Smart Self-Managed Tours

Country guide

Croatia

A photograph of Croatia
Photograph · Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 3.0

Croatia meets the Adriatic in two parts that barely resemble each other: an inland north around Zagreb, the capital and the main cultural and economic centre, and a coast whose archipelago carries over 1,000 islands and islets. The whole country is 56,594 square kilometres, divided into twenty counties across four administrative regions, with a population of nearly 3.9 million as of 2026. Split, Rijeka and Osijek are the other cities of any size — the first two on the water, the last inland in the east. Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro all border it by land, Italy only by sea.

Cities

Every city catalogued in this country so far, ranked by how much there is to see.

Practical information

Language spoken
Croatian
National practical orientation; regional and minority languages may also be used
Dialling code
+385
International calling code; local area and mobile prefixes still apply
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Use the official local currency; card acceptance varies by place
Emergency number
112
Use only for an emergency; tourist assistance may use a separate number
Plug type
Type C and F · 230 V
Check that chargers support the recorded voltage before using an adapter
Tap water
Safe from treated public supplies
Public drinking water is regulated; follow local notices on islands or after disruption

Planning a visit

  1. January: no seasonality data recorded
  2. February: no seasonality data recorded
  3. March: no seasonality data recorded
  4. April: no seasonality data recorded
  5. May: no seasonality data recorded
  6. June: no seasonality data recorded
  7. July: no seasonality data recorded
  8. August: no seasonality data recorded — this month
  9. September: no seasonality data recorded
  10. October: no seasonality data recorded
  11. November: no seasonality data recorded
  12. December: no seasonality data recorded

Top things to see

Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.

  1. Ivan Meštrović Gallery Ivan Meštrović Gallery
    02 1 hr 30 min

    Ivan Meštrović Gallery

    The Mestrovic Gallery is an art museum in Split dedicated to the work of Ivan Mestrovic, Croatia's most celebrated modern sculptor.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Split
  2. Narodni trg - Pjaca Narodni trg - Pjaca
    03 2 hours

    Narodni trg - Pjaca

    Pjaca People's Square, locally Narodni trg - Pjaca, stands as the main public square in Split's historic core. It occupies the space where the Roman camp's command area once lay, later becoming the medieval heart of civic life.

    • Must see
    • Activity
    • Split
  3. Voćni trg Voćni trg
    04 2 hours

    Voćni trg

    Fruit Square, known locally as Voćni trg, is a historic public square in Split, Croatia. The square takes its name from the fruit market that historically operated in this space.

    • Must see
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  4. Split City Museum Split City Museum
    05 1 hr 30 min

    Split City Museum

    Split City Museum, locally Muzej grada Splita, is a municipal museum institution in Split, Croatia. It preserves and presents the urban history of Split from antiquity through the medieval period to modern times.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Split
  5. Etnografski muzej Etnografski muzej
    06 1 hr 30 min

    Etnografski muzej

    The Ethnographic Museum Split, locally named Etnografski muzej Split, is a museum in the historic core of Split, Croatia. It occupies a significant position within the ancient fabric of the city, which developed around the Palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Split
  6. Archaeological Museum Split Archaeological Museum Split
    07 1 hr 30 min

    Archaeological Museum Split

    The Archaeological Museum in Split, known locally as Arheološki muzej u Splitu, stands as a significant cultural institution in Croatia's second-largest city. It preserves and presents archaeological finds from the Split region and broader Dalmatian area.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Split
  7. Museum of Fine Arts Museum of Fine Arts
    08 1 hr 30 min

    Museum of Fine Arts

    The Gallery of Fine Arts Split is an art museum in Split, Croatia. Its local name is Galerija umjetnina Split. The institution holds the Wikidata identifier Q5519009.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Split
  8. Hrvatski Pomorski muzej Hrvatski Pomorski muzej
    09 1 hr 30 min

    Hrvatski Pomorski muzej

    The Croatian Maritime Museum is a cultural institution in Split dedicated to the maritime heritage of the Adriatic coast.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Split
  9. Muzej hrvatskih arheoloških spomenika Muzej hrvatskih arheoloških spomenika
    10 1 hr 30 min

    Muzej hrvatskih arheoloških spomenika

    The Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments is a museum in Split dedicated to preserving and presenting Croatia's medieval archaeological heritage.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Split
  10. West Coast Promenade West Coast Promenade
    11 2 hours

    West Coast Promenade

    The West Coast Promenade, known locally as Zapadna obala, is a waterfront walkway in Split, Croatia. It runs along the western edge of the city centre, offering views of the Adriatic Sea and the port area.

    • Must see
    • Activity
    • Split
  11. Marmont Street Marmont Street
    12 2 hours

    Marmont Street

    Marmont Street, known locally as Marmontova ulica, is a prominent pedestrian thoroughfare in Split, Croatia.

    • Must see
    • Activity
    • Split
  12. Varos Quarter Varos Quarter
    13 2 hours

    Varos Quarter

    Varoš Quarter, locally known as Varoš, is one of the oldest residential neighbourhoods in Split, Croatia.

    • Must see
    • Activity
    • Split
  13. Radunica Quarter Radunica Quarter
    14 2 hours

    Radunica Quarter

    Radunica is a historic residential quarter in Split, Croatia, situated east of Diocletian's Palace. This working-class neighbourhood preserves traditional Dalmatian urban fabric with narrow stone streets and compact houses.

    • Must see
    • Activity
    • Split
  14. Telegrin Peak Telegrin Peak
    15 2 hours

    Telegrin Peak

    Telegrin Peak, known locally as Vrh Telegrin, is a ranked visitor destination in the Split area of Croatia. The peak forms part of the elevated terrain overlooking the city and surrounding Adriatic coastline.

    • Must see
    • Activity
    • Split
  15. Poljud Stadium Poljud Stadium
    16 2 hours

    Poljud Stadium

    Poljud Stadium, known locally as Stadion Poljud, is a multi-purpose sports venue located in Split, Croatia. It serves as the home ground of HNK Hajduk Split, one of the country's most storied football clubs.

    • Must see
    • Activity
    • Split
  16. Spaladium Arena Spaladium Arena
    17 2 hours

    Spaladium Arena

    Spaladium Arena is a large indoor sports and entertainment venue located in Split, Croatia. The arena opened as a multi-purpose facility designed to host basketball, handball, concerts, and other major events.

    • Must see
    • Activity
    • Split
  17. Split Science Museum and Zoo Split Science Museum and Zoo
    18 1 hr 30 min

    Split Science Museum and Zoo

    The Split Science Museum and Zoo, known locally as Prirodoslovni muzej i zoološki vrt Split, is a ranked visitor place retained from the available fact pack.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Split
  18. Game of Thrones Museum Split Game of Thrones Museum Split
    19 1 hr 30 min

    Game of Thrones Museum Split

    The Game of Thrones Museum Split is a visitor attraction in Split, Croatia, dedicated to the HBO television series Game of Thrones. The museum commemorates the show's extensive filming in Croatia, particularly in the Dalmatian region.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Split
  19. Old City Hall Old City Hall
    20 1 hr 30 min

    Old City Hall

    Old City Hall stands as a significant historical building in Split, Croatia, representing the civic heritage of this coastal city. The structure reflects architectural traditions that have shaped Dalmatian urban landscapes over centuries.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Split
  20. Split 3 Modernist District Split 3 Modernist District
    21 2 hours

    Split 3 Modernist District

    Split 3 is a large modernist residential district in the eastern part of Split, Croatia. Built primarily during the Yugoslav era, it represents one of the most significant examples of post-war urban planning in the region.

    • Must see
    • Activity
    • Split
  21. Galerija Emanuela Vidovića
    22 1 hr 30 min

    Galerija Emanuela Vidovića

    The Emanuel Vidović Gallery is a dedicated art gallery in Split, Croatia, bearing the local name Galerija Emanuela Vidovića. It honours the Croatian painter Emanuel Vidović, a significant figure in Croatian modern art.

    • Must see
    • Museum
    • Split
  22. Kastela Bay
    23 2 hours

    Kastela Bay

    Kastela Bay is a coastal inlet on the Adriatic Sea, situated between the city of Split and Trogir in central Dalmatia, Croatia.

    • Must see
    • Activity
    • Split
  23. Cineplexx
    30 2 hours

    Cineplexx

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Split
  24. Cinestar
    31 2 hours

    Cinestar

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Split
  25. Kino Karaman Kino Karaman
    32 2 hours

    Kino Karaman

    • Notable
    • Entertainment venue
    • Split
  26. Bamby Bamby
    34 2 hours

    Bamby

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  27. Capitano
    36 2 hours

    Capitano

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  28. Dalmatino
    37 2 hours

    Dalmatino

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  29. Pergoletta
    40 2 hours

    Pergoletta

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  30. Plan B
    41 2 hours

    Plan B

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  31. RED BARON
    42 2 hours

    RED BARON

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  32. Vintage bar
    46 2 hours

    Vintage bar

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  33. Zenta
    47 2 hours

    Zenta

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  34. Albatros
    50 2 hours

    Albatros

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  35. Antique Bar
    51 2 hours

    Antique Bar

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  36. Baoli
    52 2 hours

    Baoli

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  37. Bar Sistema
    54 2 hours

    Bar Sistema

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  38. Bar Split Bar Split
    55 2 hours

    Bar Split

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  39. Blue Bar
    56 2 hours

    Blue Bar

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  40. Buda
    59 2 hours

    Buda

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  41. Carver
    70 2 hours

    Carver

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  42. Chiba bar
    73 2 hours

    Chiba bar

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  43. Clo bar
    74 2 hours

    Clo bar

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  44. Dolls
    76 2 hours

    Dolls

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  45. Doza Doza
    77 2 hours

    Doza

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  46. Fabrique Fabrique
    79 2 hours

    Fabrique

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  47. Firma
    80 2 hours

    Firma

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  48. Golden bar
    83 2 hours

    Golden bar

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  49. Judino drvo
    87 2 hours

    Judino drvo

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  50. Karoca
    88 2 hours

    Karoca

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  51. Klub Kocka
    89 2 hours

    Klub Kocka

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  52. Kuka Kuka
    90 2 hours

    Kuka

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  53. Longfield
    92 2 hours

    Longfield

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  54. Monkey bar
    96 2 hours

    Monkey bar

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  55. Moon bar
    97 2 hours

    Moon bar

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  56. Noor bar
    99 2 hours

    Noor bar

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split
  57. Octopus Octopus
    100 2 hours

    Octopus

    • Notable
    • Nightlife venue
    • Split

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·

Common questions

How long should a first trip to Croatia be?

Seven to ten days can pair Zagreb with one Adriatic region or focus on Split, nearby islands and one inland park. Dubrovnik, Istria and central Dalmatia are separate bases; ferry waits make a rapid checklist of coastal towns less efficient than it looks.

What entry documents are needed for Croatia?

Croatia belongs to the Schengen Area, while document and visa requirements still depend on nationality. Consult the Croatian foreign ministry before travel and check the passport used for every border leg, particularly when the route crosses non-Schengen neighbours.

What is the best way to travel around Croatia?

Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik are common gateways. Coaches and cars are central to coastal travel, trains are more useful inland, and ferries follow seasonal schedules; confirm whether the selected sailing carries vehicles and reserve constrained summer departures.

When is a practical time to visit Croatia?

May, June and September combine warm coastal conditions with less pressure than peak summer for many routes. Island ferries and accommodation are more seasonal outside that window, while inland weather differs, so verify the exact transport dates before building an island sequence.

What money and payment basics apply in Croatia?

Croatia uses the euro. Cards are common in cities and resorts, but cash can still help at markets, small island businesses and local services; check whether a ferry, parking machine or accommodation deposit accepts the chosen payment method.

What practical safety details should I save for Croatia?

Call 112 for emergencies; Croatia uses Type C and F electricity at 230 V. Treated public tap water is recorded as safe, though local notices remain authoritative, and coastal itineraries should keep current ferry, heat and wildfire information available.