Best Things To Do In Zadar
Home to a wonderful old town surrounded by sea walls and a coastline to match any city along the Adriatic, Zadar is certainly one of the best places to visit in Croatia.
There are many incredible things to do in Zadar, and in this article, we are going to outline everything you should try and achieve while visiting this vibrant Croatian city.
In the best things to do in Zadar, we outline everything you need to know before you arrive in Zadar so you can plan a full Zadar itinerary before stepping foot in the city.
We will then provide you with handy tips for visiting Zadar, outline the best day trips to take from Zadar and show you the best places to stay in Zadar.
So, let’s dive into the: best things to do in Zadar
Disclaimer - this blog post contains affiliate links where we can earn a commission, if you make a purchase through them (at no extra cost to you).
Zadar at a Glance
Highlights: Sea Organ; Sun Salutation; Croatian Boat Islands Experience
Best time to visit: shoulder season (April-May and September-October)
Best (and cheapest) guided city tour: Zadar guided walking tour
Best place to stay: Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel
Best things to do in Zadar
We are going to start the article with what you have to come find - the best things to do in Zadar. Zadar is a city that lies on the Adriatic Coast of Croatia, roughly halfway between Plitvice Lakes National Park and Split, making it one of the best places to visit in the Western Balkans.
This makes it one of the best-placed cities to explore during your time in Croatia. Whether you’re only here for a day or whether you will call Zadar home for your entire Croatia trip, it is sure to provide you with plenty of things to do and sights to see.
Make sure to read the entire article as there will be some great suggestions for the best places to stay in Zadar as an added bonus to the best things to do in Zadar.
So, here are our recommendations for the best things to do in Zadar.
Zadar Old Town Skyline
Try a traditional Burek
A staple food throughout the Balkans, there is no better place to get your hands on a warm, satisfying Burek than in Zadar.
Burek is a filled pastry made using flaky dough and filled with a variety of different fillings and typically served warm. The fillings could be meat, cheese, spinach or potatoes.
When we were in Zadar, we tried a warm cheese Burek, and it was delicious. It only cost us around 6KN (£0.60/$0.80), so it makes for a great snack on-the-go, or could even be enjoyed as a meal in its own right.
Traditional Cheese Burek
Church of St. Donatus
Dating back to around the 9th century, St Donatus’ Church is one of only a handful of original Croatian Kingdom buildings to have survived after the Mongol invasions in the 13th century. Understandably, then, it is certainly one of the most important buildings in Zadar.
The unusually shaped, circular Byzantine church can be explored for 20KN (£2/$3), though it could be argued that the best view is simply from the outside of the building.
Church of St Donatus - Zadar
Walk the City Walls
Zadar was originally acquired by the Venetians way back in the early 1400s and the frequency of Veneto-Turkish wars a few centuries later resulted in the construction of the famous city walls that still stand to this day.
One of the best things to do in Zadar is to walk along the city walls, getting a great view of the terracotta-coloured roofs ubiquitous in the old town of Zadar on one side and the numerous yachts moored up in the marina on the other side of you.
City Walls in Zadar
Listen to the Sea Organ
Undoubtedly, one of the best things to do in Zadar is to be mesmerised by the city’s most famous musical instrument - the Sea Organ.
Created by local architect Nikola Bašić, the Sea Organ is a collection of pipes and whistles built beneath the white steps that lead to the sea at the very end of the Zadar peninsula.
As the waves lap against the steps, air is pushed into the pipes, creating a remarkable ensemble of whistles and sounds. The sounds increase in volume when a boat or ferry passes by - it really is a somewhat hypnotic experience.
Sea Organ - Zadar’s most famous Instrument
Marvel at the Sun Salutation
Another fascinating creation of the wonderful Nikola Basic, the Sun Salutation (sometimes referred to as the ‘Monument of the Sun’), must be seen in person to be believed.
Found at the tip of the Old Town peninsula in Zadar, right next to the Sea Organ, in the daylight, you’d be forgiven for wondering what all the fuss is about.
It is during the hours of darkness, however, that the Sun Salutation truly comes alive. The 22m wide circle is formed from 300 glass panels that capture the sun's energy during the day and transform it into a spectacular light show in the evening - it is mesmerising!
Sun Salutation Installation
Embark on a Boat Tour to nearby Islands
Croatia is a country that has gained international recognition for the quality and quantity of its many charming islands and Zadar is in a perfect location to explore some of the beautiful islands.
One of the best things to do in Zadar is to embark on a Croatian Islands Boat Experience, where you get to discover the beauty of the Zadar archipelago.
On the tour, you are treated to your very own private beach, where you are able to swim and snorkel in the beautiful azure water of the Adriatic Sea.
Try a Refreshing Croatian beer in the People’s Square
Undoubtedly, one of the highlights of any visit to Zadar is to spend some time in the People’s Square, referred to by locals as the Narodni Trg.
The square is a constant hive of activity, with a lively atmosphere created by the many cafe bars found within the square. This makes the People’s Square the best in Zadar to get hold of a refreshing Croatian Beer.
Our personal favourite beer was Karlovacko, but for those who prefer a craft beer, maybe you could opt for a LAB craft beer - brewed down on the coast in Split.
Have a coffee in the Petar Zoranica Square
One of the best things to do in Zadar to truly embrace the culture of the city is to sit in the Petar Zoranic Square and order yourself a coffee.
There are a number of different cafes and restaurants in Petar Zoranica Square offering a wide array of food and drink. Nothing is more relaxing than sitting with a fresh coffee and watching as the residents of Zadar busy themselves and go about their day.
Having a coffee in the Petar Zoranica Square
Climb the Bell Tower
If you’re searching for the best views in Zadar, climbing the city’s Bell Tower will provide exactly that. With entry for as little as 15KN (£1.50/$2) each, climbing the Bell Tower certainly has to be added to your Zadar Itinerary.
If you can, try to coincide your visit to the Bell Tower with the midday ringing of the bells. When you’re at the top, you can feel the vibrations from the bells and it makes for a magical experience.
The view from the top of the Bell Tower in Zadar
Wander around the Marina
One of the best ways to spend your time in Zadar is to simply walk around the Marina. Found just outside the old city walls, the marina is full of boats and yachts from around the world.
Marvel at the size of some of the superyachts that call Zadar Marina home, or go window-shopping to find which yacht you would like to sail around the world in.
Boats in Zadar Marina
Join a Walking Tour of the City
Joining a walking tour of Zadar is a sure-fire way to make sure you learn as much as possible about the city in the shortest time possible.
We love going on walking tours when we visit a new city - they are affordable, easy to find, and they make sure you see all the highlights (or at least inform you as to where they are).
You can see prices for a walking tour of Zadar here, or alternatively, you are able to enquire about walking tours in one of the many tour agencies that are operating throughout the city.
Get Lost in the Old Town Streets
The best way to spend a day in Zadar is to simply walk around the Old Town. Zadar’s old town area, within the old city walk, is like an open-air museum that is brimming with the most fascinating architecture and atmosphere.
Walking from one end of the old town to the other in Zadar does not take long when you are going in a straight line, but we preferred to wander around the labyrinth of little alleys and cobbled streets to see if we could discover as much as possible in Zadar.
Old Town Streets of Zadar
Shop at the Zadar City Market (Zadar Pijaca)
There is no better way to get a sense of how the residents of Zadar go about their lives than in the Zadar Pijaca - the Zadar City Market.
Nestled alongside the Old Town Walls, the Zadar City Market features a number of vendors flogging fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as stalls boasting local honey, olive oils and cheeses.
The Zadar City Market is a great place to buy the famous Pag Island Cheese - an acclaimed sheep’s milk cheese from the nearby island of Pag that has won numerous prestigious cheese awards around the Mediterranean.
Zadar City Market (Zadar Pijaca)
Stroll around the Vladimira Nazora Park
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of life in Zadar or just want a chance to relax, you should certainly take a stroll around the expansive Vladimira Nazora Park.
When we visited Zadar, we visited the park and found it was the perfect place to take out a book and idle the afternoon away.
Relaxing in the Vladimira Nazora Park is one of the best things to do in Zadar, and trust us when we say you will be glad to discover this place.
Vladimira Nazora Park
Visit the many Museums of Zadar
As you can imagine, with a city so full of rich history, Zadar is brimming with a number of unique and fascinating museums. One of the best ways to spend your time in Zadar, particularly if you have multiple days in the city, is to explore as many museums as possible.
The Museum of Ancient Glass has an impressive collection of glass goblets, jewellery, jars and amulets on display and with an entry fee of only 30KN (£3/$4), it is an inexpensive way to spend an hour or two in Zadar.
Other notable museums in the city include the Archaeological Museum (found opposite St Donatus’ Church), the National Museum Zadar (featuring exhibits on regional history) and the Museum of Illusions (home to a vortex tunnel and an infinity room) - you can purchase a Museum of Illusions entry ticket here.
Best Day Trips from Zadar
As we have previously mentioned, Zadar is roughly halfway between Plitvice Lakes National Park and Croatia’s second-biggest city, Split. This makes Zadar ideally located for day trips to some of Croatia's most iconic and spectacular regions.
Underneath, we have highlighted the best day trips to take from Zadar. For the majority, we have provided you with an organised tour you can join in order to make these day trips from Zadar, but they could also be done independently if you rent a car in Zadar.
Incidentally, if you do choose to rent a car in Zadar or Croatia more widely, we would recommend using rentalcars.com - on our travels, we have always found them to be the most reliable and cost-efficient way of renting a car.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park is arguably the most iconic National Park in Croatia. You are unlikely to find many people who visit Croatia who don’t visit this beautiful place.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is most famous for a series of incredible waterfalls that can be explored and viewed from wooden boardwalks that wind their way over the water.
The entrances to Plitvice Lakes National Park are around 1.5 - 2.0 hours from Zadar by coach, which makes the National Park an ideal candidate for the perfect day trip from Zadar.
The little town of Rastoke, just a short distance from Plitvice Lakes, makes a great stop-off point during your day trip to Plitvice. Our complete guide to visiting Rastoke outlines how it is possible to combine the two into one incredible day trip.
Best organised tour from Zadar: Plitvice Lakes National Park Day Trip from Zadar
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Paklenica National Park
Another National Park within day-trip distance of Zadar is Paklenica. Perhaps less well-known than Plitvice Lakes and Krka, Paklenica is a relatively modestly-sized National Park that lends itself to hiking and climbing.
A 45-minute drive from Zadar, Paklenica National Park is home to a series of interesting hikes ranging from the fairly straightforward 2-hour hike to the Paklenica Mountain hut, all the way to the 6-8 hour round-trip Mala Paklenica Canyon hike that involves scrambling and a degree of difficulty.
The Gorge at Paklenica National Park
Kornati National Park Boat Trip
Croatia is famed for its beaches, islands and beautifully clear waters, so heading out to sea is an absolute must when you visit. Taking a boat tour to the nearby Kornati National Park makes a great day trip from Zadar.
Kornati National Park is home to over 80 unforgettable islands, islets and reefs and is often referred to as a ‘nautical paradise’ and it’s easy to see why. A number of different tour agencies operating in Zadar offer day trips to Kornati National Park, but be sure to do some research beforehand to ensure you are getting the best deal.
Underneath we have suggested the best Kornati National Park day trip from Zadar as a good starting place for your research.
Best organised tour from Zadar: Kornati National Park Full Day Boat Trip
Krka National Park
Krka National Park is a magical place full of waterfalls and gorges, and it is a perfect place to visit on a day trip from Zadar.
The undisputed highlight of Krka National Park is Skradinski Buk, an hour-long loop of boardwalks that weave their way through, around and over the waterfalls of Krka. When working out how to spend a day in Krka National Park, it is generally recommended that Skradinski Buk features at the beginning of your itinerary.
The National Park itself extends along the 73km Krka River, and on top of boasting an impressive number of waterfalls, it is also home to the Krka Monastery - the most important site in the Serbian Orthodox faith.
Visiting Krka National Park is an absolute must when you find yourself in Croatia, and Zadar offers the perfect chance to take a day trip to this wonderful place.
Best organised tour from Zadar: Krka National Park Day Trip
Krka National Park
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting on the Zrmanja River
75km from Zadar is the beautiful Zrmanja River - a paradise for adventure sports enthusiasts.
On a day trip from Zadar, the Zrmanja River is a great place to experience canoeing/kayaking as you are faced with mini-rapids, waterfalls and picturesque swimming holes.
The Zrmanja River is flanked by a steep-sided canyon, which is sure to provide incredible natural views. If you want to see more of the Croatian landscape during your visit to Zadar, an adventurous day trip to the Zrmanja River is certainly the best way to go about it.
Best organised tour from Zadar: Full Day Canoeing/Kayaking Trip in Kastel Zegarski
Best places to stay in Zadar
Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel (£££)
This charming heritage hotel is tucked away right at the very tip of the city’s old town peninsula and represents the height of elegance in Zadar. With the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation a mere 300m away, the Almayer Hotel is ideally located to make the perfect base for your trip to Zadar.
Almayer Heritage Hotel - Zadar
Lazy Monkey Hostel (£)
The Lazy Monkey Hostel is widely regarded as one of the best hostels in Zadar, and if you prefer a budget-friendly, sociable atmosphere when you travel, then you should look no further.
Lazy Monkey Hostel features an on-site bar, as well as providing evening entertainment and a number of activities in and around Zadar - the hostel is a 3-minute walk from Podbrig Beach and the staff are able to organise snorkelling excursions.
Lazy Monkey Hostel - Dorm-style Rooms
How to get to Zadar?
Getting to Zadar by Air
Zadar International Airport can be found around 12km East of the city, with many transport link options available at the terminal to get you into the old town area of Zadar.
Buses into the old town depart from the main terminal for a fee of around 25KN (£2.70/$3.50) one-way.
A taxi into the old town of Zadar is likely to cost around 180-200KN (£20-22), and again, these can be found directly outside of the main terminal exit.
Getting to Zadar by Bus
The Zadar bus station is approximately 1km southeast of the old town of Zadar and features bus routes regularly serving a number of different cities around Croatia.
Dubrovnik - Zadar (8 hours) - around 180KN (£20/$26)
Rijeka - Zadar (4.5 hours) - around 156KN (£17/$22)
Split - Zadar (3 hours) - around 86KN (£9/$11)
Zagreb - Zadar (3.5 hours) - around 110KN (£12/$15)
Getting to Zadar by Car
Zadar is a popular place to visit for a day as part of a longer trip around the coast of Croatia. It takes roughly 1.5 hours to drive from Split to Zadar along the E65 highway (toll road), but we recommend taking the slightly longer route via the coastal road to take in as many views as possible.
If travelling from Zagreb, Zadar is a relatively straightforward 3-hour journey along the highway, passing right through the centre of Croatia before reaching the coast.
Is Zadar worth visiting?
The answer is very simple - yes, Zadar is definitely worth visiting.
The city may not have the overall charm of Dubrovnik or be quite as lively as Hvar or Split, but Zadar is an intriguing, vibrant city that has plenty to offer.
Zadar possesses brilliant ferry links if you wish to explore any of the surrounding islands, on top of boasting a fascinating history and a hugely atmospheric cafe scene. Zadar truly has something for everybody.
Best of all, the city doesn’t attract anywhere near the number of tourists that Dubrovnik or Zagreb do, allowing it to be enjoyed by visitors and residents alike.
Petar Zoranica Square
Best time of year to visit Zadar
We visited Zadar in early April, and it was absolutely perfect - the temperature was a lovely 17°C (62°F), which meant you could walk around all day in shorts and a t-shirt without the fear of being too cold or getting far too burnt.
Thankfully, at this time of the year, the number of visitors is at a minimum, giving you a free range of all the best cafes, restaurants, bars and excursions. All the popular boat tours and cruises were still running, meaning you get to enjoy everything Zadar offers with a fraction of the people there to get in the way.
April-May and September-October are certainly the best times to visit Zadar - the weather is still warm, everything is still within a season, and mercifully, the number of tourists remains relatively manageable.
There we have it, folks, our round-up of the best things to do in Zadar.
This gem of a city on the Adriatic Coast was one of the highlights of our road trip across Croatia, and we hope this article has inspired you to create an action-packed travel itinerary for your own trip to Zadar.
