Feel like a local in Split, Croatia

Exploring the Old Town and getting lost in the streets was the first thing I did here and I fell in love instantly! I first visited in May and I knew I would be back already. It can feel a bit like a maze at the start and you may walk down a dead end street, but it is all part of the fun. 

Sightseeing in Split

Diocletian's Palace

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Entering the Old Town, from the bus stop or boat pier, you will most likely walk past Diocletian's Palace. There are often men dressed as Roman Soldiers doing a performance in this square in the evening.

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Split Bell Tower View

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One of the best views of Split, if not the best! It might be a tie between this one and the top of the Marjan stairs which involves a bit of a hike to get to. It’s about 40kn to climb the tower as an adult. Which is about $8 AUD, however they’ll be switching over to the euro by Jan 2023.

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Beach Ježinac

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Crystal clear turquoise waters, no sand but plenty of rock space to lie in and read a book and soak up the beautiful Croatian sun. Much nicer spot than the sand city beach. I mean, LOOK at the colour of that water, don’t you just want to dive in ❤

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Obojena beach

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Just 2km from the old town centre is this little hidden gem beach, it has the typical small pebbles of a Croatian beach but usually less crowded than the city sand beach and Jezinac. Worth it for a relaxing day and space to lay down on something other than a rock.

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Marjan Hill Stairs

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I think this has to be my favourite viewpoint of Split! It is hard to compete with the bell tower though. After a night out, it is great exercise to climb these stairs and trust me, the view is worth it. There is also a bar and restaurant at one of the viewpoints, where I had a beer and lunch on my way down.

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Grgur Ninski statue

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You have to touch his big toe for good luck!

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The Best Coffee in Split

Meštar o' Kave | Specialty Coffee Shop Split

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Best coffee I had in Split was from a little hole in the wall in the Old Town centre at a place called Meštar o’ Kave Specialty Coffee. It was also great value, most coffees between 12 and 16kn ($2.50-$3.20 AUD). You can find them on Instagram at @mestar.okave.

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Tinel Specialty Coffee Shop - Split

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This place made me feel at home with their delicious lattes, a little more pricey than Mestar for example though.

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Bars and Clubs

Out to Sea - Split Boat Party

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If you’re looking for the ultimate summer boat party, look no further than @outtoseasplit! They’ve got the booze, tunes and swim stops 🤩 what more could you want? Use code ISSY at checkout for 15% off. To understand more about what they’re about and the vibes they bring, check out their TikTok page, you won’t regret it: https://www.tiktok.com/@outtoseasplit It’s the perfect way to make new friends if you’re a solo traveller and to kick start the party. There’ll usually be an after party after the tour which includes free entry to some clubs as well. Book now on their website to secure your spot! https://outtoseasplit.com

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Charlie's Bar

@isabelletucker

It may be my bias opinion, as I worked at the bar and party hostel upstairs (@splithostel) but I believe if you want a night out, it should always start at Charlie’s Bar, especially in the peak season. There is usually always something going on here, whether it be beer pong, or boozy bingo. Since I visited last year, they have renovated to make this space MUCH bigger (and better!)

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Split After Dark

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The legends who made Out to Sea Split Boat Party have started up Split After Dark this year and I couldn't be more jealous of those who get to experience it. It is the FIRST and ONLY Boat Crawl!

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Jadran Beach Bar

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Located a short walk from the Old Town is this gorgeous swimming spot, with numerous sun beds and of course.. A bar!

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Club 305 A.D.

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A great place to have a boogie with your friends after an amazing day in the beautiful old town of Split, or maybe you are continuing the party here after being on a party boat all day... Regardless, you're bound to have an awesome night with nonstop bangers! Head on here with the clan from Charlie's Bar at peak time.

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Vanilla Club

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A HUGE club in Split giving off Ibiza vibes, with Hip-Hop, Reggaeton, Afro beats and RnB tunes!

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Shopping

ZARA

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The greatest ZARA I have ever been to in my life. I spent WAY too much money here!

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The Best Gelato... 

Gelateria aMare

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This place literally opened the day I arrived in Split in May last year and I think it was a sign! It is the best tasting gelato I have ever had, and that is coming from someone who has spent a lot of time in Italy! You MUST go here... Multiple times if possible.

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Sladoledarnica Emiliana

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This comes in a close second to Amare Gelateria as the best gelato I have ever had! They also have other delicious treats including cannoli.

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Where to stay...

Split hostel Fiesta Siesta

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I worked at Fiesta Siesta in September/October in 2022 and I can confirm the vibes are HIGH! You are bound to make friends here, whether you are a solo traveller or not. They host drinking games every night, from beer pong, to Ring of Fire (King's Cup) to Boozy Bingo, a great place to pre drink. Not to mention, it is on the same street as Charlie's Bar. Be warned it IS a party hostel, so expect a late night!

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Hostel Marina Trogir

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Close to the Split airport (should be called Trogir airport) and only 40min bus from Split is this gorgeous Old Town of Trogir. The manager was very welcoming and we had a communal breakfast as soon as I arrived, even though check-in wasn't until that afternoon.

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Day Trips/Short Stays from Split

Krka National Park

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This a must do in Split, and Croatia as a whole! There are tours going from a few different cities, but most popular departure point (and cheapest/quickest) would be from Split. The Krka National Park tours usually always include a boat trip over to Skradin as well (possibly with a wine tasting too).

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Skradin

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On these tours, you would normally see the National Park which includes the waterfalls in the morning half and then you get a boat to the island of Skradin, where you have a few hours to explore the beaches and the fort, which is on top of the hill, as well as the colourful buildings. Otherwise, you can have just one hour here and then go on the group wine tour before heading back to Split. It is usually 8 am to 4:30/5pm.

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Trogir Old Town

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Just a short 40min bus ride away from Split is a similar looking town called Trogir. It is also a gorgeous Old Town but not as busy. I stayed in a really great and social hostel here called Hostel Marina Trogir, highly recommend! It is also in the same area as the Split airport.

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Hvar

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A gorgeous (and party) island nearby to Split, is definitely worth visiting for a couple of nights if you can spare the time. The famous Carpe Diem club, Hula Hula Bar and walking up to the Castle at the top of the hill for the best view, are must do's here!

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Bol

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Another gorgeous island, Brac is just a short ferry away from Split and Bol is a town on the island. It is most known for the beautiful Golden Horn Beach which is postcard-worthy!

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Travelling to the island Brač by ferry is the cheapest and the fastest way. The closest ferry port, on the island’s north coast, is at Supetar, almost directly opposite Split. It takes just over an hour to make the crossing. You can also reach Bol, directly from Split, travelling by catamaran or hydrofoil boat.

When is the best time to visit Split?

It averaged about 24-28 degrees when I was here at the end of May (with some rain) to early June, and got up to 32 degrees in July. July, however, was the busiest and most touristy month. I then came back and stayed for a month end of September to end of October and it was about 22-24 in October (but most days were beautiful and sunny). This was out of peak season, meaning it felt more authentic, with less tourists around, but some bars/clubs were closing for the season already, so less atmosphere. 

Thank you for reading this guide

I wish you the best time in Split, Croatia! If you loved this guide and it helped you have your dream holiday, I would greatly appreciate a small (or large ;) )tip if you can, thank you!

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