48 hours in Split Croatia – A 2 day Itinerary

Split is the second largest city in Croatia, after Zagreb. It has a population of 160,000 people and it is situated on the Adriatic coast. Split is located in the Dalmatia region of Croatia and it is a popular tourist destination.

There are many reasons why you should visit Split, Croatia. First of all, it is a city full of history and culture. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe that has preserved its original Roman architecture.

Secondly, it is a great location for beach lovers as there are lots of beautiful beaches nearby Split such as Bačvice Beach and Plaža Ježinac. Thirdly, there are several things to do with your 48 hours in Split that will make your trip even more memorable!

Split is a year-round tourist destination. The ideal time to visit Split for the above mentioned beaches and to have a summer vacation would be June through to September when temperatures rise up to 30 degrees Celsius with little rain in sight.

However, if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet, try visiting during the off-season. If you are travelling from November to April, you can expect fewer tourists around town as well as mild temperatures (average low of 10 degrees Celsius).

If you’re wondering how many days in Split is ideal or how many days do you need in Split? well it all depends on what your plans are? You could easily spend 2 weeks in Split or 2 months and still not see or do everything.

Below is a great guide on what to do in Split for 2 days because sometimes 2 days in Split is all you have, especially if you’re going over on a cruise or you’re short on time and want to be able to tour some of the other areas within Split.

Where to stay for your 48 hours in Split itinerary

Where you stay will depend on what type of holiday you are looking for, but for the most part, we recommend staying in the Split city centre.

You will have access to all the restaurants and bars that make Split so special, as well as plenty of things to do around town. If you want something quieter, then consider booking a room closer to one of Split’s beaches or national parks!

Some highly rated luxury hotels in the city include Palace Judita Heritage Hotel, a 16th-century palace located on the bustling Pjaca Square in the Old Town. Amenities of the accommodation include a courtyard terrace with views of the city’s historic district.

The Piazza Heritage Hotel is another fantastic pick that is four-star rated and located on Split’s central square. It boasts a chic restaurant with a tucked-away terrace, as well as many other amenities. These are both ideally located to explore the city on foot.

If you are looking for a more affordable option, the Downtown Hostel is also highly rated and has comfortable dormitories and friendly staff. It is also one of the most affordable options in Split.

Day 1 in Split

The first thing you will want to do when you arrive for your weekend in Split Croatia is to get a feel for the city. Spend the morning exploring the winding streets of Old Town Split and get acquainted with the city’s architecture, culture and people.

You can start by walking around People’s Square, also named Pjaca Square. This pedestrianised zone is great for walking around, shopping and people watching! Stop and grab a quick breakfast at one of the many bakeries and grab a local baked delicacy such as a Burek.

If you are looking for things to do in Split Old Town, there is plenty. During your stroll around, make sure you look out for some of the historical attractions such as Jupiter’s Temple, Saint Domnius Cathedral and the Old Town Hall.

Diocletian’s Palace Tour

Diocletian’s Palace is a large palace that was built for the Roman emperor Diocletian at the turn of the 4th century.

Today it forms about half the old town of Split and is considered to be one of the top historical attractions in Croatia. It is on UNESCO World Heritage Sites list, since being added in 1979 and is a must-see during your trip to Split.

You can take a tour of the whole palace including all areas including The Peristyle of Diocletian’s Palace, the Vestibulum and The Golden Gate.

The Diocletian’s Palace Tour is approx 2 hours long and is the best way to tick Diocletian’s Palace off your list. Taking a guided walking tour of the area means you will get insightful knowledge from a local and get to see the palace in a way that you would not be able to on your own.

Highlights of the tour include the Vestibulum, Diocletian’s Cellars and the Golden Gate. The Vestibulum has a rectangular outside shape whereas the inside is circular, a monumental sight even today.

The Diocletian’s Cellars are one of the best-preserved ancient complexes of their kind in the world. They are also largely responsible for why the historical city of Split was included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Lunch and Wine Tasting at Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar

After your morning of exploring the historical sites that Split has to offer, stop off for a bite to eat at Bokeria Kitchen & Wine Bar.

This highly rated and stylish eatery serves international cuisine, including desserts and cocktails. It is must visit during your 48 hrs in Split. The wine bar has a wide selection of wines to try, ask your server what will pair perfectly with the meal that you choose.

Bacvice Beach

After lunch head to Bacvice Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Spilt. It has shallow waters that are great for swimming meaning it is perfect for families.

Spend a couple of hours sunbathing on the sandy shore and enjoy a dip in the warm waters. There are also opportunities to enjoy water sports such as pedal boating, jet skiing and sailing. The beach has plenty of sun loungers and parasols for hire, which makes it an ideal place to relax.

You will also find plenty of restaurants on the beach offering everything from ice cream to fresh seafood. If you fancy a drink then there are also bars where you can grab a cocktail.

There is a conveniently located cafe here named Žbirac, where you can grab refreshments if needed as well as light bites and use the facilities. After spending some time at the beach head back into town where you can enjoy more that the city has to offer.

Game of Thrones Museum Split

Weapons, clothes, props and archive material used in the hit TV show “Game of Thrones” is housed within this museum. As you have walked around the city in the morning, you may have noticed that many of the scenes have been filmed in the city of Split.

Especially around areas of Diocletian’s Palace. If you are a fan of the series, spending an hour or two exploring the museum will give you a greater insight into what influenced its creation. The museum is located just outside Diocletian’s Palace and makes for a great side trip after visiting the ancient site itself.

Split Nightlife

After your first day of enjoying all that Split has to offer, go back to your hotel and freshen up. You still have your whole evening to eat, drink and dance the night away.

If you are looking for a night out, head to the centre of town and walk along Marmontova Street and those that feed off of it. You will find several bars and clubs in this area that cater to tourists with live music, DJs or dancing.

If you want something more traditional, there are many restaurants around Split that serve local cuisines such as squid ink risotto or other fresh seafood caught off the coast just hours before.

Day 2 in Split

From your first day in Split, you will have now seen what the city itself has to offer. There are many wonderful things to do here but Split also has many stunning national parks close by.

One of the best ways to experience Croatia is to get out and explore its natural beauty. The best way to do this is by taking a day trip from Split and visiting one of the many national parks that surround it. You can choose from Plitvice Lakes National Park, Krka National Park or Paklenica National Park – all are equally beautiful in their own right.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is probably the most well-known place in Croatia as it boasts 16 interconnecting lakes that flow into each other through waterfalls and cascades. The colours of blue, green and turquoise that can be seen here are truly breathtaking!

Krka National Park

For this 48 hours in Split itinerary, we are focusing on a visit to Krka National Park. This is the closest National Park to Split and ideal for a short two-day trip. Krka National Park is a beautiful place to visit.

The park is located near Skradin, approx an hour’s drive from Split and boasts a set of waterfalls. These waterfalls are amazing to see as they plunge into the river below. The waterfalls are set in a beautiful landscape with green forests and wildflowers.

The park is also home to a number of different birds including ducks, geese and herons. There are plenty of hiking trails in the park for those who want to explore further or simply enjoy some time relaxing by the river.

Make sure you bring comfortable shoes so that you can walk around for hours! The park is a great place to visit for those who enjoy nature and want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Grab yourself some lunch from one of the food vendors at the park before heading back to Split.

Island Hopping

Croatia boasts a whopping 718 islands that make up its archipelago off the coast. So to finish off your weekend in Split Croatia, it would be rude not to visit a few before you leave.

There are many ferries that leave the port of Split and travel over to the many islands just over the water. Šolta Island, Hvar Island and Brač Island are the most popular to choose from.

Jump on an hour-long ferry that takes you to Hvar. This island has a population of 10,000 people and is known for being one of the top places in Croatia to visit.

The architecture is stunning and the island boasts many pretty beaches perfect for relaxing on. The island has a Mediterranean climate and features parkland forests and rolling hills. This makes it an ideal location for those looking to relax and unwind in style!

Hvar Wine Tasting

Hvar is also famous for its wine, which can be sampled at one of the many vineyards around the island. Head over to the other side of the island from the ferry port and enjoy a guided Hvar Wine Tasting Tour.

During the tour, you will have the chance to try 4–5 different wines with a wine expert who will tell you more about each type of drink.

You will also enjoy local delicacies that pair perfectly with the wine, making it a fun and delicious experience! Once you have finished your wine tour and browsing the streets of Hvar, hop back on the ferry back to Split.

For your final evening in Split, take a stroll around the city, grab some dinner and enjoy a nightcap at one of Split’s many bars.

You can find everything from traditional Croatian cuisine to Italian and Mexican food in the city centre. Some recommended bars and restaurants include Brasserie on 7, NOOR Fine Spirits & Cocktails and Cornaro Rooftop Bar.

Brasserie on 7 is an informal, family-friendly restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as coffee, craft beer and pastries.

NOOR Fine Spirits & Cocktails is a cocktail lounge serving signature drinks made with locally sourced ingredients as well as international favourites like mojitos and martinis.

Cornaro Rooftop Bar has excellent views that can be enjoyed from the terrace or from inside the bar. The bar serves cocktails, wine and beer until late at night.

If you are wondering how many days to spend in Split, you will want at the very least 48 hours. If you are planning a trip you will want to get the most out of your time as there are so many things to see and do.

Split is a great destination for those who want to experience Croatian culture, history and cuisine. You can also visit some of the nearby islands, such as Hvar and Brac. These islands offer beautiful beaches that you can relax on during the day or party on at night!

There are many national parks to visit that will offer you a chance to see Croatia’s natural beauty. If you want to experience more of Croatia’s culture, there are many museums and galleries to visit. In addition, Split has a lively nightlife that will provide you with a lot of fun after dark.

Recommended tours in Split Croatia

• Five Island Speedboat Tour Featuring the Blue Cave and Hvar
• Krka Waterfalls, Food & Wine Tasting tour from Split
• Plitvice lakes tour from Split
• Blue Cave, Hvar & 5 Islands Speedboat Trip From Split
• Walking Tour of Split with a ‘Magister’ of History

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