Top 12 Things to Do in Zadar, Croatia
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.
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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.
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)
Foša is a little harbor in front of the Land Gate. It was the first Zadar attraction that we came across during our visit.
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 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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
This gelato shop is along the Zadar Riva. They have a nice outdoor seating area.
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
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.
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
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
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).
Need help planning your trip?
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.
Check out these One Way Ticket blog posts about other Croatia destinations.
What to Eat in Zagreb: 8 Must-Visit Restaurants
How to Spend an Amazing Day in Zagreb, Croatia
How to Explore Pula, Croatia in One Day
One Way Ticket Travel Resources
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Book Your Tours
Check out tours for your trip using Get Your Guide.
They have tons of tours, excursions, and activities to choose from in locations around the world.
Viator is another great resource for booking tours.
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*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.
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