Split is one of the easiest ports: you walk off the ship into a Roman emperor's palace. Most of the palace is free to wander. Midday crowds (10:00–14:00) are the main problem.
Where Split lies
SplitRavennaTriesteVeniceAmalfi and PositanoBariDubrovnikHvarKoperKorčulaKotorNaplesPulaRovinjSalernoŠibenikSorrentoZadarWhere your ship docks
Ships dock at the city harbour. Smaller ships use inner berths near the Riva; larger ships often use outer berths at Gat Svetog Duje.
Shuttle. Some lines run a shuttle from outer berths to the Riva.
Getting to the sights
| The way | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Walk to Diocletian's Palace | 5–20 minutes | Free |
| Pre-booked driver or bus to Trogir | About 40 minutes each way | Unverified |
Walk to Diocletian's Palace
- Walk along the harbour to the Riva promenade.
- Enter through the Bronze Gate from the Riva.
Flat but unshaded. Some ships run a shuttle from outer berths.
Pre-booked driver or bus to Trogir
- Book ahead with a set return time.
What to see
Diocletian's Palace
A Roman palace that is still a living town.
- How
- Walk.
- Time
- 2 hours
- Tickets
- Free to walk; cellars, cathedral, bell tower and treasury are ticketed separately (prices unverified).
Cathedral of St Domnius and bell tower
Emperor's mausoleum turned cathedral; tower view.
- How
- In the palace.
- Time
- 45 minutes
- Tickets
- Unverified
Marjan hill
Free views over the city and islands.
- How
- Walk up from Varoš.
- Time
- About 20 minutes up to the first viewpoint
- Tickets
- Free
Riva promenade
Palm-lined waterfront cafes.
- How
- Walk.
- Time
- 30 minutes
- Tickets
- Free
Your day, hour by hour
Planned for a typical call. Check your ship's all-aboard time and be back an hour early. The ship will not wait.
- Walk into the palace early, before 10:00.
- See the cathedral and cellars.
- Climb Marjan or rest at the Riva during the midday crowd.
- Lunch.
- Back 30–45 minutes before all-aboard (60 if at the outer berth).
What goes wrong, and how to avoid it
Beware
- Heavy crowds 10:00–14:00.
- Hot, unshaded harbour walk.
- Narrow lanes.
Do this
- The palace looks best in the afternoon light after crowds thin.
- Bring a hat; there is little shade.
Fees, money and access
Rules & fees
- No cruise-specific fee confirmed.
Accessibility
Harbour and Riva are flat. Palace lanes have steps; the bell tower is many steep steps.
Money
Euro (€). Cards widely accepted.
More of the The Adriatic
Sources & what we could not confirm · 1 sources · checked 2026-11
- Cathedral, bell tower and cellars ticket prices
- Whether ships ever tender in Split
- Trogir bus fares