Split: Diocletian Palace Walking Tour & Old Town Highlights

Summary

Wander ancient Split’s palace streets, hear stories, meet locals, taste history

You’ll walk through Split’s ancient heart with a local guide who knows every twist of Diocletian’s Palace and its old town corners. Expect stories about emperors, odd clocks, lucky statues—and plenty of time to soak up street life as you wander past cathedrals and city gates. There’s something about hearing history where it happened that sticks with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the echo—my shoes tapping against old stone as we slipped through one of those narrow alleys inside Diocletian’s Palace. You know that faint smell of sea air mixed with something older, like limestone dust? That’s everywhere here. Our guide, Ana, waved us over to a spot where sunlight hit the Peristil just right and told us how this whole place used to be an emperor’s retirement project. I half expected a Roman ghost to pop out (didn’t happen, but still). It’s hard not to stare at the Cathedral of St. Dominus—the bell tower kind of leans into the sky like it wants to join the clouds.

I liked how Ana didn’t rush us. She pointed out this weird 24-digit clock near the City Hall—never seen anything like it—and then laughed when I tried to pronounce “Katedrala Svetog Duje.” Locals kept weaving past us, carrying groceries or chatting in Croatian, and it felt less like a museum and more like a city that just happens to live inside its own history. The statue of Gregory of Nin is bigger than you’d think; apparently rubbing his toe brings luck. I did it anyway, just in case.

We didn’t go inside the cathedral or climb the bell tower (that’s extra), but honestly, standing outside and listening to Ana talk about emperors and invasions while pigeons flapped overhead—it was enough for me. The Riva was buzzing by the time we finished up; you could smell coffee from some café nearby and hear someone playing guitar in the distance. It all kind of blurs together now in my head—stone walls, salty air, voices echoing under arches. If you only have a little time in Split, this walking tour covers so much ground without feeling rushed. I still think about that light on the marble steps.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Diocletian's Palace and Old Town

• Walk through Diocletian's Palace
• See St. Duje Cathedral from outside
• View Bell Tower entrance
• Visit Peristil square
• See statue of Gregory of Nin
• Walk past Golden Gate and Vestibul
• Stroll along Riva promenade
• View City Clock
• See City Hall exterior
• Visit 24-digit clock in old town

Top questions

How long does the Diocletian Palace walking tour last?

The walking tour lasts 90 minutes.

Is entry to St. Dominus Cathedral included?

No, entrance to the Cathedral or Bell Tower is not included; you can visit them after the tour if you wish.

Is this Split walking tour suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The tour operates in English.

Does this day trip include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide at the starting point in Split.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Does this Split walking tour run in bad weather?

Yes, it operates in all weather conditions—just dress appropriately.

Will we enter any attractions during the tour?

No interiors are included; sites are explained from outside but you can visit them later on your own.

What’s included

Your 90-minute day includes an English-speaking local guide leading you through Diocletian’s Palace and Split old town highlights like Peristil Square, St. Duje Cathedral (from outside), Gregory of Nin statue, City Clock and more—all within easy reach by public transport or on foot.