TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE
Awesome Things to do in Split Croatia
Dani De Leo, The Young Globetrotter at, Turkey
Split Croatia – 5 Awsome Things to do
Like Dubrovnik, Split is not the most affordable destination you can go to within the Balkans. However,
I would recommend spending at least 2-3 days here if your budget allows. Of course Croatia is know for its
beautiful water and beaches, so you can always opt to spend the day relaxing at the beach if you want a free
activity in an expensive city. I managed to make a list of 5 things you can enjoy in the city of Split for budget
travelers who want to explore and experience this city
The Young Globetrotters
Photograph by Dani De Leo
Watch the Sunset at Marjan Hill- free
so I recommend adding hiking to Marjan Hill on your list of budget things to do in Split.
The hike itself is short and is marked most of the way by steps or a dirt path that is very obvious so there is no need to follow your maps or to be afraid of getting lost.
Just follow the path to the top where you will find a big white cross, a Croatian flag and an unbelievably beautiful view of the mountains, the sea, and the city.
The hike took me about 25-30 minutes to the top, starting from the panoramic restaurant which is where the trail starts.
Make sure to always budget 10-20 extra minutes before the sunset is supposed to set so that
you can take it all the colors.
Learn Split’s History on a Free Walking Tour- free, based on tips
You can do a quick Google search to book your spot a day ahead of time or simply show up at
the meeting location, depending on the tour.
I do not just include these free walking tours because they are free, but because you genuinely learn a lot of information from them and get the opportunity to meet other travelers who you can socialize and become friends with.
I would recommend doing a free walking tour on the first day of your trip,
as it is a great introduction to the city and usually will show you the main tourist spots, so you can decide after which spots are worth going back to revisit and spend more time in. You can find the split free walking tour at free-walking-tour-split and you must sign up a day in advance so make sure to plan accordingly. Legally, all Croatia free walking tours have to “charge” a small fee or of 1 kuna (15 cents USD) because of tax and legal issues which is stated on their websites. However, I have done several of these free walking tours in Croatia and although their website states this, no guide ever asks for it, so you still just end up paying a tip to the guide for their services at the end, like usual. I had a great guide who was very funny and had a great personality so she made learning all the historical aspects of the city very entertaining and interesting.
Climb the Bell Tower for the Best View in the City- packages range from 50-80 Kuna ($7.80- $12.50)
Another city view you can opt for that is right in the center and does not require as much fitness as the hike, (but does have steep stairs so you should have some sort of fitness ability to reach the top) is the
climb to the top of the bell tower. Located right in Diocletian’s palace sqaure in the old town of split, this
bell tower has a 360 view of the sea and the old town that surrounds the bell tower. There is four
different ticket packages that offer entrances to different sites in the Split Cathedral Complex, which
you can find in the photo below. These prices are based on peak summer seasons, as I know that
most tourist attractions in Croatia are cheaper during the off-season months. Do not forget to show
your student card if you have one so you can get a discount!
Walk the markets- free
Most major cities seem to have some unique marketplace or souks. I always recommend doing this
free activity as it lets you get a glimpse of products unique to that specific country. There are several
lively markets around the old town area of split that are great for buying cute clothes, souvenirs, and
other trinkets. Make sure to escape the sun and visit the underground market as well as the street
markets. Be sure to check out some of the stands that sell famous Croatian products, such as anything
pruduced or made of lavendar.
Visit Diocletian’s Palace- free
Diocletian’s Palace is the remains of what used to be a palace that was built for the Diocletian’s
family.It is now the main area and attraction of split. Diocletian was a famous Roman emperor that
ruled in the Dalmation region for more than 20 years. This palace is different from others around the
world, as the poor people of Split used to live inside the palace walls, in a separated section. The old
town is built within the walls of what now remains of the palace, and the main area you can go to for
great pictures is called Diocletians sqaure. (you can find this information if you join the free walking
tour I mentioned earlier).
If you have some extra time and are looking for day trips from Split, I would recommend both the Blue Cave/ 5
Islands tour as well as Krka National Park. I did both tours and have no regrets and thought my money was
well spent.
Blue Cave and 5 Islands Tour: 90 euros ($106 USD)
For the Blue caves tour, I went with a company named ____which offered me the tour price for 90
euros including the Blue Cave ticket. You can use their WhatsApp number +385917673666 to make a
reservation if you are interested. I had an enjoyable day and thought it was one of my favorite days of my 2-
month summer travels. Although 90 euros is not on the cheaper side and I understand this is usually out of the
typical backpacker’s budget range, if you have extra money to spare or have time to save more money at home
while planning your Croatia trip, I really do think this tour was worth the money value. You cannot get to the 5
different islands or the Blue Cave without individually buying ferry tickets for each island, so unless you have
your own boat, you really need to book a tour. The Blue cave was incredible and a unique experience to say
the least. If you are looking for a day of snorkeling, crystal blue waters, island hopping, boat rides, caves, and a
day out on the water, I highly recommend planning a full day to join a Blue Cave and 5 islands tour.
Krka Waterfalls: 29 euros ($34 USD)
Krka Waterfalls is a wonderful nature filled day trip and escape from the bustling city of Split. The tour
ticket price was 29 euros ($34) and included everything but lunch and the tickets to enter the park (student
discount available if you show any student card). You used to be able to swim in these waterfalls, but
unfortunately it was banned recently to protect the nature site, so do not be fooled and disappointed by looking
at old photos of people swimming in this waterfall. This tour also visits a cute little beach town where you will
have time to wander around the old town, grab some lunch, or take a dip in the sea. I booked this tour with Go
Adventures and was able to pay by card directly at their shop in Split (not common for most tour companies in
split).
Things to do in Split, Croatia
Although Split is an incredibly famous and touristy city in Croatia, it is worth to check it out for at least 2
or 3 days, depending on how many day trips or activities you want to participate in. Honestly, I was expecting
more from Split, as there is a lot of hype about this city. I found it to be quite expensive like Dubrovnik, with not
a lot of free options for budget travelers like myself. So be warned fellow backpackers, Split is a more
expensive destination and you will feel a dent in your wallet after visiting
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