Visit Split on a Budget
As we all know, traveling doesn’t have to be super expensive! If you plan your getaway well, and source insider information about the monuments you want to see, you can always visit a new destination on a budget, without having to sacrifice on experiences. In this travel guide we will show you how to visit Split on a budget and help you plan a low-cost trip to this magnificent destination. Ready?
Spread over a central peninsula and its surroundings, Split is the largest city in the Dalmatian region. It was founded as a Greek colony but became more popular as a settlement after the Roman Emperor Diocletian ordered the construction of the Palace where he retired.
The incredible preservation of this amazing architectural masterpiece helped Split earn a reputation as a tourist destination and, today, it’s one of the most visited cities in Croatia.
Besides the charming architecture and beautiful beaches, Split is a great place to visit thanks to its affordable attractions: most of them can be visited for free or for a small fee. If you are ready to visit Split on a budget, here is how to do it!
Visit Diocletian’s Palace. As the city’s most popular attraction, it might come as a surprise to read that the access is free. However, there is an explanation: this massive architectural complex is an integral part of Split’s downtown, as it covers an area of 40.000 square meters. You only have to buy a ticket if you want to enter the buildings located inside the Palace.
Besides the buildings, there is a landmark you can’t miss here: the Emperor’s Peristyle. Considered one of the most beautiful squares in the country, it’s a unique place to visit authentic Roman antique architecture. While you are here, look up at the two Egyptian sphinx that guard the entrance to the Cathedral. They are more than 3000 years old!
Get lost around the Old Town. Walk around the city’s alleys and find hidden delicatessen shops, picturesque backyards, and local wine bars. This area is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its well-preserved streets are the most charming in the city. Here you can admire the Renaissance architecture and the beautiful public squares, such as Pjaca Square and the Fruit Square.
If you want to learn more about its history and legends, you can join a Free Walking Tour of Split - you’ll visit this and many more of the must-see sites, as well as the lesser-known attractions, with a professional local guide and, perfect for travelling on a budget, you get to decide how much you pay your guide at the end of the tour so you’ll always be able to stay on budget. It is one of the best things to do in Split!
Get hungry at the local market. Split’s Pazar Market is the locals’ go-to place to buy fresh fruit and vegetables. You will find it every day along Hrvojeva Street, from the east wall of Diocletian’s Palace and all the way to the Silver Gate. It opens from 7:00 to 14:00, but if you come from midday on, you can find the best bargains. Besides fresh products, you can also buy souvenirs and cheap clothes in some stalls here.
Sunbathe at the beach. As a coastal city, there are many spots close to Split where you can enjoy the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. Perhaps the most popular beaches are Bačvice and Ježinac. The first one is the central city beach, popular among locals and tourists alike. It is a great place to meet new people, but it gets a bit crowded during the summer holidays. Ježinac, located west to the city center, is easily reachable by bus and isn’t as known. Here you can sunbathe in a more laid-back atmosphere!
Walk along Split’s Riva. The city’s waterfront is the perfect scenario for an evening stroll. You will pass by trendy restaurants and cute cafés while admiring the view of the boats. It is a great way to relax after a whole day of sightseeing!
Absorb the atmosphere at Matejuska. This little fishermen pier is a popular meeting point, especially among Split’s youth. Come here to enjoy the friendly local environment and take pictures of Split’s Riva.
Climb to the top of Marjan Hill. This is the most popular viewpoint in Split, so make sure you include it on your trip. You can finish your day hare so you get to admire the sunset over the city and catch the sky changing colours. It is one of the best free things to do in Split!
Have a coffee at People’s Square. Considered the city’s main meeting place, its origins date back to the 15th century. The surrounding buildings are truly breathtaking: the most impressive one might be the Town Hall, which also dates back to the 15th century. Here you can also admire the Renaissance clock tower, which is one of the oldest places in the square. Sit back in one of the cute cafés here and enjoy the quiet vibe.
Visit the City Museum. Located inside the old Palace, this museum offers the opportunity to see the interior of a splendid 15th-century town house. Here you can also visit a gallery of artworks by Emanuel Vidovic, a famous Croatian painter, and a permanent exhibition about the city’s history. Tickets cost just 20 Kunas (less than 3 euros) so it is perfect for budget travelers.
Climb Saint Domnius’ bell tower. Considered the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world that remains in use in its original structure, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius was consecrated in the 7th century. The Bell Tower was added in the 12th century and rebuilt later. Today, visitors can climb up the stairs to enjoy the view of the city from the very top of the tower. You can buy a ticket that includes access to the Cathedral, the crypt, the treasury and the bell tower for just 6 euros, which is quite a good deal.
Hvar Island. To visit this amazing island you will need to take a ferry from Split. A round-trip ticket costs around 10 euros, and it takes one hour to get there. As several operators offer this route, you can check different timetables and choose the time that suits your plans the best. Once on the island, you should take your time to visit Hvar Town, which is surrounded by medieval fortifications that look over the bay.
Krka National Park Nature enthusiasts should consider a day trip to Krka National Park. This beautiful area is famous for its attractive waterfalls and the beautiful surrounding forest. To get there you can take a bus from Split to Skradin, which is about an hour away. You can check the bus schedules here.
As you see, there are plenty of opportunities to visit Split on a budget. Find more free walking tours, budget activities and cheap things to do in destinations all over the world on our website and get planning some low-cost trips!
Visiting Split
Spread over a central peninsula and its surroundings, Split is the largest city in the Dalmatian region. It was founded as a Greek colony but became more popular as a settlement after the Roman Emperor Diocletian ordered the construction of the Palace where he retired.
The incredible preservation of this amazing architectural masterpiece helped Split earn a reputation as a tourist destination and, today, it’s one of the most visited cities in Croatia.
Besides the charming architecture and beautiful beaches, Split is a great place to visit thanks to its affordable attractions: most of them can be visited for free or for a small fee. If you are ready to visit Split on a budget, here is how to do it!
Free things to do in Split
Visit Diocletian’s Palace. As the city’s most popular attraction, it might come as a surprise to read that the access is free. However, there is an explanation: this massive architectural complex is an integral part of Split’s downtown, as it covers an area of 40.000 square meters. You only have to buy a ticket if you want to enter the buildings located inside the Palace.
Besides the buildings, there is a landmark you can’t miss here: the Emperor’s Peristyle. Considered one of the most beautiful squares in the country, it’s a unique place to visit authentic Roman antique architecture. While you are here, look up at the two Egyptian sphinx that guard the entrance to the Cathedral. They are more than 3000 years old!
Get lost around the Old Town. Walk around the city’s alleys and find hidden delicatessen shops, picturesque backyards, and local wine bars. This area is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its well-preserved streets are the most charming in the city. Here you can admire the Renaissance architecture and the beautiful public squares, such as Pjaca Square and the Fruit Square.
If you want to learn more about its history and legends, you can join a Free Walking Tour of Split - you’ll visit this and many more of the must-see sites, as well as the lesser-known attractions, with a professional local guide and, perfect for travelling on a budget, you get to decide how much you pay your guide at the end of the tour so you’ll always be able to stay on budget. It is one of the best things to do in Split!
Get hungry at the local market. Split’s Pazar Market is the locals’ go-to place to buy fresh fruit and vegetables. You will find it every day along Hrvojeva Street, from the east wall of Diocletian’s Palace and all the way to the Silver Gate. It opens from 7:00 to 14:00, but if you come from midday on, you can find the best bargains. Besides fresh products, you can also buy souvenirs and cheap clothes in some stalls here.
Sunbathe at the beach. As a coastal city, there are many spots close to Split where you can enjoy the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. Perhaps the most popular beaches are Bačvice and Ježinac. The first one is the central city beach, popular among locals and tourists alike. It is a great place to meet new people, but it gets a bit crowded during the summer holidays. Ježinac, located west to the city center, is easily reachable by bus and isn’t as known. Here you can sunbathe in a more laid-back atmosphere!
Walk along Split’s Riva. The city’s waterfront is the perfect scenario for an evening stroll. You will pass by trendy restaurants and cute cafés while admiring the view of the boats. It is a great way to relax after a whole day of sightseeing!
Absorb the atmosphere at Matejuska. This little fishermen pier is a popular meeting point, especially among Split’s youth. Come here to enjoy the friendly local environment and take pictures of Split’s Riva.
Climb to the top of Marjan Hill. This is the most popular viewpoint in Split, so make sure you include it on your trip. You can finish your day hare so you get to admire the sunset over the city and catch the sky changing colours. It is one of the best free things to do in Split!
Cheap things to do in Split
Have a coffee at People’s Square. Considered the city’s main meeting place, its origins date back to the 15th century. The surrounding buildings are truly breathtaking: the most impressive one might be the Town Hall, which also dates back to the 15th century. Here you can also admire the Renaissance clock tower, which is one of the oldest places in the square. Sit back in one of the cute cafés here and enjoy the quiet vibe.
Visit the City Museum. Located inside the old Palace, this museum offers the opportunity to see the interior of a splendid 15th-century town house. Here you can also visit a gallery of artworks by Emanuel Vidovic, a famous Croatian painter, and a permanent exhibition about the city’s history. Tickets cost just 20 Kunas (less than 3 euros) so it is perfect for budget travelers.
Climb Saint Domnius’ bell tower. Considered the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world that remains in use in its original structure, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius was consecrated in the 7th century. The Bell Tower was added in the 12th century and rebuilt later. Today, visitors can climb up the stairs to enjoy the view of the city from the very top of the tower. You can buy a ticket that includes access to the Cathedral, the crypt, the treasury and the bell tower for just 6 euros, which is quite a good deal.
Cheap day trips from Split
Hvar Island. To visit this amazing island you will need to take a ferry from Split. A round-trip ticket costs around 10 euros, and it takes one hour to get there. As several operators offer this route, you can check different timetables and choose the time that suits your plans the best. Once on the island, you should take your time to visit Hvar Town, which is surrounded by medieval fortifications that look over the bay.
Krka National Park Nature enthusiasts should consider a day trip to Krka National Park. This beautiful area is famous for its attractive waterfalls and the beautiful surrounding forest. To get there you can take a bus from Split to Skradin, which is about an hour away. You can check the bus schedules here.
As you see, there are plenty of opportunities to visit Split on a budget. Find more free walking tours, budget activities and cheap things to do in destinations all over the world on our website and get planning some low-cost trips!
