Split is more than a city by the sea—it’s a living museum shaped by centuries of art, architecture, and Mediterranean spirit. From the grandeur of Diocletian’s Palace to the quiet corners of Marjan Hill, culture here is not only preserved, but continually reimagined. Opera in ancient courtyards,exhibitions in historic spaces, and spontaneous klapa harmonies in hidden squares—tradition and innovation coexist in perfect harmony.
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.
Summer Delights of Classical Music in Split
Experience the magic of classical music under the stars at one of Split’s longest-running summer festivals. From June 26 to September 26, the Summer Delights of Classical Music festival brings a rich program of 13 concerts held at four stunning historic venues: the Cellars of Diocletian’s Palace, the cloister of St. Francis Church and Monastery, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the square in front of the Old City Hall.
Split Summer Festival – August Highlights
Through August, Split's 71st Summer Festival keeps its vibrant energy alive with a rich program of over 60 performances at 14 iconic venues—blending opera, drama, ballet, concerts, film, and exhibitions. Don’t miss the powerful "Julius Caesar" (Shakespeare) staged near the Silver Gate on August 13 & 14. A special highlight this year is the opera "Ero the Joker" (Gotovac), which will be performed in Vrlika on August 2 and 6, outside of Split—an exceptional opportunity to explore the beautiful hinterland of Split while enjoying a cornerstone of Croatian musical heritage. And of course, the festival opened spectacularly with Tijardović’s "Diocletian" on July 14 - a monumental site-specific opera that concludes its grand finale on the Peristyle.
Paul Kalkbrenner
Techno icon Paul Kalkbrenner comes to Split for an unforgettable night of electronic music on August 8, at Music Club Porat. Known for his powerful live performances and global hits like Sky & Sand, Kalkbrenner will be joined by top Croatian DJs for a full evening of high-energy beats and cutting-edge sound.
Virgilije Nevjestić - Dreamlike Worlds in Print
From July 5 to August 15, the University Gallery (Sveučilišna galerija, Ruđera Boškovića 31) invites you to explore the poetic and surreal world of Virgilije Nevjestić, one of the most imaginative graphic artists of the 20th century. This elegant exhibition features around 70 masterful prints spanning from the 1960s to the 1980s—ranging from black-and-white scenes of his Dalmatian roots to richly symbolic, dreamlike compositions. Also on display are rare bibliophile editions inspired by great poets like Pablo Neruda and La Fontaine, highlighting Nevjestić’s meticulous attention to detail.
Kopila – City of the Dead Above the Field of Life
This exhibition at the Archaeological Museum in Split explores the ancient Illyrian site of Kopila—one of the most important archaeological discoveries on the eastern Adriatic in recent decades. It highlights Illyrian burial customs and daily life through artifacts, storytelling, and a symbolic dry-stone wall installation in the museum’s garden, built by the Dragodid Association. A unique opportunity to discover a lost civilization and reflect on cultural roots—on view in Split until October.
"Ješka" by Natalia Borčić Peuc
"Ješka," an exhibition featuring large-format oil and acrylic paintings by Natalia Borčić Peuc created over the past three years. The works vividly depict the landscapes of Vis beaches, blending sea, marine vegetation, and rocks in a dynamic and immersive style that extends beyond the canvas.
The exhibition runs from July 24 to September 3, at the Emanuel Vidović Gallery (Poljana kraljice Jelene 4). Experience the captivating atmosphere of Natalia Borčić Peuc’s art and let yourself be drawn into her unique vision.
Six nights of music under the stars
Get ready for Sustipan Vibrez 2025 – the perfect blend of music, nature, and atmosphere at one of Split’s most beloved open-air venues. From August 23 to 28, the festival brings six unforgettable concerts featuring international and regional stars like Michelle Gurevich, Kovacs, Marc Ribot's Ceramic Dog, Nouvelle Vague, TBF with the HRT Jazz Orchestra, and the Vlatko Stefanovski Trio. A single festival pass (€60 standing / €70 seated) gives you access to all six concerts – one ticket, one vibe, no transfers. Individual tickets may become available from August 1, depending on availability.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tomislav Savić Gecan: Untitled 2025
From July 22 to September 12, the Gallery Kula in Split hosts Untitled 2025, a compelling new work by Tomislav Savić Gecan. In this conceptual performance, the artist moves through the gallery based on Split’s temperature, visitor presence, global emoji usage, and the number of planes overhead—without using electronic devices. Untitled 2025 transforms the gallery into a dynamic system shaped by invisible inputs, inviting viewers to reflect on perception, presence, and the logic of data in contemporary life.
Dynamic space for culture
The Split Youth Centre (Ulica slobode 28) offers a varied program of clubs, galleries, dances, lectures, and social events. They regularly publish their schedule on social media at www.facebook.com/dommladihsplit.
This summer, the exhibition "Toy of the Winds" by Vojin Hraste explores the poetic relationship between movement, control, and the invisible forces that guide us. Hosted at the MKC Gallery in Split from July 25 to August 13, it invites visitors to engage in a kinetic and thought-provoking artistic experience.
Croatian Maritime Museum
Until September 7th, the Croatian Maritime Museum (Glagoljaša 18, Tvrđava Gripe) hosts "Women of the Shipyard", an exhibition revealing the hidden role of women in traditional boatbuilding in Betina. From carrying timber to organizing boat launches, women were essential to every step—yet remained in the background. This is the first time their stories take center stage in maritime history. Don’t miss this rare tribute to the silent strength behind a proud coastal tradition.
“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.
Fibra Fever: Two Nights of Pure Energy
Fibra (which in local dialect means ‘having a temperature’, or in this case, ‘the summer heat’) is all about bringing the best of urban culture to the forefront. From rock and hip hop to electronic beats, top regional acts will light up the stage over two nights, September 5 - 6, in front of Club Porat.
Classical, Cross-Over, and Jazz on Split’s Most Iconic Stage
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural Peristil Vibrez Festival, this September promises an unforgettable blend of classical, cross-over, and jazz music set against one of Europe’s most breathtaking stages. The festival kicks off on September 7 with the world-class violinist Julian Rachlin and the acclaimed Zagreb Soloists, delivering a night of refined classical elegance. The following evening, September 8, brings the vibrant and eclectic energy of Ara Malikian, whose genre-defying violin performance effortlessly fuses classical roots with modern flair. Wrapping up this three-day musical journey on September 9, The Baylor Project takes the stage with their soulful jazz and R&B sounds, creating the perfect laid-back yet powerful finale. Experience the magic of music, history, and Mediterranean charm all in one spectacular setting—Split’s iconic Peristyle.
Piano Loop Festival
Piano Loop Festival is a unique cultural event that celebrates artistic excellence, honors classical tradition, and upholds a strong international reputation. Now in its twelfth edition, the festival brings together outstanding artists and a discerning audience from around the world.
The 12th Piano Loop Festival will take place from September 16 to 20 at the Ivo Tijardović Concert Hall in the Croatian Home of Split (Hrvatski dom Split). This year’s program features five evenings of exceptional performances by world-renowned pianists:
On September 16, the festival opens with Sergei Babayan, followed by Eva Gevorgyan on September 17, Dmytro Choni on September 18, Bruno Vlahek on September 19, and Roman Lopatinsky will close the festival on September 20.
Tickets are available via the Adriaticket system and at the box office of the Hrvatski dom Split.
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.
Around Split: Culture, Stars & Rhythms by the Coast
Just minutes from Split, the peaceful setting of Solin comes alive each August with Kawa Fest, a vibrant three-night music event. From August 21 to 23, this open-air festival including Zabranjeno Pušenje, Rambo Amadeus, and Urban & 4. With its blend of powerful live music, natural scenery, and laid-back atmosphere, Kawa offers a refreshing and energetic experience just outside the city.
A short drive further inland leads to Sinj, where on August 4 the legendary Sinjska Alka takes place. This traditional equestrian tournament, held annually since 1715, commemorates a historic victory against the Ottoman army. As riders in ceremonial uniforms gallop through the town square aiming their lances at a suspended iron ring, visitors are swept into a vivid display of heritage, pride, and time-honored ritual.
For those seeking quiet wonder, the Mosor Star Village offers clear views of the night sky from the foothills of Mount Mosor. Far from the city lights, guests are invited to explore the cosmos through telescopes, discovering planets, constellations, and the simple magic of stillness under the stars.
Along the coast, Makarska reveals its more introspective side through the Maestrale Festival, a summer-long celebration of tradition, art, and storytelling. The festival fills the old town with spontaneous klapa performances, poetic evenings, and contemporary art installations, inviting visitors to experience Makarska’s soul.
Free Storytelling Tours take place every Wednesday throughout the summer until September 10th, starting at 19:30. Led by the "Makarska bride" and her team, these interactive tours showcase local customs, crafts, klapa singing, folk performances, and traditional makaruni pasta-making.
The tours are offered in English and Polish – free of charge! It’s a perfect way to connect with Makarska’s culture and stories.
As the season turns, Makarska continues to hum with creative energy. From September 10 to 14, the Vinil & Gušti Festival celebrates the golden age of vinyl with retro sounds, record fairs, and live music that captures the spirit of analog listening. Then, from September 20 to 21, the Modro i Zeleno Festival honors the memory of Milan Mladenović with a series of evocative concerts and artistic tributes, paying homage to a musical legacy born of this very coastline.
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