Att göra i Zadar - 12 sevärdheter och upplevelser

Updated 2023 - What to see and do in Zadar, Croatia? Zadar is an exciting city on the Dalmatian coast, full of history from different eras and modern attractions such as the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun. Zadar is also a great starting point for excursions to national parks and islands in the Croatian archipelago.

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Zadar in Croatia

Zadar is a historic city that was founded around 400 years before Christ. Today, around 75,000 people live here, which actually makes it the fifth largest city in Croatia (after Zagreb, Split, Rijeka and Osijek).

Located on the coast of Dalmatia, Zadar is both an industrial and tourist city, with a large harbour. There are plenty of historical monuments and good connections to many of the islands in the Croatian archipelago.

What to do in Zadar, Croatia?

There is a lot to see and do in Zadar. Here you will find tips on historical sights, but also on restaurants and excursions.

1. See remains from the Roman Empire

Zadar is a city with a long history. Already in the 8th century BC, the area was inhabited by Illyrians and a little later in history it was incorporated into the Roman Empire. There are several places in the city where you can see reminders of this time, most notably the Forum square.

The square was built between the first century BC and the second century AD. It includes the round church of St Donatus and the bell tower of St Anastasia.

Roman-era pillars can also be found elsewhere in the city, such as the large pillar next to the Square of the Five Wells.

2. Discovering history from many different eras

Zadar has been ruled not only by the Roman Empire, but also by Venice, France, Austria-Hungary and Italy. All these different historical epochs have left their mark, making it possible to walk around a city where all periods of history seem to exist at the same time. The town hall, for example, has a bell tower from a completely different era to the main building itself.

3. Check out historic churches in Zadar

The most famous church in Zadar is perhaps the round church of St Donatus, but there are also many other beautiful and interesting churches. A tip if you want to visit them is to make sure you wear (or bring) clothes that cover your shoulders.

We visited the Cathedral in Zadar (St Anastasia's Church), but I (Helena) happened to be wearing a tank top that day, so I had to settle for looking at Peter's picture of the inside of the church.

We also checked out St Mary's Benedictine monastery and church, which is right next to the Forum square.

4. Visit the Square of the Five Wells

Another thing you won't want to miss doing in Zadar is visiting Five Wells Square (Trg Pet Bunara). This square is located between the medieval city walls and the Renaissance bastion of Grimani, right next to Croatia's oldest park. Here you will find exactly what the name suggests - five wells.

Att göra i Zadar - De fem brunnarnas torg

The wells date back to the 17th century, when the Venetians helped the city resist a Turkish invasion by building a large water cistern with five ornamental wells. The Venetians also built the 'Captain's Tower' to resist the Turks. Today, the square is a popular venue for concerts and events and is also home to a large nightclub.

6. Stroll in Zadar's parks

Right next to the square with the fountains is Croatia's oldest public park, Queen Jelena Madije. The park was founded by the Austrian commander Baron Franz Ludwig von Welden in 1829. The Baron was a passionate botanist who thought the city's inhabitants needed a beautiful park.

Beyond the first park is a much larger park, called Vladimir Nazor Park. It was built in 1888-1890 and is named after one of Croatia's most famous writers.

7. Being impressed by the city walls and the Landsporten

The city walls of Zadar enclose parts of the historic centre and are an attraction in themselves. The city has had several city gates, six of which remain today. The most impressive of these is the Land Gate (Kopnena vrata), built in 1543.

8. Listen to the Sea Organ

The sea organ in Zadar is perhaps one of the city's most famous sights. This unusual musical instrument was built into the steps of a large concrete bridge, designed by Croatian architect Nikola Bašić.

As the sea waves move towards the staircase, air is forced into pipes built under the bridge, similar to the construction of an organ. The result is a random but beautiful sound - the music of the sea. Listening to the sea organ is something you don't want to miss in Zadar!

9. Fascinated by "Greeting to the Sun"

Greetings to the Sun (Pozdrav Suncu or Greetings to the Sun) is located right next to the Sea Organ and is perhaps an equally well-known installation. Here, too, architect Nikola Bašić has been at work. The work was created in 2008 and consists of three hundred glass plates with solar panels. During the day, the panels absorb sunlight, and at nightfall this is transformed into light.

To get the best experience of both the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation (and to see the sunset!), head here just before the sun sets over the ocean. When we were here, the artwork had recently been vandalised by a madman who broke the tiles. They looked and worked as usual, but you couldn't walk on them, which you usually can.

10. Experience the sunset in Zadar - the most beautiful in the world?

Many people you talk to say that the sunset in Zadar is the most beautiful in the world. We dare not vouch for that, but it is beautiful anyway! A perfect place to watch it is by the sea organ and the Sun Salutation.

11. Eat well in Zadar's restaurants

Another thing you want to do in Zadar is to eat in a restaurant. We had dinner in Zadar two nights during our trip. The first time we ate at a restaurant called Groppo, which has a really nice location overlooking Zadar's main street.

We started with a forest mushroom soup, and then Peter chose lamb and I (Helena) seabass with the classic side dish of potatoes with chard. For dessert we had dark and white chocolate mousse respectively.

The second evening we ate at the restaurant 2Ribara located in a quiet alley in the centre of Zadar. Here Peter ordered tuna and I (Helena) ordered a plate with several different kinds of fish - of course together with the classic mix of chard and potatoes. Certainly after the previous visit to the restaurant, we settled for ordering a dessert to share, and that was enough!

12. Make exciting excursions around Zadar

Zadar is well located on the Dalmatian coast and offers a wide range of excursions. Here are some suggestions for excursions in the immediate area.

Excursion to do in Zadar: Royal City of Nin

About 17 kilometres north of Zadar is the oldest Croatian capital, Nin, home to the world's smallest cathedral and lots of other history. In Nin you can also visit the Solana Nin salt museum, or perhaps swim on one of the town's sandy beaches.

READ MORE: Nin in Croatia - royal city with the world's smallest cathedral

Excursion to do in Zadar: Pag Island

About 30 kilometres north of Zadar is the bridge that leads to the island of Pag, and after another 30 kilometres on the island you reach the town of the same name. Pag is an elongated, barren and windswept island known for its salt production, Unesco-protected lace making, unique cheese and beautiful sandy beaches.

READ MORE: Pag Island in Croatia - salt, cheese and sandy beaches

Excursion to do in Zadar: Paklenica National Park

Paklenica National Park is located about 42 kilometres northeast of Zadar. This is a beautiful park consisting of two canyons, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its ancient lettering. The park is perfect for hiking, and climbing is also popular here.

READ MORE: Paklenica National Park in Croatia

Excursion to do in Zadar: Krka National Park

About 77 kilometres south of Zadar, Krka National Park is known for its stunning waterfalls. Here you can walk around on long wooden bridges while the water rushes around, and you can also take various boat trips in the park.

READ MORE: Krka National Park in Croatia

Excursion to do in Zadar: Biograd Holiday Resort

If you want to stroll around a smaller town, drive 25 kilometres south to the town of Biograd na Moru. Biograd is a cosy little town full of restaurants, boats and an old town centre with narrow winding alleys.

READ MORE: Biograd in Croatia

Where to stay in Zadar?

We stayed in a hotel Falkenstiner Club Funimation Borik, just outside the centre of Zadar. This is a large and nice hotel with a large outdoor pool, a nice spa area, restaurant and bar. Many of the guests are German families with children. In fact, they are also building a campsite here. It should open any month, and will then become a really central camping opportunity in Zadar.

You can book all inclusive at the hotel if you want and then include a buffet dinner. We had half board, which included a huge breakfast buffet, where you can get freshly made pancakes, omelettes, poached eggs and eggs benedict.

One evening we also tried the dinner buffet. Neither of us are big fans of buffets, but it was really big and beer and wine were included in the price (25 euros per person).

To get between the hotel and the city, you can drive your own car, take a taxi, go by bus or take the small tourist train that stops right outside the hotel. The journey takes about 10 minutes by train, and runs along the waterfront.

Things to do in Zadar - on film

Peter has put together a film from our trip to Zadar and the surrounding area. Feel free to check it out!

Even more to see and do in the neighbourhood of Zadar

In addition to the excursions mentioned above, you can, for example, travel further to experience the glorious city. Split, or islands that Brač and Where. You can find even more tips below.

More tips for things to do in Zadar?

Do you have more tips for things to see and do in Zadar? Let us know in a comment!

Facts about Zadar in Croatia

Country: Croatia
Landscape: Dalmatia
County: County of Zadar
Population: About 75 000 (2011)
Time difference: None
Currency: Euro (from 1 January 2023, previously Kuna)
Price mode: Slightly cheaper than in Sweden, but more expensive than neighbouring countries
Language: Croatian (many also speak good English and sometimes German)
Climate: The Dalmatian coast has a Mediterranean climate with average daily temperatures of 23 degrees in May, 30 degrees in July and 25 degrees in September.
Tourist information: Ul. Jurja Barakovića 5

Things to do in Zadar - museums

Museum of Ancient Glass, Poljana Zemaljskog odbora 1
The Gold and Silver of Zadar, Ulica braće Vranjana 13
Zadar Archaeological Museum, Trg Opatice Chike 1
Museum of Illusions, Poljana Zemaljskog Odbora 2

Things to do in Zadar - churches

Church of St Donatus, Trg Svete Stošije 3
Cathedral of Zadar (Church of St Anastasia or Sveta Stošija)
St Mary's Benedictine monastery and church, Madijevaca ul. 10
Church of St Chrysogonus
Church of St Simeon, a sud di Ulica Elizabete Kotromanic

Things to do in Zadar - restaurants

Groppo, Široka ulica 22, serves a lot of seafood, but also meat.
2Ribara, Blaža Jurjeva 1a, serving fish, meat and pasta
Pet BunaraStratico 1, at the Five Wells Square, serves seasonal food and has a strong focus on wine.

More things to do in Zadar

Walk along the Riva seafront promenade and get a view of the sea and the islands in the archipelago. The promenade was built in 1874.
Sunbathing and swimming on beaches in and around Zadar. For example, there is a beach called Kolovare. The beaches here can be rocky, so it's a good idea to bring bathing shoes.
Visit islands off Zadar such as Pašman, Ugljan, Otok Iz, Otok Ist, Otok Molat, Dugi Otok or the Kornati Islands National Park.
Take a cookery course, fishing, canoeing or sailing. Read more at zadarexcursions.com.
Shop such as the City Galleria or the Supernova shopping centre. The market can be visited at the city's City Market, Ulica Pod Bedemom 1/A.

Accommodation in Zadar in Croatia

Falkensteiner Club Funimation BorikMajstora Radovana 7, is a large all-inclusive hotel (and soon also a campsite!) just outside the centre of Zadar.
Hotel Bastion, Bedemi Zadarskih Pobuna 13, is an elegant hotel in a central location.
Boutique Hostel ForumSiroka 20 is a colourful budget option in a central location.

Travelling to Zadar in Croatia

Flight: RyanAir flies directly to Zadar from Skavsta Airport. SAS flies directly to Split in high season. From Split you can get to Zadar by car hire or bus.
Car hire: If you want to rent a car at Zadar airport, there are plenty of companies to choose from. We rented a car through the company Nova.
Car/caravan: You can choose between different ferry connections from Sweden. If you drive from Rostock in Germany, it is 153 miles to Zadar (about 14-15 hours driving time if you count pure driving distance).

READ MORE: Facts about Croatia - 30 things you (might) not have known
READ MORE: Things to do in Croatia - 30 sights and experiences

Lena - good for the soul says:

Absolutely fantastic! What a destination! The film really enhances the appeal of travelling there!

Hug Lena

30 June 2019 - 11:00

Comment by post author

Helena says:

We really fell in love with Zadar! Nice city and lots to see around! Glad you liked the film! ?

30 June 2019 - 22:01

BP says:

What a post and what a fantastic collection of images, not to mention the film. What a place! Considering how small the city is, it really has so much to offer. As for the food - MUMS!

30 June 2019 - 21:38

Comment by post author

Helena says:

Yes, Zadar has a lot to offer! And yes, we got good food too! ??

30 June 2019 - 22:02

Things to do in Zadar - 12 sights and experiences