Split is a city that practically breathes history — and walking tours are the best way to soak it all up. Unlike larger bus excursions, these tours let you explore at a human pace, duck into ancient corners, and get personalized stories from local guides. We love the Old Town and Diocletian Palace tour, especially because it combines easy access to key sights with a lively local touch. Walking through the narrow streets, you’ll see the Golden Gate, the Riva promenade, and learn about Gregory of Nin’s influence — a perfect introduction for first-timers.
Split’s walking tour scene covers a variety of options: from brief 1.5-hour highlights to in-depth explorations with university-educated guides. Whether you’re into history, medieval streets, or Game of Thrones filming spots, there’s something for all. Below, we’ve compiled the best walks—each with its own special flavor—so you can pick the one that fits your style and schedule.
1. Split: Old Town and Diocletian Palace Walking Tour
This popular tour—rated 4.9 out of 5 from over 4,400 reviews—explores the heart of Split’s UNESCO World Heritage site. For just around $24, you’ll follow a local guide through the maze of medieval streets, learning the secrets behind the Golden Gate, Diocletian’s Palace, and the Gregory of Nin statue. The guide unlocks 1,700 years of history, making ancient ruins feel surprisingly alive. Highlights include walking along the lively Riva promenade, seeing the impressive palace remains, and hearing stories that connect the dots between Roman times and today. It’s perfect for those who want a comprehensive yet accessible introduction to Split’s core.
Bottom Line: An affordable, well-reviewed tour that’s ideal for first-time visitors eager to see the main sights with a friendly local guide.
2. Split Walking Tour with Professor of History
If your idea of a great tour involves deep dives into the past, this 2-hour-and-20-minute walk with a university professor is hard to beat. Starting at the Riva promenade, your guide enriches the experience with insights that go far beyond the typical tourist spiel. You’ll explore the palace’s substructures, the Peristyle, and the Vestibule, while also uncovering stories about the Cathedral of Saint Domnius and local legends. This tour has a perfect 5.0 rating from 786 reviews, with visitors praising the lively, humorous explanations and personalized attention, especially if you opt for a private version.
Bottom Line: A top choice for history enthusiasts who want a scholarly perspective combined with a friendly vibe and a chance for questions.
3. Split: History and Heritage Walking Tour
Rated 4.9 out of 5, this tour offers a well-rounded look at Split’s layered past. You’ll explore the Roman remains inside Diocletian’s palace, learn about medieval fortifications, and even find out which Game of Thrones scenes were filmed here. The guides are licensed and knowledgeable, providing fun facts from Roman times to modern Croatia. The tour’s focus on heritage makes it suitable for travelers who want context and stories behind the streets, not just photos. It covers a good mix of ancient and medieval sights, including some lesser-known corners often missed in bigger tours.
Bottom Line: For those who want a thorough history lesson wrapped in a relaxed walking pace, this tour hits all the marks.
4. Split: Emperor’s Walking Tour for History Lovers + Museum
This private tour, rated 5.0 from 450 reviews, is tailored for those who love personalized experiences. Led by guides with PhDs and deep local roots, it includes visits to Diocletian’s palace, the Cathedral, and hidden stories about Split’s rulers. The carefully curated itinerary combines historical insights with fun discoveries, like the significance of the Grgur Ninski statue. At just $240 for up to 15 people, it offers excellent value for travelers who prefer an intimate, flexible tour. Several guests highlight the guide’s passion, humor, and detailed knowledge.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history buffs who want an exclusive, in-depth look with a knowledgeable local guide.
5. SPLIT-PREMIUM Emperor’s Walking Tour for History Lovers + Museum
At $40 per person, this is the most premium of our picks, offering a small-group experience led by guides with advanced degrees. It ventures into Diocletian’s palace, the Old Town, and includes some time at the Cathedral of Saint Domnius (admission fee not included). Guests praise the storytelling and local insights, making complex history accessible and fun. With a focus on personal attention, it’s ideal for travelers who want the best guided experience without sacrificing depth.
Bottom Line: For those willing to invest a little extra, this tour provides a detailed, engaging narrative of Split’s past.
6. 90-min Diocletian Palace Walking Tour
This quick, 1.5-hour introduction is rated a perfect 5.0 with over 300 reviews. Starting at the North Gate, your guide highlights key sites like the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, the Golden Gate, and the Vestibule. It’s a great way to get a snapshot of Split’s main sights, especially if you’re short on time or prefer a brisk walk. The tour’s shorter format is perfect for those who want an overview without commitment. Plus, several visitors mention choosing private options for a more personalized touch.
Bottom Line: A compact intro that covers the essentials in an engaging way—ideal for travelers with tight schedules.
7. Diocletian’s Palace and Old Town Small Group Walking Tour
This small-group tour, rated 5.0 from nearly 300 reviews, explores the ancient and medieval sides of Split more intimately. It visits the palace, the Cathedral, and hidden corners many visitors never see. The personal attention and relaxed pace make it perfect for travelers who enjoy stories, questions, and a more in-depth experience. It’s especially suited for those wanting a comprehensive yet cozy introduction.
Bottom Line: Small-group format enhances interaction and makes this a top choice for curious travelers wanting detail.
8. Split: Diocletian’s Palace & Old Town Guided Walking Tour
Rated 4.6, this affordable tour hits many highlights, including the Roman remains, medieval streets, and baroque squares. It covers the main monuments, gates, and lesser-known corners, making it great for first-timers. The tour’s straightforward format and friendly guide make it accessible for all ages, especially those who want a solid overview without a hefty price tag. Guests mention the journey through Split’s vibrant past as a highlight.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, comprehensive walk that’s perfect for travelers who want a reliable introduction.
9. Split walking tour with local guide
This one-hour tour, rated 5.0 from over 250 reviews, offers a quick yet enriching experience. Led by a local guide, you’ll see the Peristyle, the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, and the Gregory of Nin statue. It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want a taste of Split’s highlights without a long commitment. The guide’s local tips and lively commentary make it a favorite among travelers who prefer a casual, friendly vibe.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a brief, fun introduction, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.
10. Split: City Walking Tour w/ Game of Thrones Locations
Rated 5.0 with 246 reviews, this tour is tailored for fans of the show. You’ll walk in the footsteps of Daenerys, see where key scenes from the series were filmed, and even sit on the Iron Throne. The tour covers major landmarks like Diocletian’s Palace, the Golden Gate, and Jupiter’s Temple, with a focus on the filming locations that made Split famous on screen. If you’re a fan of the series or just curious about the filming secrets, this guided walk offers a fun twist on history.
Bottom Line: A must for Game of Thrones fans, combining sightseeing with pop culture.
11. From Split: Krka Waterfalls Cruise & Trogir Walking Tour
For a day outside the city, this tour combines stunning natural scenery with medieval charm. It includes a boat cruise through the Krka River canyon, visits to the waterfalls, and a walk through the UNESCO-listed Trogir. While not strictly a walking tour of Split itself, it’s perfect if you want a scenic escape and enjoy nature and history—plus, the chance to swim at Skradin’s beaches. Many rave about the combination of water, waterfalls, and ancient streets.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers looking to mix city sights with a scenic outdoor experience.
12. Split: Local History and Culture 90-Minute Walking Tour
This short, lively walk is rated 5.0 and is designed to give you a local flavor of Split. You’ll see the Diocletian palace, UNESCO sites, and several notable landmarks, with a focus on local culture and traditions. It’s perfect if you’re after a brief but meaningful taste of Split’s past and present, especially for travelers who want to connect with local stories and legends.
Bottom Line: A short, engaging tour suited for travelers short on time but eager to learn about Split’s local scene.
13. Private History Split Walking Tour in English
Rated 5.0, this private option offers a flexible, personalized experience. Led by guides with deep knowledge of Diocletian’s Palace and the city’s evolution, it covers key sites like the Golden Gate and the palace’s substructures. The tour adapts to your interests, making it ideal for couples or small groups who want a bespoke experience. Many reviews mention how guides share stories and traditions not found in standard guides, adding authenticity.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a customized, intimate exploration of Split’s history.
14. Grand Split Walking Tour with Diocletian’s Palace
This 1.5-hour tour covers the main highlights of Split, from Diocletian’s Palace to the City Clock, the Riva promenade, and Nardoni Trg. It’s rated 5.0 from over 130 reviews and offers a quick yet thorough overview. With a relaxed pace, it’s good for travelers who want the essentials and some local anecdotes. The guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge ensure you walk away with a good understanding of the city’s layers.
Bottom Line: An efficient, friendly introduction suited for travelers who want to maximize a short visit.
15. Diocletian Palace and Old Town Walking Tour
This balanced 1.5-hour walk offers a solid overview of Split’s main sights, including the cellars, Peristyle, Golden Gate, and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius. Rated 5.0 from 126 reviews, it’s priced affordably at about $16.79. The tour’s focus on storytelling makes history accessible and engaging, especially for first-time visitors. It’s a good choice if you want a comprehensive look at the city’s core within a short time.
Bottom Line: A great value for travelers who want a detailed yet accessible introduction to Split’s highlights.
How to Choose the Right Walking Tour in Split
Deciding between these options depends on what you’re after—a quick overview, an in-depth historical experience, or something themed like Game of Thrones. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the shorter tours like the 90-min Diocletian Palace walk, while history lovers might prefer the private Emperor’s tour. If you’re a pop culture fan, the GOT-themed tour is a fun choice.
Consider your fitness level and time available. For a quick taste, try the 1.5-hour tour, but if you crave detail and stories, the 2-hour+ options provide richer context. Booking early is recommended in high season, especially for private and small-group tours, to secure your preferred time slot.
Split offers a wide range of walking experiences, from brief highlights to immersive history lessons. For first-timers, the Old Town and Diocletian Palace tour is a solid start. For those wanting a personal touch, the private Emperor’s tour makes history come alive with local guides. And if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, don’t miss the chance to walk where Daenerys once roamed.
Whatever your style, booking early and choosing the right tour can turn your visit into an engaging, memorable experience. Split’s streets and ruins are waiting—step out and explore at your pace.