How much does a day in Split cost?

Roughly $50-80 a day in US dollars on a backpacker budget (a hostel or shared room, street food and public transport), and $110-180 mid-range (a private room and restaurants). These are broad estimates, last reviewed October 2026.

Is Waypacker free to use in Split?

Yes. Joining is free and stays with hosts carry no nightly rate or booking fee.

Are Waypacker hosts ID-verified?

Every host's ID and selfie are checked by hand by a real person before they can host. Nothing is sent to an AI service.

Can I meet locals in Split without staying with anyone?

Yes. You can join meetups and city groups, or ask locals for tips, without booking a stay.

Will anyone see my exact location?

No. Hosts and meetups appear as a neighbourhood-sized area about a kilometre wide, and exact addresses are never stored.

Split travel guide

Croatia

A Roman emperor's palace became the old town, and people still live, eat and drink inside its walls. Split is the Dalmatian coast's ferry hub, with islands and national parks within easy reach.

Essentials

Language: Croatian; English is widely spoken in tourist areas
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Plugs: Type C and F, 230 V
Emergency number: 112
Tipping: Around 10 per cent in restaurants is appreciated for good service, but not obligatory.

Rough daily budget

Approximate spend per person per day, in US dollars:

Backpacker: $50-80, with a hostel or shared room, street food and public transport.
Mid-range: $110-180, with a private room and restaurant meals.

Last reviewed: October 2026

Where to stay in Split

Diocletian's Palace: the old town inside Roman walls, with lanes, bars and the Peristyle square.
Varoš: a hillside quarter of stone houses and konobas on the way up to Marjan.
Bačvice: the city beach area, with a shallow sandy bay and beach bars.

Getting around Split

The old town and seafront are walkable, and local buses run to the suburbs and nearby towns. Ferries and catamarans to the islands leave from the main harbour beside the bus and train stations.

Best time to visit Split

May to June and September, warm enough to swim without the peak summer crowds.

Top things to do in Split

Explore the cellars of Diocletian's Palace and the Peristyle at its heart
Climb the bell tower of the Cathedral of St Domnius for a view over the rooftops
Walk or cycle the forest paths of Marjan hill
Watch locals play picigin, a shallow-water ball game, at Bačvice beach
Shop the Green Market for fruit, cheese and local olive oil

What to eat in Split

Peka: meat or octopus slow-cooked under an iron bell covered in embers
Crni rižot: a rich black risotto coloured with cuttlefish ink
Pašticada: beef marinated and slow-braised in a sweet wine sauce, served with gnocchi
Soparnik: a thin pie filled with Swiss chard, from the nearby Poljica area

Day trips from Split

Trogir: a small old town on an island, packed with Romanesque and Renaissance stone buildings, about 30 to 40 minutes by bus
Krka National Park: waterfalls and wooden walkways, about an hour to an hour and a half by road
Hvar or Brač: island towns and beaches, from about an hour by catamaran or ferry

Local etiquette

Cover up when you leave the beach, as walking through town in swimwear is frowned on and can be fined in some Dalmatian towns. Dress modestly to enter churches.

Staying connected

Prepaid SIMs and eSIMs from Hrvatski Telekom and A1 are easy to buy, and Wi-Fi is standard in cafés and accommodation.

Staying safe

Split is generally safe; watch for pickpockets in the crowded palace lanes and on ferries in summer. Strong sun and heat are the bigger risk in July and August, so carry water and shade at midday.

A local tip

Climb the steps through Varoš to the Marjan hill viewpoints in the early morning, then swim at one of its quiet coves.

Visas:rules depend on your nationality and change often – check your own government's official travel advice before you go.

Meet people in Split on Waypacker

Waypacker is a free travel community: stay with ID-verified local hosts, join meetups and city groups, and ask people who live in Split for advice. We are new here, so if you live in Split, you could be one of the first hosts.

Join free

Questions about Split

What currency is used in Split?: Split uses the Euro (EUR).
What is the emergency number in Split?: In Split, call 112.
When is the best time to visit Split?: May to June and September, warm enough to swim without the peak summer crowds.
How much does a day in Split cost?: Roughly $50-80 a day in US dollars on a backpacker budget (a hostel or shared room, street food and public transport), and $110-180 mid-range (a private room and restaurants). These are broad estimates, last reviewed October 2026.
Is Waypacker free to use in Split?: Yes. Joining is free and stays with hosts carry no nightly rate or booking fee.
Are Waypacker hosts ID-verified?: Every host's ID and selfie are checked by hand by a real person before they can host. Nothing is sent to an AI service.
Can I meet locals in Split without staying with anyone?: Yes. You can join meetups and city groups, or ask locals for tips, without booking a stay.
Will anyone see my exact location?: No. Hosts and meetups appear as a neighbourhood-sized area about a kilometre wide, and exact addresses are never stored.

More guides in Europe

All Europe guides · Every city guide