City Museum of Split - A van driving down the road in Kotor, Kotor Bay, Montenegro.
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City Museum of Split

4.4
·430 reviews·Split, Croatia

Explore centuries of history within the ancient walls of Diocletian's Palace, featuring art, armor, and Roman architecture.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning or late afternoon

Beat the crowds

CrowdLow
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City Museum of Split - A van driving down the road in Kotor, Kotor Bay, Montenegro.

City Museum of Split

Best Time

Morning or late afternoon

Beat the crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore centuries of history within the ancient walls of Diocletian's Palace, featuring art, armor, and Roman architecture.

4.4
(430 reviews)

"Really cool place to visit. It is huge space you cannot see from the outside of city center. Must see in Split!"

Vertical photo
TIP

⏳ Allow ample time

Don't rush! Explore the palace and museum thoroughly; you can easily spend half a day here.

☕ Enjoy the cafe

There's a lovely coffee shop within the museum complex for a relaxing break.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Diocletian's Palace Architecture

Diocletian's Palace Architecture

Within the museum complex

Explore the ancient Roman palace walls, courtyards, and chambers that form the museum's setting. A true historical marvel.

Art and Artifacts Collection

Art and Artifacts Collection

Museum galleries

Discover a fascinating collection of paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts that tell the story of Split.

Reddit
Crypt and Church

Crypt and Church

Lower levels of the palace

While some areas might be less engaging, the church offers a glimpse into historical religious art and architecture.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Split's City Museum, housed within Diocletian's Palace, can get busy. Consider visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds and enjoy a more immersive historical experience. Reddit

Palace Exploration

The museum is part of the larger Diocletian's Palace complex. Allocate ample time to explore both the museum's collections and the palace's ancient structures for a complete historical immersion. Reddit

Best Times

When
Morning or late afternoon
Why
Beat the crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer tour groups
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Going to split for 3 days, what do you recommend to do?

⏳ Allow ample time

Don't rush! Explore the palace and museum thoroughly; you can easily spend half a day here. Reddit

☕ Enjoy the cafe

There's a lovely coffee shop within the museum complex for a relaxing break. Reddit

reddit.com

Travel Recommendations

reddit.com

One-Day Itinerary in Split

⚠️ Check for closures

Some areas might be under renovation without prior notice. Check at the entrance. Reddit

🗺️ Get a palace map

Understand the layout of the vast palace complex to navigate efficiently. Reddit

reddit.com

A week in Split in June: what are the must-sees?

Tips

from all over the internet

⏳ Allow ample time

Don't rush! Explore the palace and museum thoroughly; you can easily spend half a day here. Reddit

☕ Enjoy the cafe

There's a lovely coffee shop within the museum complex for a relaxing break. Reddit

⚠️ Check for closures

Some areas might be under renovation without prior notice. Check at the entrance. Reddit

🗺️ Get a palace map

Understand the layout of the vast palace complex to navigate efficiently. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(430 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the City Museum of Split fascinating, particularly for its integration within the historic Diocletian's Palace. The collections of art and artifacts are appreciated, though some specific areas like the crypt may be less engaging for some. Be aware that parts of the palace might be under renovation.

"Fascinating seaside historical complex dating from the 4th century . Although altered substantially over time a considerable amount of the original structure remains and the entire has been adapted to modern use ."

Michael Coyle

"I visited the museum whilst on holiday in Split amazing collection of drawings and paintings. Small gallery could spend half a day here lovely coffee shop great experience."

Clare Gay

"Disappointing visit, crypt is almost empty and totally uninteresting, church is quite interesting with a lot of gold and powerful organ, baptistery is almost empty and totally uninteresting"

Jon H

What People Like

Historic palace setting
Art and artifact collections
Central location

What People Dislike

Some areas uninteresting
Renovations without notice

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The City Museum of Split is located within Diocletian's Palace, a central landmark in Split. If you're arriving by cruise ship, it's a short walk from the port. Many visitors find it easily accessible on foot from most accommodations within the city center. Reddit

Parking in Split's city center can be challenging and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or walk if staying nearby. If driving, look for paid parking garages outside the immediate palace area. Reddit

Yes, Split has a good bus system. Several bus lines stop near the palace. Check local bus routes for the most convenient stop based on your starting point. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official museum website or inquire locally upon arrival for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

Admission fees apply. Prices can vary, and it's advisable to check the museum's official website for current ticket prices and any potential discounts. Reddit

For general entry, booking in advance is usually not required, especially outside of peak tourist season. However, if you are part of a large group or visiting during a very busy period, it might be worth considering. Reddit

While the museum is within the palace, there isn't typically a single combined ticket for all palace attractions. You usually purchase tickets for individual sites like the museum, cathedral, or substructures separately. Reddit

Information on free entry days is not widely advertised. It's best to check the museum's official channels for any special promotions or events that might offer free admission. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum houses a collection of paintings, sculptures, weapons, and armor, offering insights into Split's history. It's also integrated within the ancient Diocletian's Palace, so the architecture itself is a major draw. Reddit

A visit can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on your interest level. Many visitors recommend allocating at least half a day to fully appreciate both the museum's exhibits and the surrounding palace. Reddit

The historical context and artifacts might be more engaging for older children. Younger children might find the palace's vastness more interesting than the specific exhibits. Reddit

Guided tours may be available, often through external tour operators or sometimes offered by the museum itself. Inquire at the ticket counter or check their website for details. Reddit

The museum has a coffee shop, and restrooms are typically available. Check for accessibility information if needed. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary. Generally, personal photography without flash is often permitted in museum galleries, but it's always best to check for signage or ask staff. Reddit

The ancient architecture of Diocletian's Palace, including courtyards and archways, offers stunning photographic opportunities. The art collections themselves also provide interesting subjects. Reddit

Drone photography is generally prohibited within historical city centers and ancient sites like Diocletian's Palace due to regulations and preservation concerns. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

For families visiting the City Museum of Split, the vastness and ancient architecture of Diocletian's Palace will likely be the biggest draw for children. Encourage them to imagine life in Roman times as you explore the courtyards and passageways. While the museum's specific exhibits like paintings and armor might appeal more to older children, the sheer scale of the palace can spark curiosity. Reddit

Tip: Consider a scavenger hunt within the palace walls to keep younger ones engaged. Look for interesting carvings, different types of stone, or unique architectural features. The coffee shop within the museum complex also offers a good spot for a family break. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

The City Museum of Split is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Its location within Diocletian's Palace provides an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in ancient Roman history. The museum's collections of paintings, sculptures, weapons, and armor offer detailed insights into the city's past, from its imperial origins to its medieval and modern development. Reddit

Recommendation: Allocate a significant portion of your day to explore both the museum's curated exhibits and the palace's unadulterated historical fabric. Pay attention to the layers of history visible in the architecture, where Roman, medieval, and Renaissance elements coexist. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Diocletian's Palace

The City Museum of Split is not just a collection of artifacts; it's an integral part of the magnificent Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This sprawling complex, built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century AD, is one of the best-preserved ancient palaces in the world. Wandering through its ancient walls, courtyards, and narrow streets is an experience in itself. The museum's exhibits are housed within parts of this historic structure, offering a unique context for the displayed items. Reddit

Visitors often remark on how the palace has been adapted over centuries, with medieval and later buildings incorporated into the original Roman framework. This creates a fascinating blend of architectural styles. While some sections of the palace, like the crypt or baptistery, might be described as less engaging by some, the overall atmosphere and the sheer scale of the ancient construction are consistently praised. Reddit Don't miss the chance to simply get lost within the palace's labyrinthine alleys, discovering hidden squares and ancient remnants at every turn. Reddit

The Museum's Collections

The City Museum of Split showcases a diverse range of exhibits that chronicle the city's rich history. You'll find an impressive collection of paintings, offering visual narratives of Split's past and its artistic heritage. Alongside the art, the museum displays sculptures that reflect different historical periods and artistic movements. Reddit

For those interested in military history, the museum features weapons and armor, providing a glimpse into the defensive strategies and conflicts that shaped Split. These artifacts, combined with drawings and other historical documents, help paint a comprehensive picture of the city's evolution from Roman times to more recent eras. Reddit While some reviews mention specific areas being less impactful, the overall collection is considered a valuable complement to exploring the palace itself, offering deeper historical context. Reddit

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