Split is a fantastic place to learn new skills, especially when it comes to food. Its lively markets, fresh seafood, and traditional dishes make it a natural setting for engaging cooking classes and culinary experiences. We particularly love the Split Cooking Class because of its authentic market visit and expert instruction, and the Culinary Experience – Cooking Class & Walking Tour for combining city exploration with hands-on cooking. Whether you’re a foodie eager to master Croatian recipes or a curious traveler wanting to connect with local culture, Split offers options that turn a meal into a memorable adventure.
If you’re unsure where to start, this guide offers a detailed comparison of the top workshops and classes, helping you pick the perfect experience for your interests, budget, and schedule.
Quick Overview
Split features a variety of culinary workshops and tours, from intimate cooking classes with market visits to combined city walks and hands-on meal making. Here’s a quick summary:
- Split Cooking Class: 5-hour hands-on class with market visit, wine, and cooking tips []
- Culinary Experience – Cooking Class & Walking Tour: 4-hour guided city and culinary exploration with a chef []
- Split Cooking Class – Afternoon Edition: Small group, four-hour class focusing on five Croatian dishes []
- Zagreb: Culture & Tales Tour with Creative Workshop: A bit outside Split, combining storytelling and crafting []
Now, let’s explore each experience in detail.
1. Split Cooking Class
This 5-hour hands-on cooking class in Split offers an authentic taste of Croatian cuisine, led by a local, award-winning chef. The experience begins with a tasting of local wine and liqueurs, setting the mood for a culinary journey. You then choose between a morning or afternoon session. The morning class includes a visit to a fish and vegetable market, where you select your ingredients—an excellent way to understand local produce. If you prefer, you can request to skip the market and head straight into the kitchen, which is great for those short on time or less interested in shopping.
During the class, you’ll learn to prepare traditional Croatian dishes, such as risotto or fish stew, while picking up valuable cooking tips from a chef with experience in Croatia’s top restaurants. The class concludes with everyone sitting down to enjoy the meal, paired with local wine and friendly company. The reviews highlight how approachable and informative the instructor is, with many guests praising the risk of learning new skills and making delicious food.
Bottom line: This class is perfect for foodies who want a deep dive into Croatian culinary traditions, combined with the lively experience of shopping at a local market.
2. Culinary Experience – Cooking Class & Walking Tour Split
For around $336, the Culinary Experience offers a well-rounded 4-hour adventure that blends city sightseeing with cooking. It begins with a guided walk through Split’s bustling green market, where you’ll sample local products and learn about Croatian ingredients. The tour then continues to a local bakery to taste baked goods, followed by a visit to a fish market, giving you a genuine feel for Split’s food scene.
The highlight is meeting with a professional chef to prepare a three-course meal, which you then enjoy together. The group sizes are small—capped at eight—so you get plenty of personal attention and a chance to ask questions or share cooking tips. Reviewers love the insightful guide and the interactive nature of the class, especially the opportunity to learn how to make dishes like grilled sea bass and homemade noodles.
This experience is ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive taste of Split’s culinary culture, with the bonus of sightseeing and a shared meal. It’s a slightly pricier option but offers a full immersion into local flavors and stories.
Bottom line: Best suited for those who want a guided, engaging way to explore Split’s markets, learn local recipes, and enjoy a homemade meal in a cozy setting.
3. Split Cooking Class – Afternoon Edition Shared Activity
This small group cooking class lasts about 4 hours and focuses on making five traditional Croatian dishes using fresh ingredients. Offered in the afternoon, it provides a more intimate experience, with all necessary ingredients provided. Participants learn to prepare a variety of dishes, including seafood, vegetables, and spices, culminating in a shared meal featuring Croatian wine.
What makes this class stand out is its focus on hands-on learning, with plenty of guidance from the chef. The reviews mention how friendly and patient the instructor is, making it a great choice for beginners or those who want a relaxed atmosphere. The class is also praised for its practical approach, teaching skills like fish cleaning—something many travelers find valuable.
Priced at around $210, this experience offers good value for a small-group, comprehensive culinary session. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a more relaxed, interactive class with a focus on Croatian flavors.
Bottom line: This class appeals to food lovers who want an authentic, small-group experience and the chance to learn multiple recipes in a friendly setting.
4. Zagreb: Culture & Tales Tour with Creative Workshop
Although not in Split, this cultural walking tour with a creative workshop deserves mention for travelers planning to extend their trip. For $71, it combines storytelling about Zagreb’s legends and hidden spots with a hands-on workshop creating postcards and learning Croatian phrases. It offers an authentic local experience emphasizing lifestyle, stories, and crafts.
This tour is best suited for travelers interested in local legends and culture beyond just food. It provides a relaxed pace and small group size, allowing for genuine conversations and cultural insights. If you wish to explore beyond Split while still engaging with Croatian culture, this tour is a good option.
Bottom line: Ideal for those interested in Croatian stories and crafts, especially if Zagreb is part of your itinerary.
$71 per person
How to Choose
When selecting the right workshop or class in Split, consider your budget, time available, and what kind of experience you want. If you’re focused on learning Croatian recipes from scratch and enjoying a market visit, the Split Cooking Class is a top pick. For a more comprehensive city-food combo, the Culinary Experience blends guided tours with cooking. Those wanting a more relaxed, small-group experience might prefer the Afternoon Edition class.
If your trip extends to Zagreb, the Culture & Tales Tour offers a different kind of cultural insight that you might find enriching. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons, as these experiences tend to fill up quickly.
Final Thoughts
Split offers a range of engaging workshops and classes that turn a simple meal into an immersive experience. For authentic, market-based cooking, the Split Cooking Class shines, especially with its focus on local ingredients and expert guidance. If you’d rather explore the city’s culinary scene with a guide, the Culinary Experience provides a well-rounded, tasty adventure. For a more intimate class focusing on multiple dishes, the Afternoon Edition hits the sweet spot.
No matter which you choose, booking early guarantees a spot in these popular experiences. They’re perfect for food lovers, culture seekers, or anyone eager to take a piece of Croatia home—whether it’s a new recipe or a story to tell.