The best way to learn about the culture and customs of the cities we visit is to live among the locals and immerse yourself in new experiences. These places 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.

Must-visit for art and architecture lovers, near the sea on Marjan Hill
Start with the Meštrović Gallery, located on Marjan, the green heart of the city. Meštrović's Crikvine (an exhibition space on Meje, the south side of Marjan 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 by the sea near the gallery.

Ideal for morning jogs and sunset treks
When we mention Marjan, morning or evening jogging is an integral part of local community life, so head to one of the viewpoints and take in the glory. From the observation point at Sedlo, you’ll get gorgeous vistas and ample education. New trekking routes have also been established, so you never need to walk the same path twice.

Nocturno at the Peristyle
From May 2 to October 26, the Peristyle Square inside Diocletian’s Palace hosts Nocturno, an evening of live acoustic music. Each night from 19:00 to 23:00, enjoy popular songs performed by talented musicians in a relaxed open-air setting. Surrounded by ancient stone and soft evening light, this is a perfect way to unwind and experience the historic heart of Split.

A perfect way to welcome summer
The spectacular Split Spring Festival (which takes place between May 22 and June 1 on Kralja Tomislava) 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.

At the Croatian Maritime Museum
This summer, the Croatian Maritime Museum (Glagoljaša 18, Tvrđava Gripe) presents two unique exhibitions exploring the Adriatic’s hidden maritime heritage. One highlights the often-overlooked role of women in traditional boatbuilding on Murter (June 5 to Sept), while the other uncovers underwater treasures of the Split-Dalmatia region through shipwrecks and archaeological finds (June 10 to July 27 at Old City Hall). Both exhibitions offer a fresh look at life by and beneath the sea.

Contemporary exhibitions by Split School of Fine Arts students
As part of the Split School of Fine Arts, the School Gallery (Galerija Škola) operates at Fausta Vrančića 15, 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 to 13:00. More information can be found on social media. (www.facebook.com/galerijaskola)

Great spots for discovering Croatian contemporary art
The Museum of Fine Art in Split is a treasure trove of contemporary art. It constantly hosts 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 more about the Croatian art scene.

Current highlight: Julije Horović’s archive photos of 20th-century Split
Photography lovers should stop at Marmontova 5, where the Photo Gallery and Photo Club Split (founded way back in 1911) has an excellent program. One of the current highlights is an exhibition from the photographic archive of Julije Horović, offering a rare glimpse into what Split looked like in the mid-20th century. Through black-and-white images of everyday life, city streets, and forgotten corners, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the city's changes over time and the quiet beauty of its past.

At SC Gripe: World Budo Camp 2025
From June 6 to 8, the SC Gripe sports center in Split will host the World Budo Camp 2025, a dynamic international martial arts event featuring top instructors and competitors in Jujitsu, MMA, grappling, and more. The camp includes the Split International Open kickboxing tournament and the International Hall of Fame ceremony honouring global martial arts legends. With participants from over 20 countries, it's a unique blend of sport, culture, and global community in the heart of Dalmatia.

Open-air screenings in venues around the city
The 18th Split Mediterranean Film Festival, which focuses on the best films from the Mediterranean region, takes place from June 12 to 21. This year’s edition will feature open-air screenings, guest appearances by filmmakers, and a selection of premieres across several city venues. More details are available on their website: https://fmfs.hr.

Classical interpretations or Rammstein songs
Hrvatski Dom Split (Croatian House Split) is a cultural venue that regularly hosts a variety of concerts, including classical, contemporary, and world music performances. In June, the program includes a piano duo Abélard on June 14, presenting classical interpretations of songs by the German band Rammstein. On June 18, vocalist Lina will perform a modern take on Portuguese fado music, blending voice, traditional instruments, and electronics. To mark World Music Day on June 21, guitarist Miroslav Tadić and accordionist Merima Ključo will give a joint performance that explores different musical traditions and styles.
 

Klapa Singing - Spontaneous performances
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 stunning acoustics. In the summer, you may still hear the melodies in front of the National Theatre in Split.

Local community exhibits and peaceful reading spaces
For bookish silence and shade, you can always visit the Marko Marulić City Library, which often holds local community exhibitions.

Family-run gallery
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.

Outdoor theatre festival
Theatre by the Sea is an 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, featuring top actors. The programme consists of different plays for adults and several plays for children. Details about the programme and the purchase of tickets are available on the festival's official website. You can buy tickets at the Papirko bookstore or at entrio.hr. Reservation line: +385 91 795 72 60. The program starts on June 17.

A true Split-style souvenir spot
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 +385 91 384 3144.

“Who Needs Copacabana?” celebration
Welcome to the brand-new Žnjan Plateau, the latest gem on Split’s coastline. This sprawling seaside oasis is set to become the city’s second-largest green zone, blending beachside relaxation with vibrant urban energy. Mark your calendars for June 21 (the first day of summer) when Žnjan comes alive with a grand opening celebration titled “Who Needs Copacabana?”. Expect a day packed with surprises, including live performances of iconic Split hits.

Gibonni Live Concert
On June 27 at 21:00, renowned Croatian artist Gibonni will hold a major concert at Stari Plac Stadium in Split. The event, titled Evo me doma (Here I Am at Home), is named after lyrics from one of his many popular songs.

Regular exhibitions at Manuš Art Gallery
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 also be open in the morning. Phone for more info (+385 91 569 7842).

Dynamic space for culture, music, dance, and more
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 at www.facebook.com/dommladihsplit
 

Stargazing nights with telescopes, outside Split city lights
Located at the foot of the Mosor mountain, Mosor Star Village offers a chance to observe the night sky away from the city lights, with telescopes available for a closer look at celestial bodies.

Split Blues Festival
From July 1 to 6, the iconic Prokurative Square becomes the stage for one of the city’s most anticipated summer music events — the Split Blues Festival. This year’s edition brings a standout lineup featuring the soulful Alice Armstrong and her band, alongside Croatian blues legend Goran Bare and his iconic group, Majke. A special festival highlight will be a moving tribute to the late Dino Dvornik, performed by the Jazz Orchestra of Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT), reinterpreting his greatest hits with lively big band flair.

Headliners: Crystal Thomas & Kojoti
Don’t miss the chance to experience live music under the stars in one of Dalmatia’s most scenic small towns! Trilj Blues Festival takes place on July 4 and 5 in the charming City Park Trilj (Gradski park), featuring a fantastic lineup of local and international acts. Headliners include the sensational Crystal Thomas and the legendary Croatian band Kojoti. Free entry for all visitors.
 

One of Europe’s biggest EDM events
The ULTRA Europe Festival, one of the biggest electronic music festivals in Europe, returns to Split in 2025 (July 11 to 13), featuring world-renowned DJs and breathtaking performances. Held at Park Mladeži Stadium, this event attracts thousands of music lovers from around the globe for an unforgettable weekend of electronic dance music.
 

Islands life
Great festivals await you on the islands, too. If you're on Brač, Graffiti na Gradele takes place between July 23 and 27, while the Mudri Brk (Wise Moustache, best festival name ever) takes place in Jelsa village on the island of Hvar between July 24 and 27. Tam Tam festival (July 10-19) is a real highlight in Sućuraj (also on Hvar).

Theatre, music, and dance
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).

“Operation Storm – 30 Years” Exhibition
The Homeland War Museum (Poljička cesta 39), presents a new special exhibition from July 15 to November 1, titled “Thirty Years of Operation Storm.” The exhibition highlights the role of foreign volunteers in the Croatian War of Independence, featuring personal stories, artefacts, photographs, and documents. It offers insight into a key moment in recent Croatian history and the international dimension of the conflict.

In Sinj, a traditional equestrian spectacle
Since 1715, the 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.

A must-see beach game unique to Split
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 Hajduk (the biggest football club) home game, 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.