Split, Croatia’s largest coastal city, has a vibrant nightlife. The historic Dalmatian city comes alive with warm lights, music, laughter, and the aroma of local cuisine. Whether you are a foodie, a party animal or simply looking for a relaxed evening, Split has plenty to offer as the sun goes down.
One of the best spots to enjoy at Split is the Riva Promenade. Enjoy a relaxing evening stroll along this waterfront walkway lined with palm trees. This stretch of glazed white tiles runs the length of the Old Town, offering harbour views and cozy benches. You can also explore the winding streets of Diocletian’s Palace, full of hidden gems. Join a pub crawl to visit the city’s top bars, or check out an underground pub before heading to a live music venue. You can sip a drink outdoors at a rooftop bar or beach club with stunning views, or enjoy an evening show at the opera.
Dining options
There is a wide range of restaurants where you can find everything from traditional Dalmatian cuisine to seafood, steak, and even vegetarian and vegan options. Villa Dvor and Konoba Fetivi are known for serving authentic Dalmatian dishes. Try Konoba Matejuska for seafood and meat dishes. Bokeria Kitchen & Wine serves modern Mediterranean cuisine.
Teraca Vidilica, located at the edge of a forest park on Marjan Hill, is an ideal spot for couples. Enjoy delicious food or a glass of Croatian wine as you take in the sunset over the city’s red rooftops and the sparkling sea. While the outdoor seating offers the best views, there are indoor seating options as well.
Kantun Paulina, Villa Spiza, Corto Maltese Freestyle Food, Chops Grill Steak & Seafood and Fig Split are some other popular eateries you can try.
Some local dishes that you just can’t miss while at Split are Crni Rižot or Black Risotto (risotto made with cuttlefish or squid, tinted black with ink), Soparnik (traditional Dalmatian pie filled with Swiss chard), Pasticada (beef dish marinated in wine and spices) and Grilled Fish.
Dine-in at a popular restaurant in Split costs around USD 22-44 per person on an average. Rooftop bars and beachfront venues are a bit costlier. Most restaurants accept credit cards, but it’s good to have some cash on hand for smaller places.
Bars and Pubs
Joining a pub crawl is a great way to explore Split’s nightlife scene and meet fellow travelers. There are different guided tours that usually include visit to 4-5 pubs, bars, and clubs, and often include complimentary drinks and special offers. Some tours offer additional perks to spice up the night, like the Tower Pub Crawl’s themed evenings including ‘beach club’ night and ‘Hawaiian luau’ night, or free pizza offered by Wizard Bar Crawl.
Charlie’s Bar, located in the Old Town, is one of the most popular places among tourists, especially the backpackers. It is known for its lively atmosphere and has a great variety of beers and cocktails at cheap prices. If you are looking for a romantic evening, then a visit to Bačvice Beach Bar is must. Located on Bačvice beach, this bar is perfect for a sunset drink or two.
Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar is a cozy place with a literary theme, with live jazz music. Run by the poet Tin Bojanic, this place is said to be the former home of Marko Marulić, a famous 15th-century Croatian writer and philosopher. With shelves full of books and regular poetry nights, it has a cool, literary vibe. Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar is a fun place to start your evening, with its relaxed atmosphere, jazzy piano tunes, and fine cocktails.
Fabrique Pub, located at the western end of the Riva waterfront, is quite popular among tourists for its delicious grilled dishes apart from drinks. This is a bit expensive than the others, but surely worth a try.
Don’t forget to try the local delicacy, Rakija, a fruit brandy which is usually enjoyed as an aperitif.
Drinks at a good pub or bar will cost you around USD 4.40-6.60 for a pint of local beer, USD 5.50-8.80 for a glass of wine, and USD 7.70-13.20 for cocktails.
Nightclubs
Central Club is one of Split’s premier nightclubs and a favourite among tourists. Located in the city centre, it hosts international DJs and is a popular spot for dancing.
Academia Club Ghetto features live bands and also serves as an art gallery and gathering place for artists and boho travelers. It stands in a scenic courtyard where you can chill a bit before heading inside to check out the art-filled rooms and dance the night away. With affordable beer and wine, Club Ghetto is a fun spot for a relaxed night out.
Vanilla Club is a 20 minutes walk from the Old Town. It has a large terrace where you can always choose a cozy corner to enjoy your drink. During summer, you can catch live concerts or enjoy DJs playing popular music at regular parties.
Some other trendy nightclubs known for eclectic music, popular DJs and various events include Zenta Club, Inbox Bar, Judino Drvo Club, Tvrda Night Club, Bačvice Night Club, Split Circus and Tropic Club.
The average entrance fees for popular nightclubs in Split typically range between USD 11–22.
Other attractions
Visit the Diocletian’s Palace to explore ancient Roman ruins. Built around the 4th century, this is a UNESCO world heritage site. The softly illuminated stone walls and cobbled streets are perfect for an evening stroll. There are art galleries, boutique shops, cafes, and bars to explore within the Palace. You might even catch live music or cultural performances in the Peristyle Square, adding to the charm of this historic site.
Make sure to attend the Split Summer Festival if you visit Split in July or August. It features open-air theater, opera, and live concerts. Ultra Europe is another popular festival that takes place in July and showcases a range of DJs and musicians.
If you want to experience an outdoor movie night, head to Bačvice Open Air Movie Theater, which has been hosting outdoor movie nights during summer months since 1956. It shows a variety of films from local independent movies to Hollywood blockbusters. Another cultural gem is the Croatian National Theatre, a historic venue built in 1893. It offers a variety of performances year-round, including Croatian plays, opera, orchestra concerts, and ballet.
If you would like to witness stunning sunsets in Split, you can hike up to Marjan Hill which is a great viewpoint. Or you can take a sunset cruise boat ride from the city harbour. It usually includes visits to nearby islands, watching sunset in romantic settings, and sometimes dinner or drinks onboard. The cost of the ride is USD 40-70 per person approx.
For a fun and interactive evening, check out one of Split’s escape rooms, such as Room Escape Split or Fox in a Box, where you can solve puzzles and riddles with friends or family. Game lovers can head to one of the city’s gaming bars, to enjoy board games, darts, or console gaming along with drinks. Entrance fees for escape rooms typically range from USD 20–30 per person.
The nightlife in Split perfectly captures the city’s spirit. Whether you choose a quiet evening soaking in the views or a night of music and dancing, Split promises a unique and memorable experience.
