A Roman city built inside a UNESCO-listed imperial palace, Split blends living ruins, a lively seafront and ferries to the finest Dalmatian islands. Here's how to enjoy it in 2 or 3 days.
Split at a glance
Population
160,000
Airport
SPU
Ideal stay
2 to 3 days
Budget / day
€50-200
Flight Paris
~2h direct
Time diff
None
Current climate
Best season
In brief
A Roman palace still inhabited
Diocletian's Palace is not a museum but a living quarter: shops, bars and homes have filled the ancient walls for 1,700 years.
The gateway to the Dalmatian islands
Hvar, Brač and Vis are reachable by ferry from the port. Book summer crossings ahead, especially for cars.
More relaxed than Dubrovnik
Split lives all year round, with a real local population. The mood stays more authentic and prices gentler.
Climb Marjan Hill
The city's green lung offers trails, viewpoints and coves ten minutes from the center. Best at sunrise or sunset.
Soak up life on the Riva
The palm-lined seafront is the city's living room. Coffee in the morning, drinks at night, this is where Split gathers.
Must-see
A 4th-century Roman imperial palace listed by UNESCO, turned into a living city core with peristyle and ancient columns.
Diocletian's former mausoleum turned cathedral, with a bell tower whose climb offers a sweeping view.
Iconic palm-lined promenade and cafe strip facing the port and the ferries.
Forest park on a peninsula, with trails, lookouts and coves. The green lung of Split.
Large open-air market east of the palace, fruit, vegetables and local produce from morning to early afternoon.
Perfectly preserved Roman vaulted halls beneath the palace, a cult stop for Game of Thrones fans.
A rare shallow sandy beach in the heart of the city, home of picigin, the local ball game.
Colonnaded courtyard at the center of the palace, an open-air stage for a drink facing the Egyptian sphinx.
A former fishermen's and shepherds' village, stone lanes and low houses west of the palace.
Monumental north entrance to the palace, guarded by the giant statue of Gregory of Nin, whose lucky thumb everyone rubs.
Choose your district
Sleeping within the palace walls, at the heart of the buzz. Magical but pricey and noisy at night. From €90/night.
Atmosphere
Former fishermen's quarter beside the old town, quiet lanes and local charm. From €70/night.
★ Recommended
Beach and nightlife side, a 10-minute walk from the center. Handy for swimming. From €65/night.
Beach
Residential areas just behind the palace, quieter and more affordable while still walkable to the center. From €50/night.
Quiet
Getting around
On foot
The palace and old town are walked entirely on foot. The lanes are pedestrian and compact.
Jadrolinija ferry
Daily links to Hvar, Brač, Vis and the islands from the central port. Book in summer for cars.
Promet bus
Urban network linking airport, beaches and districts. Buy tickets at the kiosk or onboard.
Taxi & Bolt
Bolt is widespread and cheaper than taxis. Handy from Kaštela airport.
Climate & crowds
01
Jan
02
Feb
03
Mar
04
Apr
05
May
06
Jun
07
Jul
08
Aug
09
Sep
10
Oct
11
Nov
12
Dec
Shoulder season
May-June, Sept · 22-27°C, warm sea · Ideal: perfect climate, active ferries, reasonable crowds
High season
July-Aug · 30-33°C, sweltering · Avoid: saturated and expensive, full ferries
Low season
Nov to March · 9-15°C, sometimes rainy · Fair: lively city year-round, reduced ferries
How much
Backpacker
€50
per day
Comfort
€120
per day
Premium
€280
per day
Our tested itinerary
Day-by-day program.
Around
1h by ferry · Lavender, vineyards and nightlife
30 min away · Small UNESCO island-town
1h away · Waterfalls and turquoise pools
📍 3h away · The Pearl of the Adriatic
FAQ
Laura Petit ✓
·Europe specialist
Last updated: June 6, 2026.