If you’re wondering where to go out in Split, look no further than this Split nightlife guide to bars, nightclubs, and more. Split has some of the best nightlife in Croatia, and massive variety when it comes to different types of nights out. There are options for where to go out in Split whether you’d like a quiet cocktail in a lively area or a packed nightclub bumping until the early hours.
I spent six summers working on sailing tours of the Dalmatian coast, so I’ve been to most of the clubs in the area and a LOT of the bars! Here are my thoughts on where to go for the best Split nightlife.
Before You Travel to Split
Many people fly into Split or arrive here by land from other Croatian destinations or by sea from surrounding islands such as Hvar or Korcula. Book any transfers and travel routes in advance on Bookaway.
If you are looking for more information about Croatia, you have come to the right place! I have listed the best day trips from Split here, a Split Travel Guide here, and I also have an Ultimate Croatia Guide, a guide to help you choose the best Croatia sailing tours, and also guides to individual islands linked in all. Take your pick!
Best Bars to Begin Your Split Nightlife Adventure
When you have filled your tummy with delicious Croatian food are ready to hit the town, it would be wise to check out a few bars to warm up.
No one goes STRAIGHT to the club, right?! It’s only necessary to have a few drinks out on the town before committing to a full-on dancing session. And luckily, there are plenty of Split nightlife options for a drink or a few in a more low-key setting.
Charlie’s Bar
This is where all the backpackers go. Charlie’s is the hostel bar of the city center, and is part of Split’s main party hostel. It’s run by quite a few internationals, some of whom stop by for the summer, and some who’ve relocated to Split entirely!
This bar will be packed with travelers no matter what day of the week, so it’s a great idea if you’re looking for Split nightlife in the middle of the week. They are famous for an ‘AMF’ drink – if you don’t know what that is, make sure to try one! 😛
Sanctuary
Sanctuary is close to Charlie’s bar, and people often split their time between these two bars. Sanctuary is great for cocktails or simple beers with sports on TV.
Drinks in the Square/Lvxor
My groups are often very tired by the time we arrive in Split, so we pick up some ‘roadies’ from the grocery store and sit in the main square of town (the peristyle) and listen to the live music that plays each night during the summer.
It’s fine to drink in public here, within reason, of course. Sitting in one place and drinking is fine but it’s a bit disrespectful to walk around town sipping a beer. If you bring a couple of beers/spirits and mixers/wine and chill in the square, it’s a lovely setting to get amped up for a night out in Split.
Split Pub Crawl
The Split Pub Crawl is another very popular Split nightlife option for backpackers and travelers. It’s one of the more well-known pub crawls that I have heard of in Europe, and is understood to be one of the better ones!
The Split Pub Crawls are full pretty much every night in the summer and are a great way to meet other travelers. Oh, and did I mention that it comes with unlimited beer and pizza for the first hour or so? It’s not a bad deal. You can book in advance here to secure a spot on this popular pub crawl!
Gaga Bar
Gaga Bar is a hidden little bar inside old town with fantastic cocktails. You’ll have to make your way through a thin passageway just off one of the main squares to arrive at this bustling little indoor/outdoor bar with a great cocktail list. Or, you can always grab a classic beer or wine, too.
O’Hara’s Irish Pub
Irish Pubs are never a bad idea! This is a great place to start the party with a cold pint, or watch some sport, too.
Bars + Restaurants along The Riva
The Riva is the main strip of restaurants in Split, between the palace walls and the water. It’s full of patio-style restaurants and bars in the open air.
Most restaurants and bars along the Riva offer an extensive cocktail menu. You can have drinks with dinner or simply sit and sip and people-watch! Hey, you might just see me go by with a crazy group 😛
Fabrique Pub
Fabrique is a trendy newer venue just outside the city center. This place has more of an upscale vibe, with brick walls and archways inside as if it was an old fortress. It’s also known for its delicious food menu. Come to get a fancy cocktail and a BBQ dinner to begin your night!
More Relaxed Split Cocktail Bars
If you aren’t into a big night out, here are some more bougie places to grab a proper cocktail in Split.
Strings Bar
A newer cocktail bar just outside the old town, Strings brings a vibe to Split that has been sorely missing! The name comes from the dozen or so guitars hanging above the bar, complementing the rock & roll music perfectly. They play rock, which is rare in Split, and often have live music in the summer evenings.
They have an amazing crafted cocktail list as well as plenty of classics, and skilled bartenders who can make anything work. Don’t be surprised if you come for one and end up staying for several!
Bar Sistema
Bar Sistema is also a gorgeous, fancier cocktail bar with a more creative cocktail menu mixing ingredients you would never have imagined before! It’s got a great vibe and friendly, hospitable service right in the. city center.
Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar
This is a tiny, easily-missed jazz bar that seems to have been build into the walls of old town. As the name suggests, it has a library with books stacked on the walls and under the bar, and squeezes in live music, too.
Split Nightlife: Best Clubs
Inbox Club (Caffe Bar Inbox)
*unsure if this is open this year* Inbox is an outdoor Split nightclub right on the water, at the end of the Riva. It’s set under some massive trees and you can hear its music playing from miles away! They usually have electronic and EDM beats playing here that caters a lot to the international/backpacker crowd oftentimes coming off their Croatia sailing tours.
It’s a pretty casual club that you can simply walk up to at any time. This is usually the first club that groups go to during a night out in Split after a bar or two. After inbox it is customary to move onto bigger nightclubs in Split from around 12-1am if you are having a big night (but the party goes until late!)
Vanilla Club
Vanilla is the nightclub in Split, which is the farthest away from the city center. It’s located near Poljud stadium (where Ultra Europe takes place), about a 20-minute walk from town. You can always catch a taxi here for a faster trip. The Yacht Week goes here for their main Split nightlife option.
Vanilla Club has a very large capacity and becomes pretty crowded in the summer months with bands and dj’s playing. There will be a small cover to see performances in peak season!
Central the Club
Central is one of Split’s best-known clubs, and is very good. This is a proper ‘clubby’ club with tables, amazing lighting set-ups, a huge disco ball, and cage dancers. It’s very spacious and is like the type of club you’d expect in Miami.
I have been once and was very impressed – but expect drink prices to match! Entry costs might be a bit steep in summer.
Disco Club 305 AD
This is a newer club in the last few years, and is the true late-night spot, closing at 4am. You’ll definitely have to pay an entry fee here, but you’ll be able to dance and drink till the early hours under the lasers.
The Ultimate Split Nightlife: Ultra Europe Music Festival
If you manage to make it to Split after the first week of July, prepare for the busiest time of the year, because Ultra Europe is on! Ultra Europe brings in a huge lineup of international artists across the EDM, house, techno, trap, and other electronic speres.
Ultra Europe is a massive party that takes place at Poljud Stadium outside of the city. The entire city comes to life this weekend, and it’s both exciting and a little overwhelming at times, too! Read my guide to Ultra Europe here.
Well, that’s about it for Split nightlife for the time being! There are tons of other little bars I could add, too… let me know in the comments which ones you think should make the list!
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