15+ Crazy Things To Do In Split, Croatia At Night

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Once the sun goes down in Split, Croatia, what are you going to do?

Some of my favorite Split memories are from exploring the city after dark!

I’ve had the incredible opportunity of staying with a local family just steps away from outside of Diocletian’s Palace for two entire summers.

From wandering around Split Old Town to watching the sunset over the Adriatic Sea, here’s your guide to the best nightlife in Split, Croatia.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a creation or landmark chosen for conservation by the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO) due to its cultural, historical, scientific or natural significance. It must meet a minimum of one of ten selection criteria to be considered for the World Heritage List, and once chosen, it becomes protected for preservation by various international treaties.

The Best Things to do in Split at Night

1. Stroll along the Riva

This is an image of 2 yachts docked in Split, Croatia at sunset.

Just like during the day, the Riva is one of the most popular spots for nightlife in Split.

As you wander along the straight seaside promenade, you’ll pass several ice cream stands, coffee shops closed for the evening, and clubs along the shoreline.

The best part? As you walk from one end of the Riva to the other, you’ll get to experience all of the pop-up performances!

Small stages are set up along the Riva every evening.

You can find everything from traditional Croatian music and dance performances to rock musicians jamming into the crowded night.

2. Explore Diocletian’s Palace after dark

This is an image of Podrum Underground Market in Split, Croatia.

The heart of Old Town is the ancient palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian, built in the 4th century A.D. as his retirement home.

The cellar of Diocletian’s Palace–which was, at times, a jail and a septic tank–becomes a nightly marketplace called Podrum’s Underground Market.

To enter the market, head inside either the entrance on the Riva or the entry beneath the Peristyle.

You can find tons of the local artisans and souvenir stands–and the occasional cat curled up on a counter.

3. Wander around the Old Town at night

One of the best things to do in Split at night is walking through the city’s Old Town streets.

Along with the major landmarks, like the Cathedral of Saint Dominus and the Temple of Jupiter, this is one of the only UNESCO World Heritage Sites still inhabited today.

Walk around the ancient streets and explore the entire city after the sunset.

The streets are beautiful to experience during the day, but they come alive at night.

The cobblestone walkways bustle with bars and restaurant patrons, so much so that they spill out into the streets, making for a crowded atmosphere.

4. End your day with gelato

Did you really go out in Split at night if you didn’t get gelato?

Borrowed from Italy across the Adriatic Sea, gelato is a kind of thick, creamy ice cream.

When you’re walking around Split after sunset, nothing makes the evening more complete than a cone of the creamiest gelato.

You’ll see a bunch of gelato shops all around the city, from the Riva to the back streets of the Old Town, but not all gelato is alike. These are my favorite gelato shops in Split:

5. Watch an outdoor movie on Bačvice Beach

This is an image of the opening screen at the outdoor summer movie theater on Bačvice Beach in Split, Croatia.

As I’m sure you already know, no 3 days in Split itinerary is complete without spending time on one of the best beaches in Split!

One of my favorite city beaches is Bačvice Beach because it’s the closest to the city center and one of the only sand beaches in Split.

However, don’t miss an opportunity to check out Ljetno kino Bačvice, its open-air beachside movie theater.

Imagine–watching a movie sitting outside only a few meters from the sea, enjoying the breeze and fresh air.

The theater first opened in 1958 and has delighted summer audiences ever since.

Their season usually runs from mid-May into early October, which means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to catch a movie, and offers a wide selection of films.

You can check their Facebook page for each day’s line-up, and you can buy tickets the same day at the box office outside the theater, as well as traditional movie-going snacks.

Make sure to get there a little early if there’s a film you really want to see!

6. Admire the sunset from Marjan Hill

This is an image of sunset at Marjan Hill in Split, Croatia.

On the western tip of the peninsula, Marjan Hill Park is the highest point in Split.

It’s quite a trek to the top; you have to climb up a steep set of stairs in the Varoš neighborhood to make it to the entrance.

But, the view is absolutely worth it–you can catch the sunset over the whole city and the Adriatic Sea.

And, right next to the viewpoint is Restoran Vidilica, an excellent Croatian restaurant.

As the city’s skyline starts to illuminate with light, sit down for a delicious dinner to enjoy.

7. Enjoy a wine and painting party

Make your own souvenir with a night out in Split at a painting party and wine night.

Hosted by Art Bottega, all you need to do is show up and enjoy the casual party atmosphere; they’ll provide everything else.

The host will get you set up with all the supplies you need and sip on Croatian wine and soft drinks while you paint.

At the end of the evening, you’ll walk away with a frame-ready piece of art for you to bring home.

It’s a great way to meet other tourists and locals without taking a walking tour and create some fantastic memories.

You can check their availability and book an evening for up to 15 guests here.

8. See the crystal-clear waters on a sunset SUP tour

Discover the beauty of Split’s coastline and surrounding islands with a fun activity that’s easy to do with your family or group.

Experiencing a Stand-up paddleboarding tour (known as SUP) is a unique way to enjoy the beauty of Split at night.

Once you meet your certified trainer and learn the basics, you’ll get safely suited up before exploring the city’s pristine waters.

As the sunset turns to moonlight, you’ll use the LED lights attached to the front of your paddleboard to light the way.

There will be some safety training before you get started, but after that, you’ll be off exploring the beautiful waters of Split with your professional tour guide.

9. Take a sunset cruise

This is an image of a sailboat on the harbor in Split, Croatia at sunset.

Split’s sunsets create some stunning sights–a sunset cruise on the Adriatic Sea to watch the light reflect on the city’s skyline is an experience not to be missed.

You really can’t leave Croatia without finding yourself on a boat at least once!

This two-hour Split sunset cruise includes live music and an open bar while you sail around the city, passing through Marjan Hill, Diocletian’s Palace, and the bay of Kaštela as they change from day to night.

10. Party on Hvar island

Hvar, a great day trip from Split, is a beautiful island with a rich history–and particularly well-known for its nightlife as a party destination!

During the summer months, yachts flood the port of the coastal city, while beachside bars and nightclubs continue to dance into the early morning hours.

You can take a Jadrolinija or Krilo Ferry directly from Split’s ferry port to Stari Grad or Hvar town.

Or, if you’re visiting with friends, you can rent a private Hvar nightlife tour (Viator | GetYourGuide) for guided transportation to all of the hottest clubs and nightlife destinations on both the Hvar & Pakleni Islands.

11. Catch a Hajduk home game

If you’re looking for genuinely local things to do in Split, head to Poljud Stadium to catch a Hajduk football game.

Look closely when you walk around the city; you’ll see the home team’s emblem painted on the streets.

And if you’re lucky, you might be able to see a game between Hajduk Split and Dinamo Zagreb, the club’s main rival.

You can also take a tour of the stadium before the game.

The stadium has been classified as a historic cultural monument due to its architectural and urban design.

The structure is shaped like a seashell and was initially built to host the 1979 Mediterranean Games.

12. Enjoy a night out at the theater

Found in a brilliant yellow building, the Croatian National Theatre in Split offers a variety of productions.

When it first opened in 1893 as the Split Municipal Theatre, its 1,000-seat capacity made it the largest in Southeastern Europe at the time.

Before Croatia’s independence, the country’s national theaters were critical in fostering the Croatian language.

The theatre stages about 300 productions every year, including plays, ballets, operas, and concerts.

If you’re in Split during the spring, check out the Marulievi dani (Days of Maruli) week-long festival in April, which honors the previous year’s triumphs in Croatian playwriting.

Or, if you’re in town over the summer, don’t miss a performance as part of the Splitsko ljeto (Split Summer Festival) sponsored by the theatre.

The productions are held at night outside, in created theater spaces around the city, from the Peristyle square in Diocletian’s Palace to the Meštrović Gallery.

13. Catch a concert festival at Park Josipa Jurja Strossmayera

Just behind one of the most instagrammable places in Split, the famous statue of Gregory of Nin, you might be lucky enough to hear music playing from Park Josipa Jurja Strossmayera on hot summer nights.

During the day, you can walk around the park, but at night during the summer, it’s home to the Here’s Hands! Music Festival.

Entry into the festival hosted by Revija Urbane Kulture is free.

Check out this year’s festival dates and band line-up on their website to see if you’ll be able to catch a concert.

14. Party at one of Split’s popular nightclubs

Some of the best nightlife in Split is found at the oceanfront nightclubs.

A casual cocktail bar by the water by day turns into a dance club once the sun goes down–along with some bars located further in the Old Town.

Some of the popular clubs include:

15. Attend this year’s ULTRA Europe Festival

One of the top EMD music events in the world happens in Split–ULTRA Europe.

Every summer, this 3-day festival draws some of the best EMD DJs for the European location of the worldwide festival to Split’s Park mladeži venue.

You can check out this year’s dates and purchase tickets on their website.

Top Split Nightlife: FAQs

What to do in Split at night?

1. Stroll along the Riva
2. Explore Diocletian’s Palace after dark
3. Wander around the Old Town at night
4. End your day with gelato
5. Watch an outdoor movie on Bačvice Beach
6. Admire the sunset from Marjan Hill
7. Enjoy a wine and painting party
8. See the crystal-clear waters on a sunset SUP tour
9. Take a sunset cruise
10. Party on Hvar island
11. Catch a Hajduk home game
12. Enjoy a night out at the theater
13. Catch a concert festival at Park Josipa Jurja Strossmayera
14. Party at one of Split’s popular nightclubs
15. Attend this year’s ULTRA Europe Festival

Is Split a party town?

Yes, you could say Split is a party town!

There are several nightclubs and live music venues in Split that stay open until the early hours of the morning.

Split is also home to some major summer festivals, like Ultra Europe, which draw thousands of visitors every year.

The nearby Hvar island is also known as a party destination.

However, if you’re not interested in partying, one of the best ways to experience the nightlife in Split is to take a stroll through its cobblestone streets and explore the city.

The Split Old Town is full of bars, restaurants, and even street performers.

You’ll also find plenty of cafes with outdoor seating where you can people-watch and soak up the atmosphere.

Split Nightlife: Wrap-Up

Experiencing the Split Croatia nightlife is an absolute must for anyone visiting this stunning city.

From chic bars to pulsating nightclubs, there is an abundance of activities to keep you entertained all night long.

So, whether you want to dance until dawn, unwind with a cocktail, or simply immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, Split Croatia at night will undoubtedly exceed all your expectations.

What are your favorite things to do in Split at night?

Lyndsay

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15+ Crazy Things to do in Split, Croatia at Night