If you’re looking for unique and unusual things to do in Split, you’ve come to the right place. This blog post lists fun and unusual activities in Split, Croatia.
Split is a beautiful city on the Adriatic Sea that is well-known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and beautiful beaches. However, there’s more to this city than meets the eye.
There’s something for everyone, from exploring ancient tunnels to partying on a yacht. So, next time you visit Split, be sure to add a few of these unique activities to your itinerary. You’ll create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
Table of Contents
1. Visit the Froggyland Museum
Are you a fan of taxidermy? Then you’ll love the Froggyland Museum, the quirkiest museum in Split, Croatia. This quirky museum has over 500 preserved frogs in various poses and scenes, and it certainly deserves a place on our list of the most unique experiences in Split. The preserved frogs are arranged in 21 cases where they are presented doing people things like carpentry, chopping wood, rowing a boat on a lake, etc.
A visit to Froggyland will surely be a fun experience you won’t forget.
2. Have Fun Partying on a Boat
Experience Split’s clubbing life from a unique perspective by partying on a boat. You can enjoy some of the best parties in the city while cruising around the Adriatic Sea. With a drink in hand and music pumping from the speakers, you’ll have an unforgettable night.
3. Take an Evening Kayak Tour
If you want something more outdoorsy, why not take a kayak tour in Split? You can explore the waters around Split and get up close and personal with some of its unique wildlife.
Opt for an evening sea kayaking tour to make this adventure unique and cool!
4. Have Fun Stand-up Paddling at Night
If you seek fun things to do in Split, we recommend a night glow stand-up paddleboard tour along the Zrnovica River and the sea.
Stand-up paddleboarding is an excellent way to explore Split’s coastline and admire its picturesque views. Plus, as you paddle along at night, the LED-lighted boards create a mesmerizing atmosphere. An optional night swimming experience is also available, so don’t forget to bring your swimsuit!
It’s definitely an experience you won’t forget. Check the availability and prices of this tour!
5. Discover the Secrets of the Diocletian Palace
The Diocletian Palace is one of the most famous landmarks in Split, but did you know that beneath the palace lies a network of tunnels and chambers? The Emperor Diocletian used these ancient tunnels to keep his treasures safe. Today, you can explore the tunnels and discover the secrets of this remarkable palace.
6. Visit the Sustipan Park
Sustipan Park is a small park located on a hill overlooking the city and the sea, offering stunning views. It is a peaceful spot with an interesting history. During the Middle Ages, Sustipan was home to the Benedictine Monastery, and later, it served as a city’s cemetery until 1943. You can take a stroll through the park and enjoy the views.
7. Explore Churches and Chapels on Marjan Hill
Don’t miss to explore numerous small churches and chapels scattered throughout the Marjan Hill area.
St. Jere Church was built in the 15th century. We like this church because of a nearby hermitage site carved into the hill rocks.
Located on the southeast slopes of Marjan, the church of St. Nicolas the Traveler was built in the early 13th century.
A church of Our Lady of Good Council was built in 1513 within the Capogrosso Castle. It contains woodcuts by Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic, showing the life of Christ.
The church of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows is located in the area of Kasjuni. It was built in the mid-14th century. It contains a relief from the 17th century, believed to be a work of Juraj Dalmatinac, a great sculptor and architect from the time of the Venetian Republic.
Other churches on the Marjan Hill include Our Lady of Bethlehem, St. George, St. Benedict, Our Lady of Spinut, St. Magdalene of the Poor, etc.
8. Visit Art Galleries
Jaksic Gallery is a family-run gallery that displays artwork of various Jaksic family members. They opened their first gallery in Donji Humac on the island of Brac back in 2008, and in 2015, they followed with this exhibition room in Split. You’ll find Lovro Jaksic sculptures, Dina Jaksic paintings, or Ida Stipcic Jaksic jewelry on display here.
Studio Naranca is a family-run three-story art shop and gallery located near the Golden Gate on the northern side of the old town. The interior is lovely, resembling the interior of a boat. Here, you can purchase original souvenirs, like paintings, handmade jewelry, various arts and crafts, painted grocery bags, t-shirts, and graphics.
Jaman Gallery displays the work of local painter – Danijel Jaman. His paintings are flashy, colorful, and imaginative. The gallery also offers various prints, postcards, and phone cases.
Nomad Gallery, located in Split, is a unique pop-up art gallery that aims to make art more accessible to a broader audience. Nomad Gallery hosts engaging multimedia pop-up events in unconventional spaces across Split, sparking meaningful conversations about art and its societal significance. The gallery collaborates with cultural and artistic organizations, events, and festivals to cultivate a vibrant art scene and promote local and Croatian art. Nomad Gallery has organized numerous exhibitions in the past, including Nomad Movie Art, where renowned Croatian artists reimagined movie posters for classics such as Big Lebowski, Saturday Night Fever, and Rosemary’s Baby. Noisy Comics, another exhibition, showcased an innovative art project that combined drawings, animation, and soundtracks to create multimedia comic art.
9. Check the Museum of Illusions
If you’re looking for an unusual way to spend time in Split, head to the Museum of Illusions. It is located right at the heart of the old town, offering a unique and interactive experience. The museum features more than 70 exhibits, each designed to test your perceptions of reality as you explore optical illusions, holograms, mirrored rooms, and other
Find more info about availability and entrance tickets!
10. Travel Back in Time
Diocletian’s Dream is a unique virtual reality experience in Split. It’s an atypical way to explore the city and its history. You travel back in time into the world of Emperor Diocletian, who built his retirement palace here 1700 years ago.
The experience takes around 15 minutes, and you enjoy an immersive VR tour that transports you back to Roman times.
This is an excellent choice for those who want to learn more about Split’s history, and it’s also the perfect activity for kids.
11. Watch the Movie Under the Stars
During the summer, the Bacvice Open Air Cinema offers a unique experience of watching movies under the twinkling stars, surrounded by pine trees, and right by the sea.
The seats are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis, so arriving early and securing a comfortable spot is recommended. You can indulge in a selection of timeless classics, cult favorites, and captivating art-house films.
Tickets are affordable, allowing you to enjoy movies in their original language with Croatian subtitles. Popcorn, drinks, and restroom facilities are conveniently provided for your comfort.
12. Visit the Coolest Uneso-protected Supermarket
Did you know that the Spar supermarket in Split Old Town is a UNESCO-protected site? It is located on the ground floor of the Mala Papalićeva Palača complex, which was once a noble family’s residence within Diocletian’s Palace.
Magnificent Gothic pillars surround the grocery store. The palace was built in the 13th century and later restored by the famous Venetian-Dalmatian architect Juraj Dalmatinac, also known as Giorgio da Sebenico, around 200 years later.
Don’t miss the chance to visit this unique supermarket and get a glimpse into the history of Split.
13. Visit the Game of Thrones Museum
For all the Game of Thrones fans out there, Split provides a unique experience. The Game of Thrones Museum is located in Diocletian’s palace and offers many interactive and fun activities for all ages.
You can learn about the series’ history, watch episodes on a big screen, and try your hand at archery and throwing axes.
The museum also offers a free tour of Diocletian’s palace, which was used as the city of Meereen in the show.
So, if you’re a show fan, this is a must-do activity in Split! Buy an entrance ticket in advance!
14. Tour Poljud Stadium
Hajduk’s stadium, Poljudska ljepotica, or simply Poljud, is located in the Spinut neighborhood. It was built in 1979 for the Mediterranean games and has been a home field of Hajduk ever since. The stadium is also used for various cultural events, such as big concerts and Ultra Europe parties.
On this tour, you will learn about the history of Hajduk, the oldest soccer club in Croatia, founded in 1911. The adoration for Hajduk is evident throughout the Dalmatian coast, in villages adorned with murals paying homage to this soccer club.
The tour takes you around this historic arena and includes visiting the trophy room, the press room, and the VIP lounge.
This tour is available daily. Tour costs 11€ per adult (15+) and 6€ per child 3 to 14 years of age.
More info at the Hajduk Split website.
15. Play a Game of Picigin with Locals
Picigin is a local ball game originating from Split, and as such, it is protected as an intangible heritage of the Republic of Croatia. Picigin is super-popular all over Dalmatia, particularly in Split, and even more precisely, particularly at the Bacvice beach.
This ball game is as old as soccer in Split and has been played since 1923.
The game is played in shallow water with an old, peeled tennis ball. The idea is to have a ball in the air for as long as possible. There aren’t winners in picigin. Usually, it’s played by five players, each standing 6 to 7 meters from the other. The main idea is to throw the ball to other players in a way that makes them do attractive jumps and acrobatic moves. Players can only hit the ball with their palms.
Picigin is an integral part of Split identity. And if you visit Bacvice Beach (any time of the year), you will see locals playing this fun game.
If you have a chance, join in with locals to try your luck at picigin.
16. Go Rock Climbing
Marjan Crag was one of the first sites in Dalmatia where organized sport climbing occurred in 1986. It’s uncommon to find such a great climbing site in the city’s heart. Split alpinists train at Marjan for various climbing expeditions around the world.
The sport climbing area is known as Santine Stine, 40 m high south-facing cliffs, located at the westernmost part of Marjan, just above Kasjuni beach.
The area counts 77 mostly vertical routes, with difficulty level from 4c to 8a. The most interesting routes are in the range of 5c to 7a.
The area around Marjan Hill also offers a few sites to take on deep water solo. This can be an excellent alternative to classical rock climbing on hot summer days when more severe and demanding climbing routes can be out of reach due to high air temperatures. Kasjuni Beach and Sustipan are two popular sites for deep-water soloing.
Recommended tour: Deep Water Solo & Cliff Jumping in Split
17. Go Cliff Jumping
Cliff jumping is a popular activity in Split. Jumping off the rocks into the sea from heights up to 20m can be pretty thrilling but also dangerous.
Popular sites to go cliff jumping in Split include Sustipan Cliffs and Katalinka.
18. Solve the Mystery
On our last visit to Split, our friends booked us on an Escape Room experience in Split. Perhaps you’ve heard about this fun game where you get locked in and need to find your way out by following clues around you.
The Escape Room Split offers two scenarios: Jack the Ripper puts you in front of many intrigues as you try to solve one of the biggest mysteries of all time; in the other room, you must escape the Diocletian cellars after you find the hidden gold.
We played the Diocletian. But we can’t really reveal much because that would ruin the game. The game was fun, and we managed to escape just in time.
You have 75 minutes to find your way out. Otherwise, the moderator gives you the clues, helps you solve the mystery, and gets you out.
Number of players: 2-6
Price per game: 55€ for two persons and 80€ for six persons.
19. Learn to Cook like a Dalmatian
When I want to get a sense of a place I’m visiting quickly, there are two things I always do. First, I make it a point to visit a local supermarket. There’s something about exploring the aisles and seeing the local products that give me a glimpse into the everyday life of locals. Second, I indulge in an authentic local dish. Food has a way of reflecting the culture and traditions of a place, often revealing more than any guidebook can.
Being married to a Dalmatian, I have had the pleasure of experiencing the delicious and unpretentious Dalmatian cuisine. It is a typical Mediterranean diet, rich in fish, especially blue fish, and green vegetables like Swiss chard, kale, and spinach. Dalmatians also have mouthwatering stews, such as the flavorful “pasticada,” a baby beef stew, and the spicy fish stew known as “brujet.” Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.
If you’re in Split, I highly recommend learning about and trying some typical Dalmatian dishes. There are two fantastic food tours in Split that I can suggest: the Split Culinary Tour and the Culinary and Wine Tasting Tour of Split. These tours will allow you to explore the region’s culinary delights and indulge in its flavors.
20. Visit Local Wineries
Did you know that Zinfandel has its origins in Croatia? It is derived from an indigenous Croatian grape variety known as Crljenak Kastelanski, also called Tribidrag. The term Crljenak Kastelanski translates to “Crljenak from Kastela,” which is a group of seven charming towns between Split and Trogir.
Therefore, the vicinity of Split is home to a captivating array of wineries and vineyards, offering the perfect setting to savor Zinfandel in its authentic and local ambiance. If you’re seeking a distinctive and off-the-beaten-path experience in Split, I highly recommend visiting one of these wineries. Not only will you have the opportunity to indulge in wine tasting, but it also presents a beautiful avenue to immerse yourself in the local culture and gain insights into the diverse range of Croatian wines.
I suggest visiting two exceptional wineries close to Split: Matela Winery and Putalj Winery in Kastel Sucurac. Embark on a guided tour of their vineyards, where you can learn about the meticulous winemaking process. Following the informative tour, treat yourself to a delightful wine-tasting session with an array of local charcuterie, cheese, and other delectable bites.
21. Experience the Thrill of Zip-lining
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you’ll love zip-lining in Split. The zip-line offers breathtaking views over Cetina River Canyon as you soar through the air at high speeds. The experience is exhilarating and will surely be a highlight of your trip.
Check availability and prices here!
22. Go Skydiving
Skydiving is not for the faint-hearted. But for those who dare to do it, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences to have. I know this first-hand. And I was (seriously!) scared to death. And wishing never to have boarded that plane in the first place. But once down on the ground, I was happy to have done it. It’s off my bucket list, and I won’t repeat it. For me, once was enough. Anyways …
Skydiving might be the correct answer if you are looking for some adrenaline rush and to experience Split and the beautiful Adriatic Sea from another perspective.
The plane takes off from a small sports airport in Sinj, 40 km east of Split. The tour includes a panoramic flight and a tandem jump. Freefall lasts about 30 seconds, and a parachute flight lasts less than 10 minutes. Sky Dive Adria offers tandem jumps in Split.
For the less adventurous, Split Air offers panoramic flights (without jumps!) over the town of Sinj, Peruca Lake, and Cetina River Spring.
23. Visit Roman Ruins in Solin
Solin is a small town 6 km away from Split. In Roman times, it was an administrative center of the Roman province of Dalmatia. Its ancient name was Salona. Visiting Solin made it to our list of unusual things to do in Split because, unlike at other sites, Salona ruins are pretty low-key, under-visited, and not crowded at all despite actually being pretty significant and quite exciting site to visit for any history aficionado.
The Salona’s Roman ruins include a basilica, amphitheater, pillars, many sarcophagi, etc… A visit to Solin makes a lovely day out from Split.
You can easily reach Salona with Split City bus #1. Otherwise, you can book a tour that includes a visit to Salona.
24. Hike Mosor Mountain
Once you visit Dalmatia, you’ll quickly learn that the wonderful Adriatic Sea and high mountains stretching along the coast make this region unique. Dalmatia is mountainous, and I love it even more for that.
Exploring the nearby mountain of Mosor is one of the fun things to do in Split. Mosor Mountain is part of the Dinaric Alps, rugged mountains stretching from Slovenia in the northwest down to Albania in the southeast.
You can access Mosor from Klis or Zrnovnica and Gornje Sitno. You can reach all three villages by public bus from Split: no. 22 for Klis and no. 28 for Zrnovnica and Gornje Sitno. You can do the same by car.
Hiking trails are well marked (red and white sign), and you’ll meet many locals on weekends. Whether you decide to do a full round trip of the ridge or just a part of it, don’t miss Umberto Girometta mountain hut. Plan for a comforting (and rewarding) rustic, homemade lunch here.
25. Off-road ATV Ride
We’ve just given you an idea of hiking Mosor Mountain. But maybe you aren’t keen on hiking unknown mountains on your own. Or, you aren’t in shape for hiking at all. Still, if you also want to experience Split’s hinterland, embark on a fun quad adventure from Split for an exciting ride through Dinara Nature Park.
This tour offers a perfect combination of adventure and stunning scenery, taking you off the beaten path to explore the magnificent mountainous landscapes of Croatia at a thrilling pace.
These pristine landscapes, untouched by modern development, reveal a side of Croatia that cannot be experienced in any other way.
The guides are knowledgeable and fun-loving. They ensure a relaxed atmosphere and frequently stop at picturesque spots with stunning panoramic views.
This Quad Adventure from Split is an immersive and unique experience that engages all your senses, taking you on a journey through the wilderness. It’s an unforgettable adventure that you won’t want to miss. Oh, and there is a traditional lunch at the end of the tour.
26. Take a Speed Boat Trip
Exploring nearby islands is a great way to make your stay in Split more exciting and unique. One option is to visit places like Hvar, Vis, Solta, or Brac on a day cruise.
However, this speedboat tour of Vis, Hvar, and Blue Cave is popular among locals and tourists.
What are the best things to do in Split, Croatia?
Here you had it – our list of the unique and unusual things to do in Split! However, you must prioritize if you are visiting Split for the first time and staying there shortly. So, if you wonder what the best things to do in Split, Croatia are, we compiled a list of 20 not-to-be-missed attractions, activities, and day trips.
Best Day Trips from Split
Split makes the perfect base for on your Croatian trip from where you can take many day trips to explore some of the area’s most impressive attractions. Below are five of our favorite day trips from Split:
- Island hopping from Split: 5 Island Boat Tour from Split
- Plitvice Lakes National Park Day Tour from Split
- A Day Trip from Split to Krka Waterfalls
- Exploring Mostar and Kravica Waterfalls from Split
- Visiting Dubrovnik for a Day from Split
