Yes, especially if you want an easy coast-first city break
Split is worth visiting for a short trip because it combines historic center energy, a usable waterfront, and a general sense of ease that works very well over two or three nights. You do not need a complicated plan for the city to make sense. That alone gives it a real edge as a Croatia base for shorter stays.
Its biggest strength is how naturally the trip can flow.
Who tends to like Split most
Travelers who want a simpler Adriatic city break often do well in Split. It suits people who want some atmosphere, some coast, and a destination that does not force the trip into a high-maintenance structure. It is also a solid first Croatia stop for people who want fewer moving parts than Dubrovnik can sometimes require.
That makes it especially strong for first-time regional travel.
When another city may fit better
If your ideal trip is highly scenic, more polished, or more iconic, Dubrovnik may land harder. If your main priority is pure beach holiday logic, other coastal bases may make more sense. Split works best when the appeal is balance rather than extremity.
It is the kind of place that wins by being very usable.
The practical answer
Split is worth visiting for a short trip when you want a Croatia stop that is attractive, flexible, and relatively easy to plan. It may not always be the most dramatic answer, but it is often one of the smartest ones.