Split: Diocletian's Palace & Old Town Walking Tour

Summary

Walk Split’s palace cellars, old squares and lively Riva

You’ll wander ancient cellars beneath Diocletian’s Palace, hear stories in lively Peristyle Square, peek inside Saint Domnius Cathedral, and end on Split’s bustling Riva Promenade—all with a local guide who brings 1,700 years of history to life. It’s more personal than you’d expect.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly missed the meeting point at the main entrance of Diocletian’s Palace because I got distracted by a street musician—he was playing something that sounded like Dalmatian folk, or maybe it was just his own thing. Anyway, our guide Ana waved me over with a grin. She didn’t seem bothered I was late (thank god). The first steps inside those palace cellars were cool and a bit damp, and you could smell old stone and something faintly salty—maybe the sea sneaks in here too.

Ana had this way of weaving stories about Roman emperors with little jokes about modern Split life. In Peristyle Square, she pointed out where locals still meet up for coffee or to gossip. There was an older couple sitting on the steps, sharing what looked like a pastry from a paper bag. The sun hit the marble just right so everything glowed for a second—I know that sounds cheesy but it happened. We wandered through the Cathedral of Saint Domnius (the bells startled me), then squeezed into the Temple of Jupiter where Ana taught us how to spot original Roman carvings from later repairs. I tried to guess which was which but honestly, no clue.

We finished up on the Riva Promenade, which is busier than I expected for late morning. Kids chasing pigeons, someone selling lavender sachets that smelled strong enough to wake you up. Ana said this used to be where fishermen would bring in their catch before sunrise—now it’s mostly tourists and locals walking off lunch. The whole Split walking tour took about 90 minutes but felt like less; maybe because there wasn’t any rush or maybe because Ana kept us laughing most of the time. I still think about that light in Peristyle Square.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Diocletian's Palace and Split

• Meet at main palace entrance
• Visit the cellars of Diocletian's Palace
• Explore the center of Diocletian's Palace
• See the Vestibul of Diocletian's Palace
• Visit Jupiter's temple
• Tour Split Cathedral
• Walk through the 1700 year old palace
• See the famous Pjaca square
• Visit the Riva promenade

Top questions

How long does the Split walking tour last?

The guided walking tour lasts around 90 minutes.

Is Diocletian's Palace wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Are strollers or prams allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

Does the tour include entry to Saint Domnius Cathedral?

The itinerary includes visiting Saint Domnius Cathedral as part of the walk.

Where does the walking tour start?

The meeting point is at the main entrance to Diocletian's Palace in Split Old Town.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the meeting point.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted throughout the tour route.

What languages does the guide speak?

The reference doesn’t specify languages spoken by guides; check when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes a 90-minute guided walk through Diocletian’s Palace and Split Old Town with a licensed local guide; all routes are wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels—just show up at the main entrance and join in whenever fits your schedule best.