What to do in Split on a rainy day: indoor activities and hidden spots

Welcome to Split, the dazzling gem of the Adriatic! This city, famous for its sun-drenched days, crystal-clear sea, and vibrant Riva promenade, usually calls for open-air exploration. But what happens when a classic Dalmatian rain decides to rearrange your plans?

Many travelers find themselves at a loss when the clouds gather. However, Split does not surrender to bad weather. In fact, a rainy day offers a unique opportunity to slow down, dive deeper into the city’s rich history and culture, and discover those hidden spots that are often overlooked during the high-paced summer season. Instead of letting the rain spoil your day, embrace it as an invitation to engage in slow travel.

Diocletian’s Palace is the beating heart of Split and a UNESCO World Heritage site. While much of the Palace is open to the sky, its internal components offer the perfect shelter from the rain while simultaneously providing a window into the past. Discover how the Roman Emperor Diocletian spared no expense on the grandeur of his retirement home, creating a structure that has survived for 1700 years.

The underground passages, known locally as the Basements (or Podrumi), are a must-see stop. These well-preserved spaces, once used as storage for goods and waste, and now an impressive cultural venue, tell the story of the complex architecture and life within the walls.

By traversing the Basements, you can:

• Walk from the Riva to the Peristyle completely dry, making them the ultimate rainy-day shortcut
• Detach from the outside weather and step into the mystical atmosphere of ancient Rome
• Discover a stable, atmospheric interior ideal for exploration during bad weather

Bonus tip:

• Consider taking a guided tour – local experts often share fascinating anecdotes and historical facts that you won’t find in standard guidebooks
• And for fans of fantasy, you might just feel a flicker of dragon fire – this is where Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons, once walked
• Keep your eyes open… you never know when a dragon might be lurking in the shadows

Rain is the perfect excuse to dedicate yourself to Split’s cultural offerings, which are surprisingly rich and diverse. Exploring the museums allows for a deeper understanding of the city’s spirit, from antiquity to the modern era.

The oldest museum in Croatia, it boasts a fascinating collection of artifacts spanning from prehistory to the Middle Ages, with a special emphasis on Roman and early Christian finds from Salona.

Spend hours admiring the marble sculptures and mosaics, realizing the immense historical significance of this area in ancient times. Its spacious halls provide a tranquil refuge, ideal for an introspective look at history.

Located within Diocletian’s Palace, specifically in the Gothic-Renaissance Papalić Palace, this museum presents the chronological development of Split. Here, you will find documents, weaponry, and art objects illustrating the life of Split’s inhabitants through the centuries. Exploring this museum indirectly serves as a lesson on the architectural evolution of the very heart of Split, providing context for the buildings you will see once the rain stops.

Although the Gallery’s garden, with its beautiful sea view, is often the main draw, the indoor halls dedicated to the work of one of Croatia’s greatest sculptors, Ivan Meštrović, offer an impressive experience. The large, powerful sculptures within the enclosed space leave a powerful impression. This museum is an excellent choice for those who appreciate monumental art and wish to admire the mastery of stone and bronze craftsmanship.

As the Riva fills with umbrellas, true Split locals retreat to their favourite, hidden cafés and bookstores. Rainy days are made for enjoying an extended ritual of coffee drinking and reading, far from the summer rush. These locations offer you an authentic glimpse into the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, allowing you to feel like a local who has found their perfect refuge.

Seek out one of the smaller, less touristy cafés in the narrow Palace alleys, where strong coffee is served and only the quiet murmur of the local populace can be heard. Such places often feature a cozy interior, perfect for observing the world passing by through the window. Alternatively, you might visit one of Split’s bookstores. While reading Croatian books might seem like a barrier, many bookstores offer sections with international editions and locally themed souvenirs.

Recommendation for Relaxation:

• Sit by the window
• Order a traditional local cake, such as the Splitska torta or rožata
• Spend an hour in quiet contemplation

This type of experience is the very essence of a Mediterranean holiday, even when it’s raining.

Dalmatia is celebrated not only for its stunning coastline but equally for its top-tier gastronomy and a deeply rooted tradition of wine production. A rainy day offers the ideal, unhurried opportunity to dive deep into this hedonistic aspect of the culture, moving beyond quick bites and truly savoring the local fare. This is the perfect time to seek out the hidden culinary gems and experience the region’s flavors through guided tastings and relaxed, long lunches.

Instead of rushing, dedicate the afternoon to an in-depth exploration of Dalmatian wines. Many specialized wine shops and cozy, atmospheric wine bars tucked away in the city centre offer formal or informal tasting sessions within their warm, inviting interiors.

Wines to try:

• Plavac Mali – robust, dry red
• Pošip – crisp, refreshing white

You will discover the complex history behind the vines and understand how the unique Mediterranean climate influences the flavors of the wine you are tasting.

Furthermore, use the inclement weather as an excuse to indulge in a luxurious, multi-course lunch or dinner at one of Split’s acclaimed traditional restaurants, known locally as a konoba or upscale dining room.

Dishes to experience:

• Pašticada – slow-cooked beef stew with gnocchi
• Crni rižot – black risotto made with squid ink

These warm, rich meals are the ultimate comfort food, perfectly suited to combating the gloomy weather outside and elevating your trip to a whole new level of cultural immersion.

Split offers lesser-known indoor entertainment options that extend beyond traditional museums. For those seeking something more dynamic, a rainy day can be an opportunity to experience the local artistic and entertainment scene.

• Croatian National Theatre (HNK Split): Check their schedule. Even if you don’t understand Croatian, seeing an opera, ballet, or play is an experience in itself. The beauty of the building and the artistic performance are universal, and attending a show is an elegant way to spend a rainy evening. Here, you can enjoy the architecture and acoustics of the building itself, which is a work of art.
• Visiting a Shopping Centre: While perhaps less romantic than a museum, visiting one of Split’s modern shopping centres offers movie theatres, shops for souvenir hunting, and a wide variety of restaurants. It is a functional and comfortable way to stay dry and fill the day with activities. The cinemas often screen the latest Hollywood hits, which is always a reliable choice for a relaxing afternoon.
• Exploring Antiquarian Shops and Galleries: Split is full of small, independent art galleries tucked away in the narrow streets of the Palace. Here, you can discover the works of local artists, purchase unique souvenirs, or simply enjoy the inspiring environment. Antiquarian shops are treasure troves of old maps, books, and art that transport you to the past, far from the rainy clouds outside.

These activities offer a brilliant contrast to historical sightseeing, providing you with a more modern perspective on the city. Let the rain be your signal to change the pace and enjoy some of these less conventional options.

If the rain has slowed your pace, why not fully embrace relaxation? Split has several excellent spas and wellness centers where you can enjoy massages, saunas, or indoor pools. Whether you go for a full pampering session or just a relaxing swim, it’s the ideal way to unwind.

A great rainy-day activity for fans of the series is the Game of Thrones Museum, located right in the heart of Split. This small but fascinating space features original props, costumes, and scene recreations from the show, many of which were filmed in Diocletian’s Palace.

You’ll learn how Split became the city of Meereen and get behind-the-scenes insights into how local landmarks were transformed into fantasy settings. It’s a fun and quick visit – and a perfect way to enjoy some indoor pop culture exploration.

Central Square Heritage Hotel

PRIMA Life Spalato

Nirvana Luxury Rooms

Rain in Split is not an obstacle but an opportunity. It forces you to look beyond the obvious and discover the richness of culture, history, and gastronomy the city offers within its walls. From the ancient Basements of Diocletian’s Palace to inspiring museums and galleries, and warm, inviting cafes, Split is equally magical under the clouds.

Always keep in mind that after all your indoor adventures, your comfortable base awaits. Choosing quality accommodation ensures you secure more than just lodging – you secure a warm, luxurious oasis that will turn any rainy day in Split into a special, relaxing part of your journey. Do not let the rain discourage you—put on your raincoat, grab an umbrella, and set off to discover Split from a completely new, indoor perspective.