For our final stop on our trip up the Dalmatian Coast, we chose to spend 48 hours in Split, Croatia. We had worked our way from Dubrovnik and onto the island Hvar, and decided to get into Split for a weekend.
We often heard that if you wanted to get a taste of the “non-touristy” Croatia then Split was the place to be. Upon arrival by way of ferry, we were really excited to hit the ground running and see just what made this city special. Split may have its fair share of visitors but it still have that local, neighborhood feel that we were eager to experience.
Split is the second largest city in Croatia. There is this perfect blend of historic architecture and modern life — the roads intersect beautifully. Within the Old Walls, life is buzzing. And of course, just outside lies a world of adventure and a ton of options for time in the sun. Here’s what we go up to during our 48 hours in Split, Croatia.
How to Spend 48 Hours in Split, Croatia
Where to Stay in Split, Croatia:
We opted for an Airbnb within the city walls of Old Town. It had it’s perks as far as location goes though trekking suitcases was a bit of a headache. I would still opt to stay in the city walls as you can’t beat it for the energy and atmosphere. (pack light!)
If you do opt for an Airbnb, be sure to read about how to book a successful Airbnb. (P.s. use this link for $40 off your first stay!)
The hotels I had my eye on in town were Hotel Vestibul and Heritage Hotel 19 just outside the walls.
Where to Eat in Split, Croatia:
- Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar: This one tops the list for many reasons — the food, the space, and well, the food. It’s certainly the busiest restaurant and for good reason. Come here for a modern take on Croatian food. Be sure to book a table in advance.
- D16 Coffee: If you’re looking for craft coffee, this is your spot in Split. We came here multiple times during our stay.
- Uje Oil Bar: These guys are amazing and they seem to own this littler corner with three different spots. One of them is a lunch spot and you can get charcuterie and salads and try their delicious local olive oil!
- Pizzeria Portas: One night we opted for pizza (we had over done it with seafood!) and we stumbled upon this place and loved it!
- Tradicija Bakery: A local pastry shop that is delicious!!
- Konoba Hvaranin: A local tavern with an array of dishes with seafood.
- La Bodega Split: Come here for a cocktail!
What to Do in Split, Croatia:
Depending on how much time you have in Split, you can opt to use it as a base to explore the coast and other national parks. We were meant to go to Plitvice but on the day we had chosen to, it was raining. Here’s a few things to do in Split:
- Explore the Old Town.
- Visit Diocletian’s Palace. (I’d opt to get there first thing in the morning to beat the crowds).
- Go for a hike in Marjan Forest Park. We came here and found an incredible secluded beach to jump into the water as well.
- Take a day trip to a nearby island like Hvar or Brac.
- Go see the Meštrović Gallery.
- Go to Krka National Park or Plitvice National Park. You could opt for a guided tour or self-drive from Split easily.
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1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
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I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
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For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
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I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
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I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
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Xx,
Jessica
