Best things to do in Split

Split has some exquisite food markets which are definitely worth visiting. Of course, Croatia’s location neighbouring the Adriatic Sea means it boasts freshly-caught fish and seafood on a daily basis. But Split’s local food markets really stand out. Pazar is an early morning market (opening before 7am), offering tantalizing deals on a fruit, vegetables, fish and an array of local drinks like craft beer and brandy.

For those looking to taste some of the freshest fish in Split, head to the Split fish market which sets up outside of the Diocletian’s Palace. Each morning, local fishermen present the fish they have caught the night before and bargains are to be bid.

Named after the Emperor, the Diocletian Palace is a vast stone complex built in 305 AD which, at the time, homed Diocletian himself. After restoration work and building repairs, to some extent, you would still recognize it as a palace: four grand gates (Golden, Silver, Bronze and Iron) mark the entrance and medieval-style courtyards were once playgrounds for social events or important discussions. As a building, the palace has remarkable detail and strength to it so it’s no wonder it is listed as a UNESCO world-heritage site.

Today, like much of Croatia, the old buildings remain standing tall, but modern-day activities have taken over. You do not need tickets or an allocated time to walk around Diocletian’s Palace which makes it a stress-free place to wander throughout the day. As you go through the grand entrance, you will see an array of shops, bars, cafes and modern businesses set up here. To some extent, it’s a modern day place of work but with century-old landmarks and architecture.

Located only 30 minutes or so away from Split is a charming coastal town named Trogir. From Split, we can arrange half or full day trips to this town and for those who have a considerable amount of time in Split, it’s definitely recommended. The concept of slow travel is re-emerging and what better way to enjoy the scenic views, the romantic walkways and the coastal breeze than to walk through it. The main town itself is very small but keep exploring further out and you will come across delicate courtyards with cobbled streets with plenty of charm.

For travelers who are active, we would recommend hiking the Marjan Hill which is located to the west of Split’s old town. This viewpoint is definitely less discovered than other vantage points and, if you can hack the climb, it’s certainly worth the effort. Klis Fortress is also another iconic landmark in Split that also offers stunning views. The fort was once a battle site, with the strong walls acting as their best defence.