Is Split safe? What you should know

Split, Croatia’s second-largest city and sun-kissed gem on the Adriatic coast, offers a perfect mix of ancient history and seaside vibes! Roman ruins are nestled among charming cafes and palm-lined promenades. This makes it the kind of place where you can wander through a 1,700-year-old palace and then hit the beach all in one afternoon! Plus, Marjan Hill offers a dash of nature with panoramic views that are worth every step! Did you know the city has been settled since Emperor Diocletian decided he needed a seaside retirement home?

Split is a comfortable city for travelers, but like any tourist hub, keep an eye on your valuables in crowded areas. Locals are warm, often fluent in English, and quick to share tips on where to find the best ćevapi (traditional ground meat) or sladoled (ice cream). This guide will help you explore Split smartly, discover its rich culture, and experience its natural beauty! You’ll also find some practical stuff like navigating the city’s cobblestone streets. Whether you’re diving into its history or just its crystal-clear waters, Split has something special for everyone!

Safety tips to keep in mind during your time in Split

Croatia is generally a very safe country, and if you're wondering about Split specifically, it's also a very safe city! Its crime rate is very low and violent crime is almost non-existent here! As long as you stick to populated areas, use common sense, and take some normal precautions, even solo female travelers will have a safe and comfortable time here!

Getting from the airport to Split city center

So, when you leave Split airport (Saint Jerome Airport), what you want to do is grab the number 37 bus and you'll get to the Old Town in about 45 minutes. From there, a lot of tourist attractions are within walking distance, so you can start exploring right away!

Tips to stay safe when you first arrive in Split

Just like other tourist cities, money scams are very common in Croatia. Scammers target tourists who aren’t familiar with how everything works in the country and aren’t sure about what to expect. So, check out some common scams!

• Taxi: You’ll find taxi scams in just about every major city around the world. It's a service everyone needs and it can be hard to prove you got scammed. If you don't use apps and just regular taxis, the drivers might charge you unrealistic fees for short rides. Either agree on a fair price before you set off or just use a trusted app like Uber or Bolt that usually accept your complaints.
• Exchange rates at an ATM: If you really need to exchange money at an ATM, always double-check its exchange rate and the average exchange rate online. Just a quick check can save you from getting ripped off by a machine, which is never fun!

Is tap water in Split safe to drink?

Yes, Croatia has some of the best tap water in the EU! Split is right next to the Mosor mountain range, and where there are mountains, there's usually natural freshwater! Naturally sourced, purified, and mineral-enriched, you can't go wrong with water like that!

Safe accommodation options in Split

If you want some local advice about where to stay in Split and what areas are safest, we've got you covered!

1. If you're looking for a peaceful, seaside, green-filled spot that's far away from crowded areas, Meje’s your place! It's got stunning views of Marjan Hill and of the islands on the Adriatic Sea! Here you can stay at the Mirari Boutique Hotel for €160 per night. Its main attractions are the views, rooftop hotel, and luxurious rooms and balconies!
2. Varoš is the historic neighborhood of Split where you can explore history, old-timey architecture, and Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site! If you're tired of wallet-draining hotels, you can stay at the Apartments Korta for just €80 per night! The rooms are simple, but they have kitchens if you’re into making your own food!
3. Bacvice​ is known for its beach, which is perfect if you want to be just a few minutes away from a nice swim! It's also got a vibrant nightlife for some more fun after a day at the beach! The port is also right there, so you're also minutes away from some boat trips! If you're looking for something even more luxurious than Mirari, Hotel Villa Harmony has a spa and outdoor pool and it's steps away from the beach! Expect to spend around €200 per night.

Pro tip: If you're looking to do some underwater exploring, Split is the place to do it! If you brought your own scuba gear, you probably need a place to stash it. Maybe you haven't checked into your hotel yet or they don't take luggage like that, that's where Bounce comes in! We're here to wave those worries goodbye and let you store anything you don't need for however long you want with just a few clicks!

Cultural callouts & things to keep an eye out for

If you're completely unfamiliar with Balkan culture, some useful tips are coming your way!

• The locals are generally welcoming and friendly. They usually know English because it's taught in schools from an early age. But, if you want some phrases to help you get around, here they are:
• Dobar dan/Dovidjenja (Good afternoon/Goodbye); Da/Ne (Yes/No); Hvala (Thank you); Oprosti (Excuse me); Koliko ovo košta? (How much is this?); Gdje je WC? (Where is the bathroom?).
• Don't start eating until everyone gets their meal.
• Tipping isn't necessary, but a small tip will always be appreciated!
• When toasting, look people in the eye and say Živjeli! You'll fit right in!
• If you're going into someone's house, always take your shoes off unless they tell you otherwise.

Keeping safe when navigating the city

It's easy to keep safe when you're in a safe city! But we’re here to tell you how to be efficient too!

• Buses are the most common public transportation means and Split has a solid bus network. You can buy tickets directly on the bus unlike in some other countries.
• Walking is very fun in Split! The narrow streets are captivating, but can be a bit hilly. So, watch out if it's raining or snowing!
• Biking can be a challenge in hilly areas, but very fun at the seaside! You can rent them here too!
• If you want to drive, the Old Town can be a bit frustrating. Your best bet is to grab the smallest rental they've got!
• If you want to explore at night, don't wander too far from the city, just in case.

Nature and Split: Tips to keep in mind

Split's got some great outdoor activities! Here are some:

• Bacvice Beach and Kasjuni Beach are sandy, have clear water, and are perfect for some sunbathing. So if you're looking for the best beaches near Split for family fun, check out these! If you go a bit farther down the coast, you've got a better shot at stumbling on some cool spots while scuba diving!
• The best hikes near Split, you ask? No problem! Marjan Hill and the Mosor mountain range have a variety of routes and difficulty levels! Mountains near the sea have the best panoramic views and photo ops to make your friends, family, and Instagram followers jealous!
• The summer heat can be intense! Always have a bottle of water with you (filled with tap water of course!) and apply SPF regularly! 

Last tips in the case of an emergency

No one wants an emergency while on vacation, but it's always good to be prepared in case it does happen. So, here are a few tips:

• Always get travel insurance! If you need healthcare, it can get pretty expensive without it.
• EU citizens can get the EHIC card for more coverage.
• UK citizens have the option for a GHIC card.
• Croatia's street food scene is generally safe, but be careful if you see anything that's been around raw food.
• Ask about allergens before ordering, Croatian cuisine has a lot of dairy and wheat.
• 112 is the EU emergency line. Here are national emergency numbers: 192 - police; 193 - fire brigade, 194 - ambulance, 195 - search and rescue at sea.

So, is Split safe?

Yes, Split can safely brag about its very low crime rate and almost non-existent violent crime scene! It doesn't have a particularly unsafe place so you can explore till your heart can't take no more! And if you need to stash your wet suit, air tank, or fins, just download the Bounce app with a few clicks and find a trusted local business near you!