Zadar Croatia Travel Guide: 16 BEST Things To Do In Zadar

Zadar Croatia Travel Guide: 16 BEST Things To Do In Zadar

So you want to know what are the 
best things to do in Zadar, Croatia? Great, you’re in the right place.
In this video we’re gonna discuss the top things to do in Zadar.
Number 16: Narodni Trg Start your visit to Zadar at 
Narodni Trg, the People’s Square, the heart of the city since the Middle Ages.
You will find outdoor cafés where you can have coffee or a cocktail and watch people passing by.
The square is lined with historic buildings, including the City Guard from the 16th century, 
the 19th-century Clock Tower, and the City Loggia. Behind the clock tower, you can visit the 
remains of St. Laurence’s Church, Zadar’s oldest preserved building from the 11th century.
From the square, you can also reach popular spots like Kalelarga, Five Wells Square, the market, and 
the fish market, all within easy walking distance. Number 15: Cathedral of St. Anastasia
Also known as Stošije, Zadar’s Cathedral of St. Anastasia is the largest church in Dalmatia.
Its history goes back to the 4th and 5th centuries, though most of the current building 
was made in the 12th and 13th centuries. Inside, you will see beautiful frescoes, 
marble altars, and old mosaics, including two deer from the 5th century.
The entrance is decorated with detailed statues and patterns that catch 
your eye the longer you look. Next to the cathedral is the bell 
tower, which rises 203 feet (62 m). You can climb the 180 steps to enjoy wide 
views of Zadar and the Zadar Channel. Number 14: Five Wells Square
At Five Wells Square, you will see five wells lined up across the square, built 
in the 16th century to provide drinking water for Zadar during the Ottoman invasion.
The wells are part of a large cistern constructed with Venetian help, and they remain an 
interesting feature in the center of the square. You can walk close to Zadar’s old city 
walls, which are impressive to see. Next to the square, there is a small park 
where you can sit and enjoy the outdoors. A bar, Ledana Bar & Lounge, is also nearby, 
offering a comfortable spot to have a drink. Number 13: Church of St. Donatus
Built in the 9th century, the Church of St. Donatus is another 
important religious site in the city. This large circular church was originally 
the private chapel of Bishop Donatus and was first dedicated to the Holy Trinity.
It features a unique Byzantine-style design with a 89-foot (27 m) high 
domed ceiling and simple interior. Inside, you will notice two 
complete Roman columns and flooring recycled from the Roman Forum outside.
The church has not been used for services for about 200 years but is now a music hall, 
taking advantage of its excellent acoustics. You can also access a gallery on the second 
floor to see the interior from above. Number 12: Roman Forum
Located in front of the Church of St. Donatus and the Archbishop’s Palace, 
Zadar’s Roman Forum is a large square that dates back to the 1st century BC.
It was the center of city life, where people held markets, religious 
ceremonies, and political meetings. You can see the original stone pavement, 
temple stairs, and two large columns, including the “Pillar of Shame,” where people 
convicted of wrongdoing were once chained. The northwest side still has one 
monumental column from the Middle Ages. The square also shows altars 
and remnants of temples. Walking around, you can notice how the 
ancient Roman layout blends with the surrounding old town buildings.
Number 11: Land Gate The Land Gate, built in 1543 by Venetian 
architect Michele Sanmicheli, is the main entrance to the Old Town on the peninsula.
Its Renaissance-style stone arch features the winged lion of Saint Mark 
and Zadar’s coat of arms. The gate sits next to the small 
and charming Port of Foša marina, where you will find boats and sailboats lined up.
You can walk along the marina’s edge toward the Roman Forum and pass a little swimming 
spot near the statue of Špiro Brusina. Cars still pass through the gate today, and 
the area offers a quiet and scenic spot for photos or a seaside stroll.
Number 10: Sea Organ For a unique experience in Zadar, visit 
the Sea Organ, a 230-foot (70 m) long set of steps leading into the sea.
Designed by Nikola Bašić in 2005, the organ uses the movement of waves to push 
air through pipes hidden under the steps, creating soothing, harmonic sounds.
The louder the waves, the stronger the music, and passing boats can add extra volume.
You can sit on the steps and listen to the organ while watching the Adriatic 
Sea stretch out toward the horizon. The installation combines art and music in an 
unusual way, making it a fascinating place to enjoy the natural rhythm of the sea and sunsets.
Number 9: Kornati National Park From Zadar, you can take a boat 
trip to Kornati National Park, a group of 89 islands with clear turquoise 
waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The islands have jagged cliffs, limestone 
formations, and hidden coves that make for great photo opportunities.
You will see traditional stone walls, free-grazing sheep, and small summer cottages 
where locals grow olives, grapes, and vegetables. The highest point is Metlina hill on 
Kornat Island, offering wide views of the sea and surrounding islands.
You can visit medieval ruins, a Byzantine fortress, and a small church, or go 
fishing in the rich waters around the islands. By the way, check the links in the 
description for the ultimate guide on saving money while traveling, plus 
recommended tour operators in Zadar. Number 8: Archaeological Museum Zadar
Founded in 1832, Zadar’s Archaeological Museum is Croatia’s second oldest 
museum and holds over 100,000 artifacts. You will see objects from prehistoric times, the 
Stone and Metal Ages, Roman and Byzantine periods, and early Croatian settlements.
The ground floor shows life in the 7th to 12th centuries, focusing on Croat 
culture, while the first floor displays Roman-era objects from northern Dalmatia.
The second floor has prehistoric items from around 10,000 BC to the Roman arrival.
The museum includes departments for Prehistoric, Roman, Medieval, and Underwater 
Archaeology, as well as conservation, education, and a library, offering a full view 
of the region’s history and material culture. Number 7: Museum of Ancient Glass
This is another museum in the city worth exploring, especially if you are interested 
in historical glass and how it was made. You will see over 5,000 items, including 
ancient goblets, jars, small bottles, Roman perfume containers, and glass 
cups used in religious ceremonies. The museum is inside a 19th-century 
palace overlooking Jazine harbour. You can watch live glassblowing and see how 
beads, decorative pieces, and lab glass are made. Temporary exhibitions feature works by 
young artists like Peter Kuchler III. You can also join workshops to try 
glassblowing or beadmaking yourself. Number 6: The Greeting to the Sun
Just a few steps from the Sea Organ, you will find The Greeting to the Sun, a large circle made of 
300 multi-layered glass plates and solar panels. During the day, the panels 
collect sunlight and store energy. At night, this energy powers a bright, 
colorful light show that changes constantly, creating a lively, trippy effect.
The installation is 72 feet (22 m) wide and sits right on the promenade, so you can watch the 
lights while listening to the Sea Organ’s sounds. If you want photos or videos without crowds, 
visiting late in the evening is best when most people have left the promenade.
Number 5: Take A Traditional Barkajoli For those who do not want to walk 
across the bridge into Zadar Old Town, you can take a traditional Barkajoli, 
a small rowboat, to cross the harbor. This service has been run by local rowers for 
over 800 years, passed down from father to son. You will sit in the wooden boat while the rowers 
take you from the pier, where superyachts are often docked, straight to the heart of Old Town.
The ride is quick and gives you a different view of the waterfront.
Watching the rowers navigate their boats adds a sense of history 
and local tradition to your visit. Number 4: Zadar Archipelago
Just off Zadar, the archipelago stretches over 154 sq mi (400 sq km) 
with hundreds of islands and islets. Only about twenty islands have permanent 
residents, while the rest are quiet and untouched. You can take a ferry or join a boat tour 
to reach the islands, enjoying swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing along the way.
Dugi Otok, one of the largest islands, has Sakarun Beach with white sand and turquoise 
water, and Telascica Nature Park with beaches, pine forests, vineyards, and a saltwater lake.
Another is Ugljan, easily accessible by a 25-minute ferry from Zadar, where you can 
visit Preko and enjoy its sandy beaches. Other islands like Silba, Olib, and Molat 
offer calm coves and peaceful swimming spots. Number 3: Duke’s Palace
Duke’s Palace is a historic building that now serves as a 
center for culture and community life. After its renovation in 2017, the palace 
became a 21,530-sq ft (2,000-sq m) space combining old and modern design.
You will find a museum showing the city’s history, a concert hall where you can hear 
music, and a public library with books to read. There are also temporary exhibition rooms, 
a video gallery, and a multimedia hall. The palace offers spaces for 
learning and creative activities. Walking through it, you can enjoy the 
architecture, the atmosphere, and the mix of history, art, and local culture all in one place.
Number 2: St. Simeon’s Church St. Simeon’s Church is a baroque-style 
church from the 17th century, sitting quietly in a small square.
Its outside is simple but pleasant, while the interior holds the real treasure.
Above the main altar, you will see the Chest of Saint Simeon, a gold and silver-plated 
cedarwood sarcophagus made between 1377 and 1380. The chest shows detailed scenes of St. 
Simeon’s life and holds his mummified body. This medieval masterpiece was created by 
local goldsmiths using an Italian design and is now protected by UNESCO.
The detailed artwork and historical craftsmanship make the church a 
remarkable site to visit in Old Town Zadar. Number 1: Food Spots
Zadar has a couple of spots where you can enjoy good food and drinks.
At Coffee & Cake, you can have breakfast with coffee and pastries and work on 
your laptop, though the WiFi is slow. Buža is tucked in an alley where you can enjoy a 
drink and seafood snacks while sitting by the sea. Restaurant & Grill La Pegla sits 
by the water and serves tasty meals like risotto with friendly service.
You can also visit The Garden Lounge for vegan dishes with a harbor view, or 
Restaurant Labrax – Fish & Wine Bar for unique fish dishes and local wine.
Click here to watch this video.

This Zadar travel guide shares the best things to do in Zadar.

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How to travel more and visit your dream destinations without breaking the bank: https://travelmorepayless.com

Recommended Tours in Zadar:

Zadar: Plitvice Lakes Guided Day Tour with Tickets: https://www.getyourguide.com/zadar-l1328/zadar-plitvice-lakes-guided-day-tour-with-tickets-t481327/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Zadar

Speedboat tour to Dugi Otok with 6 stops,swimming,snorkeling: https://www.getyourguide.com/zadar-l1328/speedboat-tours-sakarunsunkenshippveli-ratbozavamuline-t795672/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Zadar

Zadar: Boat Tour with Unlimited Wine & 3 Stops: https://www.getyourguide.com/zadar-l1328/zadar-boat-tour-with-unlimited-wine-3-stops-t748405/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Zadar

Zadar: Hidden Gems Eco Tuk Tuk Tour: https://www.getyourguide.com/zadar-l1328/zadar-hidden-gems-eco-tuk-tuk-tour-t415706/?partner_id=QE3VGN2&utm_medium=online_publisher&cmp=yttj-Zadar
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Welcome to Zadar, Croatia, a stunning coastal city on the Adriatic Sea known for its history, sunsets, and modern seaside attractions. Combining Roman ruins, medieval churches, and unique contemporary art installations, Zadar, Croatia is one of the most interesting destinations in Dalmatia. In this video, we’ll show you the best things to do and where to stay in Zadar.

Start your visit in the Old Town of Zadar, Croatia, located on a small peninsula surrounded by ancient walls. Stroll through its marble streets and discover historic landmarks like the Roman Forum, built over 2,000 years ago. Nearby stands the Church of St. Donatus, one of the most famous buildings in Zadar, known for its round shape and impressive acoustics.

Climb the Bell Tower of St. Anastasia’s Cathedral for panoramic views of Zadar, Croatia and the sparkling Adriatic Sea. From there, explore Kalelarga, the main street lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants — perfect for an afternoon walk.

One of the most unique attractions in Zadar, Croatia is the Sea Organ, a modern art installation built into the waterfront. It creates music using the movement of the waves, producing natural, calming sounds. Right next to it is the “Greeting to the Sun,” a solar-powered light display that comes alive at night, creating a colorful show by the sea.

If you love history, visit the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Ancient Glass for a closer look at Zadar’s Roman and medieval past. The city’s mix of old and new makes it both culturally rich and visually striking.

For beaches, head to Kolovare Beach, located just south of the Old Town. It’s the most popular beach in Zadar, Croatia and offers clear blue water, cafes, and places to relax. You can also find quieter coves and swimming spots along the coast or take a short ferry ride to nearby islands like Ugljan and Dugi Otok.

When it comes to food, Zadar, Croatia has plenty of seaside restaurants serving fresh seafood, local wines, and traditional Dalmatian dishes. Enjoy dinner by the waterfront while watching one of Zadar’s famous sunsets — a view that even Alfred Hitchcock once called “the most beautiful in the world.”

For places to stay, Zadar offers everything from luxury hotels with sea views to boutique stays and cozy apartments in the Old Town.

With its blend of history, culture, and coastal beauty, Zadar, Croatia is a city that perfectly captures the charm of the Adriatic. Whether you come for the sunsets, the music of the sea, or the laid-back atmosphere, it’s a destination you’ll never forget.

Keep watching to see the top things to do in Zadar, top attractions in Zadar, places to visit in Zadar and Croatia travel guides.

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