Split: Diocletian's Palace Walking Tour & Old Town Secrets

Summary

Wander ancient stone alleys markets & grand palace halls in Split

You’ll wind through Split’s tangled Old Town streets with a local guide who brings Diocletian’s Palace to life, taste sea air along Riva promenade, hear stories at Fruit Square and feel ancient stones under your feet. Expect laughter, real city sounds and glimpses of daily life woven into centuries-old walls.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the echo — shoes on old stone, voices bouncing off walls that have seen centuries. Our guide, Ana, waved us over by the bronze statue of Gregory of Nin (she said to rub his toe for luck, so we did — it’s shinier than the rest). The air smelled faintly salty from the sea, mixed with something sweet from a bakery nearby. I didn’t expect to laugh so much, but Ana had stories about emperors and street cats in equal measure.

We ducked into Diocletian’s Palace through the Golden Gate. It’s not just ruins — people actually live and work inside these walls. There was laundry strung between windows and an old man arguing cheerfully with a fruit vendor at Fruit Square. We wandered under arches into Peristyle Square where sunlight hit the marble just right and made everything look kind of golden. I tried to picture Roman soldiers marching here, but honestly it was hard not to get distracted by the accordion music drifting over from the Riva promenade.

The cathedral used to be Diocletian’s mausoleum — Ana pointed out how massive those stones are up close (she joked that you’d need more than a strong coffee to build this today). Inside the substructures it was cool and quiet, almost damp; my shoes squeaked on the floor. There were moments when I just stopped listening and stared up at the ceilings — sometimes you have to let history wash over you without trying too hard to understand every detail.

I still think about that feeling when we stepped out onto Republic Square at the end — open sky after all those narrow lanes, red facades glowing in late afternoon light. It wasn’t perfect or tidy; there was a kid chasing pigeons and someone shouting for their friend across the square. But it felt alive in a way you can’t plan for on any private walking tour of Split. So yeah, if you want neat lines or silence, maybe try somewhere else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Split Old Town and Landmarks

• Start at Riva Promenade
• Visit Diocletian's Palace
• See Vestibule of Diocletian's apartments
• Explore Cathedral of St. Dominus
• Admire Peristyle Square
• Visit local market
• Walk through Golden Gate
• See Gregory of Nin statue
• View palace clock tower
• Explore Fruit's Square and castle remains
• Visit Republic Square (Prokurative)
• End at Riva Promenade

Top questions

How long does the private walking tour of Split last?

The tour typically lasts around 2–3 hours depending on pace and questions.

Is entry to Diocletian’s Palace included?

Yes, admission to the substructures of Diocletian’s Palace is included in your tour.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is adapted for wheelchairs and strollers; some areas have stairs but most highlights are accessible.

Where does the Split walking tour start?

The tour starts at Riva Promenade (Riva Split Waterfront), which is easy to find in central Split.

Are children allowed on this private walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are welcome.

Will we visit local markets during the tour?

You’ll pass through lively markets like Fruit Square where locals shop for produce and cheese.

What language is the tour conducted in?

Your local licensed guide will conduct the tour in English unless otherwise arranged in advance.

Does this day trip include lunch or food tastings?

No meals are included but you’ll pass bakeries and market stalls where you can buy snacks if you like.

What’s included

Your day includes a custom-made program led by a licensed local guide who shares stories as you explore Split’s Old Town on foot; admission fees for the substructures of Diocletian’s Palace are covered so you can wander beneath ancient stone vaults before finishing near Republic Square or back at Riva promenade—no need to worry about logistics along the way.