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. The sculpture and installations of Alem Korkut will be showcased from June 11 to September 22 at the Museum of Fine Arts.
12. Gaze into the infinite at Mosor Star Village.
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. Hidden Faces, an exhibition with over 120 of Salvador Dali's original works from his personal collection, Kesauri is coming to Croatia for the first time this summer. Dali's lithographs, sculptures, medals, serigraphs on silver and silk, along with other impressive art pieces that secured him a place among the greatest names in the art world of today, will be on display in the Cate Dujšin Ribar Gallery located within the Trogir City Museum from June 5 – September 28.
15. Sustipan Park will for the eleventh year in a row be the location for this exclusive event, A Sustipan Night’s Dream (July 10 - 11). Organisers literally go all out to recreate and evoke the atmosphere of Shakespeare’s ‘Midnight Summer Dream’. Dance under the stars in two nights of hedonism with Vanna & band with accompaniment of a string orchestra and the second evening will feature Zoran Predin & Damirov Django Group feat. Matija Dedić in an evening dedicated to Arsen Dedić - Zoran sings Arsen.
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. In the summertime, all the fun moves outdoors, prompting organizers to create exciting and attractive festivals. The Split Park Festival (July 26 – August 8) in the beautiful setting next to Zvončac Park promises concert surprises, fantastic culinary experiences, and a rich daily program.
Another event, Summer Colors of Split, runs from July 13 to September 27, with programs starting every evening at 21:00 at Trg Gaje Bulata. The diverse lineup includes performances by klapa groups, cultural and artistic societies, and concerts featuring various pop and classical music groups.
A three-day festival at Sustipan, S okusom soli (With the Taste of Salt, August 23 to 25), will host performances by Dire Straits Legacy, Plavi Orkestar, and Perpetuum Jazzile. Additionally, between August 22 and 24, at the source of the Jadro River in Solin, the Kawa Fest will feature an eclectic mix of great ethno and reggae pop bands from Croatia and neighboring countries, including Ogenj, Veja, Kries, ROLO, Dioniz, Zoster, Foster, The Splitters, and S.A.R.S.
19. Great festivals await you on the islands, too. 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) and Lastovo becomes an Island of Music from August 15 to 18.
20. Hrvatski Dom Split (Croatian House Split) is found at Tončićeva 1 and regularly hosts excellent concerts.
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. As soon as you jump off the ferry and onto the beautiful island of Brač, you’re in Supetar, home to Brač Film Festival (August 7 - 10) which consists of a main and side programme. The main programme displays feature-length and short films with an award given to the latter as voted by the public.
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. Do you love sailing? 23rd Mrduja Regatta is held on the first weekend of October and it is one of the oldest regattas in Europe, the island of Mrduja is the turning spot in 22 mile route Split - Mrduja - Split. Then two weeks later (October 18 - 20), head down to the Sailing Club ‘Labud’ for some real action on board. The Vis regatta is considered as one of the top 10 regattas of such in Croatia as it goes from Split to the island of Vis and back. Set in October, the timing is when winds are strong and conditions harsh and therefore it attracts over 150 top of the line sailing boats from over 12 nations.
28. 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.
29. Event dedicated to Mediterranean gastronomy, products and culture of living, Taste the Mediterranean will bring together international foodies and gastronomy experts from 24 to 27 October.
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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