Top 12 Things to Do in Zadar, Croatia

Zadar Travel Guide Adriatic Sea
 

Why should you visit Zadar, Croatia?

Are you wondering what to do in Zadar, Croatia? We spent one day exploring the seaside city. Zadar is a laid-back city with plenty to do and see. Our Zadar travel guide includes the twelve best things to do in Zadar, Croatia.

Continue reading to get all the information for the perfect trip to Zadar.

We cover location, main sights, where to eat, and other tips to have a fantastic time on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast.

In addition, we include information for visiting another must-see city in Croatia, Dubrovnik.

*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you buy something using the links, we will receive a commission. Using the link is at NO extra cost to you. We appreciate it when you buy through one of our affiliate links. It is a great way to show your support for us. It will allow us to continue to bring you valuable, free content.

 

Be sure to check out our full Zadar Vlog. We go to each place mentioned in this post: Top 12 Things to Do in Zadar, Croatia.

 

Top 12 Things to Do in Zadar, Croatia

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Where is Zadar, Croatia?

Zadar is in the northern part of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. Situated on the Adriatic Sea, Zadar has quickly become one of Croatia’s most popular tourist destinations. Zadar is famous for its Roman ruins, art installations, and sunsets.

 
 

What are the main sights to see in Zadar?

These are the 12 best things to do and see in Zadar, Croatia.

-Foša

-Land Gate

-The Five Wells Square

-People’s Square

-Široka

-Roman Forum

-Cathedral of St. Anastasia

-Zadar Seafront (Riva)

-Eva II Gelatina Originale

-Zadar Sea Organ

-The Greeting to the Sun

-Konoba Dalmatina

 

Looking for a tour of Zadar?

 

1. Foša (Harbor)

Zadar Travel Guide Foša

Foša is a little harbor in front of the Land Gate. It was the first Zadar attraction that we came across during our visit.

Zadar Travel Guide Foša

The harbor area has boats, a restaurant, and a promenade that leads to Zadar’s main city gate. It is the perfect place to take a stroll. Foša sets the stage for how laid-back Zadar is.

 

2. Land Gate 

Zadar Travel Guide Land Gate

Zadar has eight gates used as entrances into the city. The Land Gate is the main entrance and prettiest gate. It is by the Foša harbor, so if you visit Foša first, the Land Gate is close.

The main feature of the gate is the winged lion of St. Mark in the middle.

 

3. The Five Wells Square

Zadar Travel Guide The Five Wells Square

Five Wells Square (Trg 5 Bunara) gets its name because the square has five wells in it. The area was a former moat, and the wells supplied water to the city of Zadar until the 19th century.

Today, the wells do not have water; instead, the square is for hosting events.

 

4. People’s Square

Zadar Travel Guide People’s Square

People’s Square (Narodni Trg) is the main square of Zadar’s Old Town. The square has a city hall, a clock tower, and several cafes and restaurants.

It is a great place to enjoy a meal or a drink.

 

5. Široka

Zadar Travel Guide Široka

Široka (Kalelarga) is Zadar’s Main Street. The street runs down the middle of the city and has shops and cafes on either side.

If you have been to Dubrovnik, Kalelarga is similar to Stradun.

 

6.  Roman Forum

Zadar Travel Guide Roman Forum

The Roman Forum in Zadar is the largest in Croatia. Commissioned by the first Roman Emperor, Augustus, it has been at the center of life in Zadar.

It has the Church of St. Donatus (a symbol of Zadar) and Roman ruins.

Zadar Travel Guide Roman Forum column

There is only one Roman column that remains in the forum. During the Middle Ages, the column served as a place to publicly shame those that broke the law. Chains used to tie people to the pillar are still there.

 

7. Cathedral of St. Anastasia

Zadar Travel Guide Cathedral of St. Anastasia

The Cathedral of St. Anastasia is also known as the Zadar Cathedral. It is close to the Roman Forum and has a bell tower that offers views of Zadar.

 

8. Zadar Seafront

Zadar Travel Guide Zadar Riva

The Zadar Seafront (Riva) is a seaside promenade along the Adriatic Sea. It is the perfect place to take a walk.

 

9. Eva II Gelatina Originale

Zadar Travel Guide Eva II Gelatina Originale

This gelato shop is along the Zadar Riva. They have a nice outdoor seating area.

Zadar Travel Guide gelato

We got yogurt and berry gelato and a coffee cream slush.

One scoop of gelato is 14 Kuna ($1.94).

The coffee cream slush is 18 Kuna ($2.50).

 

10. Zadar Sea Organ

Zadar Travel Guide Zadar Sea Organ

Also located along the Zadar Riva is the sea organ.

The Zadar Sea Organ is a unique art installation that plays music. The way it works is there are holes drilled into the marble. The holes connect to 35 organ pipes under the marble. When waves interact with the organ pipes, it creates music.

Zadar Travel Guide sunset

People gather along the Zadar Riva to watch the famous Zadar sunset and listen to the sea organ.

Alfred Hitchcock once said that the sunset in Zadar was the best in the world.

 

11. The Greeting to the Sun

Zadar Travel Guide The Greeting to the Sun

The Greeting to the Sun is another Zadar art installation. It is at the end of the seaside promenade.

There are solar modules that light up when the sun goes down. It is the perfect place to watch the famous Zadar sunset and listen to the Zadar Sea Organ.

 

12. Konoba Dalmatina

Zadar Travel Guide Konoba Dalmatina

After a busy day exploring Zadar, we recommend having dinner at one of Zadar’s highly rated restaurants. Konoba Dalmatina serves seafood and Croatian dishes.

We got Ćevapi and seafood pasta with local beer. The total price for the meal was 212 Kuna ($29.39).

 

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    Those are our 12 best things to do in Zadar. We hope that this travel guide has inspired you to want to visit Zadar, Croatia.

     

    Wondering where else to visit in Croatia?

    Pula is a hidden gem on the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula on the Bay of Pula.

    In our Pula vlog, we take you on a walking tour of Pula and show you the best attractions in Pula.

    From the Pula Arena to the Temple of Augustus, it makes for a perfect day trip from Rovinj.

    Check out our Pula blog to find out how to explore Pula in one day.

     
     

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