Thanks to its glorious beaches, unforgettable nightlife, and beautiful mix of history and modernity, it’s little wonder Split has seen a steady increase in popularity in recent years. After all, it’s the second-biggest metropolitan area in Croatia, and the region’s main transport hub, which means there are plenty of island hopping opportunities too.
A visit to Split promises to be unforgettable, but there are some other ways to make your trip one to remember. Ink lovers will be delighted to hear that Split is home to a number of great tattoo studios, in fact, some of the best in the region. Tourists and locals alike flock from surrounding islands where parlors are otherwise sparse, for a chance to get inked by some of Croatia’s most talented artists.
We’ve compiled this guide to some of the best tattoo shops in Split, to ensure you get the tattoo experience you’ve been after. After all, tattoos are made to last, so doing your research is vital. Let’s get into it.
Tattoo Studio Tea
Kicking off our list is the homely Tattoo Studio Tea. Located less than a mile away from the UNESCO World Heritage, Diocletian Palace, this brilliant tattoo shop has been operating for over 10 years and is the first female-owned parlor in Split.
Its friendly owner is proficient in a variety of styles, but specializes in realistic tattoos, while also offering piercing services. Plus, the studio goes the extra mile to make sure clients feel at home with free wi-fi, a TV, Playstation 4, and plenty of snacks if you want a distraction while getting inked.
Bookings can be made via their email address or through the contact number below, although Tattoo Studio Tea also welcomes walk-ins. You could even explore the historic Roman ruins of Diocletian’s Palace before your session to put you in a relaxing mood.
Rating: 4.8/5
Price range: $$$
Address: Ul. kralja Zvonimira 65A, 21000, Split, Croatia
Contact: +385 97 777 7042, tattoosplit.com
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 12 pm to 8 pm
Brutal Ink
Next up is Brutal Ink, not far from the enchanting Znjan Beach, where you’ll find a host of charming local restaurants and bars. The Split branch forms part of the first Croatian chain of tattoo parlours, with merchandise being available through their website, and artists frequently being praised for their versatility.
The studio hosts a collective of diverse tattooists, covering a range of styles from tribal to black & gray to old School, biomechanical and photo-realism. They also offer custom designs and body piercings. As a bonus, their highly professional staff are known to be exceedingly hospitable, with the shop having a welcoming ambiance and open, gallery feel.
Appointments can be scheduled through their contact number, email address, or website. Take a stroll on the beach prior to your tattoo appointment. You won’t regret it.
Rating: 5/5
Price range: $
Address: Ul. Marina Getaldića 27, 21000, Split, Croatia
Contact: P. +385 95 855 0421, brutalink.com
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 9 pm
Lobster Tattoo
Nestled in the center of Split’s vibrant and hedonistic Old Town, is Lobster Tattoo. It’s a fairly new studio run by a talented, hospitable team specializing in modern work and new school tattooing.
Their artists are frequently praised for their thorough consultations, fine lines, quality shading, and knowing how to make their clientele feel at home. While their prices can be slightly higher than some of the other parlors on this list, we think the quality of their work more than justifies the cost, and Lobster Tattoo also offers piercing services.
If you ask us, it’s the perfect place to get your impulsive ink designs tattooed, after a leisurely dinner, lunch, or round of drinks with friends in the boisterous Old Town. Pay Lobster Tattoo a visit and thank us later.
Rating: 4.8/5
Price range: $$$
Address: Plinarska ul. 1, 21000, Split, Croatia
Contact: +385 (21) 825 084, Instagram
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 1 pm to 9 pm
Tattoo & Piercing Oz
With over 19 years of experience in the field, Tattoo Oz is one of the best tattoo shops in Split. They offer everything from custom designs with a specialism in realistic body art, to piercing services at affordable prices, and like Brutal Ink, they aren’t far from Znjan Beach.
You’re guaranteed to leave with a satisfyingly original piece, and the artists here are often praised for their speedy turnaround times. Naturally, they also adhere to the highest health and hygiene standards, with the studio being revered for its cleanliness and professional approach.
Bookings can be arranged through their contact number or email address. Seeing as it’s not too far from the beach, you could even celebrate your new ink with a drink at one of the many beach bars in the area. Needless to say, it’s well worth a visit.
Rating: 4.8/5
Price range: $
Address: Ul. kralja Zvonimira 65A, 21000, Split, Croatia
Contact: +385 97 777 7042, tattoo-oz.com
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 12 pm to 8 pm
Rocker’s Tattoo Saloon
In some ways, Rocker’s Tattoo Saloon feels more like a homely dive bar than one of the best tattoo shops in Split, but the reviews do the talking. This edgy and traditional parlor operates a laid-back environment with talented artists delivering personalized tattoos at affordable prices. What more could you want?
Resident artists, Žare and Vlade, are known for their accommodating natures, versatility, and passion for their craft. They excel at every style from cartoon illustrations to geometric patterns, realism, and much more. You can rest assured that this studio has more than enough creative prowess to execute the tattoo you’ve got in mind. Of course, they also follow strict hygiene and sterilization regulations, while using only the highest quality equipment.
We encourage you to book in advance via their contact number or email address, especially in the high season when things can get busy. Although, walk-ins are also welcomed.
Rating: 4.8/5
Price range: $$
Address: Ul. Domovinskog rata 20, 21000, Split, Croatia
Contact: +385 98 909 2949, Instagram
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm, Saturdays, 10 am to 2 pm
Edge Tattoo Studio
Located right in the heart of Split, nestled down a side alley just minutes from the Diocletian’s Palace, Edge Tattoo has over 20 years of experience and they pride themselves on their ‘no faff’, straightforward service.
Catering to locals and the budding tourists who stop by in the city, a host of styles and designs can be sought from the small team of artists who call Edge home. Intricate mandalas, illustrative flash art, tribal pieces, continuous line work, and colorful neo-traditional stamps are just some of the artistic alleys to go down.
Edge Tattoo also stocks a wide range of handmade, precious stone jewelry, crafted in Split by artist and creative, Maya. The studio is located in a traditional Croatian-stone building, occupying a small but zen space. Find them tucked down Martinjski pro 5 in the Old Town for walk-ins and bookings by appointment.
Rating: 4.9/5
Price range: $-$$
Address: Martinjski pro 5, 21000, Split, Croatia
Contact: +385 92 392 2794
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 9 pm
Green Ink Art & Tattoo
Set back from the old town, near Split’s commercial shopping district, Green Ink is a professional studio with a warm and welcoming approach to tattooing. All designs are welcome and the studio prides itself on its stylistic diversity.
The small team of artists will get to know you before putting you in the hot seat, in order to curate a tattoo that is reflective of your personality. Great music and ambiance fill the air and you can expect true Balkan hospitality, with refreshments and snacks supplied to keep you going throughout your appointment.
Kimi is the resident body piercer, with almost a decade of experience working with tricky piercings and whatever body jewelry you desire. Like the tattooists here, Kimi adheres to the highest standards of hygiene and operates at the top level when it comes to piercers in Split.
The staff at Green ink are always approachable and up for a laugh while offering a professional and personalized experience. Better yet, thanks to the location, just outside of Split’s main tourist area, you can expect cheaper prices and good availability, especially in the high season.
Rating: 5/5
Price range: $
Address: Sarajevska ul. 30b, 21000, Split, Croatia
Contact: +385 97 757 2272
Opening hours: Monday and Tuesday, 12 pm to 8 pm, Wednesday and Thursday, 9 am to 5 pm, Friday 9 am to 5 pm
How much does a tattoo cost in Croatia?
The price of a tattoo in Croatia depends on where you go and the level of expertise of your chosen artist. Split is generally cheaper than the surrounding holiday islands, but more expensive than inland Croatia, and many people flock to its shores for their ink fix as there is a high concentration of parlors compared to nearby regions.
Most studios will have a minimum price for small tattoos and then operate an hourly charge. You can expect to pay at least 400 HRK (53 EUR) for a small design, and around 500 HRK (€66) per hour thereafter, but these numbers can be a lot higher if you choose a revered artist.
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in Croatia?
The most common legal age to get a tattoo is 18 across the world. However, like in several European countries, you could get a tattoo under the age of 18 in Croatia if you have written parental consent. Artists won’t tattoo minors, but if you come with a legal guardian or a parent’s signature you could get inked at 16 or 17. The decision is at the discretion of your artist and you could be turned down if you don’t have identification.
When is the best time to visit Split?
The summer months, from June to August, are when Split experiences its best weather with plenty of sunshine, warm seas, and highs of up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, most visitors have the same idea and flock to the Dalmatian coast for the school holidays. This is when Split is most crowded and prices can skyrocket. The best time to visit Split is actually September or October when the Adriatic is still warm enough for a swim, temperatures hover in the high 70s, and summer crowds have dispersed. Fall is also slightly cheaper when it comes to hotel deals, flights, and even restaurants.
