April 30, 2022 – A look at the attractions, nature, food, and nightlife you must experience in Split in 24 hours.

Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest city in the Dalmatia region and the Croatian Adriatic coast. Split has for many years been a transition hub, and fairly neglected by tourists. Nevertheless, in the last decade or so, Split has acquired quite a reputation and is becoming one of the most popular cities in Croatia. Split is most famous for Diocletian's Palace which was built by a Roman Emperor Diocletian in 305 AD and is located in the heart of the city. Split is also very famous for its rich culture, music festivals, football club Hajduk, beautiful beaches, Marjan hill, and many other attractions. If your goal is to experience the beautiful Adriatic coast while also enjoying the vivid urban life and exploring rich history in combination with local cuisine and the Dalmatian way of life, Split is your place to go.

9.00 a.m. – 10.00 a.m.

The start of the day in Split, the capital of Dalmatia, always has to begin with a coffee. I suggest visiting some of the numerous cafes in the Split city center or along the Riva. Also, it is good to grab something to eat while you are on the way. If you are a bakery person, head to Bobis, Prerada, Krušćić, and Tradicija (locals call it Kirigin) with the latter specializing in sweet pastries. Another good tip would be to visit the local green market which is also located in the city center, next to Diocletian's Palace. There you can find various stands with fresh fruits, vegetables, and other organic and homemade products. If you are keener on eating breakfast in a restaurant, Brasserie on 7 or Zinfandel should be on your list. 

Split Riva ; source: Pixabay

10.00 a.m. – 13.00 a.m.

After eating a proper breakfast and drinking your morning coffee, I would recommend wandering around the city center and especially Diocletian's Palace. There you have many city attractions such as the Saint Duje bell tower, Split city museum, Diocletian's cellars, Split Ethnographic museum, Temple of Jupiter, and of course the main city square Peristil and neighboring Vestibul.

Vestibul ; source: Pixabay

Since it is not possible to visit all of the aforementioned city attractions, I will leave the choice up to you. Nevertheless, I would strongly recommend climbing up the St. Duje bell tower or at least the Vestibul (you can access it through the ethnographic museum) just to get a sense of the city and the surrounding islands.

Saint Duje bell tower; source: Pixabay

10.00 a.m. – 13.00 p.m.

It is already lunchtime so it is time to try some of the well-praised local cuisine. There are numerous Dalmatian dishes that you should try, such as Dalmatian prosciutto and cheese, Pašticada, Gregada, Škampi na Buzaru, Peka (veal, octopus, or lamb), Fritule, Rožata, Soparnik, Viška pogača, Crni rižot (Squid Ink risotto) and many many more. Some of the well-praised local restaurants are the following: Konoba Varoš, Konoba Hvaranin, Šug, Zrno Soli, Adriatic, Uje, and Chops Grill, among many others. If you are traveling on a budget or you would just like to experience the street food of split, then check out this list.

Pjaca; source: Pixabay

4.00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m.

After eating, it is a perfect time for an after-lunch stroll up the Marjan hill. You can access it through the Marjan stairs that lead you to Vidilica and from there to the St. Nicholas church. From there you can either continue further or if you are in the right mood you can climb up to the peak (takes around 30 minutes).

View from the Marjan Hill; source: Pixabay

hermitage of St. Cirijaka on Marjan; source: Pixabay

Besides the already mentioned Split city museum and the ethnographic museum which are in the city center, there are three other museums I would strongly suggest visiting. The first one is located close to the Marjan hill and it is the Museum of archaeological monuments. The second one is the Split archaeological museum located near the magnificent Poljud city stadium (home ground of Hajduk Split). Lastly, the third one is the Croatian Maritime Museum, located in the Baroque fortress of Gripe which is also a great place to visit (a 10-minute walk from the city center).

If you are visiting Split in the summertime, you should check out the beaches around the Marjan hill since these are the least crowdy and nature there is simply stunning. If you are into sports, you should head down to Bačvice or Firule beach where you will find locals playing a local game of picigin.

6.00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

It is time to head back to the city center, on your way you can visit Sustipan and Zvončac which are two small parks. From there you can walk along the Zapadna Obala (West Coast) towards the center. It is again time to experience local dishes preferably seafood accompanied by world praised Dalmatian wines. Split thrives in the evening and you can feel its energy on every corner, especially in the summer.

View from the Sustipan peninsula; source: Pixabay

There is always something happening in the city, bars such as Basket, Adriatic Social Club, Ghetto, Flag Pub, and Charlie's are known for live performances and good music. On the other hand, there is Hrvatski Dom which offers a wide variety of classical music events. Split has a deep connection with music, and if you don't know who Dino Dvornik or Oliver Dragojević are then please find out as quickly as possible. Needless to say that it is not a coincidence that Split is home to many music festivals such as Ultra Europe, Split Summer Festival, Split Festival, Split Blues Festival, Fibra Festival, Ego Free Festival, and Xstatic. There are also two important film festivals taking place in Split, Mediterranean Film Festival (June) and Split Film Festival (September).

9.00 p.m. – onwards

If you are still looking for action, then I suggest either staying in the city center where you can visit numerous bars and pubs and even end up in a club such as  Kuka, Central or 305 AD. If you want to extend the nightlife even further and you don't mind getting out of the center then you have two unique possibilities either going to the "Barbarinac Island of love" known in the slang as Barbados or hopping off to some boat party. These two venues happen only through summer and usually over the weekend. 

That would be all for Split in 24 hours, to be honest, you should multiply these hours by at least 5 since this is undoubtedly one of the pearls on the Adriatic coast as well as in the Mediterranean.

If you want to find out more about Split, check out our dedicated section Split in a page 2022.

For more on travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

March 4, 2021 - In our latest People also ask Google series, we attempt to tackle the impossible - is Dubrovnik or Split better?

Ah, the tale of two ancient cities, both breathtaking in their own ways. One, the Adriatic Pearl, the other, Dalmatia's bustling capital - but both full of pride that there is no better place. 

Their vibrant history more or less defines them. Dubrovnik's roots trace back to the 7th century when it was founded as Ragusa by inhabitants of the ancient Greek colony of Epidaurus (present-day Cavtat). Split, on the other hand, founded as the Greek colony Aspálathos only a bit earlier, in the 3rd or 2nd century BC. 

Centuries later, both cities are certainly known for their turbulent history and historic cores - Dubrovnik, a town wrapped by medieval defensive walls, and Split, a city that boasts the 1700-year-old Diocletian's Palace, the former retirement home of Roman Emporer Diocletian.

While it may be humanely IMpossible to decide which is better, we do know one thing: these ancient artifacts have turned two coastal cities into tourism champions in much more recent years, where history mixes with the mood of the Meditteranean to make for one stellar holiday. 

Is it better to stay in Dubrovnik or Split?

We recently covered how many days you should spend in Dubrovnik, much like the magic number for Split, but where should you stay in both cities? 

Dubrovnik abounds in 5-star hotels and villas, attracting luxury travelers thanks to its deluxe amenities. From the Excelsior, Rixos, and Sun Gardens to the centrally-located Hilton Imperial and lavish Grand Villa Argentina, tourists with higher spending power really have their pick when it comes to the upper echelon of hotels in the area. And that's without mentioning ultra-luxurious villas, like Sheherezade.

Private accommodation in Dubrovnik, however, can get a bit tricky. While basic old-town offers in the summer can cost you an arm and a leg, literally and figurately (remember, endless flights of stairs and NO elevators), apartments outside of the center, while more affordable, are less accessible. Yes, taxis and Uber do exist, but so do narrow roads and summer traffic, both of which plague Dubrovnik in the peak season. 

Split, on the other hand, is still a bit behind in the luxury hotel world. And to compensate for its lack of hotel rooms, the city has seen a boom in private accommodations over the last few years, with things getting a little out of hand.

But there is hope.

The newly-opened 4-star Amphora Hotel has done a significant job adding to the hotel capacity in Split with 206 rooms, while newcomers like briig boutique hotel add flair to the Bačvice neighborhood. The Birkenstock-owned Ambasador will add 101 rooms to the West Coast sometime this year, while the Adris Group will step into the Dalmatian market with the hopeful opening of the 'new' hotel Marjan in 2022.

Lovers of luxury hotels can currently only choose from the 5-star Le Meridien Lav hotel, located about 15 minutes outside of Split in Podstrana, or the beloved Bačvice-based Hotel Park. However, the history-rich-heritage hotels in the center make up for any missing affluence (check out Palace Judita, Heritage Hotel Antique, or Jupiter, for example). 

Does Split or Dubrovnik have better beaches?

Bačivce or Banje? It's unlikely you'll spend an hour in either city without hearing their names. 

Bačivce, Split's public beach, is located about a 10-minute walk outside of Diocletian's Palace. A sandy beach popular for speedo-clad picigin players, Bačivce boasts views that extend out to Brač during the day, while it is the hub of Split nightlife in the evening, where young partygoers let loose until sunrise. Needless to say, things can get a bit messy (and crowded). 

On the other hand, Dubrovnik's public Banje beach is a short walk from the old town, with views onto the city walls and harbor. While you'll be hard-pressed to find a more unique swimming spot, it is penetrated by thirsty tourists in the summertime, making it often impossible to claim a lounge chair. 

Fortunately, Bačice and Banje aren't the only beaches in Split in Dubrovnik. Split's coast is decorated with beaches, as is Marjan Hill, where you'll find Kaštelet, situated just below the Ivan Meštrović Gallery, or Kašjuni, boasting a deep bay with the cliffs wrapping around you. 

Šulići is just a short walk from the Pile Gate in Dubrovnik, while the family-friendly Copacabana beach in Babin Kuk offers a restaurant, water sports, and cocktails for the adults. And if you have a car? Head 30 minutes south of Dubrovnik to discover the best beaches in Konavle!

Is Dubrovnik or Split nightlife better?

As someone who just crossed over into her 30s after a vibrant decade of partying in her 20s, the answer to this one comes quite easily. One thing young travelers visiting Dubrovnik often mention is the lack of nightlife in the city. And as it should be, because Dubrovnik's beauty shouldn't be embraced with a hangover. However, you can't deny that people want to let loose on holiday, whether they're at a pub or a club. So, where to? 

For those who enjoy partying until the early morning hours, there is one special place to go - Culture Club Revelin. It even made DJ Mag's Top 50 Best Clubs in the World. Located in a 500-year-old medieval fortress, it'll be hard to find another setting as unique. Just like it'll be hard to find another club Dubrovnik. 

And if you're not the clubbing type after all? Dubrovnik flourishes with cafe and wine bars, and there are even a few Irish pubs!

Split, on the other hand, has become a hotspot for Croatian nightlife. After the wine-bar-boom came the craft-cocktail-bar boom, and there is a nightclub for all types of partygoers. Bar crawls also rule summer nightlife, and all roads eventually lead to the Bačvice beach clubs, where you can enjoy a sunrise swim if you stay long enough.

Split's live music scene also thrives most of the year; you can catch up-and-coming Croatian acts or touring international DJs if you're lucky!

Are Split or Dubrovnik restaurants better?

Both Split and Dubrovnik have upped their culinary game in the last few years. Dubrovnik currently boasts 10 Michelin-recommended restaurants, while one restaurant, 360, carries a Michelin star. And because it is a luxury destination, you'll notice more fine dining options in Dubrovnik than Split. 

Split cannot currently boast a Michelin star, though it does have five Michelin-recommended restaurants and many trendy newcomers that add flair to classic Dalmatian cuisine. 

Long gone are the days of only ćevapi and pomfret (though you'll still find it on most konoba menus), as both cities have become creative in their culinary offers, with many international options on the table too. If you're after the flavors of sushi, Mexican, Thai, or Chinese, or want to keep it traditional with grilled fish, black risotto, and octopus salad, you'll be pleased eating in either city. 

Would you choose Dubrovnik or Split in October?

Ah, the offseason debate is back again!

If you'd like my personal opinion, both cities are a gem in October, that is, if you're not coming to Croatia solely for the sun, sea, and swimming. October weather could also surprise, and you may find that Indian Summer comes out to play.

Best-case scenario - you're swimming in slightly cooler sea temperatures with fewer boats and emptier beaches. Worst-case scenario, you're stuck in the rain and have to schedule your outdoor activities around when it's dry - so you get to sit in a cafe and people watch or enjoy museums to kill time instead. Is that really so bad?

Realistically, most everything remains open in both cities throughout October, making it easier for you to enjoy what you'd plan on doing in summer without fighting sweaty bodies wanting to do the same thing. 

October is also a good time to enjoy emptier roads, so why not take a road trip from Dubrovnik to Pelješac for wine tasting? Or from Split to Omiš for ziplining over the canyon? The opportunities are endless. 

In conclusion: Is Dubrovnik or Split better?

The real question is - which city is better for you?

One might suggest that if you're young, looking for vibrant nightlife, good food options, and easy access to the islands, you'll fit better in Split. And if you're a Game of Thrones fan looking to tick tourist attractions off your list? You'll likely choose Dubrovnik. But both cities offer something for all ages and all members of the family, and because they're only 3 hours apart by car, you don't really have to choose at all. 

Illustration by Little Shiva

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July 3, 2020 - What would a Split summer be without cool cocktails, live music, and lounge bar vibes? Paradiso Bar has it all. 

Temperatures are rising in Split, and yet another Dalmatian summer is well and truly on its way. And without the usual seasonal crowds in the city center (yet), we're able to enjoy some of Split's best charms almost to ourselves.

One of Split's best-kept secrets is Paradiso Bar, a sleek and sexy cocktail bar sandwiched between the famous Marmontova shopping street and celebrity steakhouse Chops Grill. Whether it's your summer sanctuary or your winter wonderland, Paradiso is tried and true in everything they do. 

With the summer season kicking off, Paradiso has spiced up its weekend evenings with live music to accompany their selection of signature cocktails, many of which are created using fresh-squeezed juices to help keep you cool in the Split heat. Whether you choose a tangy Paloma or want to keep things classy with an Espresso Martini, the cocktail masters at Paradiso can satisfy any palate, and at promotional prices, ranging from 48-52 kuna!

But those tempting cocktails aren't the only reason you should head to Paradiso this weekend.

Aligned with the summer theme, it's only appropriate that Paradiso is calling in Sunny Day Band to play for you this Saturday, July 4. This popular band combines a mix of saxophone, acoustic guitar and female vocals and performs a repertoire of music styles from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Forgetting your dancing shoes would be a big mistake.

And if, by chance, you plan on coming with a group of friends this weekend and don't want to fuss over the cocktail list -  yes, Paradiso has bottle service, too. Beginning at 480 kuna, you can grab a bottle and four mixers of your choice. Keep in mind that prices vary, and bottle service can hit 720 kuna depending on the label you choose. 

The Paradiso fun starts this Saturday at 9 pm. Table reservations can be made by calling 091 365 0000. 

Keep up with Paradiso Bar on their Facebook page

To read more about Split, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

January 9, 2019 - So, you’re looking for a night out in Split? Whether you want to keep it mellow at a wine bar, get together with friends at a pub or welcome the sunrise at a club, Split nightlife has something for you. 

While we can’t name them all, we're bringing you a list of the best spots in the city for a civilized glass of wine, a full-blown dance party, and the safe havens where you can let loose. 

Consider this your Split guide to going out in 2019.

Wine Bars

Paradox Wine & Cheese Bar: Paradox Wine & Cheese Bar opened back in 2012 and has promoted wine and wine culture ever since. Known as the place to have the “ultimate wine experience and gastronomic delight with carefully selected Croatian wines, cheeses, and dried, marinated, or smoked Dalmatian and Mediterranean delicacies,” Paradox also boasts wine tastings, themed events, and live music. 

Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar: Zinfandel has had a presence in Split since 2013, and is named after the Zinfandel grape, which was made famous by Californian vineyards. Zinfandel offers over 100 bottled wines, an extensive range of 30 wines by the glass, and a fabulous seasonal menu with something for everyone. 

La Regina Del Formaggio: This classic alleyway wine bar is a scene straight out of Italy. Offering only delicacies of the highest quality, from cheeses and salami to various marmalades, wines, and beers, visitors can have a taste of anything they'd like to try, too. 

Kitchen 5: This food and wine restaurant is also tucked away in a classic Split alleyway, right off of Pjaca. This cozy Split establishment offers a full menu and both Croatian and foreign wines. 

Bokeria Kitchen & Wine: “La Boqueria colors, Mediterranean flavors and a Dalmatian vibe in a unique, vibrant piazza.” One of Split’s most popular places to wine and dine is Bokeria, just around the corner from Kitchen 5 off of the Pjaca. Bokeria also offers a full menu - for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, too. 

Uje Wine Bar: If you’ve been to Split, then you’ve probably crossed paths with the Uje family - whether it be the deli, restaurant, or oil bar. Tucked away in the heart of Split’s ghetto, Uje’s wine bar offers an impressive selection of wine and traditional meals from the Uje kitchen. 

Diocletian’s Wine House: Not only does Diocletian’s Wine House offer a unique selection of Croatia’s 101 top wines, but they even offer a wine tasting tour where you can try the best wines in the Split area. You can also enjoy their full restaurant. 

La Bodega: “Experience the atmosphere of a fine wine cellar blended into an antique tavern in the heart of Split’s historic center.” That is precisely what you’ll find at La Bodega, which is located just off of Voćni Trg (Fruit Square). You won’t want to miss out on their cheese and smoked meat platters.

Bars and Pubs 

To Je To Coffee. Beer. Art. Music. That’s what’ll you’ll find at To Je To - though their coffee is specialty, their beer is craft, and their live music includes karaoke nights.

Sanctuary Bar: Sanctuary Bar opened in 2016 as Split’s first dedicated cocktail & whiskey bar. They boast over 60 cocktails (for 35 kuna), whiskeys from around the world, and ever-changing craft ales on draft. And they’re located in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace. 

Charlie’s Bar: Good vibes served on tap is precisely what Charlie’s Bar offers, in addition to happy hour, themed nights, ‘Adios Motherf****r’ challenges, and live sporting events. Founded by Aussies, it is a true backpacker’s bar in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace. 

Black Dog Bar: A new pub on the block, Black Dog is located right by Split’s famous Green Market. You can find draft craft and bottled beer, cocktails, unique gin and tonics, and the occasional Irish band playing in the corner. 

Leopold’s Delicatessen Bar: “Craft beer revolution, street food, ska, rock, blues, and whiskey are just some words that describe us,” Leo’s (as the locals call it) explains. And if you’ve visited this Split institution, you’d say this sums it up just right. 

Academia Ghetto Club: Known as Split’s first openly liberal and alternative bar, Ghetto is a place ‘without morals’; a place where there is ‘no need to pray’. This bohemian bar also boasts a front courtyard, incredible artwork, and very cool memorabilia. Ghetto is located in the Palace, right around the corner and up the stairs from Voćni Trg. 

Paradiso Bar: Craft cocktails, indoor and outdoor seating, and just a stone's throw from Chops Grill, the best steakhouse in Split. What more could you want?

Split Circus: Split Circus is a cult alternative bar that extends knowledge of bands of all genres, across the Split and European scene. One of the few places in Split you can find live music most nights, Split Circus also offers up pretty cheap drinks. 

Gaga: Gaga is a courtyard (and indoor) cocktail bar in the heart of the palace that quickly became a favorite of both tourists and locals - and they just celebrated their 50th birthday. 

Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar: This bar is housed in the 15th-century birthplace of Marcvs Marvlvs (Marko Marulić) the father of Croatian literature. Run by a poet, Marvlvs boasts stunning decor, walls of books, live music, and poetry readings. 

Fabrique Pub: A gastropub (and club), Fabrique boasts more than 50 different beers, craft cocktails, and pub food - and they even have live music or DJs every night. 

Antique Bar: A Riva hangout for Split’s socialites and best-dressed crowd, Antique is also a go-to for live music, prosciutto evenings, and even the occasional summer hookah session. 

Noor Bar: Perhaps the sexiest joint in Split, Noor Bar is the sister bar to Mazzgoon restaurant. An intimate setting that wakes you up with gold accents and chilled music (with guest DJs, too), the craft cocktails and fine spirits will seduce you in the best way Split can. 

Galerija Bar: Galerija Bar is the sister bar to Galerija restaurant. A cozy spot tucked into the center of Diocletian’s Palace, Galerija Bar offers cocktails, DJs, and a tasty rakija selection.

Jazzbina: Jazzbina is a popular stone ‘cellar’ bar just outside of the Palace. Known for domestic music, live bands, and a lot of loud singing, you’ll usually end up here for a nightcap with your best friends. 

ShotGun Shooters Bar: Are you looking to try a plethora of shots with inappropriate (and mostly) sexual names? Split even has that option for you, too. ShotGun is THE shooters bar of the city - and we wish you luck.

Kinoteka: Kinoteka Food and Bar is located in a Gothic 15th-century palace. While the setting alone is enough to entice you, the Asian-inspired cuisine and signature cocktails will have you coming back for more.

Bokamorra: Craft cocktails. Napoletana-style pizza. Jazz music. DJs. And picture-perfect speakeasy decor. Located near Split's West Riva, we promise it's worth the walk. 

Clubs

Vanilla: Vanilla Club is known as one of the most popular places to go for an after-hours good time in Split. From Yacht Week parties in the summer to hosting some of Croatia’s biggest pop stars, Vanilla has something for everyone - and it's located right next to Poljud Stadium.

Kuka (or Treće Poluvrijeme): Kuka is known as the cult after-hours establishment in the city. Blasting oldies music from the best of Ex-Yugoslavia and America’s sing-along hits, you’ll probably find yourself leaving Kuka once the sun has risen - and it has one of the cheapest entry-fees in the city. 

Central Club: Split’s state-of-the-art nightclub Central will make you think you’re in Las Vegas or New York City. Along with world-renowned DJs and dressed-up dancers, Central also boasts different themed evenings - and it's just a few minutes from outside of the Palace walls. 

Bačvice Beach Clubs: If you’re in Split in the summer, chances are you’ll be told to go to the clubs at Bačvice Beach. Whether it’s Bačvice, Black and White Club, History Bar, or anything else you come across on this strip, you’ll be locked in until the early morning hours - and probably find yourself taking a sunrise swim.

Zenta: Zenta is a two-story club in the Zenta neighborhood of Split, hosting many themed evenings from student nights to ‘Trash’ Mondays, DJs and live music. 

Kocka: At Kocka, you’ll find Split’s alternative scene cradled in an underground club with cemented and graffitied walls - and it’s awesome. From DJ nights to live bands and art shows, Kocka is where you’ll get your dose of cool. 

Quasimodo: Yet another alternative club in Split is Quasimodo. From DJ nights to live shows ranging from acoustic to punk, top 40 nights and dirty dancing, Quasi has become a club for all ages to enjoy. 

Judino Drvo (CLOSED 2021): Judino Drvo is known as the “last underground fortress in town with excellent sound and a unique atmosphere.” And since it’s located out by Split’s Kopilica railroad tracks, we agree. Judino hosts DJ nights and live concerts - and we know these parties go until the early morning hours. 

To read more about Split, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

From the Porin Music Awards to St. Patrick’s Day and FantaSTikon, Split is as busy as ever this Friday, March 17, 2017. 

Bottoms up! Where should you go on a big night out in Split?

It’s another Saturday in Split, and the sun is greeting us with open arms. While many of us will be venturing out into the Old Town today for coffee and a stroll along the Riva, you’ll be happy to know that there is plenty going on tonight for you night owls as well. 

Kameleon Club, in its 6th consecutive year, opens its doors on Saturday, October 1, introducing us to a new 2016/2017 winter season.

Going out in Split is almost too easy. Options literally present themselves right in front of your face and I know that I’m oftentimes overwhelmed by the fact that “I have too many things I want to do tonight.” Some may see that too many options are a blessing, others a curse, but for music lovers like myself, I believe that Split has done a excellent job in setting the tone for some stellar bands to play live, and these venues are some of the favorites I’ve visited thus far.

The venue I’ve been to most in Split has to be Split Circus. Like the underground basement in ‘That 70’s Show’, Circus has done an incredible job over the years keeping their patrons engaged, interested, and loyal to their cause. Hosting everything from one off shows, mini music showcases, DJ nights and Gay friendly events, Circus has become the epitome of underground cool for the young music lovers to seasoned Split legends. Although closing its doors at their current location at Dosud 6 i Jadranska 1, as a circus does, they will reopen in a new location in the next few months.

Kocka, located on Ulica Slobode 28 in Gripe, is the official ‘youth club’. Boasting over two decades in existence, Kocka is led by a coalition of youth organizers to ensure they put on the best shows and exhibitions in an extremely unique atmosphere. Kocka is also underground, and you walk down a series of steep cement steps before you find yourselves in a dark, cemented room with rock ‘n roll music blasting and hundreds of the hippest kids in Split surrounding you. The program they host is diversified, and they are oftentimes bringing in some of the biggest alternative acts in the region. A definite go-to if you’re an avid music lover and concert goer.

Judino Drvo, known to others as ‘Judas Tree’ has been on the scene exactly two years. Located in the unusual yet perfect setting of a former warehouse on the railroad, Judino Drvo has quickly won the ‘cool kid’ award since its opening. With concerts, theatre and film nights, as well as vintage fairs and occasional daytime events, the location helps to make Judino a diversified venue for art and music lovers alike. Not to mention the decor inside put me into industrial hipster heaven. If you’re in Split and you see an event happening here, GO! Judino is located at Kopilica 23.

Clubs in Split

Split is not really a candidate for the world's best clubbing city but it does offer options for every type of clubber. During the summer, we have a lot of festivals such as Ultra Europe, which I will focus on in another blog. But for non-festival dates here are some suggestions for going out in Split.

First of all, I would say Vanilla bar Split Poljud is the best club in Split when you combine atmosphere, people, the place itself and the music (a mixture of current hits and local music) – and during the summer the DJ adjusts his set to mainstream music. Location by swimming pools gives it even better vibe. Poljudsko šetalište b.b.

After Vanilla, my suggestion for clubbing is Judino Drvo at Kopilica. It’s completely on the edge, and a Mecca for local hipsters. Surprisingly, Split does not support its hipster scene by having a lot of clubs like that. Its name in English would be translated like “Judas Tree” and last summer it was closed, but hopefully it will be open for this season. It is a place where you can enjoy gigs and a cool vibe and even get a free cab on the way to the club. Kopilica 24

Another cool place but a little bit outside the city is Day & Night Club Kameleon in Solin, which can be reached by free cab, and a return to Split costs around 70 kuna. Their music ranges from cool DJ to local music parties. Zoranićeva 16, Solin

O’Hara Music Club – located on the seaside, this is the place to go for themed nights and music ranging from domestic trash to current hits and live gigs. Uvala Zenta 3

Tropic Club & Club Bačvice both places are conveniently right next to each other and a good choice for summer night out in Split due to good mixture of locals and tourists with mainstream music and superbly located on the world famous Bačvice beach. Preradovićevo šetalište 2

Caffe Split– place for concerts and DJ nights. Even though it says cafe it is open until 3 am. This is a good place to go if you want to have casual night out. You can also come during day and have nice cakes and coffee. Matice hrvatske 1

Club Quasimodo – if you’re student in Split or visiting during winter this is the place to go if you’re too lazy to go somewhere more than 5 minutes walk from the city centre and are looking for kind of indie and alternative atmosphere. This club is also a place for Bookvica – or regular book fans meetings. It is also place for occasional plays and shows as well as concerts of regional alternative musicians. Due to the lack of open space and ventilation during summer Quasimodo becomes a hostel. Gundulićeva 26a.

Kuka – this place is the cherry on top of every night out in Split. It’s a really dodgy place with great atmosphere. Don’t come here before 3am and without at least few shots of rakija or beers. Sadly, due to bad ventilation, you can enjoy this place only in the spring and autumn, as it is closed in the summer. Zrinsko-frankopanska 17