If you’re holidaying in Croatia, you have to spend at least 2 days in Split. We loved our short stay in Split and found we managed to see everything we wanted to within that timeframe.
Not only is Croatia’s second largest city a place where ancient history meets modern life in a very unique way, it’s also the perfect gateway to some fantastic day trips.
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We’ve put together a fun-filled, ‘Split in 2 days’ itinerary specifically for families, highlighting the best things to do in Split. From exploring the Diocletian’s Palace to enjoying beautiful Marjan Hill, or a visit to the beach, we’ll take you through the best ways to experience Split with kids.
So, pack your bags, bring along your sense of adventure, and get ready to create some unforgettable memories in this must-see Croatian city.
Getting to Split
Travelling to Split, Croatia, from both the US and the UK is relatively straightforward and there are several convenient options. Split is a bit of a transport hub.
From the US, the most efficient route typically involves flying into European hubs such as London, Frankfurt, or Amsterdam, and then getting a connecting flight to Split Airport (SPU). Major airlines such as Delta, United, and American Airlines, often in partnership with European carriers, provide regular flights to these hubs.
From the UK, reaching Split is even simpler, with several airlines including British Airways, EasyJet, and Ryanair offering direct flights from London and other major UK cities like Manchester and Birmingham.
Getting Around Split
Getting around Split is fairly easy due to the city’s compact size. There are also lots of transport options. Here are some of the best ways to get around Split:
Walking
Depending on where you’re staying, walking can be the best option for exploring the historical centre of Split, Diocletian’s Palace, and the Riva Promenade.
We found Split’s Old Town and the surrounding area to be pedestrian-friendly and we walked pretty much everywhere. Walking will allow you to soak up the atmosphere and discover those hidden gems within the city.
Local Bus
The local bus system (operated by Promet Split) is reliable and covers most parts of the city, including popular tourist spots and beaches.
If you want to get to areas close to the city centre such as Marjan Hill and Bacvice Beach, the local bus is a budget-friendly choice.
Purchasing tickets at kiosks rather than buying them directly from the driver is slightly cheaper.
Taxi and Uber
Taxis are widely available throughout the city and can be hailed on the street or booked by your hotel.
Uber operates in Split and can be a convenient option and slightly cheaper.
Taxis and Uber work well for short trips, especially when you’re carrying luggage or travelling with kids.
Car Rental
If you’re planning on taking some day trips from Split (and we highly recommend this) to places such as Trogir or Krka National Park, then consider hiring a car.
We would only recommend hiring a car if you’re heading to destinations outside of the city centre as the streets are narrow and the parking is limited in the middle of Split.
Ferries and Boat Tours
If you’re moving on from your 2 days in Split to other parts of Croatia, visiting at least one island may well feature in your plans.
Jadrolinija (and other ferry operators) offer services to islands close to Split such as Brac, Hvar, and Vis. You can book tickets ahead online, but we found there were usually tickets available on the day.
Booking a Boat Tour is also a great idea, particularly if you want to enjoy the Adriatic and do some island hopping. There’s more on this below.
On to your Split itinerary:
Day 1: Explore Split’s Historical and Natural Gems
Here are our recommendations for the first day of your Split itinerary. If you only have 1 day in Split, you can follow this plan too.
Morning
- Visit Diocletian’s Palace
The Diocletian’s Palace is, without a doubt, the first place you should visit on your Split, Croatia itinerary. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, originally built at the start of the 4th Century AD by Roman Emperor Diocletian. He planned for it to be his retirement home and it became both a luxurious residence and military fortress.
A family-friendly guided tour of Diocletian’s Palace is a great idea and will bring the Roman history behind these amazing ruins to life.
Make sure you check out the underground cellars which are a highlight of the Palace.
✅ BOOK YOUR TOUR OF THE DIOCLETIAN’S PALACE HERE
- Grab a coffee and snack in Peristyle Square
The Peristyle Square was the central courtyard of Diocletian’s Palace. It’s the most impressive spot on the site, surrounded by columns.
There’s usually something going on in the square. When we visited, there were actors dressed up as Roman soldiers (they were happy for you to have your picture taken with them). There are also often dance and music performances here, so keep an eye out.
Lining the square are bars and cafes where you can stop and enjoy a coffee and snack. Cushions are spread out on the stone steps and you really can just sit back, relax and soak up the atmopshere.
- See the Cathedral of Saint Dominus
At the eastern end of Peristyle Square is the Cathedral of Saint Dominus, a 7th century church and one of the oldest (if not the oldest) in the world.
Although the building which now houses the cathedral was originally built to be the mausoleum for Emperor Diocletian, he’s no longer buried there. Following the spread of Christianity in the 7th Century, the building became a church and his remains were moved.
The cathedral has an impressive tower and you can purchase a ticket to climb to the top. You’ll be rewarded with some great views of the city and beyond.
- Book a Game of Thrones filming locations Tour or Head to the Game of Thrones Museum
Just a short stroll from Diocletian’s Palace is the Game of Thrones museum which is well worth a visit if you’re a fan.
Split also has a number of great Game of Thrones tours – taking you to spots where the series was filmed.
✅ BOOK HERE FOR YOUR GAME OF THRONES TOUR
Midday
- Have lunch on the Riva Promenade
Lined with palm trees and next to the Adriatic, the Riva Promenade is the best spot in Split to chill out. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants along the promenade where you can grab a drink, lunch or dinner. Make sure you experience it at least once during your stay: lunch on your first day is perfect.
For lunch with a sea-view, try Brasserie on 7 (great steak and seafood).
This is also a great spot to pick up an ice cream (the ice cream in Croatia rivals Italy’s). Try Gelateria Amare or Ela’s Gelateria, both of which are popular and have great ranges of flavours.
Afternoon
- Head to Marjan Hill and Park
Marjan Hill is a popular place to visit if you’re in Split and with good reason. A climb up to the top is one of the best things to do in Split: there’s a fabulous view of the city and the Adriatic from the viewing platform at the top.
Head to the Telegrin Peak – you should be able to spot some of the nearby islands, such as Brac, from here.
You’ll be surrounded by dense pine forests, making it a peaceful spot to spend some time. But, if you’re with kids who’d rather keep active – you have options on that front, too. There are trails for hiking or cycling and you can even try rock-climbing here (under supervision).
There are a couple of historical sites to explore on Marjan Hill, including the Hermitage Caves (used by Christian hermits in the middle ages), as well as several small churches to explore.
If you’re in Split with kids, there’s a small zoo here which is worth a visit, plus a Botanical Garden.
Last but not least there are a couple of small, secluded beaches in this area including Kašjuni Beach and Bene Beach, which are perfect for swimming.
How to get to Marjan Hill:
From the Riva Promenade, walk west along the coast. You will pass Matejuška, a small harbor for local fishing boats. You’ll soon reach the main entrance to Marjan Hill (there are steps and a path leading up the hill). The entrance is near the Church of St. Francis (Sveti Frane).
Evening
- Have Dinner at a Family-Friendly Restaurant
There are lots of great restaurants in Split. One of our favourites was Downtown Grill, which has a large outdoor seating area.
The menu has something for everyone and although it’s not a fancy restaurant, I had some of the best octopus I’ve ever had here.
What to expect from Croatian cuisine?
You’ll find an excellent choice of ‘Dalmation cuisine’ in Split. This tends to include fish and seafood, vegetables and grilled meat.
A couple of dishes Croatia is famous for are: Pasticada (beef stew) – often served with gnocci, burek (flaky pastry with either sweet or savoury fillings – great for breakfast) and cevapcici (small sausage shaped meatballs).
We particularly loved the homemade pasta in Croatia – it’s great for kids. There are plenty of places to get pizza too.
Day 2: Relax and Enjoy the Adriatic
You will have had a pretty busy day with lots of walking on Day 1. So, Day 2 in Split should be about relaxing, enjoying the beaches and the Adriatic – and perhaps some of the islands near to Split.
Morning
- Beach Time at Bačvice Beach
Bačvice Beach is one of the most famous and popular beaches in Split. Morning is the best time to visit, before it gets too busy.
The beach is just a short walk from the city’s Old Town and the ferry port. There’s parking nearby if you decide to drive.
Bačvice Beach is a sandy beach, with relatively shallow water perfect for swimming – which makes it a great choice for families with children. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available to rent.
There are several restaurants and cafes along the beach where you can grab lunch – or you can bring a picnic with you.
The beach is a well equipped one, with changing rooms, showers and toilets available. Watersports such as paddleboarding, kayaking and jet-skiing can be booked if you’re feeling adventurous.
Have a Game of Picigin:
Bačvice Beach is well known for the local game of picigin, so you might as well have a go while you’re here.
To play, you’ll need a small ball. Stand in the shallow water and try to keep the ball from touching the water (using only your hands). It’s good fun to watch as well as play.
Afternoon
- Take a Boat Trip to one of the Islands
The islands near Split are some of Croatia’s most beautiful. Brac and Hvar, in particular, are stand out destinations. A boat tour from Split to the Blue Cave is also a fun trip.
Brac
Brac is home to one of Europe’s most famed beaches: The Golden Horn (Zlatni Rat). So called due to its shape, Zlatni Rat has beautiful calm, turquoise waters (making it great for a swim). During the summer, there’s also a huge inflatable water obstacle course for kids (and adults)!
From the small port, follow the promenade all the way to the beach. There are lots of lovely places to stop for a snack or drink on the way.
Hvar
Hvar is often referred to as the ‘Queen of the Dalmation Islands’ and it’s easy to see why. It’s a beautiful island and full of character.
Spending some time exploring the narrow cobbled streets and the impressive Fortica Fortress are worth your time.
✅ BOOK ISLAND BOAT TOURS FROM SPLIT HERE
Evening
- Take a Food Tour or a Sunset Cruise
If your afternoon boat tour just wasn’t enough, a sunset cruise is a perfect choice for your last evening in Split.
✅ BOOK SUNSET CRUISES FROM SPLIT HERE
We found the food in Croatia exceeded our expectations – and we loved the Damation dishes we tried. There are plenty of food and wine tours to choose from in Split. Some take place in the morning, but you’ll find options for the afternoon and evening too.
✅ BOOK FOOD TOURS IN SPLIT HERE
Day Trips from Split
Staying for longer? If so, we’d definitely recommend adding a day trip to your Split, Croatia itinerary. There are some amazing places to visit not far from Split and lots of tour options (taking away the stress of having to organise it all yourself).
Take a look at our post on Day trips from Split, and book a tour below.
If you’re planning on staying in Croatia for 10 days or more, have a look at our Croatia With Kids vacation post, which includes the best places to visit (in addition to Split).
Where to Stay in Split
Budget: Capital Apartments and Rooms
These self-catering apartments offer a beachfront location, free parking and bicycle rental.
✅ BOOK CAPITAL APARTMENTS AND ROOMS HERE
Mid-range: Perimar Luxury Apartments and Rooms
We stayed at Perimar Luxury Apartments when we visited Split and we were impressed with the location, comfort and value for money.
✅ BOOK PERIMAR LUXURY APARTMENTS AND ROOMS
Luxury: Heritage Hotel Antique Split
This luxurious hotel not only has a beautiful interior but it’s actually positioned within the Diocletian’s Palace. You couldn’t find a better location.
✅ BOOK HERITAGE HOTEL ANTIQUE SPLIT HERE
Where to Eat in Split
A lot of restaurants in Split have varied menus and you’re bound to find something the kids are happy with listed.
Pizza Gust – the pizzas here are large enough for a family to share.
Downtown Grill – our favourite – lots of options so everyone will be happy.
Rizzo – Croatia’s answer to Subway (great for a quick lunch).
Split FAQ
Here are the answers to a few popular questions about Split:
How Many Days Should I spend in Split, Croatia?
You can definitely see the highlights of Split in 2 days, as this post suggests. However, if you have 3 days in Split, then that’s perfect for adding a day trip on to somewhere like Krka National Park, Šibenik or one of the nearby islands.
4 days in Split means you can go at a slower pace and maybe add another day trip to your itinerary (and there are quite a few fantastic ones, so a longer stay is certainly worth considering).
What Are the Best Free Things to Do in Split?
Quite a few of Split’s main attractions are free to visit, unless you’re booking tours or arranging extra activities. There is no entrance fee to the Diocletian’s Palace, or to Marjan Hill.
Our suggested visits to the beach and walking around the Old Town also won’t cost you anything.
Is Split nicer than Dubrovnik?
Whether Split is ‘nicer’ than Dubrovnik is a matter of opinion and preference.
Split has a more modern feel to it (other than the Diocletian’s Palace, of course). This is a working, lived-in city with amazing ruins as its backdrop.
Dubrovnik is beautiful and magical (particularly the city walls and the views). However, it tends to be a lot more crowded (we found Split to be a more relaxing experience).
Split has better beaches and some great islands nearby.
If you’re wondering whether to add Dubrovnik to your Croatia itinerary, read our post Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?
Our recommendation (if you have the time)? The two cities aren’t far apart so you can arrange to fly into one and out of the other so that you can see both.
2 Days in Split Croatia: The Verdict
Is Split worth visiting? Absolutely. It needs to be on your Croatia itinerary.
Not only does it have a fantastic mix of historical attractions and natural beauty, but it also serves as the gateway to a number of amazing day trips (including Krka National Park, Trogir and some of Croatia’s most popular islands).
Split is a fantastic base, and entry point to Croatia. It’s well connected to other parts of Croatia (and Europe) so makes a great first (or last) stop.
You’ll find reasonable accommodation, fantastic food, family-friendly activities and an unbeatable atmosphere here. Don’t miss it.
