12 Unique and Unusual Split Things To Do

Split, Croatia may be on the well-trodden tourist trail, but it still holds a few unique and unusual gems for curious travelers.

Quirky traditions, unexpected wildlife, inconspicuous churches and a brand-new viewing deck are just a few of the unique things in Split that are waiting to be discovered.

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On our many trips to Croatia, we have uncovered a ridiculous number of Things To Do in Split. From touring Diocletian’s Palace to relaxing on the Best Split Beaches, the city is awash with tourist attractions.

As repeat visitors, we have ticked off the top sights and are now intrigued to seek out the more unusual and overlooked side of Split.

If you are anything like us, then our list of unique Split places to visit will point you in the right direction!

Unique and Unusual Split Things To Do

Once you have checked off our list of Essential Split Experiences, set out to find these fun, off-beat sights and odd activities.

#1 Visit Fascinating Froggyland in Split

Cute or creepy? We’ll let you decide. One thing is certain: Froggyland is the weirdest attraction in Split, Croatia.

Comprised of 100-year-old taxidermized batrachians, Froggyland is baffling, bemusing and bizarre.

The venue displays more than 500 stuffed frogs set in human-like positions. From a day at the gym to pupils in class, the longer you look, the stranger it gets.

This utterly peculiar attraction only takes about 30 minutes to check out, so you should definitely have time to squeeze it into your Split Itinerary.

#2 Rub Gregory Nin’s Toe for Good Luck

The gigantic wizard-like statue that stands on the north side of Diocletian’s Palace just outside of the Golden Gate is difficult to miss.

The statue was created in 1929 by famous local artist Ivan Mestrovic. It honors Grgur Ninski, a 10th century bishop who promoted the Croatian language.

The cool and unusual thing about the statue is that you can snag a bit of good luck by rubbing his big toe. Whether you believe in the superstition or not, patting the toe is definitely etched in the local customs.

We’ve watched little old ladies, young kids and big Balkan men casually caress the toe of Gregory’s left foot as they pass by.

Need help finding Gregory Nin? No problem, it’s a stop on our Free Self-Guided Walking Tour. Read all our hacks to saving money in our Split Budget Tips!

#3 Climb Vidikovac Viewpoint Tower on Marjan Hill

This recently opened observation deck on Marjan Hill won’t be a secret for long. The 62-foot-tall tower is perched high on the western summit.

Located just past the saddle (sedlo in Croatian), it’s not to be confused with the Telegrin Viewpoint, the highest peak to the east with the cross and giant Croatian flag.

The new perch offers visitors a dazzling vista of the Adriatic Sea, Kastel Bay and the forested park. Completely open-air, the elevated platform allows for 360-degree views of the spectacular landscape.

There’s no charge to climb the 80+ steps to the top – or just hop on the elevator! Plus, there are free (and clean) public restrooms.

#4 Snap a Pic of Peacocks in Split

Encouraging you to seek out free-roaming peacocks in the middle of Split – Croatia’s second largest city – might sound like we are sending you on a wild peafowl chase!

As outlandish as it seems, we can attest that these peacocks do, in fact, exist. They are pretty easy to find, too!

They tend to hang out in Perivoj Vidilića Park, which is just on the north side of the Tvrđava Gripe Fortress. For decades, these colorful birds have resided in this neighborhood.

Throughout the spring and summer, the male peacocks strut their stuff and flash their feathers while emitting a loud wail in hopes of attracting the females. (Not unlike some Split tourists!)

Do bear in mind that while these creatures are fun to look at and snap photos of, they are wild. Be sure to keep your distance and absolutely do not feed them!

#5 Shop at a UNESCO Protected Grocery Store in Split

The Old Town in Split is filled with all sorts of historic wonders, but an oddity that stands out is the Spar supermarket.

To be fair, it’s a normal grocery store. What makes it unique and unusual is that it is situated within the 15th century Papalic Palace. Therefore, goods are displayed along the stone walls and ornate arches of the original structure.

Near the deli counter, a glass floor allows shoppers to peer into a subterranean portion of the palace remains.

Although the store itself has not been granted UNESCO Heritage status, its location within the ancient complex grants that protection on a technicality.

Spar is a good place to shop in the heart of the old city, but if you are looking for prime places to eat, read our reviews of the Best Split Restaurants.

#6 Find Hidden Split Churches

One of the things we love best about the Split Old Town is all the nooks and crannies. Hidden within the centuries-old walls are two secret churches.

St. Martin’s Church is tucked into the historic palace walls. Once a soldier’s station, it was converted into a tiny religious space. A fee is required to go inside, but we believe it’s a worthwhile gem.

Another unnoticed treasure is Crkva sv Sava. Sitting in ruins, the Temple of St. Sava Church is an unfinished project kept out of sight by the surrounding structures. You can find the entrance at #6 Obrov Ulicia.

#7 Inhale the Pungent Scent of Sulfur

In all honesty, you don’t need to actually put this on your list of things to do. Most likely, you will be walking along the western end of the Riva and simply catch a whiff of rotten eggs.

The sulfur-scented air leads many tourists to pinch their noses. While the distinct odor is off-putting, we appreciate its importance.

In fact, we’ve included it here on our list of Unique Split Attractions because it is the key to the city’s existence.

Split’s sulfurous waters have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Emperor Diocletian – who built the famous Split Palace – suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, a medical condition which was eased by sulfur water.

Therefore, he purposely chose Split – near the sulfur springs – as his retirement location. Without the smelly scent wafting through the air, Split would not be the city it is!

#8 Gather at Noon to Glimpse Diocletian

Although Diocletian ruled the Roman Empire more than 2000 years ago, today you can get a glimpse of the Emperor…or at least someone dressed as him.

At noon during the summer months, people gather in the Peristyle. Spectators first watch a reenactment of the Changing of Diocletian’s Roman Guards. Then the Emperor and Empress emerge to greet the thronging crowds.

The theatrical, time-traveling performance lasts just a few minutes and is a fun way to visualize the ancient palace in its prime.

Get there early (or stick around after) and pose for a picture with the Roman Guards. Don’t worry, they are quite friendly, and it’s free!

#9 Snorkel over a Shipwreck

Excursions from Split embark on all types of fantastic Adriatic adventures. The boat trip to Solta, however, offers you the peculiar opportunity of snorkeling above a shipwreck.

Located in Necujam Bay, the Kontesa sank in the 1980s during a storm. Since that time, it has naturally developed as a unique underwater ecosystem of bright fish and crawling crabs.

Due to the shallow waters and crystal-clear clarity, no scuba gear is required. From the surface, snorkelers can get a good look at the old ship and the many creatures that now call it home.

Fnd out more about this affordable, full-day adventure. It’s definitely one of the most memorable Day Trips from Split!

#10 Listen to Klapa Singers

Klapa is the traditional music of Dalmatia. These soulful songs are performed by men’s a cappella groups.

Listening to the harmonized Klapa singers is a unique experience in Split that is second to none. Performances take place in the domed Vestibule, where the acoustics are sensational.

Although there is no schedule, there is also no fee (but they do accept tips). The ideal time to catch a session is during the middle of the day, when tour groups steadily flow through.

#11 Snap a Selfie at the Split Donkey Statue

Long a symbol of the Croatian Dalmatian Coast, the Donkey – or Tovar in the local dialect – is an endearing creature.

For centuries, they served a purpose in traditional transportation and farming. Today, there are a few actual donkeys in Split at the zoo on Marjan Hill.

However, you can easily find the much-loved Donkey Statue in the Radunica neighborhood (here’s a map pinpoint to help). The historic enclave is an atmospheric web of cobblestone lanes and classic stone houses.

#12 Brave the Supporters Section at a Hajduk Match

Cheering on Hajduk is one of the most unique local experiences we’ve had in Split. The city’s beloved soccer/football club has a history dating to the early 1900s.

Around Split (and all of Dalmatia, for that matter), you will likely see wall murals depicting the red and white checkerboard logo of Hajduk Split.

The team plays at Poljud Stadium, which was built for the 1979 Mediterranean Games and is within walking distance from the Split Old Town.

Tickets are usually available, unless they’re playing their rival from Zagreb, Dinamo. However, the cheapest ones will likely land you a seat near the supporters’ section.

Be prepared for deafening chants and the surprisingly robust pyrotechnic capabilities of it’s hardcore supporters, called Torcida!

Start planning your trip to Croatia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

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