Tourist tips for Split

July 8, 2014 3:20 PM

We're heading to Croatia for a week at the end of August, probably staying around the Split area. Your recommendations for accommodation and sightseeing would be appreciated.

Search parameters for the accommodation are: Somewhere within an hour of the airport (we will be arriving late into Split ). Preferably an apartment with a kitchen and terrace/balcony, handy for sightseeing and bars/restaurants. We're leaning towards Split itself, but would be open to recommendations elsewhere. Any additional tips for sightseeing, particularly history/science/culture, also appreciated.

posted by Jakey to Travel & Transportation around Split, Croatia (7 answers total)

Diocletian's Palace. One of the few Roman Emperors to make it to retirement.
Go walk up Marjan with a picnic lunch.
Maybe catch a football match of the local club: Hajduk Split: Why Hajduk Split Should Be Your Pet Club
Have some travarica.

Take a side trip to Dubrovnik, pearl of the Adriatic.

Anthony Bourdain visits the Croatian coast
posted by the man of twists and turns at 4:01 PM on July 8, 2014

I stayed at the Marmont Hotel in Split which wasn't super cheap but was incredibly nice and right next to (basically inside) the Palace. Not to mention that the concierge was absolutely delightful and extremely helpful in navigating the town, ferries, day trips, everything. Possibly the best hotel service I've ever received. Very much recommend.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 5:02 PM on July 8, 2014

I haven't been in the area for years, but in general I would recommend getting out on the water.
posted by Harald74 at 5:28 AM on July 9, 2014

My wife and I went to Split last year for 2 nights and stayed at an awesome bed and breakfast place called St Luke Residence. The owner is a very friendly and helpful fellow. The location was right in the heart of Split so everything was walking distance. Definitely worth checking out.
posted by drug_dealer73 at 11:09 AM on July 9, 2014

Split is great, but it is crowded with tourists in summer. However, do eat at Fife's Konoba at the north end of the Riva! Get out to the islands: avoid Hvar unless you like British teen drunks partying at 2 AM. Take the ferry to Vis and then the bus to Komiza for a real Mediterranean vibe, small, slow and laid back.
posted by zaelic at 4:00 PM on July 9, 2014

Get up to Zadar and experience the Sea Organ. It is the coolest public art I've ever seen.
posted by heatherann at 5:04 PM on July 9, 2014 [1 favorite]

I was just in Croatia and spent a few days in Split. Our plan was to take ferries to the islands nearby but it was unusually rainy and chilly so we had to improvise and I can't speak about the islands directly. I would still recommend them. The palace is the main tourist attraction. The Riva is very nice, and I also second Marjan. Nice walk away from the crowds. There was also a nice beach that direction. We stayed at the Atrium Hotel. It was fine but not great-doesnt sound like what you're looking for anyway. There were tons of places on AirBnB, but my impression is that the busy season is upcoming so you probably want to make reservations sooner rather than later. Split seemed walkable and safe. Our hotel was maybe 15 minutes walking from all the action and I felt fine navigating and walking back at night (though we werent out too late). There are also local buses. We also took a day trip to Plitvice Lakes. Absolutely stunning. Not sure what else is on your agenda -it's maybe 3 hours from Split but I would recommend it.
posted by kochenta at 8:00 PM on July 9, 2014