- Getting around
- Split's Old Town is compact and fully pedestrian, so you will walk almost everywhere within it. Split Airport sits 25 km west near Trogir; the airport shuttle bus runs to the main bus station beside the harbour for about 8 euro, while a taxi is 30 to 40 euro and Uber and Bolt both operate. Local Promet buses cover the suburbs and beaches, with tickets around 1.30 to 2 euro bought from the driver or kiosks. The real reason to be here is the water: the ferry port, catamaran berths and bus and train stations all cluster together on the eastern waterfront, so Jadrolinija and Kapetan Luka boats to Hvar, Brac, Vis and Korcula are a short walk from the centre. Book island catamarans online in high summer.
- Money
- Croatia uses the euro, having switched from the kuna in 2023, so ignore any old kuna prices you still see. Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere, but keep some cash for small konobas, market stalls and the odd cash-only counter like Villa Spiza. Tipping is modest: round up or leave 5 to 10 percent for good table service, and nothing is expected at a coffee bar. A coffee on the Riva costs more than one in a back lane, and you pay for the view and the seat; sitting down is the whole point, so linger.
- Safety
- Split is a very safe city with little violent crime. The main annoyance is summer pickpocketing in the crush around the Peristyle, the ferry port and packed buses to the beaches, so keep bags zipped and worn crossbody. The bigger hazards are natural: fierce midday heat that calls for water, shade and a slower pace, and slippery, polished palace marble that turns treacherous after summer rain. On Marjan carry water and wear proper shoes, and at the beaches reef shoes help against sea urchins on the rockier coves.
- Best season
- Late May, June and September are the sweet spot, with warm seas, long days and thinner crowds than the July and August peak, when heat, prices and cruise-ship numbers all spike. April and October are pleasant for sightseeing and hiking though the sea is cooler and some island boats run reduced timetables. Winter is mild, quiet and cheap but many konobas and island services close. Whenever you come, book accommodation and summer catamarans well ahead, and start sightseeing early to dodge both the heat and the cruise-day surge.
- Where to stay
- The Old Town inside and around Diocletian's Palace is magical and walkable but noisy at night and short on parking, best for those who want atmosphere over sleep. Varos, the old fishermen's quarter just west, offers stone houses, good konobas and a quieter feel a two-minute walk from the Riva. Bacvice, southeast of the centre, suits beach lovers who want a sandy bay and lively bars on the doorstep while staying close to the ferries. Families and drivers often prefer the leafier Meje or Znjan districts a little further out.
Croatia
