Split On a Rainy Day: 10 Things To Do

Located on the gorgeous Dalmatian Coast, the Croatian city of Split doesn't get all that much rain. Around 50 inches of rain falls every year, mostly around November, the wettest month of the calendar. However, while Split is generally warm and dry, the city does get its share of rainy days.

That doesn't mean you have to suffer through the rainy day blues. With the proper clothes and the right preparation, you can have a great time in Split no matter what the weather forecast says. Just drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Split, Croatia, and you'll be ready to enjoy everything the city has to offer.

From its beautifully preserved Old Town to its fascinating museums and delicious local restaurants, Split has plenty of activities to keep you busy even on a rainy day. Take a look at some of these attractions, and you may find yourself hoping for a little sprinkle of rain on your trip to Croatia.

Diocletian's Palace

This ancient Roman fortress is the most popular attraction in Split, and for good reason. With its beautiful architecture and fascinating history, Diocletian's Palace really has to be seen to be believed. Even on a rainy day, the palace is worth exploring. Just make sure you bring an umbrella!

Retirement wasn't common for Roman emperors, who usually died from assassination, war, or revolution. But the emperor Diocletian was an anomaly. In 305 AD, at the age of 60, he chose to retire from his role as emperor and split the empire in two, leaving his co-emperor Maximian in charge of the Western Roman Empire while he ruled over the Eastern Roman Empire from his palace in Split. Now, his sprawling 4th-century palace is open to the public to explore. It's also completely free for visitors, though there is an admission charge for some of the buildings inside the palace.

Much of the palace is open to the sky, so if you're exploring on a rainy day, an umbrella might be a good idea. However, there are also many buildings inside the palace where you can shelter from the rain and learn more about Split's Roman heritage. Don't let rainy weather stop you from seeing one of the grandest Roman ruins in the entire world.

Green Market

One of the best places to go shopping in Split, the Green Market is the perfect place to find fresh produce, souvenirs, and local handicrafts. Located in the center of town, the market is easy to find, even on a rainy day. Just look for the big green awning!

As well as being one of the city's top tourist attractions, the Green Market is also a popular meeting place for locals. If you're looking to get a taste of Split's vibrant culture, this is the perfect place to start. It's also the perfect place to pick up some incredible food so you can sample the best produce of the region.

Ethnographic Museum

If you're looking for a cultural experience during your trip to Split, be sure to check out the Ethnographic Museum. Located in the middle of town, just a short walk from Riva, this museum allows visitors to explore Split's fascinating history and learn more about life in Croatia over the years. You'll get an up-close look at traditional costumes, local artifacts and tools, and even see some incredible artwork by Croatian artists. A must-see for anyone who wants to learn more about Croatia's culture.

This underrated museum is where you'll learn more about the folk traditions and customs of the city and of Croatia in general. It's a great way to kill a few hours on one of Split's occasional rainy days, and a fascinating way to spend some time no matter when you visit.

Archeological Museum

Given its importance during the Roman period, you would expect Split to have some fascinating archaeological remains. Well, it does. And you can explore them at one of the best of the city's museums, Split Archaeological Museum.

The Archeological Museum is one of the most popular, with exhibits that span millennia and showcase ancient artifacts, sculptures, coins, pottery, and more dating back to prehistory. Whether you're an archaeology fan or just interested in learning more about Split's history, this museum is a must-visit!​

This is one of Eastern Europe's oldest archaeological museums, dating back to the 19th century. But the treasures it holds are a great deal older. Located just outside Old Town, this impressive museum will take you back to the heyday of the Roman Empire in Dalmatia, and even before, to get a deeper understanding of the origins of the city. There are few better places in Split to spend a rainy day.

Take a Cooking Class

Croatian food doesn't get the attention worldwide that, say, Italian cuisine does. But this Mediterranean diet is every bit as rich and delicious as that of its neighboring countries. And with a cooking class in Split, you can learn more about the local flavors and ingredients that make Croatian food so tasty. Whether you're an experienced home cook or just looking to expand your culinary horizons, taking a cooking class while in Split is a great way to experience some authentic local cuisine and perhaps discover some new favorite dishes.

Several companies offer cooking classes in the city. If you'd rather go home with a new skill instead of another souvenir, this is a great option for a rainy day activity in Split. Plus, you'll be able to take home the recipes for all of the delicious Croatian dishes you create, so you can recreate your culinary adventures at home!​

Split City Museum

The Roman history of Split is undoubtedly rich, but there's more to the city than just its time as an outpost of the Roman Empire. Split City Museum tells the story of the city from its earliest days up through to the present day. You'll see exhibits on Split's Roman history, of course, but also learn about its time as a medieval Croatian kingdom, its role in World War II, and more.

A great rainy day activity, Split City Museum will teach you more about the medieval and Renaissance periods of this ancient town and help to explain some of the most important sites in the city today. Conveniently housed in part of Diocletian's Palace, this museum is an important addition to the city's Roman artifacts and is perfect for exploring on a gloomy day.

Meštrović Gallery

Croatia is, of course, best known for its stunning coastline and pristine beaches, but that's not all the country has to offer. Meštrović Gallery, located a short walk from the historic center of Split, is home to one of Europe's finest collections of modern sculpture and paintings by Croatian artists. Whether you're an art aficionado or just curious about Croatia's rich cultural history, a visit to Meštrović Gallery is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Split.​

The gallery contains work by some of Croatia's most famous artists, including paintings by Ivan Meštrović, who the gallery is named after. If you're interested in learning more about Croatian art and culture, this is a great place to start. The gallery also hosts temporary exhibits that expose visitors to different facets of the country's artistic legacy and sometimes hosts talks by artists and curators that can help you understand more about modern art in the Balkans. It's a great way to spend some time if the forecast calls for a little rain, and you'll be glad you stopped in this gallery just outside Split's Old Town.

Croatian National Theatre

As one of the most iconic and historic buildings in Split, the Croatian National Theatre is not to be missed. This beautiful theater has been a cultural hub since its foundation in 1860, playing host to some of Croatia's finest singers, dancers, and performers over the years. Even if you're not an opera or theater buff, going to a show at the Croatian National Theatre is still a fascinating way to learn more about the city's history and culture. Tours of the theater are also available, which are a great way to get inside the beautiful building close to the city center and see what it's like. But if you can get tickets to a show, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to enjoy the best of Croatian and international culture whether it's a rainy day or not.

Do Some Shopping

If a holiday doesn't seem complete to you without scratching your retail itch, you'll be glad to know that Split offers several shopping malls both in and outside the city centre where you can give your wallet a workout. Shopping centers in the city include Bacvice Shopping Center, Jadran Centers, and Fontana Centar, all with many shops to choose from.

However, you don't have to limit yourself to malls. Split is also home to some great markets, such as the Green Market, where you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as souvenirs like hand-painted pottery and locally made jewelry. These markets operate rain or shine and often use awnings to keep off the worst of the weather, so they make for a great option on a rainy day.

Visit the Cathedral

Located in the heart of Split's Old Town, the Cathedral of St. Domnius is a must-visit for anyone who wants to get a sense of the city's rich history and culture. Dating back over 1700 years, this beautiful cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in Split and has been an important center of Christianity throughout its long history. Whether you're interested in religious architecture or simply want to learn more about Croatia's fascinating past, a visit to the Cathedral of St. Domnius is sure to be memorable.​

Originally a Roman temple, this is now the central cathedral of the Archbishopric of Split-Makarska and is best known for its exceptional bell tower. The Romanesque bell tower, which is one of the tallest structures in Croatia at 82 meters, was built in 1700 and has been a popular tourist attraction ever since.​ If you're interested in learning more about this iconic building or simply want to see some beautiful religious architecture up close, be sure to stop by the Cathedral of St. Domnius when you're exploring Split. ​

Conclusion

The weather on the Dalmatian Coast is generally ideal, which is what makes it such a popular destination for beach vacations. But rainy days do happen, even here. With a little forward planning, you don't have to have your trip ruined by a little rain. In fact, Split has such a wealth of historic monuments, delicious restaurants, interesting museums, and cool bars that you shouldn't have any trouble keeping yourself occupied no matter what the weather is doing.

Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage in Split, but don't forget to bring your umbrella with you before you head out to explore Split on a rainy day. Once you see how much there is to do both indoors and out, you won't mind exploring in the rain one little bit.