Diocletian's Palace Tours

Diocletian\'s Palace showing heritage elements
Diocletian\'s Palace featuring night scenes and a square or plaza
Diocletian\'s Palace showing heritage architecture, a castle and heritage elements
Diocletian\'s Palace showing general coastal views, a city and landscape views
Diocletian\'s Palace featuring heritage elements, a castle and night scenes


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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Best Lodging Options Near Diocletian's Palace

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
Boutique Hotel Luxe

Boutique Hotel Luxe

4 out of 5
K. Zvonimira 6, Split
Boutique Hotel Luxe
Heritage Jupiter Luxury Hotel

Heritage Jupiter Luxury Hotel

4 out of 5
Grabovceva Sirina 1, Split
Heritage Jupiter Luxury Hotel
Plaza Marchi Old Town - MAG Quaint & Elegant Boutique Hotels

Plaza Marchi Old Town - MAG Quaint & Elegant Boutique Hotels

4 out of 5
Ulica Mihovilova širina 1, Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Plaza Marchi Old Town - MAG Quaint & Elegant Boutique Hotels
AC Hotel by Marriott Split

AC Hotel by Marriott Split

4 out of 5
Domovinskog Rata 61A, Split, Split
AC Hotel by Marriott Split
Hotel Ambasador

Hotel Ambasador

5 out of 5
18 Trumbiceva obala, Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Hotel Ambasador
Hotel Kastel 1700

Hotel Kastel 1700

3.5 out of 5
Ulica Mihovilova sirina 5, Split
Hotel Kastel 1700
Art Hotel

Art Hotel

4 out of 5
Ulica Sloboda 41, Split
Art Hotel
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

When visiting Diocletian's Palace in Split, Croatia, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as boating, sailing, and shopping. Consider taking a guided tour of Split to explore its rich history, spend an afternoon in Tivoli, or try diving in the crystal-clear waters. For a more immersive experience, look into day tours and nearby hotels that provide valuable tips for making the most of your Croatian adventure.

Food and drinks

Indulge in local flavors at Villa Spiza, known for its traditional dishes. For a unique experience, visit Putalj Winery Split, a charming spot 3 miles from Diocletian's Palace, offering delightful wine and a romantic atmosphere. Don't miss the vibrant scene at Konoba for authentic Croatian fare.

Shopping

For shopping near Diocletian's Palace, visit the Fish Market, just 0.1 miles away, offering a vibrant local vibe. If you're up for a drive, check out the Kaštel Stari Old Fish Market, 6 miles away, or the Green Market, located 10 miles from the palace, both bustling with local charm.

Recreation

Poljud Stadium, located 0.9 miles from Diocletian's Palace, offers a vibrant sports atmosphere perfect for active visitors. Similarly, Youth Park Stadium, only 0.7 miles away, provides an energetic setting for recreational activities, making both venues ideal for sports enthusiasts seeking wellness and excitement in Split.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Platinum Casino, just 0.8 miles from Diocletian's Palace, where romance and city vibes await. For a cultural touch, visit the Croatian National Theater, only 0.2 miles away, offering family-friendly entertainment. Don’t miss Favbet Casino, 0.5 miles from the palace, for more thrilling casino fun.

Find the best attractions near Diocletian's Palace

Visiting Diocletian's Palace in Split offers a blend of culture, outdoor experiences, and relaxation by the beach. Explore the historic architecture of the palace, enjoy the nearby marina, and visit local churches. For a comprehensive experience, consider options like the Diocletian Palace skip tour or delve into the old palace's history. This destination caters to travelers seeking both adventure and cultural enrichment.

  • Split Riva: This vibrant esplanade, just 0.2 miles from Diocletian's Palace, is perfect for families and couples alike. Stroll along the waterfront, enjoy outdoor cafes, and soak in the lively atmosphere while taking in stunning views of the harbor.
  • Bacvice Beach: Located 0.5 miles from the palace, Bacvice Beach is the go-to spot for sunbathing and swimming. Known for its shallow waters and sandy shores, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy a classic beach vibe.
  • Split Marina: About 0.7 miles away, Split Marina offers adventure enthusiasts a chance to explore the beautiful coastline. Rent a boat, go kayaking, or simply enjoy the picturesque views of the marina and the surrounding area.

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. The coolest average temperature around Diocletian's Palace falls in January, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowModerately Low
February46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March50.7°F (10.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
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)SunnyHighModerately 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 RainSunnyAverageAverage
October62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November55.9°F (13.3°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyLowModerately Low
December48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowModerately Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Diocletian's Palace

To save money on your visit to Diocletian's Palace, consider traveling during the off-peak season from November to January for lower hotel rates. Utilize free activities like exploring the Split Riva, Bacvice Beach, and Kasuni Beach. For accommodations, book about a month in advance or check Expedia's last-minute deals for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and allow you to earn OneKeyCash for future stays. Lastly, walking is an affordable way to navigate the area and enjoy the sights without spending on public transport.

  • 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 November 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: Booking a hotel around Diocletian's Palace about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can sort the results to display hotels from the lowest price to the highest, ensuring you see the most affordable options first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at Diocletian's Palace with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.