The historic city of Zadar is a must see when you’re traveling to Croatia. What to do in Zadar? These are the best things to do in Zadar.
Why should you visit Zadar?
Zadar is located on the Adriatic Sea and is the fifth-largest city in Croatia. It has a beautiful historic city center with, among other things, a Roman Forum, a church from the ninth century, and beautiful city walls that are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The city is largely car-free, which makes it a great place to stroll around.
In addition, Zadar is also a good place for sun lovers. In many places, you can take a dip in the crystal-clear water. Zadar is located in central Croatia, so you can visit many other beautiful places in Croatia during a day trip. In conclusion, Zadar is the city to use as a base for a longer holiday in Croatia.
I actually stayed longer in Zadar than planned, as I really liked the atmosphere in the city. It is not too big, but there is plenty to see and a cozy atmosphere.
What are the best things to do in Zadar?
What are the most beautiful sights in Zadar and what can you do in this city? These are – in no particular order – the most beautiful places to visit and the best things to do in Zadar.
Walk the city walls
Around the historic city center, you can still see pieces of the historic city wall in many places. These walls have protected the city for centuries and were seen as impenetrable. They were built in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.
The walls have remained largely intact (although they have been extensively renovated in 2020). Now the city walls serve as a park and there are several beautiful hiking trails on and along the walls.
Check out the Land Gate
A number of beautiful gates can still be found in the city walls and the enormous land gate is undoubtedly the most beautiful. This gate was built in 1543 and used to be the main entrance to the city.
In the middle, you see the winged lion of Saint Mark. You can also see this image frequently in Venice because Zadar belonged to the Republic of Venice for a long time.
Cross the water by a “rowboat taxi”
Zadar Old Town is on a peninsula, so if you want to visit the other part of Zadar across the harbor, it’ll take you a while to get there. But there is another way, you can cross the water between the pier (where there are usually super yachts) and Old Town by a special rowboat (Zadarski Barkajoli or the “Boatmen of Zadar”).
This is not just a tourist attraction, but a tradition that has existed for over 800 years. The rowers go back and forth regularly and a single trip costs €1.20 (price 2024).
The cathedral of Zadar
Although it is not immediately noticeable (it is somewhat hidden in the center), Zadar’s cathedral is definitely a must see. This is not only the oldest cathedral in Dalmatia, but also the largest. In full, it is called the Cathedral of Saint Anastasia, or Prvostolnica sv. Stošije (Anastazije) in Croatian.
The cathedral is famous for its richly decorated interior with frescoes, statues, and marble altars. The entrance alone is an impressive sight, the longer you look at it, the more special details and images you see. The oldest sights in the church are the chapel of St. Barbara and the mosaics on the floor with two deer, both from the fifth century.
Climb the bell tower for the best view
Would you like to see Zadar from above? In the middle of the old town, you will find the cathedral of Zadar with a freestanding bell tower. This tower is 56 meters high and you can climb it.
A ticket costs about €2 and it is absolutely worth it because from the top you have a view of 360 degrees. You can see all of the city, the Adriatic Sea and the islands. A beautiful view!
Listen to the sea organ
In Zadar, you will not only see historic buildings, but in the northwest of the peninsula you will find two modern artworks. One is the sea organ, Morske orgulje in Croatian. It is an experimental musical instrument, designed in 2005 by the architect Nikola Bašić.
The sea organ is being played by the waves and strangely enough, it sounds quite beautiful! That’s why you see people sitting on the quay all day long, listening to the sounds of the sea organ.
Discover the Saint Donatus Church and the Forum
The bell tower stands next to the circular Saint Donatus Church. This church has been around since the ninth century and is definitely a must-visit. The circular shape makes it very special!
The church is next to the remains of a Roman forum that you can just walk through, there are no fences around it and you don’t have to buy tickets. In fact, almost 70% of Zadar was bombed in World War II and this is what remains of the buildings that stood here long ago. Parts of this Roman forum date back to the third century.
Stup srama (pillar of shame)
The only structure from Roman times that still stands in its original place is the Stup srama, or pillar of shame. The Corinthian column is about 7 meters high and one and a half meters in diameter.
In Roman times, it was the entrance gate to the Temple of Jupiter, the city’s most important religious building. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the column took on another function: that of a pillar of shame.
Criminals, especially thieves and adulterous women, were chained here to be humiliated and mocked by the public. The ring bolts to which they were chained can still be seen in the stone. It’s a bit lugubrious, but still an interesting sight.
Explore the Petar Zoranić square
Petar Zoranić Square (Trg Petra Zoranića) is one of the most beautiful squares in Zadar and is located at the very beginning of the peninsula where the old town is located. On this square, you can view (under glass) various archaeological finds, because this place used to be connected to the Roman Forum.
In addition, there are also many cozy terraces on this square, which makes it a perfect place for a bite and a drink.
Discover the “hidden” churches
There are many more churches in Zadar than you think. Some were simply never completed or became part of a store or restaurant after being destroyed. It is incredibly fun to go exploring and find these churches. To help you out in advance:
- You can see old walls in the glasses store on Trg Svetog Krševana (opposite the statue).
- Behind Galerija izlozba keramike (a nice shop where they sell souvenirs and artwork) is also hidden a chapel. You can just walk in here, usually some paintings are displayed there.
- Walk into Lovre caffe bar, behind the bar is also a little church hidden away.
- Also the wine bar Wine Garden Zadar is located in a church that was never finished.
Very interesting!
Visit the market
On the east side of the city, you can visit a lively market daily (between 7 am and 3 pm). They mainly sell local food here, such as fruit and vegetables, fish, cheese, and olive oil. A good place to get culinary souvenirs or to cook a delicious meal yourself.
Check out the beautiful buildings on the People’s Square
In the middle of the old town, you will find the People’s Square (Narodni Trg) and this square is also one of the most beautiful sights in Zadar. This has been the heart of the city since the Middle Ages and the square is surrounded by buildings from the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries.
The building with the tower used to be the police station. And behind it is Zadar’s oldest house from the thirteenth century.
Tip! Want to learn more about the history of Zadar? An interesting guided tour also starts on People’s Square.
Enjoy the lights of the artwork “The Greeting to the Sun”
Right next to the sea organ, you will find another famous work of art: “The Greeting to the Sun” (Pozdrav suncu). It is a large circle with a diameter of 22 meters containing solar panels. During the day they charge and as soon as it gets dark the circle changes into an awesome light show. The best thing is that you can hear the sea organ very well here and that gives a very special effect.
Discover the best restaurants
Did you know that the food in Croatia is delicious? In Zadar, you’ll find many great restaurants. These were my favorites:
- Coffee & Cake: for breakfast, coffee and pastries. This is also a great place for digital nomads to work (although the WiFi is very slow).
- Buža: very nice place hidden in an alley. You can go here for a drink and tapas-style snacks. I got a delicious seafood platter and it was also very affordable.
- Restaurant & Grill “La Pegla”: A very nice bistro by the water and you can also go here for a tasty meal (the risotto here is delicious). The service is also very friendly.
- The Garden Lounge: vegan food in a beautiful location. It’s located on the city wall and you get a great harbor view.
- Kornat Restaurant: a little fancy, but then the food is improbably good. Make sure to visit the restroom, I’ve never seen such a nicely decorated one in a restaurant!
- Restaurant Labrax – Fish & Wine bar: My personal favorite, this is where you eat really, really good food. Especially the fish dishes are delicious and just a little different from what you are used to. Also, the wine is very tasty.
Enjoy the sunset at the pier
In 1964 the famous director Alfred Hitchcock stayed in Zadar and he was incredibly impressed by the sunset: “The sunset of Zadar is the world’s most beautiful and incomparably better than in Key West, Florida.” And yes, the sunset here is really beautiful!
I myself have admired it about six times, and it never gets boring. Along the quay are several places where you have a good view, such as the Greeting to the Sun artwork.
The pier is also a good spot, so go here towards sunset, bring a drink, enjoy live music (there is always someone playing), and enjoy this beautiful spectacle.
Fun day trips from Zadar
Zadar is also a good base to discover more beautiful places in Croatia. How about for example:
The island of Ugljan
Opposite Zadar is the island of Ugljan. The crossing takes only 25 minutes and you’ll find yourself in another world. Small fishing villages, beautiful bays, crystal clear water, and there are olive trees everywhere.
Ugljan is a perfect island if you like hiking or cycling since there are many beautiful trails.
Tip: book a self-guided bike tour from Zadar.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
The Plitvice Lakes are world-famous and an absolute must-see during a vacation in Croatia. Here you will find 16 lakes with bright green-blue colors and countless waterfalls. You can visit the most beautiful places by walking on the wooden boardwalks, which makes a visit to this park even more fun. Various tours to the Plitvice Lakes are offered from Zadar.
Šibenik
The city of Šibenik is only an hour by car (or bus) north of Trogir and this city also has a beautiful medieval city center. In addition to several large fortresses (hello, beautiful view!), you can get lost in all the super narrow streets in the city center. Be sure to take a look at St James’ Cathedral, a beautiful building that was also used as a filming location for Game of Thrones (The Iron Bank).
Kornati Islands
The Kornati Islands (Nacionalni park Kornati) is a beautiful archipelago off the coast of Central Dalmatia. These (more than 80!) islands have impressive cliffs, are uninhabited and you can visit some of them on a boat tour from Zadar.
Krka National Park
Krka National Park is about an hour’s drive from Zadar and is full of natural beauty. Steep limestone cliffs, waterfalls, and beautiful lakes. The best part is that (unlike the Plitvice Lakes) you are allowed to swim in some places.
You can also book a tour to Krka National Park, then you will also stop in beautiful Šibenik on the way back.
Read this for more tips: 10 fun day trips from Zadar: The most beautiful places in the region
Great places to stay in Zadar
Would you like to stay a little longer in Zadar? That’s an excellent idea! In Zadar, you will find plenty of great accommodations for every budget. How about for example:
- Sky Hostel: This is one of the best hostels I have ever slept in. It is spotlessly clean, has good beds, is spacious, and is only a few minutes away from the old town and the beach.
- Sky & Sun Luxury Rooms with private parking in the garage (4⭐): Well-equipped apartments with parking just a few minutes walk from Zadar Old Town.
- Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel and Dépendance (4⭐): beautiful hotel in the middle of the old town.
Check Booking.com for more options, availability, and prices.
Book a trip to Croatia
Are you inspired by this article full of Zadar tips and would you like to explore Zadar and other beautiful places in Croatia? Book your trip now!
✈️ Plane tickets – Zadar has a small international airport, in addition, you could fly to Split and then drive to Zadar. Check WayAway to find the best deals and get cashback on plane tickets.
🚍 Bus tickets – You can reach many places in Croatia by bus. I myself used Flixbus a lot when I was traveling in Croatia. But there are certainly more companies, you can find more options on BusBud.
🚘 Rental Car – To do some fun day trips from Zadar, it’s useful to have a rental car. Check Rental Cars to find the best deals.
💊 Travel insurance – Having good travel insurance will give you peace of mind. Check Insubuy to find the best travel insurance that fits your needs.
🎡 Tours & activities – Are you looking for fun tours and activities in and around Zadar? Check Get Your Guide.
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This article first appeared in October 2021. Last update with even more tips: June 2024.
I visited Zadar twice. Once during backpacking trip and once at the invitation of the Croatian National Tourist Board. I always give my honest opinion about a destination. Read more about working with Op reis met Co on this page. In addition, the article also contains some affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links it costs you nothing extra, but I get a small commission. This allows me to improve this website. Support Travel with Co.
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