At a Glance
The Dalmatian Sea laps gently against the edges of Split, picturesque city of beauty and one of the best destinations for holidaymakers seeking a city break. A dramatic backdrop of mountains, rising like the spinal cord of some gigantic beast makes for an incredible scene. It's no wonder people have lived here for more than 1,700 years. Surrounded by natural beauty on all sides while also offering a diverse and exciting party life, this is a metropolis to be reckoned with. You'll find everything you need for a holiday here, no matter your personal preferences when spending time away. History, art, culture and limitless enjoyment. Take a look at our guide below, written to help you make the most of your time in this incredible city.
Getting Around
One of the best things about holidaying in Split is that it's accessible. Getting here from the airport is easy, with a selection of local buses that are extremely frequent and easy to recognise thanks to their bright yellow exteriors. If travelling to and from the airport, Croatia Airlines maintains a fleet of spotless buses and vans and meets all incoming and outgoing flights. Beyond that, if you're arriving from another Croatian metropolis such as Dubrovnik or Zagreb, you will want to turn to the intercity services at Central Station. You'll find them inexpensive and comfortable. Conversely, however, taxis are expensive so be sure to ask what the cost to your destination will be before getting in. While getting around Split itself is very easy, it's important to remember that its status as a transportation hub means you are not limited to spending all your time in the city. Get out to the surrounding resorts and take a look around. Get a feel for more of Croatia than just one place. Go on. You deserve it.
Eating and Drinking
The food enthusiast in you will have no difficulty finding a number of great places to eat during your time in Split. High class restaurants rub shoulders with modest eateries where you'll find traditional Croatian meals prepared with love and care, while a wide and varied cuisine scene offers everything from simple soups to complex sushi. Places to seek out during your time include the Mediterranean specialist Paradigma, which offers stunning sea-facing views on its large terrace and proves a truly special place to eat out. Particularly great for couples. Families might feel more comfortable in F-Marine, which offers a rather lively atmosphere and a diverse menu that will suit the kids as well as the adults.
Things to See and Do
There are plenty of must-do activities that you simply can't miss out on during your time in Split. Art, culture, sport and relaxation - this is a city that revels in them all. As one of Croatia's oldest cities, this is a place with a lot of history and perhaps the best way to see it is by getting on the open top Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus Tour of Split. It's definitely a city that needs to be viewed from the outside, with plenty of majestic constructs such as Diocletian's Palace and the statue of Grgur Ninski. Such transportation also allows you to glean an insight into how the city was built. Shopping is also a thrilling pursuit, with the Trznica open air market to explore. While you're at it, have a look at what you may well be eating tonight by getting along to the fish market on Riva Boulevard. Here is where the restaurants come every day to get the freshest catch for their meals, and it's an exciting hive of activity. Those looking for a spot of relaxation, however, are advised to head to Bacvice Beach. Charming and charismatic in equal portions, there are usually few tourists here. Clear cool waters lap against the golden sand, and there isn't a mega hotel in sight.Back in the city, the Mestrovic Museum and the Croatian Archaeological Monuments Museum are both more than fascinating enough to keep you occupied for a day, while wandering the Old Town is an education in itself as you'll no doubt stumble upon a plethora of stunning artefacts and beautiful old buildings. If, however, you are seeking a way of getting a look at this incredible city from the air, take to the skies in a panoramic flight that will see you soaring over the metropolis and the islands. You won't be disappointed by the extraordinary views.
Nightlife
But before you think the fun is all clean and cultural, remember that Split has an extraordinary nightlife that will keep you up on your feet until you drop. Admittedly, the fun is limited to summer only, with people more inclined to stay in the bars during the winter and avoid dancing until dawn. Bars worth a look include the Ghetto Club, which is considered something of a local gem throughout the city. The outdoor courtyard is something to be treasured in particular, but don't flash a camera or guide book because this isn't a place that's overly fond of publicity. Puls 2 also promises a great evening, while the trendiest clubs are undoubtedly Hemingway, and Tropic Club Ecuador.
Events
Being such a large city, Split is one of the places where special times of the year are celebrated the hardest, with a mixture of traditional festivals and modern musical events dominating the calendar. Various neighbourhoods have their own celebrations and it's worth asking at your hotel or resort if there's anything worth checking out during your time here. Events to ask about include Ultra Europe and the UMF Music Festival, All Saints Day and Corpus Christi.
Location
