![\"1-Week](\"https:\/\/croatialovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/visit-zadar-itinerary-1-week.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nThis opinion is completely independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.<\/p>\n\n A week is enough time to see it all: the old town and its monuments, the museums, the beaches, and to take day trips to Plitvice Lakes, the Kornati Islands, or Paklenica National Park. It\u2019s the perfect amount of time to enjoy Zadar at a leisurely pace and explore Northern Dalmatia on your own terms. Check out all our suggestions in our article on things to do in Zadar<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n To help you follow along as you read our itinerary below, here is our map of Zadar\u2019s main tourist attractions:<\/p>\n\n Zadar’s Old Town is situated on a compact peninsula: you can reach most of the sights on foot in just a few minutes. The streets are generally flat, and the distances are short. A city bus network serves the outlying neighborhoods and more distant beaches such as Borik and Diklo. For day trips to national parks, the islands, or Nin, we recommend renting a car<\/a> for greater flexibility. <\/p>\n\n See our tips<\/strong> (coming soon)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n Here are our three favorite hotels in Zadar:<\/p>\n\n Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels<\/p>\n\n\n\n Historic Center<\/strong> – Borik Marina<\/strong> – On the coast<\/strong> – See our selection of the best hotels in Zadar<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s our seven-day itinerary for Zadar: the must-see historical sites starting on the first day, a day of museums and the beach, a day of relaxation and culture, a trip to Nin and the island of Pag, a day at Plitvice Lakes, a boat trip to the Kornati Islands or the island of Ugljan, and a final day at Paklenica National Park before one last sunset on the Riva.<\/p>\n\n All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in Croatia<\/strong> a success will soon<\/strong> be available in a single ebook!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Spend your first day exploring Zadar\u2019s must-see attractions: the Roman Forum, St. Donatus Church, the Archaeological Museum, St. Anastasia Cathedral, and the Square of the Five Wells. It\u2019s a packed itinerary, but one that\u2019s doable with a well-organized day. <\/p>\n\n Start the week in the historic heart of the city with the Roman Forum andSt. Donat\u2019s Church<\/a>. The forum, built between the 1st century BCE and the 3rd century CE, stretched over 90 meters long and 45 meters wide: its column ruins and the Column of Shame bear witness to Zadar\u2019s importance during the Roman era. Admission is free. Just a few meters away, St. Donatus Church is the city\u2019s architectural symbol. This 9th-century pre-Romanesque structure features a rare cylindrical shape: 27 meters in diameter, 27 meters tall, with three levels and a circular gallery on the first floor. We appreciated the beauty of the building during our visit. <\/p>\n\n The Zadar Archaeological Museum<\/a>, one of the oldest in Croatia (founded in 1830), is a natural next stop after visiting the Forum. We appreciated the logical and well-structured layout as well as the diversity of the exhibits. Its collections span several millennia, from prehistory to the early centuries of Christianity, with a strong emphasis on Roman artifacts: statues, mosaics, ceramics, jewelry, and everyday objects. <\/p>\n\n St. Anastasia Cathedral<\/a> has stood on the forum since the 12th century. We admired its Romanesque fa\u00e7ade, adorned with three carved portals and a central rose window. You\u2019ll notice that the building, constructed between 1105 and 1324, blends Romanesque and Gothic styles. The interior features three naves separated by marble columns, 15th-century choir stalls, and a crypt housing the relics of Saint Anastasia. We recommend climbing the 56-meter bell tower for a panoramic view of the old town and the archipelago. <\/p>\n\n The Square of the Five Wells<\/a> bears witness to the ingenuity of Zadar\u2019s residents in the 16th century. These five stone wellheads, built in 1574 to supply the city during the Ottoman sieges, formed a collective cistern system fed by rainwater. Just a short walk away, we strolled through Queen Madijevka Park<\/a>, a green space running along the old Venetian ramparts with an unobstructed view of the sea. Shaded paths and the coolness of the foliage make it a welcome respite in the late afternoon. <\/p>\n\n For your first dinner, we recommend Restaurant Pet Bunara, tucked away near Place des 5 Puits, which serves Dalmatian cuisine made with high-quality local ingredients. Restaurant Fosa, across from the harbor, is also a great choice for lovers of fresh seafood. For a more refined dining experience, Restaurant Kastel<\/a>, located in the Bastion Heritage Hotel, serves Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant setting. <\/p>\n\n The second day is devoted to the specialized museums in the old town, an afternoon of swimming at Kolovare Beach, and then the “Organ of the Sea” and “Sun Salutation” shows in the evening.<\/p>\n\n The Museum of Ancient Glass, housed in the Cosmacendi Palace, is one of Zadar\u2019s most unique institutions. We were captivated by the exhibits, which showcase the excellence of Roman glassmakers: more than 5,000 objects dating from the Roman era, including delicate goblets, perfume bottles, and jewelry of remarkable finesse. A section dedicated to manufacturing techniques features demonstrations of traditional glassblowing. <\/p>\n\n Just a short walk away, the Museum of Gold and Silver is housed in the former Benedictine monastery of St. Mary, founded in the 11th century. In our opinion, its collections of medieval religious gold and silverwork are among the most remarkable in Croatia: reliquaries, processional crosses, chalices, and liturgical vestments made of gold and silver, some of which date back to the 11th century. We found the thoughtful presentation and the setting of the monastery itself to be well worth seeing. <\/p>\n\n After a morning of cultural exploration, head to Kolovare Beach<\/a> for a well-deserved afternoon of swimming. Located just a few minutes\u2019 walk from the old town, it features both pebble areas and concrete platforms equipped with showers, changing rooms, and beach chair rentals. We enjoyed the crystal-clear water and the view of Ugljan Island from the shore. It was a pleasant afternoon break before heading back to the waterfront to watch the sunset. <\/p>\n\n At the end of the day, head to the waterfront to seethe Orgue des Mers<\/a>, a one-of-a-kind installation created by architect Nikola Ba\u0161i\u0107 in 2005. We were captivated by the thirty-five tubes placed beneath the stone steps, which produce harmonious sounds as the waves roll in. Just a few meters away, the Salut au Soleil<\/a>\u2014a 22-meter-diameter circle made up of 300 glass panels\u2014lights up at dusk in a rhythm synchronized with the sounds of the sea organ. We recommend arriving at the end of the day, just before sunset, to enjoy both installations in the same atmosphere. <\/p>\n\n For your second dinner, The Well Restaurant is a great choice in the old town, serving a modern take on Dalmatian specialties. For a more casual meal, the konobas in the side streets offer authentic local cuisine at reasonable prices. <\/p>\n\nPractical Tips for Visiting Zadar in One Week<\/h2>\n\n
What can you see in Zadar in one week? Is that long enough? <\/h3>\n\n
Map of must-see attractions<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Zadar](\"https:\/\/croatialovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/map-attractions-zadar-1024x669.jpg\")
Getting around Zadar<\/h3>\n\n
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT \nCroatia<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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![\"car](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Paklenica\/Rando-entrée-1\/i-Tzg4V6J\/0\/KXmXjZbtGwDbJrgcqktnpnrkcSSch3cnNBDJHcqWg\/S\/paklenica%20parc%20enter%201%20and%20hike-004-S.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ArrowRight.webp\")
<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhere to Stay in Zadar<\/h3>\n\n
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![\"Bastion](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Zadar\/Hotel-Bastion\/i-p6zx28L\/0\/MwWVP3Kb8H46gnxGTGXvHN8dGLZ74zhSnrtPbHg2t\/L\/croatia-zadar-hotel-bastion-4-L.jpg\")
WHERE TO STAY IN Zadar<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n![\"Hotel](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Zadar\/Hotel-Falkensteiner\/i-3Nbjcws\/0\/MGtdppBmDt3JNqTzzFXvcsJ68Rxcs6x84Txg8VZfP\/S\/croatia-zadar-hotel-falkensteiner-3-S.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nOur Ideal Itinerary: 1 Week in Zadar<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Zadar](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Zadar\/City\/i-pf97TdS\/0\/LB9v9VvgxvcmhgqGSRfWVh7kTPxXcmLxd5nNfQfNf\/L\/zadar%20city%20-07-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nA LITTLE MORE patience<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"Box](\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ebooks_CorseNormandie_FR.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\nDay 1: The Historic Old Town<\/h2>\n\n
Stop 1: Roman Forum and St. Donatus Church<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Zadar](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Zadar\/Eglise-St-Donat\/i-btPBtjr\/0\/KdCmVWxDtZBRjPH9vjgKJZQrGGKdTZs7pHrJ7csQ3\/L\/saint%20donat%20church%20zadar-01-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nStop 2: Archaeological Museum<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Zadar](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Zadar\/Mus%C3%A9e-arch%C3%A9ologique\/i-tMDVDQM\/0\/MTcwf5Gt8FHWM5qTzHhz5WV62fxtkPdnnwP4Kscjd\/L\/muse%CC%81e%20arche%CC%81ologique%20zadar-030-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nStop 3: St. Anastasia Cathedral<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Zadar](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Zadar\/Cath%C3%A9drale-saint-anastasie\/i-6mhpTzz\/0\/Khwq7tPk585SGFFbzBnwrkwgXXMRtnmQm2msWsmB2\/L\/saint%20anastasie%20catedral%20zadar-012-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nStop 4: Place des 5 Puits & Queen Madijevka Park<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Zadar](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Zadar\/Place-5-puits\/i-qk2W3wP\/0\/MFvFQqLPNjCnq9qD2XcKrjqvGXPpJ9GZ3Wv9cnrvJ\/L\/place%205%20puits%20zadar-08-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nDay 1 Dinner<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Zadar](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Zadar\/Resto-Kastel\/i-zWJMvdS\/0\/Lz57j5Pkb7wpNH44fGQNxG3TV7c5wPv7Sfmp53c7p\/L\/kastel%20restaurant%20zadar-20-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nDay 2: Museums and the Beach<\/h2>\n\n
Stop 1: Museum of Ancient Glass<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Zadar](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Zadar\/Divers\/i-W9ZkGwn\/0\/Kj2pqKL2JWGknFwTTjb6N2STGHKt58HkhSvFwhShm\/L\/musee%20verre%20antique%20zadar-1-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nStop 2: Gold and Silver Museum<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Zadar](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Zadar\/Divers\/i-9ZzthLT\/0\/KxmsgrqDRKj294b9MZ4j47nSMJFc2ZrZ6RN37nDxV\/L\/expo%20or%20argent%20zadar-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nStop 3: Kolovare Beach<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Zadar](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Zadar\/Kolovare-plaza\/i-D3bzj86\/0\/NVFGVcVJRmpTxdsN8LTZ7S7KPJsCmXGqJJvRL3Q9L\/L\/plaza%20kolovare%20beach%20zadar-11-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nStop 4: Orgue des Mers and Salut au Soleil<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Zadar](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Croatia\/Zadar\/The-Greeting-to-the-Sun\/i-nxRM6v3\/0\/MtHdtZwM3d5CpCDGQqdgsP6HfDDG4rNT8Rm6CTpvz\/L\/The%20Greeting%20to%20the%20Sun%20zadar-07-L.jpg\")
Day 2 Dinner<\/h3>\n\n
![\"Zadar](\"https:\/\/croatialovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/restaurant-the-well-zadar-avis.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nSubscribe to our Newsletter<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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