautiful natural sites in Croatia. A bit like a smaller version of the wildly popular a busy Plitvice Lakes National Park, Krka is closer to Split, more affordable to enter and also allows you to swim in its inviting waters.

Noted for its dramatic waterfalls, no visit to Split is complete without venturing to Krka. Located about an hour’s drive north of the city centre, it is also reachable by bus or private tour. This small-group tour that combines Krka & Šibenik is a fantastic option if you don’t have your own car.

Šibenik

Located about 10 kilometres from Krka National Park and about 80 kilometres north of Split, Šibenik is one of the best and most beautiful places to visit in Croatia and the perfect place to visit on your Split itinerary.

Šibenik is a small and charming town located directly on the Adriatic that is packed with beautiful, winding streets and some great restaurants to eat at, as well.

Due to their proximity, it is really easy to combine a trip to Šibenik with a visit to Krka National Park and be able to get the most out of both.

Šibenik is best visited without a plan and you will find that you will be duly rewarded if you just let your feet lead you where they will and let yourself wander through its incredibly picturesque cobbled streets in the old town.

You can reach Šibenik by bus from Split and by car in about 1 – 1.5 hours.

Have More Time?

If you have more in Split, consider spending more time on some of the great day trips that you can do. For instance, Split is the main hub for ferries to many Dalmatian islands, meaning that planning a day trip to the islands of Hvar, Brač or Šolta is easy to do.

If you want to see more of the Balkans and experience a different culture and learn more about the history of this complex region, then consider going on a day trip to the town of Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina.

You also can visit some of the other highlights of southern Bosnia including Blagaj monastery and Kravice waterfalls along the way.

Where to Stay in Split

Kastel 1700 Boutique Hotel – This 3-star hotel is a great choice for mid-range visitors to Split. They have a number of lovely rooms to choose from along with an excellent location perfect for exploring all Croatia’s second city has to offer.

Il Giardino Luxury Rooms & Suites– A fantastic option for those looking for luxury accommodation in Split, this centrally located boutique hotel is a great choice for couples or those looking for a plush escape in Split. They have spacious, clean, and comfortable rooms available and there is a great breakfast included.

Tchaikovsky Hostel– This backpacker’s hostel is the ideal choice for budget and solo travellers alike. They have great common areas for meeting other like-minded travellers, a helpful staff, and clean facilities. They offer both dorm and private rooms.

Not quite what you’re looking for?Click here to browse other options in Split

Split has a lot to offer visitors not only as a great base to explore Dalmatia but as an interesting destination in its own right. Planning out the ideal Split itinerary is sure to give you a Croatian holiday to remember. Whether you’re planning a weekend in Split or are using it as a base to explore the region, you’re sure to fall in love with this city.

Are you planning to visit Split? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!