24 hours in Split

Our top tips for how best to spend 24 hours in Split

Now that you’ve booked your Espresso Adventure E-MTB tour to Hvar Island, Croatia with us you need to plan your travel to Split, a beautiful 1700 year old city and Unesco World Heritage Site.

We recommend you arrive at least one day before your adventure begins to allow for any travel or luggage delays. It’s also good to acclimatise to local time and recover from your journey before you start turning the pedals.

To help you make the most of your extra time in Split, we’ve created this handy city guide to help you get the most out of your 24 hours in Split.

Morning

Start your exploration of Split on the Riva waterfront promenade. The palm-tree-studded walkway is the perfect spot to grab a coffee, and do a spot of people and boat watching as the island ferries and local fishing boats come and go. As you walk along the waterfront you will see the bronze map depicting how the famous Diocletian Palace looked in 305AD. Take some time to explore the ancient streets and alleys around the Palace, and don’t forget to venture down into the basement halls of the palace too – some of these hold fascinating exhibitions within – the perfect way to build up an appetite for your next stop!

Next, head to the farmers market, where you can sample home-made prosciutto ham, local cheeses, burek, pogača and other local products – you will be spoilt for choice! As you are by the coast, your lunch should of course include wonderful fresh seafood straight from the Adriatic. If you’re still hungry, just across the road from the market you can visit Restaurant Nostromo. Start your meal with the fried anchovies, then try the aromatic fish soup or tender Dalmatian octopus salad.

Afternoon

For some more culture, just outside the Palace walls you will find the statue of Grgur Ninski. Sculpted by Ivan Meštrovic, this huge statue is one of the defining images of Split. Its subject is a 10th-century Croatian bishop, who fought for the right to use old Croatian in liturgical services instead of Latin. Notice that his left big toe has been polished to a shine – it’s said that rubbing the toe brings good luck! Later in the afternoon head to Split’s urban beach, Bacvice. This is one of the most popular swimming spots, and the ideal place to cool off before freshening up before the evening.Try your hand at Picigin – a beach game that is protected by national heritage!

Evening

As the night draws in, you will find plenty of dining options to choose from. One of the most popular restaurants is Bokerja, located inside the walls of the Diocletian’s Palace. With a truly breath-taking interior, the Mediterranean inspired menu is packed with local ingredients from the market – you can’t get any fresher than this! Round off your night with a glass of local wine at Uje OIL Bar – with a warm, welcoming interior, this is the perfect place to unwind after your day exploring this beautiful city.

4 Local Phrases

‘Ne razumijem’ ; I don’t understand

‘Govorite li engleski?’; Do you speak English?

‘Kako si?’; How are you?

‘Hvala’; Thank you

Accommodation Options

Marmont Heritage Hotel

Vestibul Palace

Judita Palace Heritage Hotel

Split Transport Links

Take the official airport shuttle on arrival – it takes approx 35 minutes, and leaves half an hour after each flight arrival. Once in Split you can use the inexpensive Uber service. There are also the local buses, and a great way to take in the sights is on the ‘hop on, hop off’ sightseeing bus. Bear in mind that most of Split is pedestrian only, so the best way to get around is on foot.

Split Top Tips

While you are exploring the Palace, be sure to take the steps up to the bell tower in the cathedral for amazing city views
Head to the promenade in time for sunset – watching the sun go down as the boats roll in, cold drink in hand, is the perfect way to unwind
If museums and art galleries are your thing, Split Archaeological Museum, Split Live Museum and the Meštrović Gallery are a great way to spend some time
Don’t forget that the local currency is Croatian Kuna, not the Euro. While a few places will accept Euros, it is best to withdraw cash in Kuna.
The seafood here really is excellent, so don’t leave without trying it!
Looking for a different way to spend the evening? Head to the Kino Mediteran outdoor cinema on Bacvice Beach!