A complete travel guide to Split, Croatia

Split, Croatia is the largest town in Dalmatia and the second-largest in Croatia. Split is a coastal city, with a small-town vibe, noisy streets, and easy-going locals. 

Once a stopover place for tourists catching a ferry to nearby islands, or a bus to other more exciting tourist destinations, Split is today among the most popular places to visit in Croatia.

Located in the middle of the Dalmatia, Split makes a great base for your tour of Croatia. It is also an important transport hub and a port city.

In this Split Travel Guide, you’ll learn where Split is, the best time to visit Split, and the reasons to visit. We also share the best things to see and do in Split, places to stay, eat, and drink as well as provide all necessary travel information to help you plan your stay in Split, Croatia.

Split is a wonderful town to visit from June to October. Its old town offers a variety of attractions, including lively cafes, a scenic seafront promenade called Riva, charming restaurants serving delicious dishes, beautiful beaches, historic boutique hotels, and cozy wine bars that attract many visitors each year.

The town also has beautiful beaches and accommodation options for all budgets and styles, from historic boutique hotels to hip hostels and vacation rentals.

You can find some late-night bars and nightclubs in various areas of the town. With convenient public transport and car rental options, getting around Split is easy, and we explain it all below.

Let us help you plan your visit to Split, Croatia with this comprehensive Split Travel Guide.

Where is Split, Croatia?

Split is situated in central Dalmatia, a region in southern Croatia, along the Adriatic Sea coast.

It is located on a small peninsula which is bounded by Marjan Hill on the western side, while Mounts Kozjak and Mosor rise to the north and northwest of the city.

The old town of Split is compact and walkable. Visitors can easily access the city’s primary attractions, including Diocletian’s Palace and the Riva promenade.

Below is the map of Split.

Below, you will find the distances between Split and some major Croatian and European towns.

Best time to visit Split Croatia

Although Split is a great destination all year round, the ideal time to visit is from June to October. However, June and September offer better conditions compared to July and August due to the scorching heat and the huge crowds of tourists in July and August. In comparison, June and September offer pleasant weather, but September has a slight edge over June because the sea is warmer.

The best time to visit Split is during the second half of September. This is when the weather is still warm, dry and sunny, but not too hot. Moreover, the sea temperatures are still high enough for swimming. By mid-September, school holidays are over, so there are fewer tourists in Split and Croatia in general.

Therefore, the second half of September is the perfect time to visit Split if you want to enjoy the weather, the sea, and the attractions without the crowds.

How many days do you need in Split?

Although Split is the second-largest town in Croatia, the old town is compact and small enough that you can easily visit Split in one day.

But if you want to experience more of Split, including the town’s beaches, nearby islands, and surroundings, consider visiting Split for at least three days.

You can also use Split as your base in Croatia and explore from there many must-visit places in Croatia and beyond. If you decide to base yourself in Split during your trip to Croatia, consider staying there for up to seven days.

weather in Split Croatia

Split has a Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers and wet and mild winters. Weather in Split in winter is mild, with average winter temperatures in the range from 8°C to 12°C and it is uncommon for it to snow. However, Split gets a strong northwest wind, called Bura, in winter. When this wind blows, it gets really cold in Split.

On the other hand, the summers in Split are very dry and hot. Rainfall is scarce during summer, and on the rare occasion when it does rain, it doesn’t last long. The average temperature in July and August is around 25°C, but this is an average for the month and includes both daytime and nighttime temperatures. This means that during the day, temperatures rise well above 30°C.

Below is a graph that displays the average monthly sea temperatures in Split. Keep in mind that these are just average values and don’t always reflect the actual temperature. For instance, the sea temperature at the start of June is always lower than at the end of June when it is warm enough for comfortable swimming.

Why should you visit Split?

Reasons attracting thousands of visitors to Split every year include Split’s rich history, vibrant urban vibes, and stunning coastal beauty. From the ancient ruins of Diocletian Palace to the bustling cafes and charming restaurants, Split is a place in Croatia that you can’t miss.

Moreover, Split is more affordable than other popular spots in Croatia, and it has a central location, breezy beaches, historic boutique hotels, and cozy wine bars.

If you are not sure if you should visit Split during your time in Croatia, here are the reasons to add Split to your Croatia itinerary.

• The vibe! We absolutely love the vibe in Split! It has an incredible urban atmosphere, yet it feels slow-paced and relaxing. The 1,700-year-old Diocletian Palace, the heart of the town, is full of cafés, cool bars, and lovely restaurants. The seafront promenade, Riva, is a source of pride for all the locals and is always bustling with people. You’ll even find locals playing a ball game in the shallow sea of the Bacvice beach, even during winter.
• Split is still affordable! Split isn’t the most budget-friendly place to visit, but it is still relatively cheaper compared to other popular destinations in Croatia, such as Dubrovnik and Hvar. You can enjoy a good quality meal for as low as €13 ($14.30, £11.20), coffee at some bars in Split’s old town for only €1.30 ($1.40, £1.10) and a 0.5L of local draft beer for €3.5 ($3.90, £3). Accommodation is also affordable, with the exception of the Ultra Festival period when prices get crazy expensive. Therefore, if you’re planning to visit Split, it’s better to do it sooner rather than later as prices are continually increasing, making it hard to keep track.
• Split is a perfect base to explore Dalmatia! Split’s central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the surrounding area of Dalmatia. From here, you can effortlessly reach the islands of Hvar, Brac, Vis, and Solta; spend a day exploring Trogir and the Roman ruins of Salona; get active in Omis; or visit Krka and Plitvice National Park.
• Great food! Dalmatian food is yummy, and many restaurants in Split offer these traditional dishes: a baby beef stew with gnocchi, called pasticada; stuffed bell peppers with mashed potatoes; meatballs in a tomato sauce; grilled oily fish with Swiss chard; and like.
• History! You don’t have to wait in long queues in front of museums to experience the history of Split. The old town is a 1,700-year-old living museum where people live and breathe every day.

What to do in Split Croatia?

Whether you travel solo, as a family, or as a couple, you won’t find yourself short of activities, attractions, and things to do in Split.

Below we shortlist some of the things to do in Split to give you a feel of what to expect.

• Relax on Riva! Split’s famed seafront promenade, Riva, is always abuzz with people; it’s lined with cafés and bars where locals spend hours over a coffee or a beer. Simply do like locals do, sip a coffee, and watch the world go by … for hours.
• Explore the old town! Just get lost in a maze of allies, cobbled streets, and passages in Split’s old town, and explore 1.700 years of history.
• Eat local! The food and restaurants here are awesome! We’ve written a post on the best restaurants in Split, along with reviews on restaurants we’ve visited recently. Our fave restaurants are Villa Spiza, Uje Oil Bar, and tavern Nikola in nearby Stobrec.
• Have a coffee at Zbirac! Zbirac is the coolest day bar in Split. Located just above Bacvice beach, Zbirac is the locals’ favorite place to grab a drink. The bar is small, but it has a great terrace overlooking the beach and the sea. It’s protected from the north Bura wind, so the outdoor terrace is open all year.
• Play picigin at the Bacvice beach! A sandy beach located a 10-minute walk from the old town, the Bacvice is, along with a seafront promenade, the most popular place in town. Picingin, a beach ball game invented here, is played in shallow water with players keeping a ball from touching the water.
• Go on a day trip! Among many day trips from Split, a day trip to Hvar stands out as the most popular.

What to see in Split?

You’ll never need to walk far to see Split’s top sights! The majority of them are located within the Split old town.

• Town gates! Split old town is located within a 1.700-year-old Diocletian Palace. The Palace measures approximately 160 m by 190 m. Each of the four town’s walls has a gate (Golden Gate, Silver Gate, Bras Gate, and Iron Gate) located at the center of the wall, dividing the Palace into four quarters.
• A bell tower! The bell tower of the church of St. Dominus is one of the symbols of Split. First built in the period from the 13th to the 16th century, the bell tower went under complete renovation in the 19th century. The views from the top are fantastic and worth a climb via a narrow staircase.
• Peristyle! A narrow public square near the Cathedral, the Peristyle is the heart of the Palace and the place where all guided tours of Split begin or end. Ancient Roman columns made of red granite, an Egyptian sphinx, an entrance to the Palace’s basements, a Cathedral, and the Temple of Jupiter, can all be found on the Peristyle. It’s one of the main landmarks of Split, and it gets crowded at times.
• Varos! One of the oldest neighborhoods in Split, Varos is a charming place consisting mainly of traditional stone houses with wooden green shutters. It’s located on the south side of Marjan Hill, just northwest of Diocletian’s Palace. This neighborhood was established in the 17th century by peasants and fishermen. Today, it’s full of cozy apartments and room rentals.
• Peskerija and Pazar! Fish market (Peskarija) and Split’s green market (Pazar) are the two best places to feel the pulse of the city and observe locals as they go about their daily business.

Restaurants in Split

You can’t go hungry in Split with so many great places to eat. It is a foodie’s dream destination. From small, family-run taverns showcasing delicious Dalmatian cuisine, and yummy street-food joints serving a quick fix like hearty burek, or cevapi for late-night food cravings, to harbor-side elaborate fine dining restaurants, Split restaurants offer something for everyone’s budget and style.

What is a typical food in Split?

Typical meals in Split include grilled meat, fish, or seafood with sides like Swiss chard, french fries, or grilled veggies, various stews like cuttlefish or beef stew, pasta dishes, and risottos, especially black risotto with squids and squid ink.

Cheap local fast food includes savory phyllo-dough pies (burek or pita) with various fillings like cheese, spinach, potatoes, or minced meat, as well as cevapi, finger-shaped minced meat grilled and served with pepper spread (ajvar), onions, and pita bread.

How much does it cost to eat out in Split Croatia?

Eating out in Split is still affordable, although the prices are on the constant rise. You can eat for as cheap as €3 to €6 ($3.30 – $6.60, £2.60-£5.20) in local fast food joints.

A handful of local taverns offer a choice of fresh, tasty, and well-cooked daily dishes for as little as €8 to €20 ($8.80 – $22, £6.90 – £23.20) per dish. Dishes can include grilled tuna, tuna stew, pork, beef or veal chops with Swiss chard, calamari stew, pasta with zucchini and prawns, and like. A meal in an upscale restaurant will set you at around €70 ($77, £60) per person.

Restaurants In Split

Below we list our three favorite Split restaurants, all three of them showcase delicious Dalmatian cuisine. For more info, check out our full post on the best restaurants in Split.

Villa Spiza! Villa Spiza is a tiny little place serving traditional, fresh, and unpretentious food, using only locally sourced produce. There are just a couple of tables. The menu is simple, and it changes daily. Expect to pay €8 to €30 ($8.80 – $33, £6.90 – £26) per dish.

Contacts | Kružićeva 3 | t: +385 91 152 1249

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Fetivi! Fetivi is a small, family-run tavern with a friendly atmosphere and excellent food. Located close to the Matejuska, a small fishing harbor west of Split’s seafront promenade, Fetivi serves traditional Dalmatian food, like fried small oily fish, octopus, chickpeas stew, black risotto, various grilled dishes, etc. Expect to pay around €15 to €40 ($16.50 – $44, £13 – £34) per dish.

Contacts | a: Tomica Stine 4, Split | t: +385 21 355 152

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Kadena! Locals’ favorite restaurant in Split, Kadena is an elegant place with a nice terrace, shaded, and fantastic views over the sea. The place is rather large, and it often accommodates large groups that can be noisy at times. However, the food is sublime, and the service is excellent. A bit pricey; expect to pay around €70 ($77, £60) per person for a 3-course meal with drinks.

Contacts | a: Ivana pl. Zajca 4, Split | m: +385 91 522 6685 | t: +385 21 389 400 | e: info@restorankadena.com

Accommodation in Split

If you plan to stay in Split for more than a day, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options to suit your needs. From historic boutique hotels and charming vacation rentals to trendy hostels and villas, the town caters to every traveler’s preferences. However, it’s worth noting that large full-service hotels and international chains are uncommon in this area, apart from Lav Meridien Split and Radisson Blu.

Regarding pricing, the average cost of a double room with breakfast in Split during the low season (April, May, November) is around €120 ($132, £103) per day. In the shoulder season (June, September, October), the price increases to approximately €180 ($198, £155), while in the high season (July, August), you can expect to pay an average of €250 ($275, £215) per day.

Of course, you may find lower prices if you’re willing to venture further from the city center or opt for a guest house instead of a hotel. Additionally, special deals due to low occupancy can sometimes offer even better rates. On the other hand, if you’re looking for an upscale boutique hotel in the old town of Split, the prices of a double room with breakfast can go up to €350 ($385, £300) or more per day during the high season.

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, vacation rentals are a bit cheaper than hotels but range from €120 to €250 ($132 – $275, £103 – £215) per day for an apartment that accommodates 2 to 4 people during high season.

For the best experience in Split, we recommend staying in the lively neighborhoods of Diocletian’s Palace and Varos. Both areas provide convenient access to historical sites and immerse you in the city’s vibrant atmosphere. The only drawback is parking, as these neighborhoods are mostly car-free.

Within the Diocletian Palace area, some of our favorite hotels include the Palace Judita Heritage Hotel, Piazza Heritage Hotel, and Cornaro Hotel. For a more local experience, Divota Apartments in the Veli Varos neighborhood are a great option.

Hostels Downtown and Dvor provide budget-friendly accommodation options in the town’s center.

Booking.com and Airbnb are the best websites for searching for accommodation in Split.

Check our list of recommended accommodations in Split! Or, if you are ready to book, check out Booking.com for the best rates!

Split Beaches

Split, the largest town on the Adriatic Sea, is a vibrant beach destination with diverse beaches. From the sandy shores of Bacvice to the rocky beauty of Kasjuni and Bene Beach, Split offers a range of options for beach enthusiasts. The most popular beaches in Split are Bacvice, Kasjuni, Bene, and Znjan.

Bacvice is a sandy beach within a 10-minute walk from the old town. Trstenik and Znjan beaches offer excellent facilities for families with children. Kasjuni Beach awaits visitors at the base of Marjan Hill with its pebbly shores, trendy beach bar, and chill music. Bene Beach offers direct access to the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, complemented by the shade provided by numerous pine trees.

For further information, check out our comprehensive post on the best beaches in Split.

Bars, Clubs & Nightlife in Split

Split offers a lively nightlife scene, with bars and nightclubs scattered throughout the old town and various neighborhoods. A bar crawl usually starts in the old town, across bars in Dosut Street and Pjaca.

Popular spots include Ghetto Club, known for its art gallery and bohemian atmosphere, Shotgun Shooters Bar for cheap shots and drinks, and Charlie’s Backpackers Bar for a chance to meet fellow travelers.

Leopold’s Delicatessen Bar is a must-visit for craft beer lovers, while Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar and Bar Sistema offer a more relaxed ambiance. For a good drink with finger food, visit The Daltonist Craft Bar.

Fabrique Pub offers food, more than 50 local and international beer labels, and late-night DJ or live band parties. The Central and the Adriatic Social Club are great choices for clubbing, while Bacvice Club provides a low-key option.

Read more about Split’s bars, clubs, and nightlife here.

Popular events

Split, Croatia hosts a variety of fascinating events and festivals throughout the year. While some are more geared towards locals, there are several noteworthy ones that are worth attending if you happen to be in town.

The largest music festival in Croatia, Ultra Europe, takes place in Split every July, featuring renowned artists and a week of entertainment.

The Split Summer Festival, held from mid-July to mid-August, offers dance, music performances, and open-air theater at different venues.

Lastly, the Days of Diocletian in mid-August celebrates Split’s Roman heritage with costumed performers, exhibitions, and traditional food.

Practical info on Split Croatia

Finally, if you need some practical info on public transport, parking in Split, or traveling to Split, you’ll find it in this post!

Split, the second-largest travel hub in Croatia after Zagreb, is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. You can reach Split by plane, car, train, bus, or ferry. The airport is located 20 km northwest of downtown Split, with a shuttle service available. It is well connected to major European cities, making it easily accessible by air. Split is also well-connected by train and bus, with frequent services from Zagreb and other coastal towns. Additionally, Split serves as a major ferry port, offering connections to local islands and even Ancona in Italy. Traveling by car is convenient, with a motorway option available.

Split, the second-largest travel hub in Croatia after Zagreb, is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. You can reach Split by plane, car, train, bus, or ferry.

The airport is located 20 km northwest of downtown Split, with a shuttle service available. It is well connected to major European cities, making it easily accessible by air. Split is also well-connected by train and bus, with frequent services from Zagreb and other coastal towns. Additionally, Split serves as a major ferry port, offering connections to local islands and even Ancona in Italy. Traveling by car is convenient, with a motorway option available.

Split is a small and walkable town, with major sights within 30-40 minutes from any location. Split public transport is well-organized. The bus network is extensive.

The historical part of Split, the Diocletian Palace, a seafront promenade, and most of the Varos are all car-free zones. Parking is possible on streets, parking lots, and garages.

Traveling to Split

Getting to Split is easy as it is the second-largest travel hub in Croatia, after Zagreb. You can reach Split by plane, car, train, bus, or ferry. The bus, train station, and ferry port in Split are located next to each other and are within a short walking distance from the Split old town. On the other hand, Split Airport (SPU) is situated 20 km northwest of downtown Split, near Trogir.

By plane

If you decide to travel by plane, a shuttle service operates between Split Airport and the city center. Shuttle buses depart 20 minutes after landing and take around 30 minutes to reach Split downtown, costing €8 ($8.80, £6.90) per person.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi which will cost you between €30 to €45 ($33 – $50, £26 – £39).

The cheapest option is to take a local bus no. 37 or no. 38, which both have a scheduled stop near the airport. A one-way ticket costs €4 ($4.40, £3.50).

Zadar Airport, located 150 km northwest of Split, is also a viable option for reaching Split, with some pretty cheap Ryanair flights available.

By train

You can also reach Split by train from Zagreb, with one-way tickets costing approximately €15.10 ($16.60, £13) and return tickets €26.50 ($29, £23).

Trains run three times a day from June 15th until September 15th, while during the rest of the year, they run once a day. The train journey takes six hours.

By bus

Intercity buses connect Split with Zagreb and many coastal towns, running frequently throughout the day and year-round. It takes around five hours to reach Split from Zagreb, with one-way tickets costing around €20 to €25 ($22 – $27.50, £17 – £21.50), depending on a bus company and time of traveling. The best place to check bus timetables and book your ticket online is the Bookaway website.

By ferry

Split is also a major ferry port for the central Dalmatian islands, and also with ferries connecting Split with Ancona in Italy. You can book ferry tickets online. Jadrolinija operates the line year-round, with prices starting from €50 ($55, £43) per adult and €64 ($70, £54) for a car.

Helpful tip on local ferries: In high season, ferries get crowded. Arrive at least two hours prior to departure (if you travel by car).

By car

If you’re traveling by car, getting to Split is easy as it is centrally located and easy to reach from many places in Croatia. If you’re coming from the direction of Rijeka or Zagreb, you can take motorway A6/A1, which takes around four hours to reach Split from either city. This motorway has tolls, and a trip from Zagreb to Split will cost you around €24 ($26, £21). If you’re looking to save on tolls, you can take an old D1 road, but keep in mind that it’s a single-carriageway road that goes through villages.

Budget tip: If you try to save on tolls but don’t mind driving through villages on a single-carriageway road, you can take an old E65 / D1 road. 

Split public transportation

Public transportation in Split is highly organized, with an extensive bus network. City buses operate within Split, connecting various neighborhoods and nearby towns like Trogir and Omis.

The Split Metropolitan area is divided into four zones, with Zone 1 covering the wider city center and other zones encompassing nearby towns such as Solin and Kastela.

Within Zone 1, buses run every half an hour from 5 am to midnight. Night lines are no longer operating, so taxis are the way to go if you require transportation after midnight.

Zone 2 and 3 buses have less frequent schedules, with some lines departing every hour or even less frequently. If you stay outside the town center, check the bus schedule and plan accordingly.

Tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver, with varying prices based on the zone. A one-ride ticket costs €2 for Zone I, €2.50 for Zone II, €3 for Zone III (Airport), and €4 for Zone IV (Trogir, Omis). Alternatively, tickets can be bought at any kiosk for a 50% discount (Zone I: €1, Zone II: €1.25, Zone III: €1.5, Zone IV: €2).

Check the detailed Split bus network.

Taxis in Split

Taxis in Split are quite expensive, but they are a convenient option if you’re traveling with a group and willing to split the cost.

The starting fares for Cammeo and UberX are €1.05 ($1.10, £0.90) and €1.40 ($1.60, £1.20), respectively, while Radio Taxi Split charges €3 ($3.30, £2.60). Additionally, the cost per kilometer ranges from €0.80 / $0.90 / £0.70) (UberX), €1.05 / $1.10 / £0.90 (Cammeo), to €1.80 / $2 / £1.60 (Radio Taxi Split). Cammeo has a minimum fare of €2.40 ($2.60, £2.10), whereas UberX’s is €3.80 ($4.20, £3.30), and for Radio Taxi is €8 ($8.80, £6.90).

Alternatively, you can conveniently explore Split on foot. Split is actually a perfectly walkable town due to its car-free, compact old town, and relatively small size. No matter where you’re staying, you’ll never be more than 30-40 minutes walk away from the old town. This way, you can enjoy the charm of Split while saving money on transportation.

Parking in Split

When visiting Split by car, it’s important to note that the historical areas, including the Diocletian Palace, the seafront promenade, and most of Varos, are car-free zones. If you plan to visit Split by car, remember that parking within the old town is unavailable.

Parking is available on the streets, lots, and garages, but fees apply. For reference, check out the Split Parking Map below.

The closest parking lot to the old town is at the eastern end of the Riva promenade. This is the busiest and most expensive parking lot in Split, costing €4 ($4.40, £3.40) per hour in summer and €2 ($2.20, £1.70) per hour in winter. This parking option is still the most convenient for visiting the old town despite the cost.

Another convenient parking lot is located behind the main train/bus station. The rates here are €1.50 ($1.70, £1.30) per hour for the first hour and €2 ($2.20, £1.70) for each subsequent hour, or €23 ($25.30, £19.80) per day.

For a more budget-friendly option, street parking is the best option. For example, parking on Plinarska Street costs only €1 ($1.10, £0.9) per hour. Street parking is available in designated areas throughout the city, with four different zones and varying fees. The Split Parking app provides real-time information about parking in Split. Payment can be made through SMS or at self-operated parking machines.

Street parking is divided into different zones, and a parking app provides real-time information. Payment can be made through SMS or at self-operated parking machines.

There are additional parking lots in residential parts of Split.

Car rental in Split

Those who plan to rent a car while in Split will be happy to know that all major national and international car rental companies have their branch offices in Split. You’ll find them all at Split airport, but also many keep a second office in Split downtown. Whatever works better for you!

In Croatia, the car rental business is very seasonal, and rates increase dramatically from June through September.

We always use Rentalcars.com for car hire. They have good prices, work as consolidators with all major car rental companies, and generally are reliable.

On their site, you can easily compare the prices and availability of many car rental companies. Their filter options give you a chance to narrow your search down in accordance with your preferences: automatic or manual transmission, supplier, number of seats, etc.

If you prefer to rent a car directly with a local car rental company, below you’ll find info and contacts.

1 | Nova

Nova is a national car rental company with offices across Croatia.

Contacts (Main office) | a: Obala Kneza Domagaoja 1, Split | t: + 385 21 775 388 | e: splitdowntown@novarentacar.hr

Working hours | Mon-Sun: 8 am-8 pm

Contacts (Airport Office) | t: + 385 21 203 308 | e: splitairport@novarentacar.hr

Working hours | Mon-Sun: 7 am-9 pm

2 | Oryx

Oryx is the largest Croatian car rental company with offices all around Croatia.

Contacts (Town office) | a: Sv. Petra Starog 1, Split | t: +385 21 318 800 | e: std@oryx-rent.hr

Working hours | Mon-Fri: 8 am-3 pm | Sat:, Sun 9 am-2 pm | Sun: upon request

Contacts (Airport office) | t: +385 21 895 164 | e: sta@oryx-rent.hr

Working hours | Mon-Fri: 8 am-8 pm | Sat:, Sun 9 am-5 pm

3 | Enterprise

Enterprise is a global rent-a-car company with offices in all major Croatian towns.

Contacts (Town office) | a: Poljicka Cesta 26, Split | t: +385 99 382 4783 | e: split@enterprise.hr

Working hours | Mon-Sat: 8 am-8 pm | Sun: 9 am-12 pm

Contacts (Airport office) | t: +385 99 392 0362

Working hours | Mon-Sun: 7 am-11 pm

Shopping in Split

In Split, one will immediately notice the locals’ impeccable fashion sense and attractive appearance. Historically, Split has been a shopping haven for people from all corners of Dalmatia. In recent years, this reputation has only grown stronger with the opening of numerous shopping malls in and around the downtown area.

For a comprehensive shopping experience, two prominent shopping malls stand out: City Center One Split and the Mall of Split. City Center One Split, located at the eastern end of town on Vukovarska Street, is a mere 15-minute drive from the center. With over 150 shops, cafes, and restaurants, including popular brands like H&M, Lacoste, C&A, and Swarovski, City Center One Split offers something for everyone.

The old town of Split also boasts many shops, designer boutiques, and artisan stores. Marmontova Street, the main shopping street in Split, is a must-visit for any avid shopper.

For those seeking fresh produce, we highly recommend visiting Split’s green market (Pazar) and the fish market (Peskarija), both in the old town. Additionally, several supermarket chains, such as Lidl, Konzum, Spar, and Tommy, cater to general grocery shopping needs. While all are reliable options, Konzum stands out with slightly lower prices and faster checkout service. Spar Supermarket is in the old town, occupying the ground floor of the 13th-century Palace Papalic. The shopping experience here feels more like a visit to a museum than a typical supermarket.

Visiting a few concept stores in Split’s old town is a must for those interested in unique, locally-made designs. Break Time on Trogirska Street 8 offers exquisite handmade nautical bracelets. Jaman Art serves as both a gallery and a shop, showcasing and selling paintings, cellphone cases, sculptures, and prints by the talented academic painter Danijel Jaman. If you have a penchant for exceptional design, Nered Shop is the place to go for lovely, handmade souvenirs designed in Croatia. Designer store Krug is a treasure trove of authentic clothing and jewelry, all handcrafted in Croatia in limited series.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant shopping scene of Split and discover the true essence of Croatian craftsmanship.

Money and ATM

As of January 1, 2023, the Croatian currency is the euro. The exchange rate is around US$1.10 for 1 euro, £0.86, AUD1.64, and CAD1.47. You can exchange money at many places in Split, including exchange offices, banks, and hotels.

ATM machines are also everywhere; near every bank, at prominent places in town, and at many hotels. ATM machines have an option for different languages, so they are easy to operate. Beware that some ATM machines have higher fees than others. We find that generally, ATM machines that belong to banks are cheaper than independent ones.

If you decide to pay with a credit card, you might be offered the possibility to be charged either in your own currency or in euros (local currency). You might intuitively opt to pay in your own currency. However, don’t do this! The banks use something called a dynamic currency exchange rate, and most of the time (read always) it’s less favorable than if you decide to pay in local currency.

Internet

I always hear people complain that the internet in Croatia is slow. I generally don’t need super-fast internet, 4 Mbps is fast enough for me.

Anyway, during the high season, with so many tourists around, the number of users increases so much that our infrastructure can’t really take it. So, at times, the internet gets really slow in summer. This doesn’t happen everywhere, and not on all networks, but there aren’t really rules. You just learn to live with it.

However, the closer you stay downtown, the better the internet you should get. Almost all accommodation comes with free WiFi internet, and you should expect a speed of at least 20 Mbps. Mobile now mostly runs on 5G, although 4G is still standard in some areas.

Many bars and restaurants offer free WiFi for their guests, but you need to ask for a pass. Towns also offer free WiFi hot spots, but this connection, unfortunately, doesn’t work most of the time.