We visited Zadar in May 2024 and these are the ‘things to do’ that stood out to us (in no particular order) to help you plan your trip. It was our first visit to Croatia so we went on some day trips too (also included below).
We’ve also included some links you can book activities on for a much cheaper price than when you get to Zadar – you’re welcome!
Why visit Zadar?
First of all lets set the scene of Zadar and give you an idea of what type of place it is. It has an old and a new town across opposite sides of the bridge. The old town is surrounded by city walls, and has changed hands many times due to it’s strategic coastal location. There is lots of Roman history, but the beautiful buildings you’ll see are mainly thanks to the Venetians.
It’s got a gorgeous laid-back feel in the old town, and the buildings (and pavements!) are stunning. There are some lovely squares where you can sit and watch the world go by with a drink. It’s also set on the coast, with a promenade to walk to enjoy the crystal clear waters and striking sunsets. From the old town you can see the nearby islands, which are just a short ferry ride away.
How many days do you need in Zadar?
We had just 3 nights in Zadar (we arrived at midnight on the first night, so technically had 2 and a half days). If you’re solely focusing on Zadar, this will be enough time to explore the old town, nearby beaches or islands, and enjoy a laid-back holiday.
We also visited nearby Plitvice for a full day trip within this time. If you want to do this, or do another day trip, we’d recommend adding another night if you want to slow down the pace and relax into it. I was definitely craving more time, so another night would be best.
1. Do a Free Walking Tour of the Old Town
Everywhere we go, we always do a free walking tour. They are a great way to learn about the history and understand the context of a place. We learnt about the city being occupied by many different people across history due to it’s strategic coastal location. The city has lots of Roman history, as well as WW2, and a recent communist past.
The guides are usually locals, or ex-pats who have lived in the town for years and so are passionate about helping you enjoy your time in their town. Our guide was from Zadar, and his family had lived there for generations. He shared stories of his grandfather’s life with us, and funny anecdotes along side interesting facts and stories about the city and its history.
This tour lasted 1.5 hours and you can find the times here (they vary depending on the season). At the end of the tour, you simply pay what you think it was worth to you.
2. Wander the promenade at sunset
(and whilst you’re there listen for the Sea Organ and after sunset enjoy the Greetings to the Sun installation)
3. Explore the Roman Forum
In the center of the old town is the Roman Forum, once an integral part of the city and still plays a huge role today. Wander through the ruins and see if you can guess what each bit was used for.
The Forum used to be two stories surrounding the square, you can still see a pillar in its original position (the pillar of shame during later medieval times), and nearby ruins of the temple to Greek Gods. Look down near the temple ruins, and you’ll even see a grove in the pavement which was for the blood of the animals sacrificed to the Gods on the altar to be drained into the sea.
There aren’t any signs explaining the ruins so if you’re interested, the free walking tour is key. There is also an archaeological museum within the square which should have more information (although we didn’t get a chance to go).
TIP : If you’re in Zadar during any big event (be it sporting, musical, global), check if they are showing it in the forum. It was Eurovision whilst we were there and the atmosphere was insane even for two people who don’t usually watch we were hooked in anticipation (and it helped that the Croatian song for 2024 was a banger).
4. Try pljeskavica, ćevapčići & ajvar at Gricko
Head into the new town to try this gorgeous restaurant we found. You can walk over the footbridge to the restaurant in just 15 minutes from the old town. Alternatively, you could ask a barkajoli (a traditional boatman) to take you across to the other side.
The restaurant has outdoor seating in a secret garden type setting. It’s got a really chilled vibe to it.
This was one of the more reasonable priced meals we had whilst in Zadar. The new town tends to be cheaper than the old town as it’s less touristy. We had all of this and a beer and cider for €41.50
We tried the :-
- Pljeskavica (beef patty stuffed with mushrooms and cheese)
- ćevapčići (pork sausages)
- Both were served with homemade Lepinja (flatbread)
- Ajvar dip (red pepper sauce)
5. Climb the 180 steps of the bell tower for views across Zadar and the coast
For just €4 and around 30 minutes of your time, you can get these birds-eye views of Zadar and the surrounding islands.
6. Book a table at 4 Kantuna
Our walking tour guide recommended this restaurant to us as somewhere he goes often with friends and family. It has gorgeous outdoor seating so you can soak up the atmosphere of the old town streets as you enjoy the delicious food. We shared the grilled calamari and a truffle pizza. Also must try dishes whilst in Zadar include the regional food; Cuttlefish risotto, or the Pašticada (beef stewed dish with gnocchi).
7. Have a drink in Stomorica
Stomorica is a small area of winding alleyways filled with a great atmosphere spilling out of the restaurants and bars that line the alleyways. Go for dinner or opt for an after-dinner drink here.
Day trips from Zadar
8. Visit Plitvice National Park
Take a day trip to Plitvice National Park to see the stunning waterfalls. Plitvice is a huge national park with winding boardwalks and trails taking you on a journey over and past the most enchanting waterfalls. It’s around a 2-hour drive/bus ride from Zadar, so to you need a full day to make the most of the falls.
It can get busy so check out our other blog on this for tips on how to beat the crowds. Use our guide to plan a DIY day trip, or book an organised tour here.
9. Catch the ferry to visit Ugjian (nearby Island)
We did a half-a-day trip to the nearby island of Ugjian. Here we could explore a different pace of life to Zadar, and soak up the views looking back to Zadar and the surrounding mountains. We got off at Preko, and walked to Kali before enjoying a cold drink and ice cream at Preko marina. The water was so clear and blue, and our walk gave us great views of Ošljak island too.
The ferry was way more confusing than it needed to be and one failed visit later we managed to decipher the timetable. We make mistakes so you don’t have to!
TIP: If you want to swim you’d be best booking a boat tour of these islands. The beaches we came across were quite rocky and some were just concrete jettys. If you booked a boat trip, however (instead of the ferry) you’d be taken to swimming spots. You can book a half day boat trip here (which is way cheaper than the price the excursion huts in Zadar quote).
Things we didn’t do but would have if we had more time
10. Communist Tour
While we were on our free walking tour our guide mentioned another tour they offer (paid costing €30 per person) which covers the impact of WW2 on the city, and the more recent communist past. We’d have definitely done this if we had more time. You can see the juxtaposition between the Venetian and the communist buildings in the old town so it would have been interesting to know more.
Get more information, or book your place here . It might be worth emailing them to check the time as we got told they were at 4pm (May 2024) however their website states differently. Email them at info@freespirittours.eu and enquire about the Zadar War Tour (they also offer tours in other cities in Croatia).
11. Visit some beaches
We’d have loved to have more time to lounge on a beach and were dying to get in that crystal clear sea. If we had more time we thought about heading to Kolovare Beach near the old town, doing a boat tour or visiting the beaches on the nearby islands (like Dugi Otok).
12. Visit Kornati National Park (Islands tour)
The National Park of Kornati (80+ islands) is accessible from Zadar and looks gorgeous. You can book a full-day boat tour from Zadar here ( again these prices are much cheaper than what was offered by the excursions huts in Zadar).
Let us know if you have any more questions about Zadar in the comments, we’re happy to help!