Split is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and this is about the 6th or 7th time that I’ve visited it. The old city is centered around Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO listed site and is a great place to spend a few hours wandering around the narrow streets and alleys. The streets are too narrow for cars, so it’s a traffic-free zone. It’s also superbly clean. You’ll find many cafes and restaurants dotted around, and numerous shops of all sorts.
This is my favorite view of Split – sea, Diocletian’s Palace, mountains and sky. This was taken from the Split to Supetar ferry.
The Riva
This is Split’s beautiful waterfront area that’s lined with cafe bars. On sunny days these cafes are packed all day long. It’s a great place to sit and relax.
Everything in this area looks white, apart from the palm trees, red rooftops and blue sea. It’s a beautiful setting.
Between the cafe bars and the sea is an area with palm trees and lots of seating.
Many people choose to sit on the sea wall, as there’s a refreshing breeze and a great view.
Diocletian’s Palace
Diocletian’s Palace is a UNESCO listed site, and one of the main reasons that visitors come to Split.
You can walk up the steps to the top of the bell tower for some fantastic views of the town.
Most of the palace has been beautifully restored and there are numerous photo opportunities.
This is the entrance at the back of the palace near the park.
Town Square & Old Town Clock
The Town Square is where you’ll find many of the open air restaurants and cafe bars. It’s also where you’ll find the Old Town Clock.
The Town Square tends to be busy mornings and evenings but fairly empty during the afternoon when the day is at its hottest point. Many shops close during this period.
Narrow Streets
It’s fun wandering around the narrow streets of Split. You’ll most likely get lost but find shops and cafes that you wouldn’t have found otherwise. The town center is a real maze.
The houses on either side of this street need support to stay apart.
Sometimes the narrow streets will lead you to little squares like the one above.
This is just a few meters away from one of the apartments we stayed at.
Statues
There are a few interesting statues dotted around the town. My favorite was the one of Grgur Ninski that was located between the park and palace walls.
Marjan Hill
For some of the best views of the city I’d suggest taking a walk up Marjan Hill. It’s paved all the way and a fairly easy walk for most people. About half way up you’ll come to a cafe (closed in low season), from where you’ll see the view shown above.
Next to the cafe you’ll see the entrance to the Old Jewish Cemetery. The gates were locked when we were there, so I’m not sure if or when it opens.
You can see Marjan Hill from the Riva. The foot of the hill is only a few minutes’ walk away.
There’s more than one way to get to the top of Marjan Hill, but the steps above are the most picturesque. All the houses along the steps have been beautifully renovated.
As you can see from the image above, the walk up the hill is along a well maintained path.
About half way up the hill you’ll see this small church. It’s very old but still in use.
Outdoor Cafes & Restaurants
All cafe bars and restaurants seem to have at least a few tables outside, as this is where most people like to sit.
Many places, such as Ghetto Club, are hidden away among the narrow backstreets.
Hajduk Split
Split is of course home to Hajduk Split football club. It’s a well supported club, and you’ll find the club’s colors painted on walls all around the town.
Torcida Split is the supporters club of Hajduk Split. It was formed in 1950, which is why you’ll see many murals, such as that above, around town.
Hotels In Split
While in Split we stayed at two great studio apartments, Divota Apartment Hotel, and Dosud Apartments. We can personally recommend both of these. For over 1,000 other apartments and hotels in Split, visit Agoda Split.
