14 Free Things To Do In Split: Enjoy The Best Of The City Without Spending A Dime

An image of the aerial views of Split, exploring it, one of the free things to do in Split.

Free things to do in Split make it easy for visitors to enjoy the city’s history and culture without spending money. Tourists can walk through ancient palaces, visit local markets, and explore the old town’s streets. The city has many public spaces to relax and enjoy the surroundings. There are walking trails with great views for those who like outdoor activities. Split’s lively atmosphere and rich heritage make it a great place to explore on a budget. This guide covers the best free activities to help you make the most of your trip.

14 Amazing Free Things To Do In Split

Tourists can engage in several free things to do in Split to have a memorable experience without spending any money. Here is a list of 14 such things:

1. Explore Diocletian’s Palace

An image of people exploring the Diocletian’s Palace, one of the things to do in Split.

Photo: Kris Sliver / Wikimedia Commons

Visiting Diocletian’s Palace is one of the best things to see in Split. This is one of the iconic places to visit in Split that offers tourists a journey through the city’s historical heritage with its well-preserved Roman architecture. Tourists exploring Diocletian’s Palace can see its unique ancient walls, hidden alleyways, and amazing courtyards, making it an ideal destination for history enthusiasts. Additionally, visitors can walk through Peristyle Square, see the impressive Cathedral of Saint Domnius, and go through underground passages.

Location: 21000, Grad, Split, Croatia

Suggested Read: Experience The Top Things To Do In Split On This Croatian Trip

2. Walk The Riva Promenade

An image of people walking the Riva Promenade, one of the ideal free things to see in Split.

Photo: Mate Balota / Wikimedia Commons

Walking along the Riva Promenade is one of the free things to do in Split, as it is an amazing stretch along the waterfront, offering tourists beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea. The Riva Promenade is a pedestrian-friendly area lined with palm trees, cafes, and street performers, making it the ideal destination for tourists to have unique experiences. Moreover, The Riva Promenade is also a great spot for people to watch and take in the city’s Mediterranean views.

Location: 21.000, 21000, Split, Croatia

3. Hike Marjan Hill

An image of the Marjan Hill, a tourist destination and one of the things to see in Split.

Photo: Lee Cannon / Wikimedia Commons

Hiking Marjan Hill is one of the best things to do in Split, and it offers tourists an opportunity to walk through the shaded trails and scenic lookout points and explore chapels situated within the forest. Tourists participating in the hike on Marjan Hill can get unique panoramic views of the city, coastline, and nearby islands. Hiking Marjan Hill is an ideal activity for tourists seeking a workout or a quiet place to unwind, making it the perfect place to visit for free.

Location: Peninsula of the city of Split

Suggested Read: Croatia Islands

4. Visit The Green Market

An image resembling people visiting the Green Market, one of the best things to do in Split.

Photo: viarami / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Visiting The Green Market is one of the best things to do in Split, as it offers tourists and locals the opportunity to buy fresh produce, flowers, and handmade goods. Tourists travelling on a budget can enjoy strolling through the market, which is filled with the sounds of vendors and the amazing aroma of fresh fruits, offering them a unique glimpse into the local way of life. The Green Market is one of the best things to see in Split, offering an authentic experience and a perfect opportunity for tourists to take amazing photographs.

Location: Ul. Stari pazar 8, 21000, Split, Croatia
Timings: 6 AM – 2 PM

5. Rub Gregory Of Nin’s Toe

An image resembling the Gregory of Nin statue, one of the popular things to do in Split.

Photo: JuergenPM / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Rubbing Gregory of Nin’s Toe is one of the popular yet unusual things to do in Split, known for providing good luck. Tourists can view the towering bronze statue at no cost and learn about its historical significance to the local people of Split. The statue is of a medieval bishop who played a key role in preserving the Croatian language, symbolising national pride in Split. Locals and tourists participate in this tradition, which is believed to be for good fortune and offers the opportunity to take memorable photos.

Location: Ul. kralja Tomislava 12, 21000, Split, Croatia

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Croatia

6. Relax At Bačvice Beach

An aerial image of people relaxing at Bačvice Beach, one of the free things to do in Split.

Photo: dronepicr / Wikimedia Commons

Relaxing at Bačvice Beach is one of the most popular free things to do in Split, where tourists can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and the warm Adriatic waters. Bačvice Beach is known for its shallow sandy shore, making it a great spot for families and tourists looking to play picigin, which is a traditional Dalmatian beach game. The welcoming atmosphere and amazing landscape views make it an ideal destination for tourists to relax and have fun.

Location: Hatzeov Perivoj 3, Split 21000 Croatia
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM

7. Explore Matejuška Harbor

An image of Matejuška Harbor, a place to explore, one of the free things to do in Split.

Photo: Fred Romero / Wikimedia Commons

Exploring the Matejuška Harbor is one of the things to do in Split, which offers tourists a glimpse into the city’s fishing historical heritage. The Matejuška Harbor is a favourite gathering place for locals and tourists, where traditional boats can be seen in the water and offer beautiful sunset views. Exploring Matejuška Harbor is an ideal activity for travellers seeking a quiet escape away from tourist crowds. A stroll through this area provides a truly authentic experience of the city’s maritime culture.

Location: Trumbićeva obala 3, 21000, Split, Croatia

Suggested Read: Nightlife In Split

8. View The Temple Of Jupiter

An image of the interior of Temple of Jupiter, one of the famous things to see in Split.

Photo: Carole Raddato / Wikimedia Commons

Viewing the Temple of Jupiter is one of the free things to do in Split, where tourists can get to see the beautifully preserved Roman temple, which offers a remarkable sight within the Diocletian’s Palace. Tourists visiting the Temple of Jupiter can admire the stunning facade and unique carvings and learn about its historical significance, which is completely free. The Temple of Jupiter offers tourists a glimpse into the city’s ancient past, making it a great stop for history enthusiasts.

Location: Ul. Kraj Svetog Ivana 2, 21000, Split, Croatia
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM

9. Listen To Klapa Music

An image resembling Klapa Music performers, one of the best things to see in Split.

Photo: Suradnik13 / Wikimedia Commons

Listening to Klapa music is one of the things to do in Split, which allows tourists to witness a traditional form of Dalmatian, a cappella singing, without spending any amount of money. Tourists can get to see passionate performances that can often be found in Diocletian’s Palace, where the acoustics amplify the harmonies beautifully. Listening to Kalpa Music is an ideal activity for visitors who want to experience the true soul of Split and learn about the local way of life.

Location: Various locations, often in Diocletian’s Palace

Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Croatia

10. Walk The Old City Streets

An image of people exploring the Old City Streets, one of the free things to do in Split.

Photo: Smiley.toerist / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Walking through the Old City streets is one of the ideal free things to do in Split, offering tourists access to narrow alleys of the city’s Old Town. The Old City Streets are filled with centuries of history, making it an ideal destination for tourists to explore for free. Tourists exploring the Old City streets can admire the amazing architecture, hidden courtyards, and ancient stone paths, providing them with a unique glimpse into the city’s historical heritage.

Location: Old Town, Split

11. Visit Trg Republike (Prokurative)

Neo-Renaissance square in Split with red façades, arched colonnades, and people relaxing at outdoor cafés under a sunny sky.

Photo: Berthold Werner / Wikimedia Commons

Step into the heart of Mediterranean elegance at Trg Republike, known as Prokurative. Framed by neo-Renaissance arches and red facades, this open plaza feels like a slice of Italy dropped into Split. It’s a great spot to sit and day-dream, especially when the air is filled with music or when festivals bring the square to life. Surrounded by cafes and the rhythm of daily life, it’s a lively yet laid-back place. Visiting here allows you to absorb the city’s culture without spending a penny, one of the free things to do in Split Croatia.

Location: Trg Republike 1, 21000 Split

Suggested Read: Shopping In Split Croatia

12. Relax At Bene Beach

Shaded rocky beach beneath pine trees with calm Adriatic waters and a few swimmers enjoying the peaceful setting.

Photo: Zvone00 / Wikimedia Commons

Tucked into the shade of Marjan Hill, Bene Beach, one of the serene beaches in Split, offers a peaceful retreat far from the city buzz. It’s a local favourite for its calm atmosphere, shallow waters, and pine-scented air. You can find a shady spot under a tree, swim in the Adriatic, or simply laze on the rocks with a good book. There’s a playground nearby and even free outdoor fitness equipment. It’s the perfect place to slow down and recharge, with no burden on your wallet.

Location: Šetalište MarinaTartaglie, 21000, Split, Croatia

13. Watch The Sunset From Vidilica Viewpoint

Panoramic view of Split’s Old Town and harbor from Vidilica at sunset, with golden skies and silhouetted rooftops, one of the free things to do in Split.

Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

High above Split, the Vidilica Viewpoint renders sweeping views of the city, harbour, and islands beyond. This is especially magical at sunset, one of the best free things to do in Split. Just a short uphill walk from Old Town, it’s where the sky turns gold and pink as the sun dips behind the horizon. Locals and travellers gather here for that quiet pause, camera in hand or coffee from the nearby cafe. It’s a daily spectacle that costs nothing but stays with you long after the light fades.

Location: Šetalište Luke Botića 3, 21000, Split, Croatia

Suggested Read: Best Nightclubs In Split

14. Check Out The Street Art In Varoš

Colorful mural painted on a stone wall in the Varoš neighborhood, blending modern graffiti with historic architecture, one of the free things to do in Split.

Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Wandering through Varos is like flipping through a sketchbook of Split’s creative soul. This historic neighbourhood, with its stones and timeworn houses, now pops with bursts of colour from unexpected street art. Murals, tags and stencils hide in corners and walls, offering a blend of tradition and modern flair. It’s one of the artsy yet cheap free things to do in Split where you stumble on beauty between turns. This is perfect for a relaxed afternoon photo walk that blends the old with the contemporary.

Location: 21000, Varoš, Split, Croatia

Split is a city full of history, charm, and stunning landscapes. This makes it an ideal destination for travellers looking for extensive free things to do in Split. Tourists visiting Split can explore the ancient landmarks and scenic promenades without spending any money. Plan your dream trip today with TripXL to get an opportunity to participate in some of the best things to do in Split.

Cover Photo: dronepicr / WIkimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, wandering through the ancient streets and courtyards of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is completely free.
Marjan Hill offers stunning views of the city and the Adriatic Sea, with several trails to explore at no cost.
Listen to traditional Klapa singing in the Vestibule of Diocletian's Palace during the summer months.
Bene Beach and Kasjuni Beach are great spots to relax by the sea without spending a dime.
The Green Market (Pazar) is a lively place to soak in local culture and browse fresh produce and goods.
Absolutely! The square hosts the annual Split Music Festival and other open-air concerts and shows during warmer months.
Yes, you’ll find restrooms, showers, a beach bar, and even outdoor gym equipment at Bene Beach.
Yes, it’s open all day and night. Sunset is popular, but early mornings and evenings are equally peaceful.

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