The best way to get to know the culture and customs of the cities we visit is to be among the local people and to immerse yourself in new experiences in places that are sometimes strange and foreign but will surely stay with you for a long time. Split is no different, and these suggestions will help you get to the heart of this magnificent place.
1. Start with the Meštrović Gallery, located on Marjan, the green street of the city. Meštrović's Crikvine (an exhibition space on Meje, the south side of Marjana Hill where Ivan Meštrović exhibited a cycle of reliefs with scenes from the life of Jesus of Nazareth in the Chapel of the Holy Cross) is located near the Meštrović Gallery by the sea itself.
2. When we mention Marjan, morning or evening jogging is part of the life of the local community, so head to one of the viewpoints and take in the views. In 2024, a new observation point at Sedlo was added, offering gorgeous views and ample education. New trekking routes were also established, so you never need to walk the same path twice.3. As part of the Split School of Fine Arts, the School Gallery operates at Fausta Vrančića 17, where you can see exhibitions that are a dialogue between art education and contemporary art practices. The gallery is open during the week from 10:00 - 13:00. More information can be found on social media. (www.facebook.com/galerijaskola)
4. The Museum of Fine Art in Split is a treasure trove of contemporary art. They constantly have exhibitions, and the cafe is a gorgeous place to sit in the shade and enjoy a cup of coffee. Another spot offering contemporary art in Split is Salon Galić, located at Marmontova 3, where you can learn about the Croatian art scene.
5. Klapa singing is an institution in Dalmatia. Omiš hosts a klapa singing festival in August, but you can hear klapa singing every day in Split. To listen, head to the Peristyle or the Vestibule of the palace, which has its own acoustics. In the summer, you may still hear them in front of the National Theatre in Split.
6. Photography lovers should stop at Marmontova 5, where the Photo Gallery and Photo Club Split (founded way back in 1911) has an excellent program.
7. Slovenian maritime history is hugely underrated, but it definitely gets its flowers in this fascinating exhibition. Slovenian Ships 6&11 - General Navigation tells the story of six vital Slovenian ships (as the title suggests) and the nation’s quest to establish itself on the global maritime market. The original six ships have been accompanied by five more (again, hence the title), and the four-language exhibition (English, Croatia, Slovenian, Italian) contains animations, documentary footage, illustrations and much, much more.You can see the exhibition until August 18 at the Croatian Maritime Museum (Glagoljaša 18, Tvrđava Gripe).
8. For bookish silence and shade, you can always visit the Marko Marulić City Library, which often has local community exhibitions.
9. The Jakšić Gallery (Bribirska 10) is a space where members of the Jakšić family exhibit their works of art, jewellery and authentic Dalmatian souvenirs made of Brač stone. In the gallery, you can see jewellery made of hand-worked silver and semi-precious stones by designer Ida Stipčić Jakšić. The stone sculptures are the work of academic sculptor Lovro Jakšić, while the paintings and stone sculptures are the work of Doctor of Arts Dina Jakšić Pavasović.
10. Since 1715, Sinjska Alka equestrian tournament has been a major tradition in Sinj, a 35-minute drive from Split. The celebration happens on August 4, when you can experience the whole story about Alka, alkars, tradition, uniforms, horses, and customs.
11. Not far from Sinj in the hinterland of Split, the Trilj Blues Festival takes place from July 5 - 7. The main actors this year are Toby Lee, Kyla Brox, Cat Squirrel.
12. Gaze into the infinite at Mosor Star Village, Star lovers, scan our text about Mosor Star Village on page XX in the Weekend Getaways section.
13. Split artist Tisja Kljaković Braić has a small studio on Čopova Street near the Varoš tavern. Tisja is 'everything'. According to Tisja, local stories don't come more authentic than a caricature about a Dalmatian marriage, and a T-shirt, postcard, or picture from Tisja is a Split souvenir like no other. Like a true Dalmatian, Tisja doesn't know when she will be in the studio, so it's best to call her on 091 384 3144.
14. The 17th Split Mediterranean Film Festival, which focuses on the best films from the Mediterranean region, takes place from June 13 to 22. More details are found on their website https://fmfs.hr/en/news/.
15. The 22nd International Rowing Regatta "Sveti Duje" is a traditional event in university sports, which is held in the month of May on the occasion of celebrating Split City Day and the feast of Saint Duje (Domnius). This year you can cheer from May 11 to 12.
16. In Homeland War Museum (Poljička cesta 39), a special exhibition will be shown from May to October, focusing on foreign volunteers who took part in the war and containing stories, artefacts, and much more.
17. Manuš Art Gallery (Livanjska ulica 6) has several exhibitions, and you can also buy some works by different artists. For now, the working hours are in the afternoon, and during the hot summer, it will be open in the morning as well. Phone for more info (091 569 7842).
18. The spectacular Split Spring Festival, which takes place between May 23 and June 2 at the Cornaro Rampart, will offer a diverse array of live entertainment and a mouthwatering selection of delicious food. Whether you're a music lover or a foodie, this festival has something to get you in the mood for summer.
19. Great festivals await you on the islands. If you're on Brač, Graffiti na Gradele takes place between July 24 and 28, while the Mudri Brk (Wise Moustache, best festival name ever) takes place in Jelsa village on the island of Hvar between July 25 and 28. Tam Tam festival (July 11- 20) is a real highlight in Sućuraj (also on Hvar).
20. Hrvatski Dom Split (Croatian House Split) is found at Tončićeva 1 and regularly hosts excellent concerts. The June schedule is jam-packed, featuring everything from Carmina Burana (June 5) to Oxygene (a Jean Michel Jarre-inspired multimedia project on June 21) via Cinema (Branka Parlić plays Phillip Glass and Erik Satie, June 07), Zoran Velić (June 10), Talk to Her (June 14) and Spanish Nights (June 19), which is every bit as exciting as it sounds.
21. The Split Youth Centre (Ulica slobode 28) has a varied program of clubs, galleries, dances, lectures, and socialising. They regularly publish the program on social media www.facebook.com/dommladihsplit
22. An adapted and rearranged chamber version of the famous Jalta, Jalta musical will be performed by the extraordinary Surian family whose members are all highly accomplished and talented musicians. The date for this musical extravaganza is May 17 and the location is the Ivo Tijardović Concert Hall CHS (Tončićeva 1).
23. Theatre by the Sea is open-air theatre festival that will delight audiences in Split throughout the summer, one step away from the sea and amongst centuries-old olive trees.This year's premiere programme presents some of the most popular performances from all over Croatia with top actors.The programme consists of more than 20 different plays for adults and several plays for children. Details about the programme, as well as the purchase of tickets, are available on the official website of the festival. Ticket office open 17:00 - 21:00. Reservation line:091 795 72 60. The program starts on June 15.
24. See performances by known and talented pianists who get a platform to present their skills in Piano loop Festival (August 23 - 30) at Ivo Tijardović Concert Hall CHS (Tončićeva 1).
25. Together with local productions by the Croatian National Theatre in Split, Split Summer Festival will host many musical, theatre and dance performances from Croatia and abroad. (July 14 - August 14)
26. Has it really been a century already? We could have sworn it was only yesterday that the Natural History Museum in Split was opening its mass of magic to the public. To celebrate 100 years of education and entertainment, a packed calendar of events will light up the anniversary. Keep an eye on social media for more information.
27. Featuring some of the region's biggest stars and laser-focused on a commitment to quality, Melodije Jadrana (June 21 - 23) is on track to become one of the best musical events on the calendar. The final night will include a collection of original songs inspired by melodies of the Adriatic.
28. The Friday food extravaganza, Place Market Split, has been a hit all across Europe, and Split is joining the party. Every Friday in May, the city's Green Market will host many of the best chefs, serving specialities in an environment tailor-made for social interaction and community cheer.
29. Peristil Vibrez Festival Hrvatski Dom Split (Croatian House Split) has curated an exclusive program for this festival, which runs between September 13 and 16 at the iconic Peristyle in Diocletian’s Palace. The legendary Ivo Pogorelić, the dynamic duo Igudesman & Joo and the iconic Billy Cobham will grace the stage with their performances.
30. And finally, here is a rapid-fire bucket list; visit the fish market (peškaria), local market (pazar), the obligatory coffee on the Riva, maybe a match of Hajduk (the biggest football club), drink a beer at Matejuška or take an evening walk around Bačvice and you will most likely come across a game of traditional picigin. Pici-what? More about the game can be found at picigin.org. More importantly, enjoy yourself.
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