Your guide to Zadar
Zadar highlights
Nature’s art
Everyone stops to see the Sea Organ on their trip to Zadar. This seaside attraction is a series of steps linked to 35 organ pipes that create beautiful sounds when the wind blows. From there check out another land art masterpiece — Greeting to the Sun. This strip of pavement features 300 colour-changing solar panels, promising a spectacular nighttime light show.
Outdoor adventures
Whether you’re on a short break to Zadar or a longer escape, explore the beautiful nature surrounding the city. Hike through the Krka National Park and the Plitvice Lakes National Park, or visit Nin, Croatia’s oldest royal town. Want to explore Zadar’s archipelago? Sail to Sali, book an easy excursion to the Kornati Islands, or visit Pag, known for its lace-making and cheese.
Roman life
Walk in the Romans’ footsteps with a visit to the Roman Forum. Once the epicentre of the city’s public life, today you can stroll freely among the remains of colonnades and temples. Then head to the nearby Archaeological Museum to see a model of how the forum would have looked in its heyday around 2,000 years ago.
Zadar: Know before you go
| Language | Croatian |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST) |
| High season | July - August |
| Low season | November - March |
Find the best time to go to Zadar
Weather in Zadar
March – May: Spring brings mild temperatures that reach the low 20s°C in May. This is a perfect time to hit the beaches without the crowds. But be prepared for brisk water.
June – August: The high season sees plenty of sunshine and balmy weather cooled by ocean breezes. Get your sightseeing in before the midday heat.
September – November: Early autumn stays warm before things cool down in late October. Watch the changing leaves at Plitvice Lakes National Park.
December – February: Winters can get chilly, and many tourist businesses close for the season. But Christmas markets and holiday festivities add a seasonal sparkle.
Events in Zadar
Zadar Summer Theatre Festival (June to August): This popular summer festival has a little bit of everything. Enjoy live theatre from local and international groups, music and dance performances, and even puppet shows at venues throughout the city.
Full Moon Festival (July or August): For one night, locals fill the streets to celebrate the full moon. Stroll through food markets beneath twinkling lights, then dance to traditional Croatian music. The event ends with a fireworks show.
Zadar Street Food Festival (September): Held on Zadar’s picturesque waterfront, this ten-day event offers a variety of food stalls alongside local wine and live music performances.
The best neighbourhoods in Zadar
Old Town
Home to a treasure trove of history and culture, the Old Town is the best neighbourhood to stay in Zadar for first-time visitors. Wander the cobblestone streets to discover the Roman Forum, the Church of St Donatus and the Cathedral of St Anastasia. Then stroll along Zadar’s medieval city walls for panoramic Adriatic views.
Good for: Churches, sea views, restaurants
Borik
Known for its popular namesake beach, Borik offers clear waters and great views of the Old Town. Let the kids loose on the neighbourhood’s playgrounds, or set off for an adventure around the nearby hiking trails. With a good selection of restaurants, Borik has everything you need for a relaxing stay.
Good for: Beach, hiking, restaurants
Diklo
Located just outside the city centre, Diklo is where to stay in Zadar for fewer crowds and a more laid-back atmosphere. Spend afternoons on the local beach and have fun with watersports like jet-skiing and banana boating. After dark take your pick of waterfront restaurants, and finish the night at a beach bar.
Good for: Beach, jet skiing, beach bars
Things to do in Zadar
Beaches
No trip to Zadar is complete without a day on the beach. Swim in the sea at Kolovare Beach, or enjoy paddleboarding and scuba diving around Borik Beach. Looking for a quiet spot to soak up the sun? Try Puntamika Beach. Most beaches in Zadar are a mix of sand and pebbles, so consider packing a pair of aqua shoes.
Places to eat
Timeless Dalmatian and Mediterranean recipes meet modern innovation in the city’s excellent eateries. Try freshly caught monkfish at Kornat, one of the best restaurants in Zadar. Or feast on ‘ispod peke’ (coal-roasted lamb) and marina views at Konoba Rafaelo. Feeling romantic? Book a table at Lungo Mare, whose patio promises unforgettable sunsets over Maestral Bay.
Family-friendly things to do
Zadar’s laid-back vibe makes it a perfect destination for the whole family. Spend time on the beaches, visit the Museum of Illusions, or catch a show at the Zadar Puppet Theatre. With playgrounds along the Riva waterfront and lots of spots around town to stop for gelato, it’s easy to find great things to do with family in Zadar.
Take in the culture
Zadar is packed with museums and cultural must-sees, including the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Ancient Glass and the Duke’s Palace. One of the most unique museums in Zadar is The Gold and Silver of Zadar, housed in the Benedictine convent of St Mary’s and showcasing religious treasures and artefacts.
Shopping
Shopping in Zadar for souvenirs? Make a beeline for Old Town’s Elizabete Kotromanic Street. Or browse for your favourite brands at Supernova Zadar, northern Dalmatia’s largest shopping centre. If you want to bring home a taste of your Croatian holiday, hit the stalls at Zadar Market and visit the Maraska store for bottles of the city’s famous cherry liqueur.
Nightlife
Rub shoulders with students in trendy Varos bars, or try the watering holes along Mihovila Pavlinovica and Stomorica streets. Want to hit the dance floor? Look no further than Podroom Night Club and Hype Bar. For a more chilled taste of the nightlife in Zadar, grab a cocktail at Beach Bar Bamboo or the Pirate Bar.
Get ready for Zadar
Budget
To explore Zadar on a budget, travel outside of the summer months, when attractions like Plitvice Lakes and Krka national parks hike up their prices. You’ll usually find better deals during the shoulder season. An inexpensive meal costs about ten euros (€). Save even more with street foods like ‘burek’ (savoury pastries). A beer is about €3, and a coffee is around €2.
Day trips from Zadar
Head an hour south to the medieval town of Šibenik, a charming mix of terracotta-roofed houses and cobblestone streets. Don’t miss the Cathedral of St James, which features in ‘Game of Thrones’. Or take the short ferry trip to Ugljan, an island escape with secluded beaches. Dugi Otok is another underrated isle full of lush forests and sleepy coves.
Getting around Zadar
Zadar’s compact historic centre is easy to navigate on foot. You can also ride the local bus, whose routes bring you to key landmarks and neighbourhoods in the city. There are two ferry ports in the city offering service to nearby islands. Hire a car if you’re hoping to take day trips. Parking is available just outside the city walls.
