If you are researching things to do in Split Old Town, chances are you’ve already seen the photos: a towering stone bell tower, ancient Roman columns, and a sun-drenched promenade right on the Adriatic Sea.
But as a licensed local tour guide who walks these cobblestone streets every single day, I can tell you that Split’s Old Town is so much more than a pretty postcard. The entire historic center is built inside and around the 1,700-year-old retirement palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. People still live here, do their laundry here, and drink espresso inside former Roman temples.
To help you get the most out of your visit, here are the 10 best things to do in Split Old Town, curated directly from my local perspective.
1. Get Lost Inside Diocletian’s Palace
Let’s clear up a common misconception: Diocletian’s Palace isn’t a single building you buy a ticket to walk through; it is the living, breathing heart of Split Old Town. Spanning over 30,000 square meters, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a maze of narrow alleyways, hidden courtyards, cafes, and shops. The absolute best thing you can do on your first day is simply wander. Let yourself get lost in the labyrinth—it’s the only way to stumble upon the true hidden gems.
Local Tip: Want to understand exactly what you are looking at? The history here is incredibly layered (Roman, Venetian, Austrian). Join my Essential Split Walking Tour on your first morning, and I will show you how to read the walls of the city like a history book.
2. Climb the Cathedral of St. Domnius Bell Tower
Originally built as Emperor Diocletian’s mausoleum, this incredible octagonal building was later converted into a Catholic cathedral—an ironic twist of fate, considering Diocletian was famous for persecuting Christians! Today, it is one of the oldest functioning Catholic cathedrals in the world.
For the best view in Split, pay the small fee to climb the adjacent Romanesque Bell Tower. The stairs get narrow at the top, but the panoramic views of the terracotta roofs, Marjan Hill, and the Adriatic Sea are breathtaking.
3. Have Coffee at the Peristyle (Peristil)
The Peristyle was the central square of the palace, meant to be the grand entrance to the Emperor’s private quarters. Today, it is surrounded by magnificent Egyptian granite columns and a 3,500-year-old sphinx. Grab a seat on the stone steps, order a coffee from Luxor Café, and soak in the atmosphere. In the summer evenings, there is often live acoustic music playing in the square.
4. Explore the Underground Cellars (Substructures)
Did you know Split has a mirror image of the palace underground? The Substructures of Diocletian’s Palace originally served as the foundation to elevate the Emperor’s chambers. For centuries, they were filled with garbage by the medieval residents above! Today, they have been excavated and are fully walkable. (If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll recognize them as the basement where Daenerys kept her dragons).
5. Walk the Riva Promenade Like a Local
The Riva is the palm-tree-lined waterfront promenade that borders the south wall of the Old Town. But walking the Riva isn’t just an activity; in Split, it’s a lifestyle. We call our slow, relaxed coffee culture fjaka. Grab a seat at any cafe facing the sea, put your sunglasses on, and spend an hour just people-watching.
6. Marvel at the Vestibule
Watch the video above to hear me explain the incredible acoustics of the Vestibule while a local Klapa group performs!
Just off the Peristyle, you will find the Vestibule—a stunning, circular, open-air dome that once served as the formal entrance to the imperial apartments. Because of its incredible acoustics, you will often find traditional Dalmatian Klapa singers performing a cappella folk songs inside. Stand in the center, look up at the sky through the oculus, and listen to the music bouncing off the ancient bricks. It’s also my favorite place to take selfies with my guests!
7. Rub the Toe of Gregory of Nin (Grgur Ninski)
Just outside the Golden Gate (the northern entrance to the palace) stands a massive, imposing statue of Grgur Ninski, a 10th-century Croatian bishop. You will immediately notice that his giant bronze big toe is polished to a shining gold color. Local legend says that rubbing his toe will bring you good luck and guarantee your return to Split.
8. Discover the Temple of Jupiter
Tucked away in a narrow alley just off the Peristyle is the Temple of Jupiter. Originally dedicated to the highest Roman god, it was later converted into the city’s baptistery. Take a moment to look up at the stunningly preserved vaulted ceiling, featuring intricately carved stone faces. The temple is small, but it is one of the most intact Roman monuments in the city.
9. Experience the Vibe at Pjaca (People’s Square)
Just outside the western wall of Diocletian’s Palace (the Iron Gate) is Narodni Trg, known locally as Pjaca. When the city outgrew the Roman palace in the Middle Ages, this square became the new center of civic life. Look for the beautiful Old Town Hall and the historic city clock, which famously features 24 numbers on its face instead of 12.
10. Taste Traditional Dalmatian Food
You can’t leave the Old Town without tasting the local flavors. Skip the tourist-trap pizza slices and look for a local bakery (pekara) to try Soparnik—a traditional, savory Swiss chard and garlic pie baked in a wood-fired oven. If you want a sit-down meal, look for a traditional konoba (tavern) and order a hearty plate of Brudet (Dalmatian fish stew) or Pašticada.
Ready to See Split Through the Eyes of a Local?
Reading about the Old Town is one thing, but understanding the secrets hidden in its stones is another.
If you want to skip the tourist traps, avoid the massive cruise ship crowds, and hear the real history of my city, Book your spot on the Essential Split Walking Tour today. Spots are strictly limited to small groups to ensure you get a personal, high-quality experience. Let’s explore Split together!
Is Split Old Town walkable?
Yes, absolutely! In fact, the entire Old Town and Diocletian’s Palace area is a strict pedestrian-only zone. There are no cars allowed inside the palace walls. However, be prepared for uneven, 1,700-year-old cobblestone streets—leave the high heels at home and wear comfortable walking shoes!
Do you have to pay to enter Diocletian’s Palace?
No, you do not need a ticket to enter Diocletian’s Palace. Because the palace is integrated directly into the city, you can walk through the streets, squares, and gates for free 24/7. You only need to pay entrance fees if you want to go inside specific historic buildings, such as the Cathedral Bell Tower or the underground Substructures.
How much time do you need to see the Old Town?
You can walk from one end of the Old Town to the other in about 15 minutes, but to truly appreciate it, you need at least a half-day. I highly recommend taking a 1.5 to 2-hour guided walking tour in the morning to get your bearings and learn the history, and then spending the rest of the day exploring the alleys and cafes at your own pace.
When is the best time of day to visit?
If you are visiting during the peak summer months (July and August), the Old Town can get very crowded with cruise ship passengers between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. The absolute best time to explore is early in the morning (around 8:00 AM) when the locals are having their first coffee, or late in the evening when the stone walls are lit up and live music is playing in the squares.
