A whole journey information that includes the highest 25 sights and issues to do in Cut up, Croatia. From exploring the 4th- century Diocletian Palace to island hopping and seaside chasing on the Adriatic Coast– that is the one Cut up journey information you’ll want.
Planning a visit to the Dalmatian metropolis of Cut up and questioning what to do?
On this information, I’ve chosen the must-see icons, prime highlights, greatest locations to go to, and the most effective, once-in-a-lifetime actions in Cut up that can assist you plan the journey of a lifetime! I’ve additionally included images from my current journeys to Cut up that I hope will encourage you to discover this wonderful Croatian gem.
What’s on this Cut up Journey Information?
In regards to the Croatian Metropolis of Cut up
The historical past of Cut up goes again to Greek instances nevertheless it was the Roman emperor Diocletian that actually put it on the map in 295 AD when he constructed his retirement residence right here. Nonetheless, this was no common old-folks residence. Diocletian ordered the constructing of a number of different buildings and buildings as a part of his palace, principally meant for housing his army garrison.
This UNESCO World Heritage Listed Roman fortress (pictured under) continued to develop and slowly turned what’s right this moment the Previous City of Cut up.
At the moment, Cut up is residence to a comparatively small inhabitants of solely round 160,000 folks. Nonetheless, this nonetheless makes it the third largest metropolis in Croatia!
Whereas the vast majority of town is extra akin to a contemporary metropolis than the long-lasting postcard images you’ve seemingly seen, the primary attraction is its Previous Metropolis space, wedged between the inexperienced Marjan Hill and town port on the coast of the Adriatic Sea.
That is the place you’ll discover the UNESCO World Heritage Web site of Diocletian Palace, the Peristil Sq., and lots of the widespread locations like bars, eating places, and iconic buildings in Cut up.
Questioning the place to remain?: If you wish to know the most effective space to base your self in, I’ve received a fast rundown of the most effective neighborhoods and lodging suggestions on the backside of this text.
Easy methods to Get to Cut up
By Aircraft: Vacationers from many worldwide locations can fly on to Cut up by way of the Cut up Worldwide Airport, additionally known as Resnik Airport. Anticipate a 30-minute drive from the airport to the Previous City of Cut up by way of Uber, taxi, or pre-arranged airport shuttle.
By Automobile: Renting a automotive is a superb choice as it’s a lot simpler to seek out parking than in different Dalmatian cities like Dubrovnik. It’s additionally doable to take the automobile on board the automotive ferries to the islands. Be certain to check costs throughout rental sellers in Cut up on DiscoverCars.
By Bus: Croatia has an efficient and cheap community of buses operating from main cities. The best choice is FlixBus, which has a number of routes from inside Croatia and from bordering European international locations.
By Prepare: Town has a prepare station known as Cut up Predgrade, situated close to the primary port and bus station. Trains could be a little cheaper than buses however are notoriously rare and unreliable.
On a Day Journey: Need to discover the entire distinctive issues to do in Cut up on a day journey? You’re in luck! There are a number of such choices on GetYourGuide and Viator from the cities of Dubrovnik and Zagreb.
Vital Issues to Know Earlier than Visiting Cut up
- The FREE Cut up Card – When you’re staying in Cut up for five or extra nights in the summertime months (or 3 within the low season), then one nice journey hack in Cut up is the free card. This card offers you free museum admissions and reductions at sure iconic eating places and outlets. To get one, head to one of many vacationer info desks at TIC Peristil, TIC Riva, or TIC Stobreč when you arrive.
- Foreign money – Croatia makes use of the Kuna (HRK), however is in a transitional stage of switching to the euro on the first of January 2023.
- Journey Insurance coverage – if the previous few years have taught us something, it’s to by no means journey with out insurance coverage. When you’re planning on going island hopping, climbing, or snorkeling, then I like to recommend journey insurance coverage like WorldNomads for brief journeys and SafetyWing for longer journey stings.
- Visas – Croatia is a part of the EU however not a part of the Schengen. Consequently, EU residents can spend as a lot time as they like, and guests from most different international locations will get 90 days on arrival that’s separate to the remainder of the EU.
Croatia journey tip: Whereas Cut up is a big metropolis by Croatian requirements, lodging, transport, and excursions can simply guide out in the course of the summer time months! I extremely suggest reserving upfront if visiting within the excessive season (June to August).
25 Unmissable Issues to do in Cut up, Croatia
With a brief logistics abstract out of the best way, let’s dive into the journey information!
Listed here are the 25 greatest sights and enjoyable issues to do in Cut up, Croatia!
1. The Cut up Riva Promenade
The Cut up Riva promenade stroll is the waterfront pathway stretching alongside the entrance of the Previous Metropolis from Cut up Harbor to the sting of the Marjan Forest Park.
It is a good spot to take a stroll, browse the road markets, and watch the boats come and go.
2. Diocletian’s Palace
By far, probably the most well-known and primary attraction in Cut up, Croatia is the Diocletian Palace. This historic roman period palace types the previous city metropolis heart and was constructed for the well-known Roman emperor Diocletian in the course of the fourth century AD.
What makes this website so well-known is that it is likely one of the best-preserved Roman architectural monuments on the planet!
Nonetheless, the palace right this moment varies vastly from its unique construction as a result of metropolis inhabitants modifying and repurposing its buildings for the previous a number of hundred years. But, you’ll nonetheless discover unique stoneworks scattered all through the Previous City in ruined type. Due to this fact, when you’re strolling by means of the Previous City of Cut up, you’re really strolling by means of the palace itself!
The primary highlights of this historic roman spotlight embody:
- Cathedral of Saint Domnius
- The Golden Gate
- The Iron Gate
- Vestibule
- Peristyle (Peristil) Sq.
- Temple Of Jupiter
- Palace Substructures
Tip: I’ll go into extra element about a few of these iconic Cut up highlights under.
#1 Rated Strolling Tour in Cut up
Need to study extra about Cut up’s fascinating historical past? Go to all the highest Cut up sights on the well-known Previous Metropolis Strolling Tour.
3. Climb the St. Domnius Cathedral Bell Tower (Campanile)
The St. Domnius Cathedral is a seventh century church that’s considered the oldest Catholic cathedral on the planet that’s nonetheless in use as its unique type. When you’re strolling by means of Cut up Previous City, it’s onerous to overlook it, as its tower rises increased than the entire different buildings.
Maybe one of the vital iconic actions in Cut up, a climb to the highest of the bell tower on the Cathedral of Saint Domnius additionally presents a few of the greatest panoramic views of town!
Climbing to the highest prices 15 kuna (lower than 2 euros), which is effectively value it!
Do you know? The St. Domnius Cathedral was constructed on prime of the unique 4th-century mausoleum devoted to Diocletian.
4. Go to the Well-known Croatia Blue Cave
Face it, one of many primary the reason why you’ve come to Croatia is to discover its spectacular islands and delightful seashores.
So, for those who’re up for the very best island-hopping expertise from Cut up, be certain that to guide the Blue Cave & 5 Islands speedboat tour.
The spotlight of this journey is the long-lasting Blue Cave on Biševo Island, a pure sea cave that’s world-famous for its mesmerizing blue glow and crystal clear water. Nonetheless, as a result of distance from Cut up, all day journeys additionally cease at a number of different areas to interrupt up the journey together with:
- Vis Island (Komiža)
- Lovely seashores on Veli Budikovac
- Stiniva Seashore
- Hvar Island
This journey was my favourite exercise from Cut up, and if this record was so as I’d rank it as the most effective factor to do!
5. Previous City Cut up
Previous City Cut up has modified significantly because the days of Diocletian. Whereas its ruins and iconic buildings are the primary websites, you’ll additionally discover a few of the greatest eating places, bars, and cafes on this space.
That’s as a result of Cut up is likely one of the solely historic Roman fort cities that’s nonetheless getting used as a residential space!
Locals contemplate the Previous City to be the world throughout the metropolis partitions (see picture under). I counsel taking your time to get misplaced in these streets and discover some wonderful hidden gems for your self or take a guided tour.
When you’re chasing the most well-liked spot, stroll down Marmontova avenue, a large, cobble-stone avenue with nice eating places, memento outlets, fast-food outlets, and a well-known Irish Bar (Harats Pub).
6. Marjan Hill
Marjan Hill is a small, forested hill situated on the western aspect of Cut up’s Previous City. Formally often called the Marjan Forest Park, this protected slice of nature is the right place to go to flee the busy metropolis crowds.
Climbing to the stone-paved commentary deck on the prime of Marjan HIll takes lower than half an hour from the Riva, and presents vacationers nice views of town and harbor under.
7. Day Journey to Krka Waterfalls
The waterfalls of Krka Nationwide Park merely need to be seen to be believed. This unimaginable karst river system incorporates tons of of gorgeous freshwater cascades set in inexperienced forest surrounds.
Fortunately, Cut up is likely one of the closest main cities to Krka, making it a perfect place to go to on a day journey. The journey from Cut up takes simply over an hour, that means you’ll get loads of time to hike and marvel at these magnificent waterfalls.
Under I’ve linked to the top-rated Krka day journey, which coincidentally can be probably the most cost-effective choice in Cut up!
8. Go Whitewater Rafting on the Cetina River
Who stated Cut up was all historic buildings and fancy cocktail bars?
When you’re a daily reader of this weblog, you’ll know that I embody journey actions in each vacation spot information! When you’re itching for a contact of nature with a wholesome dose of adrenaline, be certain that to incorporate a Cetina River Rafting journey to your Cut up itinerary!
This 3-hour rafting journey begins upstream of the Cetina River, one of many longest in Dalmatia, and probably the most water-rich in Croatia. Your skilled rafting guides will lead you down grade 3 rapids in one of many nation’s most stunning areas.
The Cetina Spring
The supply of the Cetina River on the foothills of Croatia’s Dinara Mountains is an unimaginable, 155-meter-deep karst spring. Whereas there aren’t any excursions to Croatia’s Eye of the Earth, you’ll be able to drive right here your self as we did.
>> Learn extra concerning the Cetina River Supply
9. Blue Lagoon
When you ask any Croatian, they’ll let you know that there are dozens, if not tons of of various blue lagoons scattered all through the islands of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast.
Nonetheless, the official, or no less than probably the most well-known Blue Lagoon is situated simply 14 nautical miles from Cut up on the small island known as Drvenik Veli . Consequently, this magical, clear water lagoon is the most effective place to swim near Cut up metropolis!
When you hire or constitution a speedboat or yacht, you’ll be able to simply make your personal approach right here, as we did on our first go to. In any other case, there are many half-day island-hopping journeys that go to the attractive shallow waters of the Blue Lagoon and close by islands.
Journey tip: When you’re planning to go to Trogir (quantity 10), then you definately could be blissful to seek out out that almost all Blue Lagoon journeys additionally included a guided go to of Trogir’s previous city!
10. Trogir
Simply 27 kilometers (16 miles) from Cut up is the tiny, historic island metropolis of Trogir. Well-known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Venitian structure, visiting this stunning walled metropolis is an effective way to spend a morning or afternoon in Cut up.
The simplest option to get to Trogir is to go to as a part of a Blue Lagoon and three Islands journey. Nonetheless, it’s additionally doable to get right here by way of the native bus quantity 37. Simply remember the fact that this bus leaves from the Sukoisanska bus terminal, which isn’t the primary close to the harbor and requires a 1.5 kilometer stroll from town heart.
11. Peristil Sq.
Let’s take a break from the day journeys for a short second and give attention to yet one more fascinating attraction in Cut up’s Previous City. You’ll have already visited the Peristil Sq. in your well past the well-known cathedral, however I feel it deserves its personal spot on this Cut up journey information.
The Peristil Sq. (additionally written Peristyle) is the guts of the Diocletian palace and the place the place the emperor would as soon as handle the residents. He used this sq. as a ceremonial hub, the place folks would have an opportunity to method him, kneel in entrance of him, and kiss his cloak.
12. Ziplining at Cetina Canyon
Alright, I’m going to allow you to in on a secret. The small coastal city of Omiš, situated lower than an hour from Cut up, is likely one of the greatest journey locations in Europe!
Right here, you’ll discover the wonderful Cetina Canyon, which is an ideal place for climbing, climbing, kayaking, rafting, paragliding, and just about every part else you’ll be able to consider. I extremely suggest that every one journey vacationers spend just a few nights right here.
Nonetheless, if it’s time you’re missing, then you definately’re in luck as a result of you’ll be able to guide Omiš’ most well-known journey exercise straight from Cut up (together with transport).
The Omiš Cetina Canyon zipline is definitely probably the most stunning zipline course in Croatia. There are a complete of 8 strains, the longest being over 700 meters above the forest cover!
13. Day Journey to Plitvice Lakes
Many charge Croatia’s unimaginable Plitvice Lakes because the nation’s most stunning pure attraction (and that’s saying one thing!).
Plitvice Lakes Nationwide Park is one other UNESCO World Heritage Listed website situated in central Croatia close to the Bosnia and Herzegovina border. At an enormous 296.8 sq. miles (114.6 sq mi), that is considered one of Croatia’s largest nationwide parks! The park is known for its otherworldly, turquoise-colored lakes and countless ranges of waterfalls.
Whereas the journey is sort of removed from Cut up (2.5 hours), it’s doable to go to Plitvice Lakes on a day journey. In reality, regardless of the gap, that is nonetheless one of many most-booked actions in Cut up!
Plitvice Lakes or Krka? – Whereas each are wonderful, my private opinion is that Plitvice Lakes is extra stunning. Nonetheless, Krka is far nearer to Cut up, that means day excursions are cheaper with much less time spent on the bus.
14. Klis Fortress
Lovers of historical past will certainly wish to go to The Fortress of Klis, a medieval hill fortress discovered simply behind Cut up’s fashionable metropolis.
Entrance ticket value: 60 Kuna
This outstanding fortification boasts a close to 2000-year previous historical past, from its origins as an Illyrian stronghold to a royal fort held by many Croatian kings. At simply 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from the ceter of Cut up, visiting the fortress is straightforward for vacationers with a automotive.
Additionally, the quantity 22 bus runs to the fortress from the central Cut up bus station (often called HNK close to the Croatian Theatre) a number of instances per day.
Recreation of Thrones followers: Klis Fortress is the well-known filming location of Meereen metropolis on the planet’s greatest fantasy collection.
15. Lease a Boat
Whereas many vacationers guide day excursions to the islands, one of the vital distinctive issues to do in Cut up is to hire or constitution your personal velocity boat! In fact, you’ll want a ship license from your private home nation, and chartering a ship is a bit more expensive than a tour.
Nonetheless, the liberty to discover the close by islands and hidden coves by yourself phrases makes this an amazing choice for impartial adventurers!
We rented a ship in Cut up and visited the island of Hvar, Brač, and the Blue Lagoon.
This price us 250 euros, however I’ve been advised that the value fluctuates between 200 to 300, relying on the season. When you select to constitution a ship, head right down to the Cut up Riva, the place you’ll discover many non-public boat rent firms.
16. Diocletian’s Cellars
One of the crucial fascinating sights within the Diocletian Palace is its underground community of cellars and tunnels.
To discover these underground wonders, stroll to the Peristil Sq. and search for the stone staircase main beneath the Ethnographic Museum. The Diocletian Cellars are an amazing place to flee the warmth, because the temperatures are all the time a lot cooler!
Moreover, you’ll discover many small market stalls within the cellars, providing every part from hand-made souvenirs to native delicacies.
17. Cut up Outside Market (Inexperienced Market)
Cut up, like most vibrant European cities, has its personal outside contemporary fruit and vegetable market. This is called Inexperienced Market and is a superb place to go to for locals and vacationers out there for contemporary produce.
On the Inexperienced Market, you’ll discover do-it-yourself olive oil, farm-fresh honey, stone-baked bread, and a number of seasonal fruit and veggies each single day!
18. Bacvice Seashore
If it’s your first time in Cut up, you’ll be excused for considering that there aren’t any seashores right here.
The port harbor isn’t precisely probably the most inviting place to swim. Nonetheless, simply across the nook are two very stunning seashores. The primary and most well-known is Bacvice Seashore, only a 15-minute stroll from Cut up’s Previous City.
The shores are lined with a concrete boardwalk, and the seaside itself is a skinny strip of small pebbles main into pristine waters.
19. Firule Seashore
Persevering with across the nook, only a brief stroll from Bacvice Seashore, you’ll arrive at Firule Seashore.
In my view, this can be a higher choice than the primary, as it’s much less crowded however nonetheless has amazingly clear water. Throughout our time in Cut up, we’d stroll right down to Firule nearly daily! In my view, that is the most effective seaside in Cut up for a every day swim and brief bake below the nice and cozy summer time solar.
20. Day Journey to Dubrovnik
Many individuals will let you know {that a} journey to Croatia isn’t full till you’ve visited Dubrovnik!
This wonderful Dalmatian metropolis has earned its place as considered one of Europe’s hottest trip after gaining worldwide consideration for being the filming location for King’s Touchdown in Recreation of Thrones.
This iconic metropolis sports activities a number of wonderful seashores and a spectacular walled Previous City. Whereas I extremely counsel that everyone makes the hassle to spend no less than an evening right here, you’ll be able to go to Dubrovnik on a day tour from Cut up.
21. The Golden Gate
Setting our consideration again to town itself, Cut up’s Golden Gate is considered one of its most traditionally important websites.
This stone archway is the unique entrance to Diocletian’s Palace all the best way again in 305 AD. Historical past tells us that solely Diocletian and his royal household may use this gate, which then bore the title Porta septemtrionalis. The title modified within the sixteenth century below Venetian affect.
At the moment, the Golden Gate, positioned beside the well-known Grgur Ninsk statue (quantity 22) is likely one of the most distinguished vacationer spots in Cut up.
22. Statue of Grgur Ninski
Throughout a go to to the Golden Gate, it’s troublesome to overlook the distinguished brass construction known as the Grgur Ninski statue.
Gregory of Nin was a bishop well-known for introducing the Croatian language to non secular Christian providers after the 926 Nice Meeting. Earlier than then, providers had been solely held in Latin.
Whereas the pope strongly opposed Grgur Ninski, he persevered, which in the end strengthened the Christian Faith all through the nation by making the scriptures accessible to all.
Journey tip: One of the crucial vital issues to do in Cut up is to rub Grgur’s massive toe! Apparently, it will deliver you good luck for a few years!
23. Temple of Jupiter
The Temple of Jupiter is likely one of the oldest and most important buildings in Cut up’s Previous Metropolis. Though fairly a small constructing, historian circles regard the Jupiter Temple as one of the vital well-preserved 4th-century buildings.
Historians consider that the Romans constructed this temple between 295 and 305 AD. This was to honor the god Jupiter, the traditional god of the sky and thunder and king of the gods.
You’ll discover this spectacularly preserved temple close to the palace courtyard, only a brief stroll from the cathedral.
24. Ethnographic Museum
The Ethnographic Museum is likely one of the most well-known museums within the metropolis and the oldest museum of its kind in Croatia.
Right here, vacationers can study concerning the cultural historical past of Dalmatia and browse a big assortment of folks costumes, weapons, and every day gadgets. You’ll discover the doorway to this museum proper close to Diocletian’s Palace Vestibule (pictured under).
Alternatively, go to the well-known archaeological museum, the oldest museum in Croatia (1820), within the close by Lovret neighborhood.
25. Cut up Republic Sq.
In any case these day journeys, adventures, and Previous City highlights, one of the vital enjoyable issues to do in Cut up is to sit down again and revel in a cup of kava (espresso).
The Republic Sq. is likely one of the hottest locations to do exactly that. Situated on the western finish of the Riva close to the Vodoskok fountain, this stunning sq. resembles the well-known St Marks Sq. in Venice, with comparable neo-Renaissance arches.
There are a number of eating places and small cafes within the sq., many providing good views of the Adriatic Sea.
The place to Keep in Cut up, Croatia
Cut up is the second-largest metropolis in Croatia with a inhabitants of round 160,000 folks. Whereas a lot of the metropolis likens fashionable suburbia, the most effective place to remain is near Cut up Previous City close to the harbor.
This space is by far probably the most stunning and is closest to the entire primary sights and ship and tour departures. Under are the highest three greatest lodging picks for Cut up for each funds.
- Radisson Blu Resort & Spa– This 5-star resort offers friends with luxurious spa therapies, island views, an outside pool, and scrumptious meals at their on-site restaurant.
- Residences Korta– Completely situated close to Cut up Previous City. This condo presents its friends self-catered apartment-styled rooms. A terrace and kids’s playground are situated on the property.
- CroParadise Inexperienced Hostel– An ideal funds selection for backpackers wanting a spot close to the Cut up Previous City. It contains a shared kitchen, terrace, and tour desk. Free Wi-Fi is situated all through the property.
Easy methods to Get Round in Cut up
As you understand by now, a lot of the greatest issues to do in Cut up are discovered proper within the coronary heart of the Previous City. Due to this fact, one of the best ways to go to this metropolis is to guide your lodging someplace within the neighborhood and easily stroll to the most important sights and highlights.
Nonetheless, there are additionally many public transport choices in Cut up, Croatia together with:
- Uber and taxi – very inexpensive
- Native buses – are low-cost and really dependable. Go to the Promet web site for a timetable and map.
- Automobile – as with most historic walled cities, vehicles should not permitted throughout the Previous City or close to the Riva. Nonetheless, a automotive is helpful to discover highlights like Klis Fortress or to drive to the seashores.
Cut up Journey FAqs
The primary vacationer season runs from June to August throughout Croatia’s summer time months. Nonetheless, that is additionally the busiest time to journey to Cut up. Due to this fact, I like to recommend visiting in late Could or early September for a mixture of nice climate and fewer vacationers.
Croatia usually is sort of inexpensive in comparison with different European coastal cities. Nonetheless, as a result of a growth in tourism, Cut up has grow to be barely costlier as of late. Anticipate to pay round 12-25 euros for a meal at a restaurant and 3-5 euros for a beer at a pub.
Cut up is a really secure metropolis with an especially low charge of crime. In fact, petty theft happens, however violent crime towards vacationers is sort of unparalleled.
I like to recommend spending no less than 3 days in Cut up to discover the Previous City, go to the close by islands, and revel in one of many wonderful day journeys.
Essentially the most unmissable issues to do in Cut up are climbing the Bell Tower, visiting the seashores, seeing Peristil Sq., strolling the Riva, reserving an island-hopping journey, and exploring both Plitvice Lakes or Krka Waterfalls.
The perfect islands to go to near Cut up are Brač, Šolta, Drvenik Veli (the Blue Lagoon), Hvar, and the Pakleni Islands.
Cut up is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in Croatia! Not solely are there loads of wonderful issues to see and do within the metropolis itself, it additionally serves as a superb base to discover the Croatian Nationwide Parks and close by islands.
Extra Croatia Journey Guides & Inspiration
And, that’s a wrap! I hope you’ve discovered some fascinating and distinctive issues to do in Cut up, Croatia!
Under are some extra helpful journey guides meant to function some nice journey journey inspiration to your Croatia Itinerary. Get pleasure from!
