Split: Diocletian’s Palace, the Riva and Dalmatia

• Diocletian’s Palace is a lived-in neighbourhood with streets and courtyards that are open to the public.
• Admission is charged for the exhibition spaces in the basement and for individual monuments.
• The Riva and the harbour lie south of the palace area; Marjan rises west of the Old Town.
• The Split–Supetar ferry to Brač runs year-round; the crossing takes 50 minutes.
• Hvar, Brač, Trogir and Dubrovnik are destinations in their own right for day trips or longer itineraries.
• Ferry times and tickets depend on the route, season and day of travel.

The palace is not a closed museum complex but part of the lively Old Town. The four historic gates lead into the streets, courtyards and squares of the Roman complex. From the Golden Gate in the north, head south to the Peristyle, the central square; the Riva lies just south of it, at the former harbour entrance. You can combine a walk along the palace axis with a stroll on the waterfront.

The streets and courtyards of the palace complex are open without a general admission ticket. Separate admission fees apply to the exhibition in the basement halls and to individual monuments such as the cathedral and bell tower. The lanes, the Peristyle and exterior views can therefore all be included in a short visit; going inside adds extra stops to your itinerary.

The palace was built as an imperial residence and fortified complex around the turn of the third and fourth centuries. Later residents adapted its rooms and outdoor areas to suit their needs. This blend of an ancient layout with medieval and modern alterations shapes the routes from the Peristyle to the shops, homes and religious buildings of the Old Town.

The Riva runs along the south side of the palace, offering a level waterfront walk between the Old Town and the harbour. The palace lanes and promenade fit neatly into the same walking tour for a first visit. West of the Old Town, the route leads to Marjan Hill. The Meštrović Gallery stands at the foot of Marjan, in the sculptor’s former residence.

Bačvice, near the city harbour, is a sandy beach that is part of everyday urban life. You can combine a beach visit with the Old Town, but in summer you should set aside a separate block of time for the journey, your stay and the return. The wooded Marjan Hill has nature and fitness trails as well as viewpoints over Split and the islands; a gallery visit and a walk can be combined with exploring nature and the landscape.

Staying near the Old Town or the Riva shortens the walk to the palace and harbour. For early ferry departures, also consider the walk to the terminal and how much time you plan to spend at the port. Accommodation in Split makes a good base for sightseeing or an island stay.

The ferry port lies immediately south of the Old Town. The year-round Split–Supetar service connects the mainland with Brač; the crossing takes 50 minutes. The schedule changes with the seasons. For a day trip, plan the outbound and return journeys separately from your time on the island. The Split–Supetar ferry service page has schedules, booking details and prices for 2026.

Dalmatia brings coastal towns and islands together in a longer trip. Brač and Hvar can be planned as separate island stays; Trogir lies west of Split and makes another worthwhile city excursion. Dubrovnik is part of a longer coastal route with its own travel leg. For the ferry journey and your stay, consider getting there and transport, your personal travel preparations and questions about money and payments.

If you travel beyond Split, you can divide Dalmatia and its coastal stretches into sections according to ferry connections and the length of your stay. Brač and Trogir add contrasting harbour and city visits to the route.

Which part of Diocletian’s Palace was the mausoleum?

The former mausoleum of Emperor Diocletian now serves as the Cathedral of Saint Domnius. It is in the eastern part of the palace complex, beside the Peristyle.