7 Best Bars in Split, Central Dalmatia

The name of this snazzy spot isn't a play on the word "marvelous," though the wine bar definitely is that; it's named after Marko Marulić, one of Split's most famous Renaissance-era writers. Conceptualized by Croatian-Argentinian poet Tin Bojanić and offering a delicious wine list, free library, and fantastic live music (think violins and acoustic guitars), Marvlvs is one of the coolest, artsiest, and twangiest places in town.

With a colorful bohemian interior and a courtyard garden lit with flaming torches, Academia pulls in the cool, young, artsy crowd. It hosts occasional exhibitions and concerts.

Twenty- and thirty-something travelers looking for a good time favor this boozy backpacker bar set within Diocletian's Palace. Big drinks-in-a-bucket, loud tunes, fun-loving staff, and cool hand-painted murals on the walls have people lined up at the door some nights.

One of Split's most happening clubs offers all the party-hard requisites: a big dance floor, strobe lights, and blasting speakers—right within the Old Town. The name refers to the year construction of Diocletian's Palace was most likely finished. Open every night, it plays a mix of techno, pop, and hip-hop. Crozzies club-to-club crawl, run by Croatian-Australians and a favorite among young travelers, also kicks off from here every night before heading to Vanilla. 

Part of the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, trendy Mistral is open to the public as well. Guests can rent sun chairs, cabanas, or VIP lounges here to relax and sunbathe, grab a cocktail and a bite to eat, and let loose to DJ entertainment. Live dancers are often present, too. The club closes at sunset, but the buzzy vibe drawing crowds of twenty- to forty-somethings is that of a club that replaced strobe lights with the sun's rays.  

Close to the Golden Gate, this small café-bar with an exposed-stonework-and-wood interior is popular with highbrow locals who come here to leaf through the piles of international newspapers and magazines. It also has tables outside in summer for sipping your coffee, wine, or cocktail.

This veteran of Split's party scene, located about a 25-minute walk from the center of town near the public pools, often puts on concerts by big names in the regional music scene. It's also a trendy place for fans of all sorts of music from international hip-hop and techno to turbofolk and Croatian pop.