11 Unmissable Things To Do In Split At Night
The Croatian city of Split isn't a difficult place to spend some time. In fact, when you visit Split, the hardest task is not deciding what to do, but choosing what to leave out. That's because there's so much to do in this town and city centre that unless you have months to spend, you're going to have to be selective.
For history buffs, Split Old Town is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Diocletian's Palace, which dates back to the fourth century and in fact, occupies most of Split Old Town. The city is also home to the world's oldest Catholic cathedral with its iconic bell tower, so you'll find plenty of ancient history as you slowly explore Split in search of its historic monuments. A Split walking tour is an excellent way to see these sights.
But if history isn't your thing, don't worry. Split is absolutely surrounded by phenomenal natural environments, and day trips to visit Krka National Park and Plitvice Lakes National Park make for unforgettable encounters with the wild side of Croatia. And that's to say nothing of the pristine beaches located in and around the city, including the gorgeous island of Hvar and its famous Blue Cave, a highlight of the Dalmatian coast. A day trip from Split could well be the highlight of your trip. But, make sure that your day trip from split brings you back to the city centre by nightfall. You won't want to miss any of the exciting nighttime activities here.
And then there's the food. Traditional Croatian cuisine merges with what's new and exciting in the culinary world to make Split a great food city, so if your idea of a good time is trying new recipes, you're in luck. The restaurants of Split Old Town and the city center mean you certainly won't be going hungry.
But when the sun goes down, this beautiful city takes on a whole new atmosphere. Many of the best things to do in Split are best done at night. So drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage and get ready to explore ancient ruins, gorgeous beaches, lively bars and restaurants, and all the beauty of Old Town Split, including the iconic bell tower. You won't regret a single moment.
Explore Diocletian's Palace
Diocletian's Palace isn't exactly a hidden gem. In fact, this is one of Split's top tourist attractions, and in the summer months, can be extremely busy. This fact isn't surprising due to the palace's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, it sits right at the heart of Old Town and surrounds the city's main square. It inevitably tops any list of cool things to do in Split.
Built right at the start of the fourth century AD, Diocletian's Palace was the home of one of the few Roman emperors who managed to live to retirement age. And while this is a great place to see while visiting Split at any time of day, visiting at night makes Diocletian's Palace even more atmospheric. The exposed stone walls are lit up in the dark, and the endless bars and restaurants housed both inside and outside the palace are at their liveliest at this time of day.
In fact, this is such a beautiful place that it justifies a visit both in the daytime and at night to see different sides of the atmospheric palace. Plus, if you visit Diocletian's Palace at night you have a better chance of avoiding the crowds and getting a better sense of what life was like in Roman Split. A definite highlight of this amazing city, Diocletian's Palace is a fantastic place to visit no matter when you choose to do it.
Go Sea Kayaking
Split is a city that's built on the sea, so it only makes sense that one of the best things to do here is to get out on the water. And while there are plenty of ways to do that, sea kayaking is one of the most fun.
This activity gives you a great workout as you paddle your way around the city's coastline, and it's a great way to see some of Split's best-kept secrets. Sea kayaking takes you to parts of the city that you can't access from land, and it's a perfect way to get away from the hustle and bustle for a while.
Plus, Split is one of the best places in Croatia for sea kayaking. The clear water means you can often see right down to the bottom, and the calm waters make for a relaxing experience. There are plenty of operators to choose from, so you're sure to find one that suits your needs.
Sea kayaking makes a great day trip, and if you're looking for something a little more adventurous, you can always head out on a night kayaking tour. These tours take you out on the water when it's calm and peaceful, and they're a great way to see the city in a whole new light.
Take a Game of Thrones Tour
Okay, technically, a Game of Thrones tour isn't something you need to do at night. But the many locations in Split that were used in the popular HBO TV series often look their best once darkness falls.
From the ancient ruins of Diocletian's Palace to the more modern architecture of the city center, there are plenty of places in Split that will look familiar to Game of Thrones fans. And a guided tour is a great way to learn all about the show and see some of the best filming locations up close.
Many of the tours take place in the evening, which means you can explore the city by day and then take a tour at night. Or, if you're short on time, you can do it all in one go. Either way, this is a great way to see Split from a different perspective. Even if you're not a fan of Game of Thrones, you'll see why these stunning locations were chosen to shoot fantastical cities when you visit Split.
Learn more about Croatian wine
Croatian wine may not get the international attention that French or Italian wine does. But locals have been producing wine here since Roman times, and with a sunny Mediterranean climate and thousands of years of know-how, it's probably not that surprising that Croatia makes some truly excellent wines.
In fact, Split is one of the best places in Croatia to learn about Croatian wine. There are plenty of wine bars and restaurants that serve local wines, and many of them offer tasting menus where you can try a selection of different wines.
If you're not sure where to start, we recommend checking out some of the city's top wine bars. These places are usually run by experts who can guide you through the different types of Croatian wine and help you find ones that you'll love.
And if you want to learn even more about Croatian wine, there are plenty of day trips and workshops that take place in Split. These activities range from casual tastings to more formal classes, and they're a great way to expand your knowledge and explore the world of Croatian wine.
Climb Marjan Hill
Marjan Hill is one of the most popular places to go in Split, and for good reason. This historic park offers sweeping views of the city and the surrounding islands, and it's a great place to get some fresh air and escape the hustle and bustle for a while.
But did you know that Marjan Hill is also a great place to see Split at night? The hilltop location means you can enjoy panoramic views of the city after dark, and it's a great place to watch the sunset.
There are plenty of trails to explore on Marjan Hill, so you can take your time walking around and enjoying the scenery. And if you want to make a day of it, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby where you can grab a bite to eat.
Explore the Riva waterfront
Not far from Old Town, the Riva is Split's main promenade, and it's one of the best places in the city to people-watch and soak up the atmosphere. This bustling pedestrianized street is lined with cafes and restaurants, and it's always full of locals and tourists alike.
In the daytime, the Riva, which is on the edge of the Split Port, is a great place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean sun. But at night, it comes alive with a whole different energy. The cafes and bars are full of people, and the street is lit up with fairy lights. You'll also come across live music and some of the best street food in Split, so you won't have a hard time keeping busy right through to the early morning if that's what you want.
Walking along the Riva at night is a great way to see Split in all its glory, and it's also a great place to people-watch and enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife.
Take a Food Tour
If you're a foodie, then you'll definitely want to consider taking a food tour of Split. This is a great way to sample some of the best local dishes and learn about the city's culinary history.
There are plenty of different tours to choose from, and each one offers a different experience. Some focus on traditional Croatian cuisine, while others showcase the city's more modern restaurants. They will also help you get a better understanding of the best neighborhoods in Split.
Whichever type of tour you choose, you're sure to enjoy trying new foods and learning about Split's culinary scene. And who knows, you might even find your new favorite restaurant!
Visit a museum or gallery
Split is home to some excellent museums and galleries, and these places are definitely worth a visit if you 're interested in culture and history. The museums cover a range of topics, from Roman history to contemporary art, and there's something to suit everyone's interests.
And if you're visiting Split in the summer, make sure to check out the city's open-air galleries. These are located in some of the most atmospheric squares in Split, and they're a great way to enjoy the city's art scene while soaking up the Mediterranean atmosphere. Many of Split's top museums and galleries have late openings, making them perfect places to explore after dark.
Go for a Sunset Cruise
Split is surrounded by beautiful islands, and one of the best ways to see them is from the water. There are plenty of boat tours that depart from Split, and a sunset cruise is a great option if you want to enjoy the scenery and relax at the same time.
Most sunset cruises last for around two hours, and they usually include a stop for swimming and snorkeling. You'll also get to enjoy the stunning views as the sun sets over the Adriatic Sea.
A sunset cruise is a great way to see Split's natural beauty, and it's also a great opportunity to relax and unwind. A boat trip lets you see the Old Town with its iconic bell tower all lit up, and you'll also be able to see the famous outdoor locations of Split such as Hvar Island and the Blue Cave from a whole new perspective.
Go on a Pub Crawl
Split's nightlife scene is definitely worth exploring, and a pub crawl is a great way to do it. This is a fun way to meet new people and visit some of the best bars in the city.
Most pub crawls start in the Old Town, where you'll enjoy some traditional Croatian drinks before moving on to some of the livelier bars in the city center. You'll also get to experience Split's famous party atmosphere, and you might even find yourself dancing in one of the city's many open-air nightclubs.
If you want to make the most of Split's nightlife, then going on a pub crawl is definitely one of the best things to do. Just make sure you pace yourself, as there's plenty of drinking to be done!
Catch a movie on Bacvice Beach
If you're looking for something a little different, then why not catch a movie on Bacvice Beach? This is a popular activity in Split, and it's a great way to relax and enjoy the city's coastline.
Movies are screened on the beach every night during the summer, and there's a wide range of films to choose from. Whether you want to watch a classic or a new release, you're sure to find something that interests you.
And if you get hungry during the movie, don't worry – there are plenty of food stalls selling snacks and drinks. So you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
Conclusion
Split is absolutely packed with great things to do during the day. And once you factor in day trips from Split locations like Krka National Park and Plitvice Lakes National Park, it's easy to see why you might be too tired by the time the sun goes down to do anything else.
But missing out on what Croatia offers at night would be a real shame. Especially in the summer months, when the evenings are cooler than the days and the sun sets late, this old town is a truly gorgeous place to explore. So drop off your bags and get to know this jewel of the Dalmatian coast on the shores of the Adriatic Sea after sunset. You'll get to see a whole new side of a beautiful city and enjoy some fun activities along the way.