If you are planning a family holiday to Croatia, you must visit Split. Split is a beautiful city by the Adriatic sea. It is Croatia’s second largest city and a popular destination of choice for many families. While in Split you can have a relaxing time while immersing your family in some ancient history.
We loved how well preserved the ancient sites are. Once the day trippers and the cruise ship passengers are gone, you certainly get a more local feel of Split. Our two boys love the “slidey” marble walkways throughout old town.
Though Split is not that big, we spent three nights there and found it to be just the perfect duration to cover the main sites at a relaxed pace.
Here is Letsgobeartravel’s Split Croatia holiday with kids: best places to go…
Palace gates
There are 4 old palace gates in Split, referred to as: Golden, Silver, Bronze and Iron Gate. Golden gate being the most famous, as it is the main entry to the old town.
Diocletian’s Palace
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most impressive attraction in Split and was the highlight for us. The beautifully preserved ancient palace was built in the early 4th century by Roman emperor Diocletian. Today the old palace is bustling with restaurants, bars, shops, and market stalls.
Buy an entry ticket which covers your visit to the Cathedral of St Domnius, the crypt, treasury and baptistery (Temple of Jupiter).
The Peristil, a courtyard nestled between the Temple of Jupiter and the Cathedral of Domnius was our kids’ favourite as they get to chase the pigeons, run around, and play balancing on the courtyard steps. They also loved the great sphinx perched on top, definitely a surprise addition to the complex. Note: you must come back here at night (read below)
Nearby you will find the Vestibulo. It is a massive room with a large domed ceiling. Vestibulo was once the formal entrance to the imperial apartments.
Climb the Cathedral’s bell tower
If you are not afraid of heights, pay a little extra to climb Cathedral of St Domnius bell tower. The 360 degrees view of the city is worth that little sweat. Some of the steps are steep and during busy times, congestion can be a problem here. Consider going up the bell tower first thing in the morning before the cruise ship group tours arrive.
The bells do ring every half hour and it rings extremely LOUD. Cover your little ones’ ears and warn them beforehand to avoid some tears.
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Walking around Old town
Getting lost in the tiny lanes of Split old town in part of the fun.
Some of our favourite spots include Trg Republike – a Venetian style square, Trg brace Radic – very close to Riva waterfront and daily farmers market selling local produce – just outside of the Silver Gate (east side).
Split’s most legit coffee place
None other than D16 Coffee is located inside the Diocletian’s Palace. This pretty little coffee shop is by far the best coffee we’ve tasted in whole of Croatia. They also serve yummy croissants and freshly squeezed orange juices for the little ones.
Note: coffee is Croatia is generally quite strong. In most places ordering “cappuccino” usually gives you espresso with a bit of froth on top. D16 Coffee serves their coffee just right.
Enjoy live music & dance the night away
Dance among the Roman columns! Stop by for a drink at Lvxor Café & Restaurant at the Peristil – right in front of St Domnius cathedral.
There is daily live music from 8pm til late right in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace!
Riva waterfront promenade
Lined up with cafes and restaurants, this palm tree lined waterfront promenade is the place to be for locals and tourists alike.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll, soak up some sun, and people watch. Afterwards walk to the Matejuska port for great views.
Marjan hill
Climb the 300+ steps of Marjan Hill staircase and you will be rewarded with amazing panoramic views overlooking beautiful Split. The steps aren’t steep and easily doable by kids.
Café Vidilica at the top is a good spot for a sunset drink.. or two.
Eat like a local
Fancy a Michelin star (yet affordable) local restaurant? Then head to Konoba Fetivi for the freshest seafood and scrumptious squid ink risottos.
If you are after a quick bite where all the locals go to then head to Kantun Paulina. It’s a cash only, tiny hole in the wall kind of place. Go for the famous cevapis, be warned it is addictive!
Boat trip to The Islands
The city is also a good base for visiting the surrounding nearby islands. Some of the favorites include Brač and Hvar.
Day trip to Bosnia
Just 2 hours from Split you can cross the border and visit Bosnia. Places you can easily visit include Mostar, Blagac and Kravice waterfalls.
For other places we have visited, checkout our website’s travel Destinations section. We buy our travel essentials online via Ebay
