Planning a trip to Croatia? Zadar, the pearl of the Dalmatian coast, is well worth a visit. This historic city has a rich architectural heritage, remarkable Roman monuments and unique contemporary facilities on the Adriatic. A blend of ancient history and modern creations, the city offers a unique experience.
Discover our ideas for what to do in Zadar, illustrated with photos that will make you want to go. Bonus: useful tips and additional activities.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
1. Stroll through the old town and discover the Roman Forum
Why visit?
The Roman Forum has been the historic heart of Zadar since antiquity. We were impressed by the sheer size of this space, which bears witness to the city’s importance in Roman times. Built between the 1st and 3rd centuries BC, it was over 90m long and 45m wide. You can admire the remains of columns, temple foundations and the Column of Shame, which still stands proudly. We recommend walking around the site at sunset, when the ancient stones take on a golden hue. The old town surrounding the forum is full of cobbled streets with Venetian facades, where strolling becomes a real pleasure. You’ll discover lively squares, craft stores and typical cafés that invite you to take a break.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: 1h to 1h30 for the forum and surrounding streets
- Opening hours: free outdoor access, all year round
- Difficulties and PRM access: flat terrain, cobbled floors sometimes uneven in the old town
- Rates: free access
- Access: right in the center of the old town, near St Donat’s Church
- Parking: paid parking lots on the outskirts of the old town
- Catering: numerous restaurants and cafés around the forum
2. Visit the Archaeological Museum
Why visit?
The Zadar Archaeological Museum is one of the oldest in Croatia, founded in 1830. We appreciated the breadth of its collection, which spans several millennia, from the prehistoric period to the first centuries of Christianity. Roman artefacts are particularly prominent, shedding valuable light on the importance of Zadar at that time. These include statues, mosaics, ceramics, jewelry and everyday objects. The entire exhibition is well presented, with a logical, easy-to-follow itinerary, even if we would have liked to see the same level of museography in all the rooms. Nevertheless, it’s an enriching visit, perfectly complementing the discovery of the Forum and Saint-Donat church.
Practical advice
- Tour duration: 1h30 to 2h
- Schedules:
- January to March & November to December: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- April and May: Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- June to September: daily, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- July & August: daily from 9am to 9pm
- October: Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Price: €7
- Handicap access: accessible building, elevators available
- See the latest information on the official website, here.
3. Discover the Orgue des Mers and Salut au Soleil
Why visit?
TheOrgan of the Seas is a unique installation created by architect Nikola Bašić in 2005. We were fascinated by this ingenious concept, which transforms the movement of the waves into musical melodies. The system consists of 35 tubes of varying lengths placed under stone steps along the waterfront. Seawater enters the tubes and produces harmonious sounds that vary according to the intensity of the waves. You can sit on the bleachers and enjoy this natural, unpredictable concert while admiring the sunset over the Adriatic. A few steps away is the Salut au Soleil, another of Bašić’s creations. This 22m-diameter circle of 300 multi-layered glass panels captures the sun’s energy during the day. We recommend returning at dusk to witness the light show that animates the plates in a rhythm synchronized with the sounds of the marine organ.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: 30min to 1h depending on attendance and time of day
- Opening hours: free access 24 hours a day, light show from Salut au Soleil after sunset
- Difficulties and PRM access: flat terrain, easy access
- Rates: free access
- Access: on the Riva promenade, at the western end of the old town
WHERE TO STAY IN Zadar
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Historic Center –
Hôtel Bastion Heritage – check photos and availability
Borik Marina –
Hyatt Regency Zadar Hotel – check photos and availability
On the coast –
Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera – check photos and availability
4. Visit St. Anastasia Cathedral
Why visit?
St. Anastasia’s Cathedral has stood majestically on the Roman forum since the 12th century. We were impressed by the beauty of its Romanesque façade, adorned with three sculpted portals and a central rose window. The building was constructed between 1105 and 1324, combining Romanesque and Gothic styles. You’ll notice the contrast between the sobriety of the exterior and the richness of the interior, with its three naves separated by marble columns. We particularly appreciated the 15th-century choir stalls, finely carved from wood. The crypt houses the relics of St. Anastasia, the town’s patron saint, in a 9th-century Paleochristian sarcophagus. The 56m-high campanile, added in the 19th century, offers an exceptional panoramic view of the old town and surrounding archipelago. It’s a 180-step climb, but the panorama more than rewards the effort.
Practical advice
- Visit duration: 45min to 1h for the cathedral, additional 20min for the campanile
- Opening hours: daily from 8am to 7:30pm. Please note that masses are held on Saturday and Sunday mornings and at 7pm. Please avoid these times.
- Price: €5
- Handicap access: cathedral accessible, campanile not accessible (stairs only)
- Please note: “decent” clothing is required (shoulders and knees must not be visible).
5. Going back in time at the Museum of Antique Glass
Why visit?
The Musée du verre antique is a unique institution in Europe in terms of the richness of its collections. We were captivated by the exhibits, which bear witness to the excellence of Roman glass craftsmen. The museum is housed in the Palazzo Cosmacendi, a carefully restored 19th-century building. You’ll discover over 5,000 glass objects dating back to Roman times, some as early as the 1st century BC. The showcases feature delicate goblets, perfume bottles, jewelry and remarkably well-preserved everyday objects. We were impressed by the section devoted to glassmaking techniques, with demonstrations of old-fashioned glassblowing. Glass craftsmen work according to Roman methods, and you can observe their skills in workshops. The museum also boasts an exceptional collection of antique jewelry in gold, silver and precious stones from archaeological digs.
Practical advice
- Tour duration: 1h to 1h30
- Opening hours: daily 9am to 9pm in summer, 9am to 4pm in winter
- Handicap access: museum accessible, elevator available
- Prices: adults 50 kn, concessions 30 kn
- Access: in the old town, Poljana Zemaljskog odbora street
- Parking: public parking lots nearby
- Catering: cafés and restaurants nearby
- Visit the official website for more info here.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Croatia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
See our tips (coming soon)
6. Admire the incredible Church of St Donat
Why visit?
TheChurch of St. Donatus is the symbol of Zadar, with its exceptional pre-Romanesque architecture. We were struck by the monumental circular shape of this 9th-century edifice, built by Bishop Donat. The building rises over three levels, with a diameter of 27m and a height of 27m, forming an impressive cylindrical volume. You’ll notice that its construction uses numerous blocks of stone salvaged from the nearby Roman forum, incorporating fragments of columns and ancient inscriptions. We appreciated the remarkable acoustics of the building, which now hosts classical and medieval music concerts in summer. The uncluttered interior highlights the architectural structure, with its circular gallery on the second floor and central cupola. The three semicircular apses create a harmonious space for meditation. The church is one of the few surviving examples of pre-Romanesque Byzantine architecture in Croatia.
Practical advice
- Visit duration: 30min to 45min
- Opening hours: open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Price: €5
- The Church of Saint-Donat and the Roman Forum where it is located are not easily accessible for PRMs: uneven ground, steps and staircases.
7. Discover 5 Well Square and Queen Madijevka Park
Why visit?
The Square of the 5 Wells bears witness to the ingenuity of Zadar’s inhabitants in the 16th century. We were interested in the history of these wells, built in 1574 to supply the city with water during Ottoman sieges. The five aligned stone copings form a harmonious whole that served as a collective cistern. A system of underground pipes linked the wells to a reservoir fed by rainwater collected from the roofs. Take a look at the sculpted details of the coping stones and imagine the daily life of the inhabitants who came to draw water. Just a stone’s throw away lies Queen Madijevka Park, a haven of greenery in the heart of the city. We enjoyed the freshness of this public garden with its shady paths, benches and children’s play areas. The park runs alongside the ancient Venetian ramparts and offers an unobstructed view of the sea. It’s an ideal spot for a nature break after a visit to the monuments.
Practical advice
- Visit duration: 15min for the square, 30min to 1h for the park
- Opening hours: free access at all times
- Accessibility is limited for people with reduced mobility due to the many stairs and footpaths. The ground may also present a few steps and irregularities.
- Rates: free access
8. Stroll through Vladimir Nazor Park
Why visit?
Vladimir Nazor Park is the green lung of the Zadar peninsula. We enjoyed strolling through this vast wooded area that stretches along the waterfront. The park is named after the Croatian poet and writer Vladimir Nazor, an important literary figure of the 20th century. You’ll discover shady paths lined with maritime pines, cypresses and palm trees, creating a pleasant Mediterranean atmosphere. We appreciated the various areas with benches facing the sea, perfect for watching the boats and enjoying the sea breeze. The park also features children’s playgrounds, sports fields and picnic areas. Footpaths lead along the rocky coast to several small coves for swimming. The area becomes particularly lively in the evenings when locals come for their daily stroll or jog.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: 1 to 2 hours for a complete walk
- Opening hours: free access 24 hours a day
- Difficulties and access for disabled people: accessible paved paths, some areas with steps to coves
- Rates: free access
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9. Enjoy a typical meal in one of the city’s best restaurants
Dalmatian gastronomy deserves special attention during your stay in Zadar. We enjoyed traditional dishes prepared with local produce of exceptional quality. The city’s restaurants offer authentic Mediterranean cuisine based on fresh fish, seafood, olive oil and aromatic herbs. You can try specialties such as pašticada, a beef stew simmered in red wine, or brudet, a fish soup typical of the region. We recommend that you order Pag cheese, produced on the neighboring island and renowned throughout Croatia for its unique taste due to the salty herbs fed to the sheep. The konobas, traditional Croatian restaurants, offer a warm atmosphere and generous portions. Don’t forget to round off your meal with a glass of maraschino, the local liqueur made from marasca cherries grown in the region for centuries.
See our selection of the best restaurants in Zadar
10. Stroll along the Riva de Zadar
Why visit?
La Riva is the beating heart of Zadar, the lively seafront promenade that runs along the old town’s waterfront. We loved strolling along this wide pedestrian avenue lined with palm trees and cafés with terraces. The atmosphere is particularly lively at the end of the day, when locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy the cool sea air. You’ll come across street musicians, artists and families out for a stroll. La Riva stretches for several hundred meters and offers magnificent views of the Zadar archipelago and its many islands. We recommend taking a seat on a terrace to enjoy an Italian ice cream while watching the ballet of ferries and pleasure boats. The sunset from the Riva is a daily spectacle considered by many to be the most beautiful on the Adriatic. From the public benches, you can admire the sky turning red and orange over the sea.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: 1 to 2 hours for a leisurely stroll
- Opening hours: free access at all times
- Handicap access: fully accessible, flat surface
- Rates: free access
- Access: along the west coast of the old town. Start from Port de Fosa or Salut au Soleil, then walk along the sea to the other end.
11. Discover the Rector’s Palace
Why visit?
The Rector’s Palace is a fine example of 15th-century Venetian Gothic architecture in Zadar. We were captivated by the elegance of its facade, adorned with pointed arches and sculpted columns. The building served as the residence of the Venetian rector who governed the city during the rule of the Venetian Republic. You can admire the inner courtyard with its Renaissance loggia and richly decorated central well. We appreciated the architectural details that blend Gothic and Renaissance influences, testifying to the different phases of construction. Today, the palace houses exhibition halls and administrative offices. Some rooms are open to the public for cultural events and temporary exhibitions. The white Dalmatian stone used in the construction gives the building a special luminosity, especially at the end of the day when the sun shaves the façade. The building is located in the immediate vicinity of the Roman Forum and the Cathedral.
Practical advice
- Length of visit: 30min for the exterior and courtyard
- Opening hours: courtyard open during the day, indoors depending on exhibitions
- Handicap access: accessible courtyard, check inside
- Prices: free access to the courtyard, variable prices for exhibitions
12. Relax on one of Zadar’s pretty beaches
Zadar’s beaches offer a variety of settings for enjoying the Adriatic. We particularly enjoyed Kolovare beach, just a few minutes’ walk from the old town. This urban beach combines pebbled areas with concrete bathing platforms. You’ll find all the services you need: showers, changing rooms, deckchair and parasol hire. We also recommend Borik beach, to the north of the town, surrounded by pine trees that provide welcome shade during the hottest hours. The beach offers crystal-clear shallow waters, ideal for families with children. For a wilder experience, head for Diklo beach, accessible by bus from the center. This pebble beach preserves its natural character with fewer crowds. Snorkelers will appreciate the clear water and rocky seabed, home to a variety of marine life. Last but not least, Golden Wave Beach (Plaža Zlatni Val) is a cross between a tree-lined public park and an urban beach, ideal for a swim break between 2 visits.
Things to do in Zadar: other ideas
Other museums
The National Museum of Zadar presents collections of sacred art and ethnographic exhibitions depicting traditional Dalmatian life. The Museum of Contemporary Art exhibits works by 20th-century Croatian artists in a modern building. The Zadar Gold and Silver Museum, housed in the Benedictine monastery of St. Mary, boasts a remarkable collection of medieval religious gold and silver.
Other churches
Église Saint-Siméon houses a magnificent 14th-century silver reliquary chest. Église Saint-Chrysogone, located outside the cathedral walls, features remarkably well-preserved 12th-century Romanesque architecture. The Église Sainte-Marie, adjacent to the cathedral’s campanile, houses the Musée d’Art Sacré in its former Benedictine convent.
Other beaches
Punta Bajlo beach offers a family atmosphere with children’s play areas and shaded areas. Puntamika beach features shallow waters and a surrounding pine forest. For a more exclusive experience, some beach clubs offer private areas with catering services and water sports equipment rental.
Things to do in Zadar with children
Vladimir Nazor Park offers well-appointed playgrounds and green spaces for free running. The Museum of Ancient Glass organizes child-friendly glass-blowing workshops during the summer. The beaches of Kolovare and Borik offer calm, shallow waters perfect for younger swimmers. A boat trip to the nearby islands will delight the whole family. The mini-golf course near Borik beach is a fun afternoon activity. We strongly advise against visiting the Museum of Illusions, which we found extremely disappointing and expensive.
Things to do in Zadar when it rains
The city’s many museums are perfect cultural refuges on rainy days. The Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Ancient Glass offer several hours of fascinating, sheltered viewing. The cafés and konobas of the old town will warmly welcome you to sample local specialties. The Supernova shopping center offers cinemas and air-conditioned boutiques. The historic churches also provide shelter while discovering Zadar’s exceptional religious heritage.
Excursions around Zadar
Paklenica National Park
45km north of Zadar, this mountain park is a delight for hikers and climbers. The spectacular Velika and Mala Paklenica gorges offer marked trails of varying levels. We enjoyed the diversity of landscapes, from beech forests to vertiginous rock faces. The park is home to a rich fauna including birds of prey, deer and brown bears. Allow a full day to enjoy the site to the full.
Find out more in our dedicated article.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Located 130 km from Zadar, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the region’s most popular day trip destination. The 16 cascading lakes, connected by waterfalls, create a magical landscape. We recommend arriving early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the morning light on the turquoise waters. Wooden walkways allow you to stroll above the lakes. Plan to spend a full day on this exceptional visit. Book your tour of Plitvice Lakes now
Kornati National Park
This archipelago of 89 deserted islands can be explored on a boat tour departing from Zadar. We were captivated by the untamed beauty of these rocky islets with their crystal-clear waters. The cliffs plunging into the sea create a spectacular landscape. You can swim in secluded coves and enjoy a lunch of grilled fish at one of the archipelago’s few restaurants. Day trips typically include several stops for swimming and snorkeling. Book your excursion to discover the Kornati Islands
Pag Island
Just 60km from Zadar, this island is distinguished by its lunar landscapes and cheese-making tradition. We drove along coastal roads offering spectacular sea views. The old town of Pag is well worth a visit for its Renaissance architecture and medieval streets. You can taste the famous Pag cheese directly from the producers and visit the traditional salt works still in operation. The sandy beaches of Novalja attract young people for their festive summer atmosphere.
Town of Nin
Just 15km north of Zadar, this historic town boasts some remarkable archaeological treasures. We visited the 9th-century Church of the Holy Cross, considered the world’s smallest cathedral. The ruins of the Roman temple and the Nin Museum of Antiquities boast exceptional collections. The surrounding salt marshes produce high-quality salt and renowned therapeutic mud. The Queen’s sandy beach, rare in Croatia, lies nearby.
Useful tips for visiting Zadar
Where is Zadar?
- On Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, halfway between Rijeka and Split
- Zadar to Split: 1h30 drive
- From Zadar to Dubrovnik: a 3½-hour drive
- Zadar to Zagreb: 3h drive
How to get to Zadar?
Zadar airport hosts direct flights from several European cities during the summer season. Regular bus services connect Zadar with the main Croatian cities. There are also several daily train departures from Zagreb to Zadar station. The coastal road offers a scenic route for those traveling by car. Ferries link Zadar to the islands of the archipelago and to some Italian coastal towns.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Croatia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
See our tips (coming soon)
Parking in Zadar
The old town is pedestrianized, and there are several public pay parking lots in the vicinity. We recommend the Liburnska obala parking lot near the port or the Relja parking lot on the edge of the historic center. Parking in blue zones is limited to 1 hour, while green zones allow 3 hours. Rates vary from 10 to 15 kn per hour, depending on the zone. Arrive early in high season, as spaces are scarce.
Getting around Zadar
The historic center is easily accessible on foot, and its compact size means that all major sites can be reached in just a few minutes. A network of city buses serves the outlying districts and more distant beaches. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks or from the driver for a slightly higher fare. Bicycle hire is a pleasant option for exploring the coast. Water cabs take you to some of the nearby islands for the day.
Where to eat in Zadar
We particularly enjoyed Restaurant Pet Bunara, nestled in the old town near Place des 5 Puits. Restaurant Fosa, facing the port, offers excellent fish dishes with a view of the sea. For a more relaxed atmosphere, Restaurant Kornat serves authentic Dalmatian cuisine in a traditional setting. We recommend booking in advance during the high summer season.
Visiting Zadar in winter
Winter in Zadar offers a quieter, more authentic atmosphere than the summer season. We enjoyed visiting the monuments without crowds, and taking advantage of the local restaurants frequented mainly by locals. Temperatures remain mild, generally between 10 and 15°C, making for comfortable walks. Some sites are reducing their opening hours, but the main ones remain accessible. Accommodation prices drop considerably out of season.
