It’s no wonder Split, Croatia has been an up and coming place to travel to. It is absolutely gorgeous! There are cafes, shops, and restaurants around every corner; beaches to get your tan on at; history throughout the city; and the most clear blue water surrounding it.
Things to See and Do in Split
Cathedral and Bell Tower: This gorgeous cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of Split-Makarska which is headed by Archbishop Marin Barišić. The cathedral is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman structures standing today. If you decide you want to go in to the cathedral be sure that your shoulders are covered! They also won’t allow you in with short shorts, skirts, or dresses. They do allow you to rent a cover up if you forget about this rule. The bell tower has some of the best views of the Split. You can see over the entire city in all directions including the mountains and the Adriatic sea. There is even a sphinx that was imported from Egypt right in front of the bell tower.
The Golden Gate and Diocletian’s Palace: You can feel like an emperor as you walk through this gate to enter Diocletian’s Palace. You feel like you took a step back in time when walking in to the palace with its cobble stone streets, narrow pathways, and towers. Surprisingly, the palace isn’t a museum, but is actually the main part of the city and it is filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. You will also find the cathedral and bell tower within the palace walls.
Jupiter’s Temple: This temple is dedicated to the ancient Roman god Jupiter and is now used as the cathedral’s baptistery.
Bazen Jadran – We were on one of our walking adventures when we came across Bazen Jadran. It is a swimming pool and I have zero knowledge if you can swim in the pool for free or not, but you can swim in the ocean that is right next to the pool for free! They have an outdoor bar and area for your towels and beach attire. I will note that there is no shallow part so be careful of the little ones. I loved this location for taking a dip in the ocean because there were way less people here than at the beach we went too.
Bačvice Beach – Although this beach is crowded it is located close to the city center and is very easy to get to. We went pretty early in the morning so the crowds weren’t too bad, plus we ventured more towards the rocks and there were less people there. The water is crystal clear and all shades of blue. I was in heaven as an ocean lover. It was a great way to relax and cool off in Croatia’s hot summer!
Walk along the waterfront – Being on a budget, we had a great time just walking along the waterfront to people watch, enjoy the sea, and watch the boats. And let me tell you, some of the yachts in the marina were the size of houses! There are also some restaurants and bars along the waterfront you can sit at and enjoy a coffee or an adult beverage 🙂
Food and Drink
Portofino: This restaurant is situated within the palace walls. It is a little pricier, but the food was incredible. I would recommend the salmon or stuffed chicken! And of course you can’t have a good dinner without some wine! I would highly recommend sitting outside so you can experience Split’s ambience.
Food Stands for a pizza roll: We had seen these in the windows of the small food stands and decided we HAD to have one. It is a pizza slice of your choosing rolled up BUT they add lettuce, tomato, and a different kind of sauces on the inside of the roll. It was DELICIOUS! I could of had three of them if they weren’t so filling. The pizza rolls are also an easy meal to carry around with you while exploring Split if you aren’t in the mood for a sit down restaurant.
St. Burek: If you go to Croatia (or Serbia) and don’t get Burek, you’re doing it wrong. Burek is a pastry that is filled with different ingredients such as meat or cheese. It is heaven in your mouth. Also this little place is cash only!
Mandrill Nano Brewpub and Pizza: We tend to try a new brewery or drink every country we go to because why not? Mandrill Nano Brewpub was the perfect place as it was just outside the hustle and bustle of the city center so there were very few tourists. It is a quaint brewpub with a funky vibe. (Another place that is cash only)
Split also has a fruit and fish market where you can buy food if you are looking for something to snack on or to cook as a meal!
I’ll definitely be going back to Split, Croatia one day! It is a must go to place. If you haven’t been, add it to your bucket list now!
