If you’re holidaying with us and looking for things to do in Split Croatia from a cruise ship, this is the ultimate list for you. One of the great things travellers love about our cruise holidays is the freedom and flexibility. We handle everything and take you to beautiful places, but we also give you plenty of time to do what you want.
So, if you’re looking for inspiration for Split – this is it! We include some prominent must-do activities, as well as cool and even quite unusual things to do in Split. We hope you enjoy!
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Diocletian’s Palace
Not only is this the piece de resistance show stopper, but it’s also the world’s oldest lived-in monument. This incredibly well-preserved ancient Roman Palace, built towards the end of the third century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for very good reason. It’s hard to believe but entry into this lively civic area is free.
Flanked by the harbourside, Diocletian’s Palace will be one of the first things you see as your ship pulls into port. If it’s hot, head underground, where savvy locals have set up art stalls. When you come up for air, don’t be surprised to be greeted by Roman warriors keen for a (paid) selfie.
Grab a refreshing drink in a nearby waterside Riva promenade cafe and pinch yourself. You’re sitting in front of one of the world’s oldest heritage sites, having the time of your life.
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Diocletian’s Dream
If you’re looking for things to do in Split Old Town, this is a little outside the square.
Croatia is an ancient part of Europe, but it punches well above its weight in high-tech innovation and forward-thinking business. After all, this is the home of Tesla. It’s therefore not surprising within the ancient surrounds of Diocletian’s Palace, you can find an exciting Virtual Reality activity.
Diocletian’s Dream is a VR 360 3D experience that will give you a whole new impression of ancient times and the building itself. Bring history to life for 15 minutes, and prepare to have your mind blown. Available in English, Croatian, German, Italian, and French.
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Cathedral of Saint Domnius
The world’s smallest Catholic cathedral and oldest Catholic church, St Domnius, was completed between the 4th and 7th centuries AD.
While a visit inside is, of course, a must, climbing the bell tower gives you incredible views of the surrounding Split and its remarkable coastline. Be warned – some people find the 200+ steps and 57-metre climb a little precarious.
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Forest Park Marjan
If you want to stretch your legs and find some greenery, make your way up to Telegrin Peak in Marjan’s Park. This is a highlight of things to see and do in Split Croatia as it combines a good amount of activity with some well-earned downtime at the top.
With 300+ steps, it’s a great on-land workout between sailing adventures! It also offers amazing vistas of Split and the Adriatic Sea below. Take in the old Jewish cemetery, churches and sculpture museum along the way and enjoy exploring various flora you wouldn’t typically see back home.
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Shop Til You Drop
If you feel the retail tug, there’s a little bit of everything on offer here. We certainly think this makes the list of fun things to do in Split!
From stunning Croatian jewellery (think precious metals, intricate circular shapes, Aztec blues and contrasting corals), the finest luxury Turkish towels (just in case yours fell off the boat!), modern European boutiques and plenty of shoe shops to open-air markets.
It’s all there, and the best way to discover it is to simply get lost in the rabbit warren of little laneways. Retail therapy is an adventure!
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Froggyland
Yes, you’ve read correctly – we did say we would feature unusual things to do in Split!
They don’t get any more peculiar than Froggyland. Featuring more than 20 exhibits of 500+ stuffed frogs in various anthropomorphic settings, you’ll either love this place or leave feeling bewildered and confused. We take no responsibility either way!
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Game of Thrones Museum
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, we don’t need to tell you Croatia plays a massive role in the series. Not far from Split lies Klis Fortress, used as the backdrop to film Daenerys seizing the city of Meereen.
This is the inspiration for a museum back in town, and it’s undoubtedly one of our top tips for cool things to do in Split. Be transported to the Seven Kingdoms and wander amongst the props, costumes, weapons and dioramas from one of the world’s most loved HBO series.
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Where to Eat – Restaurant Dvor
We love this in part for its romantic, divine setting. Featured in the Michelin Guide, Restaurant Dvor offers a Mediterranean menu, stylish indoor dining, or an outdoor terrace overlooking the sea (our choice). Watch the chefs at work and be prepared for a wonderful, memorable meal.
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Where to Drink – Monica’s Wine Bar
This is not on the mainstream tourist path, and it is a short walk away from the spectacular heart of Split. Head to Monica’s Wine Bar, and you’ll find yourself in the genuinely lived-in part of town, where residents still outnumber visitors.
We love getting a high stool and a small table outside to watch the real world go by. Order a G&T the size of a child’s head, or let them talk you into their sparkling, which has something to do with being cellared in the Adriatic. We will leave it to you to find out the rest of the story!
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The Best Gelati Of Your Life
We almost didn’t add this to the list.
Not because it doesn’t deserve to be here but because we’re worried that the cat is well and truly out of the bag. Many people have now discovered the amazing ‘Sladoledarnica Emilian’ ice creamery and, frankly, we don’t want to join the future queues! Although it is certainly worth it.
If you thought Italy made the best gelati, be prepared to be proven wrong. Wild honey and fig, lavender, homemade dark chocolate… Sorry, we have to go join a queue! Heads up – this is just opposite a fantastic modern Spanish-style restaurant, Bokeria.
We hope this list of the best things to do in Split Croatia inspires you. We’d love to hear from you if you have feedback or think something else should be on the list! We’ll be writing soon about things to do just out of Split, so stay tuned…
