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Is Split safe to visit? A comprehensive safety guide

Although it is a big city, Split has a definite small town charm. It is the oldest city in Croatia with a history dating way back to the 4th century. Its small streets with cafes and vendors give Split a distinctly laid-back vibe, and it is said to be the perfect combination of modern and traditional. Just off the shores of the Dalmatian Coast on the Adriatic Sea, Split boasts a naturally beautiful scenery that is present in all of Croatia, like the outstanding Plitvice National Park.

If you want to vacation in Split you will be one of at least a million people who visit the city each year. The most popular time to travel here is between the months of June and August, and the city is much quieter from November to March. As the second biggest city in Croatia Split is never empty as it is home to almost 200,000 citizens.

Split is a generally safe city, but anytime that you're visiting somewhere new you should be mindful of your things and where you leave them. The safest place is in a suitcase storage locker in Split, and Bounce has a trustworthy protection plan and customer support service that is available 24/7. You'll never have to worry about the security of your belongings.

Is Split safe to visit right now?

Overall, Croatia is known to be a very safe country, and in fact, it is one of the higher ranking destinations on the 2021 Global Peace Index, being in 15th place. There are also no current travel restrictions for the county and you're safe to visit Croatia without any worries. That being said, you should also check in with the travel advisories that your own government might have in place.

We don't recommend traveling anywhere before you're familiar with the safety concerns of a city, and each one has some. Split is a very safe place with excellent water quality, meaning that you can even drink tap water. You can absolutely have a safe trip here if you use common sense and take into account a few safety tips which we'll introduce you to. To be extra prepared, consider reading some other safety guides as well, no matter your level of travel experience.

Top petty crimes and scams in Split affecting tourists

Your personal safety should be your top priority anytime that you visit a new place. Here are a few problems that tourists often experience in Split as well as how to avoid them.

Pickpocketing

If you have traveled to popular European countries in the past, chances are that you're already familiar with pickpockets and the dangers that come with them. Petty theft should not pose a threat to your individual safety, although it is never fun to have your valuables stolen. Luckily, you can protect yourself against thieves reducing the number of valuables you carry on your person and keeping your items in a bag in front of you.

Is Split safe to travel alone

Sometimes you might want to experience a city on your own, and you'll find that the locals of Split are warm and welcoming to all. It is a relatively quiet city for its size which makes it a great place for a solo vacation, as less touristy cities often see fewer scammers and thieves. Despite being one of the safest countries for solo travel, it's always a good idea to be cautious when walking around the street by yourself and to stick to the populated areas where you won't be alone.

Split is also a safe place for solo female travelers who are looking to explore a new city. You won't be at any more risk than men here, and many Croatians speak English and are willing to help you if you need it. Otherwise, you should just follow basic safety precautions as you would in your home country.

Safest neighborhoods in Split

When planning your travel itinerary you should take a look at the crime rate in the different areas that you'll be visiting. Fortunately, Split is a very safe place, and there aren't many neighborhoods that you'll need to worry about.

Old Town

The Old Town of Split is a fantastic place to visit and you'll definitely be spending lots of time here. It is home to some of the city's top landmarks, like Diocletian's Palace.

Veli Varos

This Split neighborhood has a rustic and traditional feel to it, and it is a favorite among families. Filled with pedestrian only streets, Veli Varos is a lovely place for a stroll.

Stobrec

Located off the Split peninsula, this beautiful area is perfect for people who want to relax at the beach or just take a walk picking up sea urchins along the Adriatic coast. You should reserve a full day to enjoy this area.

Is Split public transportation safe?

As the largest city in Croatia, public transportation is a must when it comes to getting around Split. And, aside from pickpockets, the public transit network is absolutely safe. As long as you're aware of your surroundings and pay close attention to your belongings you shouldn't run into any trouble.

In general, it is safer to be navigating any city during daylight hours, and even though it is not an unsafe place you might want to consider taking a taxi if you're going somewhere far late at night.

Important emergency numbers in Split

The key to a safe trip is to be prepared and to stay safe you should keep a note of these emergency numbers. You should also write down your embassy number in the event you need it.

  • Emergency: 112
  • Police: 192
  • Fire Department: 193
  • Emergency Medical Help: 194

Staying safe in Split

Over the last couple of years, Split has been gaining popularity among tourists. It is also a very safe city as long as you take the normal precautions. It's also wise to purchase travel insurance any time that you travel far from home. To get a better feel for the area you can read the following articles as well. Where to Stay in Split: The Ultimate Guide will fill you in on nice neighborhoods and How to Get Around Split will enable you to navigate the city with ease. Keep our Split safety tips in mind and you'll have a marvelous trip.

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