After the smaller towns along the coast, we were eager to spend 48 hours in Split, Croatia’s second-largest city. Full disclosure…driving into Split, I had a moment. You come in through areas with apartment blocks and more residential streets, and I had that sinking feeling that maybe we’d be underwhelmed. We were staying just outside the Old Town, about a five-minute walk, and it felt a bit industrial, very local, not especially pretty at first glance.
And then… we walked into the city.
And I was completely wrong.
The shift was instant. We stepped into these cobbled alleyways with soft lighting everywhere, restaurants on every corner, and then suddenly, we were inside a freaking palace! Diocletian’s Palace, built in 305 CE, is the heart of the city, and people still live and work within its walls. The Old Town is compact and easy to wander, and you’re never far from the sea, a beach bar, or somewhere to sit and take it all in.
48 hours in Split feels just right. You get a great feel for it… and still leave wanting a little more.
48 Hours in Split: Getting There
By Air
The closest airport is Split Airport (SPU), about 25 minutes from the city center.
From the airport:
- Taxi or Uber (~25 minutes)
- Private Transportation
- Rental car pickup
If you’re doing a Croatia or Balkans road trip, having a car gives you flexibility, but know that you won’t need it once you’re in Split.
By Car
Split is well-connected along the Croatian coast.
- Dubrovnik to Split drive time: 3 to 3.5 hours
- Kotor to Split: ~4 hours (with border crossing)
- Mostar to Split: 2.5 to 3 hours
It’s a beautiful coastal drive, and note that it can be slower in summer with traffic. Parking in Split Old Town isn’t possible, so plan to park outside the city walls and walk in.
By Ferry (From the Islands)
Split is the main ferry hub for the Dalmatian coast.
- Hvar – Split: ~1 hour by catamaran
- Korčula – Split: 2.5–3 hours
- Brač – Split: 50 minutes
Tip: If you’re coming from the islands to spend 48 hours in Split, this is one of the easiest transitions
48 Hours in Split: Where to Stay
Plan your accommodations in Split based on what you’re looking for in a hotel stay. If you stay inside or just next to the Old Town, you’re right in the action, and you can walk everywhere, and restaurants, cafés, and the waterfront are all on your doorstep. If you stay a little further out, it’s quiet, and you’ll have more space and often better views.
If you’re spending 48 hours in Split, I’d stay in or right next to the Old Town, as it makes everything easy. If you have an extra night or want more of a beach + relaxation feel, then staying just outside is a nice switch. Here are 4 solid hotel options:
- Cornaro Hotel – Located in the center of Split, just a 2-minute walk from Diocletian’s Palace
- Piazza Hertiage Hotel – Lovely boutique hotel in the middle of Old Town overlooking the old square
- Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Split – Beachfront feel, about 10 minutes from Old Town, and great if you want a resort vibe
- Le Méridien Lav, Split – right on the water with more space, marina, and beach clubs
48 Hours in Split: Top Things to Do
Wander Diocletian’s Palace
This is the heart of Split. You don’t “visit” Diocletian’s Palace, you wander through it. The Old Town is built into the palace itself, so you’re literally walking through history. We spent time wandering through the narrow streets, checking out the alleys, and stopping for gelato.
While you’re there, don’t miss the Egyptian sphinx guarding the Peristyle. It’s over 3,000 years old, and just quietly sits there. Also, keep an eye out for the Roman mosaic tucked into a courtyard. They’re easy to miss, but worth keeping an eye out for.
Sit on the Riva (Waterfront Promenade)
The Riva is filled with palm trees, cafés, boats in the harbor, and it’s definitely the place to sit for a while and people-watch. Most of the restaurants are open-air, spilling out into the streets or lining the waterfront, so you’re never quite inside or outside.
In the evenings, you’ll find beach clubs starting to fill up if that’s your scene, and we saw plenty of youngsters getting ready to go “out out”. It’s quite a scene, depending on what you’re in the mood for.
Climb the Bell Tower at St. Domnius Cathedral
If you want epic views, you’ll want to climb this during your 48 hours in Split. The climb is narrow in parts, with a mix of stone steps, metal stairs, and a few sections that feel tight, so take it slowly. Once you reach the top, it opens up with full views over the terracotta rooftops of the Old Town, the harbor, and out to the islands and beyond.
It’s worth going up earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon when it’s a bit quieter and cooler. And just a heads up, don’t linger under the bells if they start ringing. It’s very loud, and you’ll definitely know about it.
Walk up Marjan Hill
If you want a break from the city during your 48 hours in Split, head up to Marjan Hill. It’s a short walk from town, and once you’re up there, it feels completely different…quiet, green, and filled with locals hiking.
We did the full walk right up to the cross at the top, and it’s a bit of a hike…definitely more of a workout than a casual stroll, but worth it. Along the way, you pass the little Church of St. Nicholas (Crkva sv. Nikole) on the hillside – definitely a stop and pause point before continuing up.
From the top, you get sweeping views back over Split, the harbor, and out along the coastline. You can also see Kašjuni Beach below, with the clear water and curved stretch of shoreline. There are shaded paths and quiet spots all the way up, so you can take your time with the hike.
48 Hours in Split: Spend Time by the Water
There’s more to Split than the history. It’s very much a city where families go for a beach holiday. If you’re staying near the Old Town, Bačvice Beach is the easiest to reach. It’s sandy (which is rare for Croatia) and usually full of locals. It’s not the quietest beach, but it’s a great place to swim.
If you keep walking along the coast, you’ll find smaller rocky beaches and swimming spots where you can sit, dip in the water, and relax. Even if you’re not in the mood for a swim, it’s still one of the nicest ways to spend a couple of hours. Sit by the water, grab a drink somewhere along the promenade, and take in the sights.
Eat and Drink in Split
Eating and drinking are a big part of spending 48 hours in Split. In the Old Town, there are plenty of small restaurants and cafes tucked into the stone alleys serving fresh seafood, pasta, and local wine. You can wander around, look at a menu, and sit down wherever feels right.
Right in the middle of it all, you’ll also come across the local fish market, where the day’s catch is laid out and sold fresh. It gives you a real sense of how central seafood is to everyday life here, as you see the restaurant owners picking out what they are going to serve for ‘catch of the day’ that evening.
If you plan to eat along the waterfront, it’s definitely more lively. The Riva is lined with cafés and bars, and in the evening, it picks up with the beach clubs and DJs, but it never feels too crowded.
Just outside the Old Town, it’s a more local feel, with open-air coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. You’ll find locals lingering over a beer or espresso, with their chairs turned toward the street, just taking in the scene.
When to Visit Split
If you’re planning 48 hours in Split, timing does make a difference. Late spring and early autumn are the sweet spot. It’s warm, everything’s open, and it’s easy to get around and enjoy it without the crowds.
Summer (July and August) is busier and hotter. The city fills up, especially during the day, but it’s still fun. You just need to adjust, get out early, take a break in the afternoon, and head back out in the evening when it cools down.
Day Trips from Split
One of the reasons 48 hours in Split works so well is that it’s such a good base for getting out and seeing more. Hvar is probably the most popular day trip from Split, with a straightforward ferry and a good mix of beaches and a bit of nightlife if you stay over. Brač is even closer and known for its beautiful beaches. And if you want something different, Krka National Park is about an hour away, with waterfalls and a completely different vibe.
If you have the time, it’s worth adding one of these on:
Private 5 island tour(Brac,Hvar,Pakleni,Solta,Ciovo islands)
From Split: Plitvice Lakes National Park Guided Tour
Blue Cave and Hvar Tour – 5 Islands Tour from Split
Split: Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting Tour
Private Krka Waterfalls Day Trip from Split including Wine Tasting & Lunch
Private Boat Tour with Customized Itinerary from Split
Is 48 Hours in Split Enough?
Spending 48 hours in Split is enough to see it properly. It’s walkable, easy to navigate, and you can cover a lot without rushing through. You’ll have time to wander the Old Town, spend time by the water, and explore beyond the center – which is really where you start to get a feel for the place. It’s a good mix of history and beach energy, and it fits easily into a Balkans road trip.
FAQs: 48 Hours in Split
What currency is used in Split?
Croatia now uses the euro (€). Most places take cards, but it’s still useful to have a bit of cash for smaller cafés, taxis, or beach bars when spending 48 hours in Split.
Is Split expensive?
It can be in peak summer, especially around the Old Town and the waterfront. That said, you can still find reasonably priced meals and drinks if you wander just a few streets back or eat outside the main areas during your 48 hours in Split.
Can you drink the water in Split?
Yes, the tap water is safe to drink and good quality. No need to buy bottled water unless you want to.
Where is Split located?
Split is on the Dalmatian Coast in southern Croatia, right on the Adriatic Sea. It’s a central hub, which is why 48 hours in Split works so well as part of a bigger trip.
How far is Split from other places?
- Dubrovnik: about 3–4 hours by car
- Korčula: around 3+ hours including ferry
- Hvar: about 1 hour by ferry
- Brač: 45–60 minutes by ferry
Do you need a car in Split?
Not for the city itself. During 48 hours in Split, everything in and around the Old Town is walkable. A car is useful if you’re continuing along the coast or doing day trips beyond the islands.
Is Split good for a beach + city mix?
Yes, that’s exactly why people love it. During 48 hours in Split, you can explore historic sites in the morning and be by the water in the afternoon without going far.
What’s the best area to stay in Split?
- Old Town: best for being in the middle of everything
- Near the Riva: great for waterfront views
- Just outside Old Town: quieter, more local feel
Is Split worth visiting?
Yes, especially as part of a larger trip. It’s a bit more lively than some of the smaller coastal towns, but still easy to navigate, and 48 hours in Split gives you a really good feel for both the city and the coast.
Final Thoughts
We almost skipped Split since it’s over a three-hour drive from Korčula, but I’m so glad we didn’t. It ended up being yet another impressive Croatian city. Split feels like a natural stop on a Balkans road trip. It’s bigger and more lively than some of the smaller towns, but still easy to get around.
Spending 48 hours in Split gives you enough time to explore, slow down, and enjoy it without feeling like you’re just passing through. It’s easy to add whether you’re heading down the coast or coming back from the islands.
Our Balkans Road Trip (Full Itinerary)
If you’re planning your own road trip around Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia, and Albania, here are some guides you may find helpful:
- 48 Hours in Dubrovnik: What’s Actually Worth Your Time
- 48 Hours in Mostar: An Easy Day Trip from Dubrovnik
- 48 Hours in Kotor: A Simple Guide
- 48 Hours in Budva: Montenegro’s Beach Scene
- 3 Days in Korčula: Where to Stay and What to Do
- Day Trip to Shkoder from Budva: The Easiest Way to Visit Albania
- Easy Balkans Road Trip: A One-Week Loop from Dubrovnik
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48 Hours in Split: What Did I Miss?
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