City Museum of Split
Explore centuries of history within the ancient walls of Diocletian's Palace, featuring art, armor, and Roman architecture.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds
City Museum of Split
Best Time
Beat the crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore centuries of history within the ancient walls of Diocletian's Palace, featuring art, armor, and Roman architecture.
"Really cool place to visit. It is huge space you cannot see from the outside of city center. Must see in Split!"
⏳ Allow ample time
Don't rush! Explore the palace and museum thoroughly; you can easily spend half a day here.
☕ Enjoy the cafe
There's a lovely coffee shop within the museum complex for a relaxing break.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Diocletian's Palace Architecture
Within the museum complex
Explore the ancient Roman palace walls, courtyards, and chambers that form the museum's setting. A true historical marvel.

Art and Artifacts Collection
Museum galleries
Discover a fascinating collection of paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts that tell the story of Split.

Crypt and Church
Lower levels of the palace
While some areas might be less engaging, the church offers a glimpse into historical religious art and architecture.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Palace Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Going to split for 3 days, what do you recommend to do?
⏳ Allow ample time
Don't rush! Explore the palace and museum thoroughly; you can easily spend half a day here.
☕ Enjoy the cafe
There's a lovely coffee shop within the museum complex for a relaxing break.
Travel Recommendations
One-Day Itinerary in Split
⚠️ Check for closures
Some areas might be under renovation without prior notice. Check at the entrance.
🗺️ Get a palace map
Understand the layout of the vast palace complex to navigate efficiently.
A week in Split in June: what are the must-sees?
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Allow ample time
Don't rush! Explore the palace and museum thoroughly; you can easily spend half a day here.
☕ Enjoy the cafe
There's a lovely coffee shop within the museum complex for a relaxing break.
⚠️ Check for closures
Some areas might be under renovation without prior notice. Check at the entrance.
🗺️ Get a palace map
Understand the layout of the vast palace complex to navigate efficiently.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the City Museum of Split fascinating, particularly for its integration within the historic Diocletian's Palace. The collections of art and artifacts are appreciated, though some specific areas like the crypt may be less engaging for some. Be aware that parts of the palace might be under renovation.
"Fascinating seaside historical complex dating from the 4th century . Although altered substantially over time a considerable amount of the original structure remains and the entire has been adapted to modern use ."
Michael Coyle
"I visited the museum whilst on holiday in Split amazing collection of drawings and paintings. Small gallery could spend half a day here lovely coffee shop great experience."
Clare Gay
"Disappointing visit, crypt is almost empty and totally uninteresting, church is quite interesting with a lot of gold and powerful organ, baptistery is almost empty and totally uninteresting"
Jon H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The City Museum of Split is located within Diocletian's Palace, a central landmark in Split. If you're arriving by cruise ship, it's a short walk from the port. Many visitors find it easily accessible on foot from most accommodations within the city center.
Parking in Split's city center can be challenging and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or walk if staying nearby. If driving, look for paid parking garages outside the immediate palace area.
Yes, Split has a good bus system. Several bus lines stop near the palace. Check local bus routes for the most convenient stop based on your starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official museum website or inquire locally upon arrival for the most up-to-date information.
Admission fees apply. Prices can vary, and it's advisable to check the museum's official website for current ticket prices and any potential discounts.
For general entry, booking in advance is usually not required, especially outside of peak tourist season. However, if you are part of a large group or visiting during a very busy period, it might be worth considering.
While the museum is within the palace, there isn't typically a single combined ticket for all palace attractions. You usually purchase tickets for individual sites like the museum, cathedral, or substructures separately.
Information on free entry days is not widely advertised. It's best to check the museum's official channels for any special promotions or events that might offer free admission.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum houses a collection of paintings, sculptures, weapons, and armor, offering insights into Split's history. It's also integrated within the ancient Diocletian's Palace, so the architecture itself is a major draw.
A visit can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your interest level. Many visitors recommend allocating at least half a day to fully appreciate both the museum's exhibits and the surrounding palace.
The historical context and artifacts might be more engaging for older children. Younger children might find the palace's vastness more interesting than the specific exhibits.
Guided tours may be available, often through external tour operators or sometimes offered by the museum itself. Inquire at the ticket counter or check their website for details.
The museum has a coffee shop, and restrooms are typically available. Check for accessibility information if needed.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. Generally, personal photography without flash is often permitted in museum galleries, but it's always best to check for signage or ask staff.
The ancient architecture of Diocletian's Palace, including courtyards and archways, offers stunning photographic opportunities. The art collections themselves also provide interesting subjects.
Drone photography is generally prohibited within historical city centers and ancient sites like Diocletian's Palace due to regulations and preservation concerns.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Consider a scavenger hunt within the palace walls to keep younger ones engaged. Look for interesting carvings, different types of stone, or unique architectural features. The coffee shop within the museum complex also offers a good spot for a family break.
🏛️ History Buffs
Recommendation: Allocate a significant portion of your day to explore both the museum's curated exhibits and the palace's unadulterated historical fabric. Pay attention to the layers of history visible in the architecture, where Roman, medieval, and Renaissance elements coexist.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Diocletian's Palace
Visitors often remark on how the palace has been adapted over centuries, with medieval and later buildings incorporated into the original Roman framework. This creates a fascinating blend of architectural styles. While some sections of the palace, like the crypt or baptistery, might be described as less engaging by some, the overall atmosphere and the sheer scale of the ancient construction are consistently praised. Don't miss the chance to simply get lost within the palace's labyrinthine alleys, discovering hidden squares and ancient remnants at every turn.
The Museum's Collections
For those interested in military history, the museum features weapons and armor, providing a glimpse into the defensive strategies and conflicts that shaped Split. These artifacts, combined with drawings and other historical documents, help paint a comprehensive picture of the city's evolution from Roman times to more recent eras. While some reviews mention specific areas being less impactful, the overall collection is considered a valuable complement to exploring the palace itself, offering deeper historical context.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit