Mediterranean · Croatia
Split Travel Guide
Split is Croatia's second city and one of the Mediterranean's most extraordinary urban experiences — a living, breathing Roman palace. Diocletian's Palace isn't a museum; people live, shop, eat, and drink inside its 1,700-year-old walls. It's utterly unique.
How Do You Get from the Ship to the City?
Walk. The cruise terminal sits on the Riva promenade, right outside Diocletian's Palace. You step off the ship, cross the promenade, and enter a 1,700-year-old Roman palace. It's one of the most immediate port-to-attraction connections in the world.
What Can You See in 6 Hours?
Diocletian's Palace — A Roman emperor's retirement palace, now a living neighbourhood. The Peristyle (central courtyard), Cathedral of St Domnius (Diocletian's mausoleum), and underground cellars are the highlights.
Cathedral Bell Tower — Climb the 183 steps of the cathedral tower for the best panoramic view of Split, the harbour, and the islands.
Marjan Hill — A forested peninsula 20 minutes west on foot. Walking trails, a viewpoint terrace, and the sheltered Kasjuni beach at the far end.
Green Market (Pazar) — Just outside the palace's east wall. Fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, and lavender products from the islands. Lively and colourful.
Where Should You Eat in Split?
Peka: Meat or seafood slow-cooked under a bell-shaped lid with potatoes and vegetables. Split's signature dish — order it at any traditional konoba (tavern). Needs to be ordered in advance at most places.
Seafood: Grilled fresh fish (priced by kilo — ask first), black risotto, and brudet (fish stew) are outstanding at waterfront restaurants.
Budget: Cevapi (grilled minced meat sausages in bread) and burek (filled pastry) from bakeries cost 2-4 euro.
Is Split Worth Exploring Independently?
Split is possibly the easiest independent cruise port in the Mediterranean. The ship docks right at the palace. Everything is walkable. There is absolutely no reason to book a ship excursion unless you want to visit the islands (Hvar, Brac) — and even those are bookable independently by catamaran.
Useful Local Phrases
Dobar dan
Good day
(DOH-bar dahn)
Hvala
Thank you
(HVAH-lah)
Koliko kosta?
How much?
(KOH-lee-koh KOSH-tah)
Racun, molim
The bill, please
(RAH-choon, MOH-leem)
Local Tips
- •Diocletian's Palace isn't a ruin — it's a living neighbourhood. Apartments, restaurants, and shops occupy the ancient Roman walls.
- •The Riva (waterfront promenade) comes alive in the evening for the fjaka — the Split tradition of doing absolutely nothing at a cafe.
- •Marjan Hill (a 20-min walk west of the palace) has forested trails, a viewpoint, and a small beach — perfect if you want nature.
- •Croatia uses the Euro. Cards accepted almost everywhere.