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Zadar, Croatia

Destination guide

Zadar

Croatia

Zadar is the biggest city, cultural, economic and transit center of northern Dalmatia and the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia. Zadar is today one of the most popular Croatian tourist destinations, named "entertainment center of the Adriatic" by The Times and "Croatia's new capital of cool" by The…

AI insights

AI-written from the Wikivoyage listings, transport section and the video stats on this page

  • Spend your afternoon at the Roman Forum; unlike many preserved sites, this is a living space where locals gather to sit and stroll, making it the ideal spot to experience the city's rhythm.

  • Climb the bell tower at Katedrala sv. Stošije for the best vantage point of the city, but remember that the entrance to the tower is physically separate from the entrance to the cathedral itself.

  • For an authentic local meal, seek out small taverns like Konoba Tovar, which are known for serving traditional dishes in an atmosphere that prioritizes quality and local character.

  • If you are staying in residential districts like Diklo or Borik, use the local bus network to reach the city core; while taxis are also available for hire, the bus is the primary form of public transit connecting these areas to the historic center.

  • Visit the Church of St. Donatus during the summer months to catch classical music concerts held within the historic structure, which now functions as a museum rather than an active place of worship.

How we vet these picks

Every pick is drawn from real sources — YouTube creators, Wikivoyage, and Wikipedia. We only surface sources that actually exist and that we've checked for authenticity — no filler, no dead-end searches.

Best time to go

Best window: March–August and October

Kind weather all year — there is no month to avoid.

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IdealGoodOkayOff-season

Rated from ten years of daily temperature and rainfall recorded at this destination, via Open-Meteo's ERA5 reanalysis. Hover a month for its real numbers.

Getting around

By bus

Virtually all the routes have a stop at the Autobusni kolodvor (Bus station). In the newer part of the city there is another popular bus stop: – at the post office at the crossroads of Ul. Josipa Jurja Strossmayera and Ul. Stjepana Radića.

On foot

The centre is easy enough to get around on foot. To reach the bus and train stations or Youth Hostel you will probably need to catch one of the frequent local buses, which are the only form of public transportation.

By taxi

The main taxi ranks in Zadar are at the following locations: Ferry quay at the Liburnska obala in the old town (near the bus stop), tel. +385 (0)23 251 400 Obala kneza Branimira at the opposite end of the bridge across the Jazine bay

By bicycle

The cycling infrastructure improved during the 2010s. But still, foreign traffic participants pay more attention to cyclists than locals.

Transport notes from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0.

What to see

Places are listed from Wikivoyage and our own sourced research. Worth it means a second, independent source names the place too; “3 sources agree” means three or more do — and each card names them, so you can check.

Sea Organ

4 sources agree

Also recommended by Lonely Planet and 3 others

A set of stone steps built with hidden pipes that turn the sea's push and pull into an eerie, ever-changing musical drone, designed by architect Nikola Bašić.

Vetted sources

Greeting to the Sun

Worth it

Also recommended by Lonely Planet

A circular, solar-powered light installation beside the Sea Organ that puts on a rippling light show choreographed with the same architect's soundscape after dark.

Vetted sources

Crkva svetog Donata

· Cheap

The church is one of the best preserved pre-Romanesque buildings in the world. It is pretty difficult to miss, as it has become the most recognizable symbol of Zadar.

Katedrala sv. Stošije

· Cheap

In the cathedral there is an impressive organ that was nearly destroyed in the last war. Climb up the bell tower for a nice view over the city. The bell tower's entrance is separate from the rest of the cathedral.

Forum Romanum

· Free

Remains of the Roman forum - One of the best preserves Roman forums in existence. This is a common place for locals to stroll, sit down among the ruins and enjoy a nice summer day.

Kopnena Vrata

· Free

Historic entrance gate to the city, built to a design by the Venetian architect Michele Sanmicheli in 1543.

St. Mary & St. Simeon

Trg Šime Budinica

St. Mary also houses a museum of antique religious relics and artifacts.

Sveučilište u Zadru

The university in its current modern form was refounded in 2002, but it was founded 1396, which makes it the oldest university in Croatia, and one of the oldest universities in Europe.

Vetted sources

What to do

Kornati Islands boat excursion

Worth it

Also recommended by Lonely Planet

A day-long boat trip from Zadar out to a stark archipelago of over 140 uninhabited limestone islands, cliffs and grottoes.

Vetted sources

What to eat

Foša

Worth it

Also recommended by Lonely Planet

A harbourside restaurant known for working delicate truffles and Pag Island sheep cheese into its Dalmatian seafood dishes.

Vetted sources

Restaurant Karoca Gre

Sutomiska 3

Specialized in grilled meat and fish. Large portions, fast service, competitive prices. Suitable for large groups and lunch or dinner with kids. Outside the old town, reachable by public transport (bus 8 Diklo - Kolodvor).

Gušti

Ul. Zrinsko Frankopanska 20

Very good pizza, quality ingredients, the dough is very soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. Great and fast service, employees speak English. Great atmosphere and kindness.

Vetted sources

Crazy Pizza

Stomorica ul. 1

The pizza is fresh and tasty, the people who serve are very nice. If you seek a quick, easy treat then get to this place. A giant pizza can feed a family of 4.

Vetted sources

Konoba Tovar

Ul. Matice Dalmatinske 1

Small tavern. Real local food. You can eat very well here. Chef and staff ensure good food and a good atmosphere.

Vetted sources

2Ribara

Ul. Blaža Jurjeva 1

Small restaurant in the historic center of Zadar, 5-min walk from the Roman Forum. Decent food for a fair price.

Vetted sources

Barbakan

Ul. Ruđera Boškovića 5

Tables outside - nice atmosphere. Frequented especially in the evening by young people and adults. Good food.

Vetted sources

Where to stay

Hotel Kolovare

Worth it

Also recommended by Travel Insights

Bože Peričića 14

The only hotel close to the city center.

Villa Nico

Krešimirova Obala 138

A small family-run hotel and restaurant at the sea side, halfway between Borik and Diklo. Bus stop of line 8 is 50 m away from the hotel. Fair prices, friendly service.

Hotel Niko

Obala kneza Domagoja 98

Hotel Niko is 3.5 km from Zadar city centre. It offers a panoramic view of the old town of Zadar. It has 15 stylish and comfortable rooms.

Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa

Punta Skala

A five-star hotel north of Zadar in Punta Skala peninsula.

Youth Hostel

5 km from the city centre by the marina in Borik. Take buses 5 or 8

Not the most romantic place, but one of the cheapest.

Sunset hostel

· Moderate

Located at the edge of town near the harbor, this small hostel offers private rooms and dorms on 2 floors. Communal kitchen, Wifi. Small courtyard, balconies.

Vetted sources

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Travel content from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Encyclopedic context from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Videos via the YouTube Data API.