Heading to Split? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!
TL;DR
- Perfect for: 1–2 days
- Best for: History fans, beach lovers, laid-back explorers, Game of Thrones geeks
- Why visit: Ancient palaces, blue seas, and lively Mediterranean soul—easy, sunny, and solo-friendly
SPLIT AT A GLANCE
- Population: 160,000; Croatia’s second largest city
- Culture: Centuries-old Roman ruins built into a buzzing port town
- Famous for: Diocletian’s Palace (UNESCO), sun-drenched Riva promenade, local football passion
- Nickname: Mediterranean Flower
- Solo vibe: Relaxed, safe, and easy to wander alone—locals are welcoming, English is common
ESSENTIAL INFO
- 💰 Currency: Euro (EUR)
- 🗣 Language: Croatian (lots of English in tourist zones)
- 🌦 Best time to visit: June–September (all-out summer fun); May & October (calm, less touristy)
- ✈️ From airport:
- Bus #37 (Promet Split): 1.50 EUR, every 30 min, reliable & cheap
- Taxi: ~35 EUR to city center
- 🧳 Safety: Very safe—watch your valuables in crowds; solo at night is OK
- 🎭 Cultural calendar tip: Split Summer Festival (July–August) = live music & theatre everywhere
- 🎦 What to watch on the plane: Game of Thrones (for Split’s filming locations)
WHERE TO STAY (FOR SOLO TRAVELERS)
- 🛏️ Best hostel: Empire Hostel. Steps from Diocletian’s Palace and the city’s biggest market, this chill, super social spot hooks you up with free coffee, happy hours, and expert local tips — all without the party chaos. One of the most in-demand hostels in Split – book ahead! 🙌
- 🏘️ Best neighborhood for hotels/Airbnb: Old Town—steps from Diocletian’s Palace, buzzing cafes, and harbor views
- 🧭 Alt neighborhood: Varoš—charming alleys, local vibes, less touristy but still close to all the action
- 💸 Budget option: Look for homestay rooms offered by locals at the bus or ferry terminal (genuine, cheap, authentic)
- Tip: Always check for lockers, even at chill hostels—Split is safe but these are still hostels!
TRANSPORT & NAVIGATION
- 🚶♂️ Walkability: Almost everything’s walkable—getting lost is half the fun in winding alleys!
- 🚌 Bus: Citywide network (Promet Split), buy tickets from driver (few EUR)
- 🚋 Trams/Metro: None—buses & your feet rule here
- 🚖 Taxi: Uber and Bolt both work well; official taxis at airport/ferry port
- 🚲 Bike/scooter: Tons of rental spots; ride along Riva or up Marjan Hill for epic views
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO ALONE
- 🏛️ Diocletian’s Palace: Get lost in Roman alleyways and bustling market cellars—easy solo magic
- 🌿 Marjan Hill walk: Short, scenic climb to panoramic city & island views; peaceful, safe, and full of photo ops
- 🧠 Croatian Maritime Museum: Offers a quirky dive into the city’s nautical past—usually quiet, great for solo exploring
- 🧭 Stroll the Green Market (Pazar): Shop fresh produce and local snacks, people-watch, soak up daily life
- 🎨 Sanctuary Cantina: Unwind with a craft beer and a book; jazz, relaxed vibe, not party central
- 🔀 Wildcard: Rub the golden toe on the Gregory of Nin statue—legend says it brings luck (and it really is a solo challenge dodging group snaps!)
WHAT TO SKIP
- ❌ Riva restaurants: Lovely views, but overpriced and more “tourist trap” than local experience
- ❌ Striptease bars: Skip them altogether—nothing but a tourist-targeted wallet drain
- ❌ Climbing cathedral stairs when crowded: Best in early morning if you want the view AND your sanity
EATING & DRINKING
- 🧍♂️ Solo-friendly spot: Ćiri Biri Bela—chilled garden cafe, bright, healthy meals, friendly crowd
- 🥃 Quiet pub/bar with character: Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar—cozy live music, books everywhere, perfect for solo sipping
- 🍽️ Try these local foods: Pašticada (beef stew) or Peka (slow-cooked meat)—best at Konoba Fetivi or Nevera Tavern
- 💸 Best cheap eats: Hit tiny spots between Old Town & bus station; grab a burek or local sandwich for a few EUR
- 🥦 Veg/vegan options: Makrovega or Vegehit—casual, healthy, full meals
- 🍸 Cocktails or nightcap: Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar—upmarket but chilled, excellent Croatian wine, creative cocktails
BEST OF SPLIT IN 1 DAY – SOLO ITINERARY
- Sunrise: Espresso along Zapadna Obala with views over the sleepy harbor
- Morning: Wander Diocletian’s Palace before the crowds, then check out St. Duje’s Cathedral
- Lunch: Grab seafood at Konoba Varoš in the Old Town
- Afternoon: Climb Marjan Hill, explore St. Jeronimus Caves, loop back via Varoš
- Evening: Stroll down the Riva, people-watch, snap sunset pics on the waterfront
- Dinner: Sample Pašticada at Nevera Tavern (book a spot if you can!)
- Night: Catch live jazz at Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar or join locals at Sanctuary Cantina
LOCAL TIPS & INSIDER WISDOM
- 🎉 Festival or seasonal tip: Summer Festival (July–Aug) = pop-up concerts, dancing, and street theatre on every corner
- 📍 Hidden gem: Little Beer Shop—buy craft brews and join locals for sea-view sipping on Matejuska pier
- 📷 Photo spots: Cathedral bell tower (morning light), Marjan Hill lookout, sunset on Riva
- 🧠 Etiquette tip: Football talk is serious—praising Hajduk wins friends, but nudge past heated fans on derby day!
- 🚩 Safety reminder: Split is very safe, but always keep an eye on your bag in crowds and markets
- 👀 One last thing: Don’t just see Split—stroll it, snack it, and soak in those ancient walls like a local!