Competing is only half the experience. The rest happens in the streets, squares and hills of Split — a city that has perfected the art of slowing down. Here’s what to see and do when you’re not on the sea.
Slow Down, Split-Style
Before you rush off to sightsee, do as the locals do: find a seat on the Riva promenade or in one of the old town squares, order a coffee, and let it last as long as the conversation does. That unhurried ritual — a long coffee paired with an even longer chat — is practically the city’s heartbeat. Sit back, watch the harbor, and let yourself become part of it for an hour.
Walk the Old Neighborhoods
Split’s historic soul isn’t only inside the Palace walls. Wander through Veli Varoš and Radunica, two of the city’s oldest residential quarters, where narrow stone lanes and small courtyards still carry the atmosphere of old Split. Don’t skip Matejuška, the small fishing harbor where wooden boats bob beside the water — one of the most authentic corners of the city.
Hike Marjan Hill
If you can spare half a day, head up Marjan, the forested peninsula that locals treat as their backyard escape. Beyond the famous viewpoint over the city and the Adriatic, the hill is laced with trails perfect for a light recovery jog or an easy hike between events.
Museums Worth the Detour
Coming back down from Marjan toward the center, a handful of museums are worth building into your route:
Museum of the City of Split — the story of Split told through the centuries
Ethnographic Museum — traditional Dalmatian life and culture
Maritime Museum, housed inside the historic Gripe Fortress
Split Sports Hall of Fame — a tribute to the athletes who turned Split into one of Croatia’s great sporting cities
Poljud Stadium
Sports fans should make time for Poljud Stadium, home of Hajduk Split, Croatia’s most popular football club, founded in 1911. Hajduk’s supporters, known as Torcida, are recognized as the oldest organized fan group in Europe.
Inside Diocletian’s Palace
The heart of the old town is still the Roman-era Diocletian’s Palace. Inside its walls, seek out the Cathedral of St. Domnius, one of the oldest cathedrals in the world still in its original structure, and the tiny Church of St. Martin, tucked into the Palace’s northern wall. Nearby stands a 16th-century synagogue, among the oldest still in use in Europe.
Beach Time and City Events
Split isn’t just stone and history — it’s also sea and sun. Carve out time for the beach, whether that’s the famous Bačvice, Žnjan or another spot along the coast. Summer in Split also means a packed cultural calendar: club nights, concerts, and festivals.
20 Sep
