Zadar is a city in the Dalmatian region of Croatia. It is the oldest city in the country that has been continuously inhabited. Hence the majority of the best places to visit in Zadar, Croatia are historical sites.
At the same time, it is a beautiful coastal city surrounded by beaches, islands, forests, lakes, and of course the Adriatic Sea. So there are a lot of fun things to do in Zadar as well. Let’s explore both of these aspects of Zadar travel.
Also known as Zara, this city has a history going back to the Neolithic Age. You will find things to see in Zadar, Croatia from a variety of periods of history. Over the ages, the city has been home to several civilizations including Illyrians, Romans, Venetians, and many more. You will see the influence of these cultures on many sites that are now Zadar tourist attractions.
The beautifully architectured and opulently decorated historical sites take nothing away from the modern Zadar attractions. You will see incredible monuments that work in harmony with the ocean and sunlight to create magical experiences for those who visit Zadar.
But that is not all that is modern in this city. The beachside location has also given rise to a happening nightlife culture. The beach clubs and bars are top attractions in Zadar in their own right. However, these beaches are a place for leisure, adventure, and incredible scenic beauty.
While there are numerous beaches in Zadar and around it. There are also quite a few beautiful ones on the islands with some of the best things to do near Zadar. The island beaches also have seclusion and are far less crowded. For those who want to enjoy scenic ocean views, these are the best beaches in Zadar, Croatia.
You can take a simple boat ride to get to these islands. Or you can take a beautiful sailing cruise for Zadar sightseeing and island trips. Aside from beaches, the islands are home to an abundance of wildlife, aquatic life, and natural wonders. They are also the hub for adventure activities in Zadar such as surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, swimming, and more.
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Top 22 Tourist Places to Visit in Zadar, Croatia
1. St. Mary’s Church
This Benedictine convent dates back to 1066, however, the current structure was built around the 16th century. It primarily exhibits Romanesque architecture with various other elements added to it over the years.
It is also one of the best places to visit in Zadar, Croatia to see classic interiors hailing from different periods. Furthermore, the church is home to a vast treasury that boasts a huge collection of Gold and Silver Coins, religious artifacts, artworks, and more. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this church when you visit Zadar in Croatia.
2. Archaeological Museum Zadar
This is the second oldest museum in the country with an impressive collection of more than 100,000 objects from different periods. It is among the best things to do in Zadar, Croatia for history lovers.
You will see artifacts from the prehistoric period, Stone Age, medieval times, Roman reign, and so on. You will also get deep insight into the history and culture of Croatia between the 7th and 12th centuries. You will find some of the most interesting things to see in Zadar, Croatia in this museum. It takes at least 2 hours to tour this place.
3. Roman Forum
This structure was commissioned by Augustus, the first Roman Emperor. It is dated between the 1st century BCE and the 3rd century CE. It is believed to be a temple dedicated to Jupiter, Minerva, and Juno.
The site is also considered to be the spiritual heart of the city as it is surrounded by many important religious sites as well as many Zadar tourist attractions. You will need an hour to explore the archeological site.
4. Church of St. Donatus
This church is dedicated to the 9th bishop Donatus of Zadar. Much of the church was designed by the bishop himself. The design inspired the court chapels of Charlemagne. Hence it is among the most unique-looking Zadar attractions.
You can take a guided tour that covers the history, architecture, and cultural significance of the church. You will need 20 to 30 minutes from Zadar travel for this tour.
5. Zadar Cathedral
This 12th-century cathedral is one of the most impressive ancient structures in the city. The cathedral is known for its beautiful architecture with an elaborate facade design. It is one of the most beautiful places to see in Zadar, Croatia.
The interiors of this cathedral are even richer than the exterior. It is home to several incredible pieces of religious art including a relief of the Madonna & Child, a Gothic Style Rose Window, 12th-century Crypt, an Altar of St. Sacrament, and more. The church is a major highlight of Zadar sightseeing and you need at least an hour to explore it.
6. Sea Organ
This structure is a feat of architectural creativity. It is a series of steps that play to the tune of ocean waves. It is among the top things to do in Zadar’s old town. The structure was designed by Nikola Basic to harness the music of the ocean and winds.
The Sea Organ produces a deep soothing sound as the ocean plays it. Take a few minutes to sit by the place and enjoy the sight and sound of the sea. This is one of the most under-appreciated activities to do in Zadar.
7. Monument to the Sun
This is yet another wonderful contribution of Nikola Basic to Zadar. The monument consists of 300 glass panels of 22 meters in diameter. The solar panel stores electricity which is then used for a light show after sunset. It is among the best things to do in Zadar at night. You should take a few minutes to enjoy the show.
8. The Land Gate
This stone gate was built in 1543 and was the main entrance of the city for several years. It is also among Zadar’s top attractions for its beautiful carvings and sculptures. You need 10-15 minutes or so to admire it when you visit Zadar.
9. 5 Wells Square
Just as the name suggests, this public square was built on 5 wells. These had great significance for the city as they supplied fresh water to the residents. The wells were built by Venetians over a moat and were built alongside the city’s fortification.
The wells supplied water to a large cistern, which was then used by the city. They are among the most important historical Zadar attractions. You need 10-15 minutes to explore this square.
10. Museum of Illusions (Muzej Iluzija)
The museum is just as advertised. It consists of exhibits that create an optical illusion. Some of them are also interactive, you can be part of the illusion. It is among the most fun things to do in Zadar, Croatia.
You can see yourself in different sizes, appear to be walking on the wall, overcome the vortex tunnel, survive the rotating room, and more. You need 30 to 45 to enjoy this museum.
I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket to the Museum of Illusions in advance.
11. Museum of Ancient Glass
Outside of Italy, this museum has the largest collection of ancient Roman glassware artifacts. The majority of the exhibits were discovered during archeological excavations in the Dalmatian region.
You will find some of the most interesting things to see in Zadar at this museum. There are a variety of practical and decorative glass items dating back to the Roman rule. You will need about 2 hours from Zadar travel to tour this museum.
12. People’s Square
This public square came to be during the Renaissance and bears several hallmarks of the era. It is among the best places to visit in Zadar for people-watching. You can take a seat in one of the cafes, restaurants, or bars and enjoy the view of people going about their business or the architecture of Zadar tourist attractions surrounding the square. You won’t need more than a few minutes to explore this square.
13. Market Zadar
This market sells all kinds of things, but the majority of shops give you locally produced items. You can buy fresh meats, vegetables, fruits, and seafood. You can also buy food products, handicraft items, dairy, baked goods, and more.
Trying out the various street foods and snacks is also among the most fun things to do in Zadar Old Town. You will need an hour or so to explore this market.
I suggest you should try a Market Tour with a Cooking Class in Zadar.
14. Church of St. Chrysogonus
This 12th-century church is dedicated to St. Chrysogonus, the patron saint of the city. It was built on the site of a Roman Emporium. The church is included among Zadar’s top attractions for its architecture, history, and cultural significance.
The interiors of the church got a major uplift during the Renaissance. It is adorned with paintings, frescoes, carvings, sculptures, and so on. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore the church.
15. Sea Gate
This gate was built in the 16th century to honor of the Battle of Lepanto. Much like the Land Gate, this arch also bears several carvings and sculptures including Venetian lion and St. Chrysogonus.
Overlooking the ocean and the port, it is one of the most beautiful places to see in Zadar. Take a couple of minutes to admire this structure while exploring the waterfront.
16. Boat Cruises
Among all the best things to do near Zadar in Croatia, there is nothing more picturesque than taking a boat cruise to explore the archipelago. You get to pick from a variety of boat types including cruise boats, sailing boats, and speed boats.
The trips can take you for Zadar sightseeing or to explore the ocean or to get to nearby islands. You can also combine the trip with fun activities to do in Zadar such as scuba diving and island hiking tours. No matter what you pick, you will need at least an hour for the experience.
Below I am suggesting some of the popular Boat Trips in Zadar:
- Private Boat Tour to Croatian Islands
- Island-Hopping Boat Tour with Drinks
- Half-Day Sailing Trip
17. Kolovare Beach
This is considered the best beach in Zadar, Croatia. You enjoy the golden sands, pebbled shallows, and an expansive ocean view. You can get umbrellas and sun loungers for leisure. This Zadar beach also has massage centers, bars, cabins, and more.
You can easily spend a couple of hours at this beach when you visit Zadar. However, owing to its popularity, the beach is often populated. You can head to the islands to find more seclusion.
18. Sali Island
Speaking of which, Sali is a beautiful island in the Zadar Archipelago. You can take a boat to get to this absolute paradise. Surrounded by turquoise water and with a beautiful lake within its lap, the island is gorgeous.
It is home to a coastal village as well as the Telascica Nature Park. This is the place for a lot of outdoor things to do around Zadar. The nature park is blessed with incredible beauty. You can enjoy hiking, swimming, cycling, scuba diving, and many other activities on the island.
Sali is also home to some of the most amazing Zadar beaches. The best part is that these beaches are hardly ever crowded. You can make a day trip to Sali Island during Zadar travel.
19. Adventure Activities to do in Zadar
Surrounding the city, there are a variety of places to visit around Zadar. You have forests, islands, lakes, hills, islands, beaches, and the ocean. So naturally, you also get to enjoy a whole lot of outdoor and adventure activities when you visit Zadar.
Each terrain offers something for thrill seekers and nature lovers. Some of the top things to do near Zadar include scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, row-boating, canoeing, bungee jumping, and more.
You can also go hiking through forests or nature trails and swim in lakes and oceans. No matter the activity to do in Zadar, you will need at least an hour.
Here below I have listed some of the top adventure activities to do in Zadar:
- Guided Kayak Safari and waterfalls in River Zrmanja
- Full-Day Kayaking Tour in Dugi Otok
- Underwater Exploration Tour in Semi-Submarine
- Full-Day Sailing Trip with Snorkeling
20. Borik Beach
While other beaches in Zadar are popular daytime activities, Borik Beach is a happening nightlife venue. You can visit the sea-facing bars, clubs, resorts, and more. If you want to spend an evening partying, Borik Beach is the best Zadar attraction for it.
21. Plitvice Lakes National Park
Possibly the most scenic things to see in Zadar trip. The National Park has beautiful hiking trails through forests and boardwalks. You will be surrounded by streams, lakes, grasslands, and waterfalls.
You will also come across aquatic life, animals, and birds during the trails. It is among the best things to do near Zadar in Croatia and you need at least 3 hours for the experience.
I suggest you should book a Full-Day Guided Tour of Plitvice Lakes with a Boat Ride in advance.
22. Kornati National Park
This national park spans across several islands in the Zadar archipelago. You can get here by boat to explore the hiking trails and wildlife on the island. Or venture to the ocean for snorkeling, swimming, and scuba diving. You will need 3 to 4 hours for this nature excursion.
I suggest you should book a Full Day Boat Trip to Kornati National Park with Lunch and Swim Stop in advance.
If you are looking for more places to see in Zadar, check out the sections below. We have created a complete list of attractions and activities that you can enjoy in the city and around it.
Things to do in Zadar, Croatia
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Zadar, Croatia
- Church of St. Donatus
- Roman Forum
- Cathedral of St. Anastasia
- Museum of Ancient Glass
- The Five Wells Square
- The Land Gate
- Archeological Museum of Zadar
- Benedictine Monastery of St. Maria
- National Museum Zadar
- Duke’s Palace
- Fort St. Michael
- Arsenal Zadar MS
- Bell Tower
- Church of the Holy Cross
- Church of St. Krsevan
- Zadarska Sfinga
- Zadar Archdiose
- Solana Nin Salt Museum
- Captain’s Tower
- Zadar National Museum
- Sea Gate
- Church of St. Simon
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Zadar, Croatia
- Musapstan Forest Park
- Zadar Archipelago
- Pltivice Lakes National Park
- Dugi Otok
- Kornati National Park
- Zrmanja River
- Sakarun Bay
- Golubinka Cave
- Velebit Mountains
- Krka National Park
- Telascica Nature Park
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Zadar, Croatia
- Degarra Winery
- Queen Jelena Madijevka Park
- Riva Zadar
- Zatonino
- Museum of Optical Illusions
- Buffalo Bill Western City
- The Park of Vladmir Nazor
- Park Vruljica
- Wibit Park
- Biograd Fun Park
- Zadar Puppet Theatre
- Maraska Factory
Shopping in Zadar, Croatia
- Market Zadar
- Advent du Zadar
- Radman Peninsula
- Kalelarga Street
- City Galleria
- Zadar Shopping Capital
- Supernova Zadar
Islands & Beaches in Zadar, Croatia
- Kolovare Beach
- Borik Beach
- Zrce Beach
- Punta Rozica Plaza Beach
- Petrcane Beach
- Maestrala Beach
- Osljak Island
- Punta Bajlo Beach
- Plage de Podbrig
- Punta Bibinje Beach
- Punta Skala Beach
- Otok Rivanj Island
- Plaza Mostir
- Beach of Children’s Paradise
- Zaton Holiday Resort Beach
- Galevac Island
- Jaz Beach
- Batalaza Beach
- Plaza Kozino Beach
- Karma Beach
- Prtljug Beach
- Plaza Prodorica Beach
- Plage de Lipauska
- Mala Sabusa Beach
- Plaza Uskok Island
- Lipauska Plaza Beach
- Sepurine Plaza Beach
- Plisa Plaza Beach
- Mali Zdrelac Beach
- Plage Beach
- Golden Wave Beach
- Pineta Beach
- Mul Beach
- Punta Zelena Beach
- Lamjana Beach
- Plage de Bibinje
- Beriknica Beach
- Rucica Beach
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Zadar, Croatia
- Scuba Diving
- Snorkeling
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Birdwatching
- Rowboating
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Bungee Jumping
- Boat Cruise
- Jet Skiing
- Sea-Plane Tour
Sightseeing in Zadar, Croatia
- Sea Organ
- The Greetings to the Sun
- Narodni TRG Square
- Port Authority Zadar
- Zdrelac Bridge
- Gradski Most Bridge
- Zadar City Walls
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Zadar, Croatia
- Famous Beach Bar & Grill
- Fosa
- Beach Bar Bamboo
- Art of Raw
- Bistro Gourmet Kalelarga Beach
- Arsenal Zadar MS
- Pet Burana
- Kornat
- 2Ribara
- Bruschetta
- La Famiglia
- Niko
- Karoca Gre
- Proto Food & More
- Stari Most
- The Garden Lounge
- Kastel
- Mamma Mia
- Art Kavana
- Pasta & Svasta
- Tinel
- Maguro
- Atrij
- Restoran 4 Kantuna
- Lungo Mare
- Buffet Kod Stipe
- Konoba Rafaelo
- Harbour CookHouse & Club
- TriBunara
- Konoba Dalmacija
Where to Stay in Zadar?
Here we have listed the Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range, and Budget Hotels in Zadar. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Zadar.
Luxurious Hotels
- Almayer Art & Heritage Hotel
- Art Hotel Kalelarga
- Hotel Bastion
- Falkensteiner Club Funimation Borik
- Villa Hresc
- Villa Dalmatia
- Hotel Niko
- Teatro Verdi Boutique Hotel
- Borelli Palace Zadar
- Luxury Rooms Kadena
Mid-Range Hotels
- Demar Residence Zadar
- Hotel Delfin Zadar
- Boutique Hostel Forum
- Villa Liburnum
- Downtown Boutique Hostel
- Villa Triana
- Idassa Palace
- Villa Ivana
- Apartments & Rooms Lavandula Exclusive
- Villa Karla
Budget Hotels
- Youth Hostel Zadar
- Pansion Maria
- Falkensteiner Premium Mobile Homes and Camping Zadar
- El Mirador Rooms
- Apartments Mira
- Accomodation Gina
- Villa Julian
- Tequila Bar Hostel
- Rooms & Apartments Linda & Mario
- Apartments Piero
Custom Tours Package in Zadar
How to Reach Zadar, Croatia?
By Air
The city is served by Zadar Airport. It receives direct flights from Belgrade, Vienna, Brussels, Munich, Zagreb, Amsterdam, Berlin, London, Milan, Cologne, Stuttgart, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Luxembourg, and several other cities in Europe. You can get buses and cabs from the airport to get to the city.
By Road
Lovinac and Gracac are the closest train stations to visit Zadar. You can get a bus from either of these towns. The bus network to reach Zadar is far more widespread. You can basically get a bus from several cities and towns in the country.
If you are planning to reach Zadar by road, you should head for route E65 and then turn to route 424.
By Water
You can get boats to get to several islands on the Zadar archipelago. You can also get boats from Dubrovnik and Rijeka to get to Zadar.
Image Reference
- St. Mary’s Church – luka992 / PixaBay
- Archaeological Museum Zadar – AnatolyPm / Wikimedia Commons
- Roman Forum – Palauenc05 / Wikimedia Commons
- Church of St. Donatus – dronepicr / Flickr
- Zadar Cathedral – Henrik / PixaBay
- Sea Organ – dronepicr / Flickr
- Monument to the Sun – Larry Koester / Flickr
- The Land Gate – Fred Romero / Flickr
- 5 Wells Square – Fred Romero / Flickr
- Museum of Illusions (Muzej Iluzija) –
- Museum of Ancient Glass – urban_lenny / Flickr
- People’s Square – Larry Koester / Flickr
- Market Zadar – michael clarke stuff / Flickr
- Church of St. Chrysogonus – Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons
- Sea Gate – Ciocolli / Wikimedia Commons
- Boat Cruises – Richard Clifford / Flickr
- Kolovare Beach – dronepicr / Flickr
- Sali Island – vlasta2 / Flickr
- Adventure Activities to do in Zadar – Niksy / PixaBay
- Borik Beach – Joadl / Wikimedia Commons
- Plitvice Lakes – xuhuibjcn / PixaBay
- Kornati National Park – Josef Grunig / Flickr
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