Good to know
Good to Know
- Diocletian's Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the literal foundation of Split's Old Town—walking the grounds is free and open 24/7, though specific buildings charge entry fees.
- Most split museums close on Sundays; check hours before visiting, especially if traveling during off-season (November–March).
- Arrive at Diocletian's Palace early (7–9 AM) to explore Peristyle and major sights without crowds; tour groups concentrate between 10 AM–4 PM.
- The SplitCard is free for anyone staying 2+ nights in Split and provides access to 3 major museums plus 25–30% discounts on attractions—worth getting even for a short stay.
- Game of Thrones fans can visit the exact cellar locations where dragon and throne-room scenes were filmed (€10 entry to cellars).
- Many restaurants and shops operate within the palace complex itself, creating an atmospheric but touristy dining environment; seek out konobas (traditional taverns) in the northern palace sections for better value.
- Narrow alleys within the palace can be challenging for those with mobility issues; entry is accessible but interior navigation is narrow and uneven.
- Unlike some cities, Split doesn't have a single comprehensive 'city pass'—the SplitCard is the official option and is genuinely valuable if eligible.
Must See Sites
Diocletian's Palace
- Best Time To Visit
- Early morning (7-9 AM) before cruise ship crowds and tour groups arrive
- Description
- UNESCO World Heritage site and the heart of Split's Old Town. Built in the late 3rd/early 4th century (around 305 AD) as Roman Emperor Diocletian's retirement residence. The palace is a sprawling complex covering 40,000 square meters, now serving as a living medieval neighborhood with shops, restaurants, and apartments integrated throughout. Free to walk through the palace grounds and explore narrow Roman streets, Peristyle courtyard, and ancient architecture.
Entry
- Palace Grounds
- Free, open 24/7
- Underground Cellars
- €10
Key Features
- Peristyle courtyard with Corinthian columns
- Golden Gate (north entrance)
- Underground cellars (paid admission)
- Temple of Jupiter (Baptistery)
- Cathedral of St. Domnius
Cathedral of Saint Domnius and Bell Tower
- Description
- One of the world's oldest Catholic churches in continuous use, originally built as Diocletian's mausoleum and later converted to a church in the 7th century. Features medieval carved wooden choir stalls from 1214 and impressive Gothic bell tower (57 meters, 183 steps) offering panoramic views of Split.
Entry
- Hours
- 8 AM–8 PM April–October
- Cathedral Only
- €5.00
- Bell Tower Only
- €5.00
- Combined Cathedral And Tower
- €7.00
Archaeological Museum
- Description
- Croatia's oldest museum (founded 1820) featuring fascinating Roman and early Christian artifacts from Central Dalmatia, particularly from ancient Salona. Notable collection includes Illyrian mythical reliefs, lapidarium with sculpture and funerary artifacts in a contemplative courtyard garden setting.
Entry
- With Split Card 50 Percent Discount
- €3.50
- Regular
- €7.00
Meštrović Gallery and Kaštelet
- Description
- Highly acclaimed gallery showcasing Croatia's most renowned sculptor Ivan Meštrović. Housed in his own neo-Renaissance villa overlooking the Adriatic, featuring over 190 sculptures in bronze, marble, and wood spanning his entire career. Nearby Kaštelet contains his religious works.
Entry
- With Split Card 30 Percent Discount
- €7.00
- Regular
- €10
Practical Tips
Timing Strategy
- Content
- Avoid the Peristyle between 10–11 AM when tour groups create congestion. Enter via the Golden Gate around 9 AM for the smoothest experience. Best exploration time is 7–9 AM before cruise ships dock.
Ticketing
- Content
- Many ticketed sites within the palace can be purchased on-site without advance booking; no lines typically form. Combo tickets are available for cathedral, bell tower, crypt, baptistery, and treasury. Student and senior discounts available (bring ID).
Free Walking
- Content
- Most of Diocletian's Palace and the Old Town can be explored for free by simply wandering the streets and courtyard areas. Only specific buildings and structures (cellars, cathedral interior, bell tower) require paid entry.
Museum Closures
- Content
- Most museums close on Sundays. Many archaeological/cultural sites have seasonal hours (reduced hours November–March; extended hours April–October). Verify hours before planning.
Game of Thrones Locations
- Content
- Palace cellars were used to film Daenerys' throne room and dragon scenes in Meereen. Fans can visit exact filming locations by purchasing cellar access (€10).
Nearby Historical Site
- Content
- Ancient Salona ruins (6 miles north, nearby city of Solin) are part of organized tours or accessible independently. Includes Roman City Ruins, amphitheater, and medieval sites. Accessible with 50% discount on SplitCard.
Best Value
- Content
- If staying 2+ nights, prioritize getting the SplitCard (free at Tourist Info). For visitors planning to see 3+ major sites, the card typically saves 15–30% vs. individual tickets.
Museums And Galleries
Split City Museum
- Description
- Located in the Papalić Palace within the palace complex. Recounts Split's history through drawings, coats of arms, weapons, furniture, coins and documents. Currently undergoing renovation with new discoveries of palace sections being made.
Entry
- Estimated Regular
- €6.00
Ethnographic Museum
- Description
- Established 1910, showcases traditional costumes, folk crafts, and culture of the Dalmatian Coast. Exhibits feature local women's products, folk costumes from various Dalmatian regions, and works from the Split Craft School. Bilingual displays in Croatian and English.
Entry
- Regular
- €3.00
- Free With Split Card
- Yes
Emanuel Vidović Gallery
- Description
- Museum dedicated to the life and works of painter Emanuel Vidović, an important Croatian artist.
Entry
- Regular
- €6.00
- Free With Split Card
- Yes
Natural History Museum
- Description
- Displays natural history collections from the region.
Entry
- Free With Split Card
- Yes
Croatian Maritime Museum
- Description
- Comprehensive collection of maritime history artifacts, scale models of ships, paintings, engines, motors, and items related to seafaring traditions. Includes a room dedicated to the development of the self-propelled torpedo.
Entry
- With Split Card 30 Percent Discount
- €2.45
- Regular
- €3.50
Game of Thrones Museum
- Description
- Themed museum with 100 exhibits in 5 rooms showcasing props and artifacts from Game of Thrones filming locations. Visitors can see exact filming locations from the palace cellars (Daenerys' throne room scenes). VR experience available. Small, intimate space.
Entry
- Regular
- €13
Museum of Senses
- Description
- Interactive museum designed to stimulate all five senses with exhibits on smell, taste, sound, touch, and sight. Features optical illusions and sensory-engagement activities.
Entry
- Regular
- €8.00
Froggyland
- Description
- Unique museum featuring 507 stuffed frogs arranged in 21 scenes depicting human-like scenarios (sports, school, professions). Created by taxidermist Ferenc Mere (1910–1920). Quirky and memorable experience; photography not permitted inside.
Entry
- Estimated
- €5.00
Split Art Gallery
- Description
- Cultural gem located near the Golden Gate of Diocletian's Palace. Features various artwork including abstract, fine art paintings, historical paintings, and sculptures.
Entry
- Estimated
- €10
Key Passes And Discounts
SplitCard
- Validity
- 72 hours from pickup
- How To Get
- Present proof of paid accommodation (booking confirmation) at Tourist Information Centers: TIC Peristil, TIC Riva, or TIC Stobreč
- Eligibility
- Staying 2+ nights April–October or 5+ nights November–March
- Description
- Free official tourist card available to visitors staying in Split accommodations. Valid for 72 hours (3 days) from activation. Provides free museum entry and discounts on attractions, restaurants, shops, and services.
Discounts
25 Percent Off
- Diocletian's Palace Substructures (Cellars)
30 Percent Off
- Meštrović Gallery and Kaštelet
50 Percent Off
- Archaeological Museum
- Salona (Tusculum)
- Croatian Maritime Museum
Free Entries
- Emanuel Vidović Gallery
- Ethnographic Museum
- Natural History Museum
- City Museum of Split (when open)
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
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Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.