Why CityAppTour?
Explore a city in 1 day
Stories from local guides
Pause whenever you want
Affordable & flexible
Stress-free navigation with audio guidance
English guide
Diocletian's Palace stands as a living monument where 1,700 years of history unfolds within ancient Roman walls. This UNESCO treasure forms the beating heart of Split, where locals still live and work among structures dating back to 305 AD, creating a rare blend of preserved history and authentic daily life.
These remarkable stories come alive through your headphones as you wander through narrow limestone streets and sun-drenched squares. Our Split walking tours let you pause to enjoy fresh seafood at a konoba or admire the glistening Adriatic whenever you choose, blending historical discovery with the freedom to experience the city's Mediterranean rhythm.
Besides our audio guide, there are many other ways to discover Split. Here are some suggestions that can enrich your visit:
Best Time to Visit
Split is most vibrant from May to October when the weather is perfect for combining Split sightseeing tours with beach time. July and August bring the busiest crowds and highest prices, but also the Splitsko Ljeto (Split Summer Festival) with performances in historic venues. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists, ideal for exploring the old town comfortably.
Getting There
Split Airport is well-connected to major European cities, with a shuttle bus service running to the city center (30 minutes). The main bus station and ferry port are centrally located, making Split an excellent base for island hopping. Within the city, most self-guided tours Split attractions are walkable, though Uber and local taxis are readily available for longer distances.
Opening Hours and Holidays
Most museums and attractions open from 9 AM to 7 PM in summer, with shorter hours (usually until 4 PM) in winter. Many shops close on Sundays, though tourist areas remain active. Restaurants typically serve lunch from noon until 3 PM and dinner from 6 PM until midnight. During national holidays like Independence Day (October 8) and Statehood Day (May 30), expect limited services.
Comfort on the Go
Split's limestone streets can be slippery when wet, so comfortable, non-slip footwear is essential for walking tours in Split. The Mediterranean sun is intense, particularly between 11 AM and 3 PM, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle. A light jacket is useful year-round for evening sea breezes, even in summer.
Local Customs and Etiquette
Croatians typically greet with a handshake and appreciate basic phrases like "Hvala" (thank you) and "Dobar dan" (good day). When visiting churches or religious sites during your Split sightseeing tours, modest dress is expected. Tipping around 10% in restaurants is customary, though not mandatory. Coffee culture is important—locals often spend hours over a single cup, so don't expect to be rushed at cafés.
How much time should I plan for a visit to Split?
You need at least one full day to experience Split properly. Our self-guided tours Split can be completed in about 3-4 hours if walked continuously, but the beauty of an audio guide is flexibility. Most visitors prefer spreading the experience across a day, stopping for coffee on the Riva, lunch at a konoba in the old town, or climbing Marjan Hill for panoramic views.
What makes Split different from other cities in Croatia?
Split uniquely combines a living ancient Roman palace with a bustling modern city. Unlike Dubrovnik's preserved but somewhat museum-like quality, Split's historic core remains a functional neighborhood where locals live and work among 1,700-year-old structures. The city also offers a perfect balance of urban culture and natural beauty, with beaches and mountains accessible within minutes of the historic center.
Why choose an audio guide instead of a guided tour in Split?
An audio guide gives you the freedom to explore Split at your own pace while avoiding the crowded group tours that clog Diocletian's Palace in summer months. You can start whenever you want, take breaks for swimming or dining, and revisit favorite spots without being rushed. This flexibility is particularly valuable in Split, where part of the charm is discovering hidden courtyards and atmospheric cafés tucked away in ancient corners.
Do I need internet while walking?
No, our Split walking tours work completely offline after initial download. This is particularly useful in Split's ancient palace area, where thick stone walls can sometimes interfere with mobile signals. All maps, audio, and directions are stored on your device, so you won't incur roaming charges while exploring.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can enjoy our Split audio guide, though it's primarily written for adults. Kids from about 12 years up will appreciate the stories about Roman emperors, medieval pirates, and local legends that bring Split's ancient stones to life. The compact nature of the old town also means shorter walking distances between points of interest, making it manageable for families.
Can I share the tour with my travel companions?
Absolutely! Our Split walking tours can be enjoyed by multiple people together. While each person can use their own device for the best experience, we offer discounts on multiple purchases. Check our Split product page for current family and group offers to make your sightseeing more affordable.
What else is there to do in Split?
Beyond our audio guide, Split offers excellent opportunities for island hopping to nearby Brač, Hvar, or Vis. The Klis Fortress just outside the city provides spectacular views and Game of Thrones filming locations. Food enthusiasts should explore the Green Market (Pazar) for local produce and try traditional Dalmatian dishes like peka (slow-cooked meat and vegetables under a bell-shaped lid).
Is there a free tour in Split?
While there are "free" walking tours in Split, these typically expect tips of €10-15 per person, often making them more expensive than our audio guide. Unlike these crowded group experiences, our self-guided tours Split option offers privacy, flexibility to start anytime, and professionally researched content without the pressure of tipping or keeping up with a large group in Split's narrow streets.
Who is CityAppTour?
We're a team of travelers passionate about sharing local stories. Our Split audio guides are created by historians and locals who know every corner of Diocletian's Palace and can tell you which konoba serves the best black risotto or where to find the most photogenic spots away from the crowds. We believe technology should enhance travel experiences, not replace the joy of personal discovery.
How accessible is Split's old town for visitors with mobility issues?
Split's historic center presents challenges with its marble streets, steps, and narrow passages. However, the main promenade (Riva) and parts of Diocletian's Palace are accessible. Our audio guide allows you to skip difficult sections while still enjoying the stories. The city has been improving accessibility, with some museums and restaurants now offering ramps and facilities for visitors with mobility limitations.
When is the best time of day to explore Split's historic center?
Early morning (before 9 AM) offers the most magical experience in Split's old town. The morning light on the white limestone is spectacular for photography, and you'll have Peristyle Square almost to yourself. Alternatively, after 7 PM when day-trippers have departed is another excellent time to discover hidden gems in Split while enjoying the sunset glow on ancient walls.
Can I combine the Split audio tour with a visit to nearby islands?
Absolutely! Many visitors use our self-guided tours Split in the morning, then catch an afternoon ferry to Brač, Hvar, or Trogir. The central ferry port is just minutes from the old town, making this combination perfectly doable. We recommend starting our tour early (around 8 AM) to finish by noon, leaving plenty of time for an island excursion in the afternoon.
"The freedom to explore Split at my own pace was priceless. I spent an hour just sitting in Peristyle Square after learning about its history, watching the world go by with a coffee—something impossible on a guided group tour." — Cass, UK
"En tant que passionnée d'histoire, j'ai été époustouflée par la profondeur des informations dans cette visite à pied de Split. Les histoires sur Dioclétien et la transformation du palais au fil des siècles m'ont permis d'apprécier ce que je voyais d'une manière totalement nouvelle. Les meilleures visites à Split, de loin !" — Elle, France
"Wir haben so viele versteckte Juwelen in Split entdeckt, die wir ohne diesen Audioguide einfach übersehen hätten. Die kleinen Details in der Architektur und die lokalen Empfehlungen für Essen haben den Unterschied ausgemacht. Jeden Cent wert, um die Stadt ohne einen Führer im Nacken zu sehen!" — Sadie, Deutschland