Best Bars in Split 2025: Hidden Terraces, Craft Cocktails and Late-Night Vibes
From brand-new rooftops to cult cocktail dens, these are the Split bars locals are whispering about before they go mainstream.
Split’s bar scene is shifting fast, with intimate new openings and refreshed neighborhood favorites tucked between Roman walls and the waterfront. This guide spotlights the bars gaining real momentum right now, so you can sip where the buzz is headed next, not where the tour groups already are.
Garden View - New rooftop-style hideout with big buzz
Very new and already pulling in five-star praise, Garden View is the freshest arrival on Split’s bar map. With only a couple of public reviews so far but a sky-high rating, it is still under the radar, which is exactly why it is trending.
Expect a relaxed, greenery-filled terrace vibe that feels more like a friend’s stylish balcony than a commercial bar. The draw here is the combination of quiet views, sunset light and a drinks list that leans toward refreshing spritzes and simple, clean cocktails.
Why it is trending now
- Brand-new opening with early perfect ratings
- Terrace setting that feels made for golden hour photos
- Word-of-mouth from locals looking for a calmer alternative to the Riva
Best for: Sunset drinks, couples, small groups who want conversation-friendly music levels.
MapsBuddy tip: Go early in the evening. With only a few reviews so far, it is in that sweet spot where you can still get the best seats without a crowd.
Cocktails Split - Classic cocktail bar energy near the action
Cocktails Split is a dedicated cocktail spot that opened recently and is quietly building a loyal base. Its rating is already excellent, even though there have not been many new reviews in the last month, which suggests it is a local favorite that visitors are just starting to discover.
Inside, you will find a compact, focused menu built around tried-and-true classics with a few house signatures. Think well-executed negronis, sours and spritz-style drinks, plus a bartender team that actually enjoys customizing to your taste.
Why it is trending now
- Newer bar with strong early rating and growing reputation
- Cocktail-first concept in a city still catching up with craft mixology
- Ideal pre-dinner or pre-club stop near central Split
Best for: Cocktail fans, date nights, small groups planning a bar hop.
What to order: Start with a house signature that uses local ingredients, then ask the bartender to riff on your favorite classic.
The Rabbit Hole cafe&bar - Day-to-night local favorite
With a flawless rating built on dozens of reviews, The Rabbit Hole cafe&bar is not new, but it is having a second moment. A steady flow of recent praise has pushed it back into the spotlight as more travelers search for spots that work both as a daytime cafe and an evening bar.
By day, expect specialty coffee, brunch-friendly bites and a laid-back interior that feels like a creative studio. As the sun dips, lights dim, playlists change and the bar shifts to craft cocktails, Croatian wines and easy-drinking long drinks.
Why it is trending now
- Consistent five-star feedback and renewed review momentum
- Flexible cafe-plus-bar concept that suits remote workers, digital nomads and casual evenings
- Friendly staff and a cozy design that feels more local than touristy
Best for: Afternoon laptop sessions that roll into aperitivo, low-key nights, mixed groups where some want coffee and others want cocktails.
Try this: A coffee-based cocktail in the late afternoon, then switch to something lighter like a gin and tonic or spritz.
Sanctuary Restaurant&Cantina - High-energy cantina with serious following
With more than a thousand reviews and a strong overall score, Sanctuary Restaurant&Cantina is not exactly a secret. What keeps it trending is how it blends a lively cantina atmosphere with a bar program that stands on its own.
The space is colorful and social, with a menu that leans into tacos, sharing plates and bold flavors. The bar keeps pace with margaritas, tequila and mezcal based cocktails, plus crowd-pleasing mixed drinks that work well for groups.
Why it is trending now
- Huge volume of reviews and ongoing recent feedback show it remains a go-to
- Party-friendly vibe that bridges dinner and a night out
- Reliable option for groups who want both good food and fun drinks in one place
Best for: Group dinners, birthday nights, pre-club warmups, travelers who want a one-stop spot.
Good to know: It can get busy at peak hours. Reserve if you are a larger group or aim for earlier in the evening to secure a table near the bar.
Tiramisù Bar Split - Dessert bar with a cocktail twist
Tiramisù Bar Split takes one of Italy’s most loved desserts and builds a whole identity around it, then layers on a smart drinks list. With hundreds of reviews and a standout rating, it has become a destination for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Inside you will find multiple tiramisu variations and other desserts, plus coffee, liqueurs and cocktails that pair well with sweets. The vibe is lighter and more playful than a typical bar, which makes it a fun finale to a night out.
Why it is trending now
- Strong review score backed by a high number of visitors
- Instagram-friendly desserts that drive social buzz
- A different kind of bar experience that suits early evenings and after-dinner stops
Best for: Dessert dates, early nightcaps, families or mixed-age groups who want something more relaxed than a club.
Order combo: Share a classic tiramisu and match it with an espresso martini or a dessert wine for a simple but memorable pairing.
How to bar hop Split like a local
Use these spots to build a night that follows the city’s natural rhythm:
- Late afternoon - Start at The Rabbit Hole cafe&bar with coffee or a light cocktail while the sun is still high.
- Golden hour - Move to Garden View for terrace drinks and sunset views before it fills up.
- Dinner and drinks - Head to Sanctuary Restaurant&Cantina for sharing plates and margaritas.
- Cocktail focus - Slide into Cocktails Split for a more refined round of classics.
- Sweet finish - End at Tiramisù Bar Split for dessert and a final nightcap.
Split’s bar scene is changing quickly, and MapsBuddy keeps track of new openings, review momentum and local buzz so you can discover trending spots before everyone else. Save these places, keep an eye on their ratings and you will always be one step ahead of the crowds.
Places featured in this guide
1. Garden View
Ul. Domovinskog rata 21, 21000, Split, Croatia
2. Cocktails Split
Obala kneza Domagoja Pothodnik, 21000, Split, Croatia
3. The Rabbit Hole cafe&bar
Ul. Theodorea Roosevelta 54, 21000, Split, Croatia
4. Sanctuary Restaurant&Cantina
Poljana Stare gimnazije 1, 21000, Split, Croatia
5. Tiramisù Bar Split
Zadarska ul. 8, 21000, Split, Croatia