Diocletian's Palace Tours and Activities

Diocletian\'s Palace which includes heritage elements
Diocletian\'s Palace which includes night scenes and a square or plaza
Diocletian\'s Palace showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and château or palace
Diocletian's Palace
Diocletian\'s Palace showing heritage elements, night scenes and a castle


Explore the historical heart of Split and view the remnants of the Roman complex from which the city evolved.

Diocletian’s Palace is home to some of the most remarkable Roman ruins on earth. Once a retirement home for a powerful emperor, this ancient fortress has evolved into Split’s old town. Today, about 3,000 locals now live within its confines. Wander through narrow lanes and look for remains of the old palace and its fortifications.

The palace was built by Roman Emperor Diocletian after he retired from politics in A.D. 305. Blaming ill health for his abdication, Diocletian was the first Roman emperor to voluntarily relinquish his title. He spent the final ten years of his life here. Visit the historical core of the city and discover how it has changed since Diocletian’s time.

Enter the palace through one of four gates. You’ll soon be struck by the abundance of glossy white stone. Sourced by Diocletian, this stone came from the nearby island of Brač. 

Weave through the twisting streets and note the shop fronts and house façades, many of which are medieval additions. Despite being built in the Middle Ages, these buildings feature original Roman materials, such as columns. Look for stone sphinxes, which Diocletian imported from Egypt. 

Check out the Peristyle, a central open-air square which once provided access to Diocletian’s personal quarters. Note the Protiron at the square’s southern end. This triangular gabled entrance porch once led to the imperial apartments. East of the square lies the Cathedral of St. Domnius, which originally functioned as a mausoleum and held Diocletian’s remains. It was later converted into a church. Climb to the top of its bell tower for some of the best views in the city.

Move west from the Peristyle to encounter the Temple of Jupiter. The only remaining temple of a triad, it was converted to a baptistery during the Middle Ages. Inspect the intricate moldings on the door and venture inside to see medieval stone tombs.

Diocletian’s Palace extends inland from the waterfront and is best explored on foot. Walk through the palace complex for free but pay a fee to enter certain buildings, including Jupiter’s Temple and the Cathedral of St. Domnius.

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Popular places to visit


Top Diocletian's Palace Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Cornaro Hotel

Cornaro Hotel

5 out of 5
Sinjska ulica 6, Ulica kralja Tomislava 9, Split
Cornaro Hotel
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Split

Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Split

5 out of 5
Put Trstenika 19, Split, Split-Dalmatia
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Split
Art Hotel

Art Hotel

4 out of 5
Ulica Sloboda 41, Split
Art Hotel
Boutique Hotel Luxe

Boutique Hotel Luxe

4 out of 5
K. Zvonimira 6, Split
Boutique Hotel Luxe
Hotel Ambasador

Hotel Ambasador

5 out of 5
18 Trumbiceva obala, Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Hotel Ambasador
Heritage Jupiter Luxury Hotel

Heritage Jupiter Luxury Hotel

4 out of 5
Grabovceva Sirina 1, Split
Heritage Jupiter Luxury Hotel
AC Hotel by Marriott Split

AC Hotel by Marriott Split

4 out of 5
Domovinskog Rata 61A, Split, Split
AC Hotel by Marriott Split
Heritage Palace Varos - MAG Quaint & Elegant Boutique Hotels

Heritage Palace Varos - MAG Quaint & Elegant Boutique Hotels

4 out of 5
Bilanova 16, Split, Dalmatia
Heritage Palace Varos - MAG Quaint & Elegant Boutique Hotels
Hotel Marmont Heritage

Hotel Marmont Heritage

4 out of 5
Zadarska 13, Split
Hotel Marmont Heritage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Diocletian's Palace

Exploring Diocletian's Palace in Split offers a range of exciting activities, including boating and sailing along the stunning coastline. The vibrant pedestrian zone invites you to shop at unique boutiques and savour local cuisine. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Split while enjoying the lively atmosphere and picturesque surroundings in this captivating tourist hotspot.

Shopping

Experience vibrant shopping at the Fish Market and Green Market, both only 161m from Diocletian's Palace, offering a mix of local produce and unique souvenirs. For a family vibe, visit Split 3 Market, just 1.6km away.

Recreation

At Poljud Stadium, only 1.4km from Diocletian's Palace, soak up the energetic atmosphere with fitness activities and sports events. Meanwhile, Youth Park Stadium, 1.1km away, offers a lively environment for recreational sports and community events, perfect for staying active during your visit.

Adventure

Explore the ancient corridors of Diocletian's Palace, where you can join a guided tour that unveils its rich history. Experience thrilling escape rooms within the palace's walls, or enjoy a unique dining adventure at local konobas, savouring Dalmatian cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere.

Nightlife

At Diocletian's Palace, the Croatian National Theater is perfect for a cultural night out, just 322m away, offering a romantic atmosphere. For a longer adventure, the Hvar Public Theater, located 37.0km away, promises a blend of entertainment and family-friendly vibes.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Diocletian's Palace

When visiting Diocletian's Palace in Split, you'll find a wealth of attractions like the esplanade, marina, and beach, perfect for those seeking culture and outdoor experiences. Explore the ancient Roman architecture of the old Diocletian Palace, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the old town, and enjoy the facilities that enhance your visit. This destination offers a delightful blend of history and modern city life, catering to all types of travellers.

  • Split Riva: Stroll along this picturesque esplanade, where palm trees sway and vibrant cafés beckon. Perfect for romantic evenings or family outings, the Riva offers stunning views of the Adriatic, making it a lively hub of activity.
  • Split Marina: Experience adventure at Split Marina, where you can rent boats, try water sports, or simply relax by the waterfront. The marina buzzes with energy, providing a fantastic spot for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
  • Bacvice Beach: This popular beach is known for its golden sands and lively atmosphere. Ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or joining in a game of picigin, Bacvice Beach promises a quintessential Croatian beach experience.

Best time to go to Diocletian's Palace

The best time to visit Diocletian's Palace can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Diocletian's Palace falls in August, when visitor numbers are high and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). The coolest average temperature around Diocletian's Palace falls in January, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowModerately Low
February46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
March50.7°F (10.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately Low
April56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.7°F (17.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June71.8°F (22.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageModerately High
July77.2°F (25.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighModerately High
August77.7°F (25.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighModerately High
September70.2°F (21.2°C)Light RainSunnyHighAverage
October62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November55.9°F (13.3°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowModerately Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Diocletian's Palace

To save money on your trip to Diocletian's Palace, consider visiting in the off-peak months of March or December to January when accommodation prices drop. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals, particularly on Tuesdays for better rates. Use Expedia’s search tools to compare hotels, filter by Eco-certified options, and bundle your hotel with flights for extra savings. Walking is also a great way to explore, as the area is compact and full of free activities.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Diocletian's Palace is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Diocletian's Palace are March and December to January, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Diocletian's Palace is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Diocletian's Palace is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Diocletian's Palace is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and much more. You can easily sort the results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, allowing you to find the most affordable accommodation right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Diocletian's Palace hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.