Things to Do in Five Wells Square

Five Wells Square gets its name from five ornate wellheads that once supplied Zadar with fresh water. The square sits in central Zadar's Old Town, a remarkably well-preserved medieval quarter that feels lived-in rather than museum-like. Today they're impromptu seating. What makes this spot particularly appealing is how it manages to feel both historically significant and genuinely functional - locals still cut through here on their way to work. The surrounding cafes serve neighborhood regulars alongside curious visitors. Zadar strikes an interesting balance between ancient and contemporary. Roman ruins stand next to modern art installations like the famous Sea Organ. The city attracts a more relaxed crowd than some of Croatia's busier coastal destinations. You can enjoy the medieval atmosphere without fighting through cruise ship crowds. Summer months bring visitors. The city's layout spreads people out naturally across its various squares and waterfront promenades.

Zadar's food scene balances traditional Dalmatian cooking with modern Croatian cuisine. You'll find some genuinely excellent restaurants tucked into the narrow streets around Five Wells Square. Local specialties include fresh seafood, Pag cheese, and Maraschino liqueur that's been produced here for centuries. The restaurants along the waterfront offer beautiful views but tend to be pricier and more tourist-focused. The best value comes from smaller konobas. These traditional taverns in the residential parts of the Old Town deliver the most real feels—worth noting that many places close for a few hours in the afternoon, so lunch typically wraps up by 3 PM.

Late spring through early fall offers the most pleasant weather. May and September are particularly appealing for their comfortable temperatures and smaller crowds. July and August bring the warmest weather and liveliest atmosphere, but also the highest prices and busiest streets - though Zadar handles summer crowds better than some coastal Croatian cities. Winter might surprise you. Mild temperatures and peaceful atmosphere make it appealing, though many restaurants and tour operators reduce their hours or close entirely. The shoulder seasons of April and October can be lovely if you don't mind the possibility of occasional rain.