January 5, 2019 - No matter the time of year, you will find that Split is full of compelling options - though you may need to dig a bit deeper to explore them in the offseason months.
Seasons aside, we’re here to tell you that there is so much more to do in Split than parking on the Riva to people watch with a coffee in hand (though we do agree, this should be checked off your Split list).
Yes, you haven’t seen Split at all if you didn’t delve into the vibrant history of Diocletian’s Palace, climb to the top of the Sveti Duje, or hike Marjan for the view (and the drink).
We encourage you to get lost in the Old Town’s mystifying alleyways, we want you to hit all of your favorite Game of Thrones filming locations, and by all means, please take a dip at one of our beaches - though we’ll push you away from swimming at the popular Bačvice city beach, to somewhere more enticing… like Marjan.
While narrowing it down to five of our favorite things is never easy, everything considered, make an effort to check at least one of these off your Split list.
Get a dose of art, history, and culture
While Diocletian’s Palace itself is a living and breathing museum, the City of Split boasts many captivating museums and galleries that’ll have you hooked. The setting at Ivan Meštrović Gallery, for example, is worth the visit alone. Though you really should go inside to check out the work of the 20th-century sculptor. The Split City Museum is located within a Gothic Palace once owned by the Papalić family who settled in Split in the early 14th century. The contents inside tell the story of Split’s history, through paintings, sculptures, documents and more. And did you know that Split’s Archaeological Museum was founded in 1820 and is the oldest museum in the country?
If you’re more into frogs, Split even has an option for you at Froggyland, where you can find a unique collection of 507 taxidermy frogs depicting the everyday life of humans.
See a show at HNK Split (Croatian National Theater of Split)
HNK, as the locals call it, first opened back in 1893 and is known as one of the oldest surviving theatres in Dalmatia. At the time of its completion, the theater could hold 1,000 people, making it the largest theater in Southeastern Europe at the time. HNK has seen it all - from many names to the great operas and operettas of Ivo Tijardović, the Italian occupation during WWII, to almost complete destruction from a fire in 1970. Today, HNK Split puts on hundreds of performances a year - from ballets and operas to plays, orchestra concerts and festivals. If you have the chance to visit the theater for an event, you won’t be sorry. Here is the full schedule of events.
Spend an early morning at Split’s markets
If a Split local tells you to wake up early and head to the best markets in the city - listen. Split’s Green Market and Fish Market are not only symbols of the city, but they are a way of life. The smells, whether it’s freshly picked onions or the table of sardines, the people (who you will get to know by bartering for your bundle of fruit), and the overall experience will have you humbled. While farm to table is a trend in other parts of the world, it is a way of surviving in Croatia. Skip the grocery store produce and instead taste the fruits of Croatia’s hardworking laborers - we promise you’ll be even more satisfied with every bite.
Because ‘Only God and Hajduk Live Forever’, catch a game at Poljud Stadium
While there are a handful of ways you can really dig deep into Split’s local life, partaking in the events of Split’s beloved football club, Hajduk, is certainly one of them. A game at Poljud stadium, which was built in the late 1970s for the Mediterranean Games, will not be your ordinary football experience, however. Thanks to Hajduk’s loyal and fanatical supporters, Torcida, the games at Poljud are a spectacle you’ll remember for a lifetime. From the flares to the songs and organized choreography, you just might become a Hajduk fan forever. The best games to catch are the derbies against Dinamo, Rijeka, and Osijek - and if there aren’t any games going on while you’re in town, you could always take a tour of the stadium instead.
Speaking of tours, did you know there are a lot of unique ways you can explore Split?
Whatever your interests, the City of Split probably offers a tour that’ll suit you and what you want to learn. Are you interested in the underground and Split's alternative side? You can learn all about the graffiti of the city, the artists behind the artwork, and how the art has evolved with Split over time. Are you a foodie looking to taste Split’s best olive oil, wine, and local delicacies? There’s a tour for you, too. And don’t worry, dear adventurers, you could be rock climbing, kayaking, and hiking around Split in a heartbeat.
To find out more about Split, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
