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Zadar Cathedral, Hrvatska - Things to Do in Zadar Cathedral

Things to Do in Zadar Cathedral

Zadar Cathedral, Hrvatska - Complete Travel Guide

Zadar, a captivating coastal city on Croatia's Dalmatian coast, seamlessly blends ancient Roman heritage with modern innovation. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts a remarkable old town built on a Roman street plan, where 3,000 years of history unfold through well-preserved churches, forums, and medieval walls. The city's crown jewel, Zadar Cathedral (Cathedral of St. Anastasia), stands as the largest cathedral in Dalmatia and a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture dating back to the 12th century. Beyond its historical treasures, Zadar has gained international acclaim for its unique modern attractions, including the mesmerizing Sea Organ that creates music from ocean waves and the stunning Greeting to the Sun installation. The city serves as an perfect base for exploring the nearby Kornati Islands and offers some of Croatia's most spectacular sunsets, famously praised by Alfred Hitchcock as the most beautiful in the world.

Top Things to Do in Zadar Cathedral

Visit Zadar Cathedral and Roman Forum

Explore the magnificent Cathedral of St. Anastasia, the largest cathedral in Dalmatia, featuring stunning Romanesque architecture and a bell tower offering panoramic city views. The adjacent Roman Forum, dating from the 1st century BC, provides insight into the city's ancient past with well-preserved columns and archaeological remains.

Booking Tip: Cathedral entry is free, but climbing the bell tower costs around 15-20 HRK. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Audio guides are available for 30 HRK.

Experience the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun

Witness Zadar's most famous modern attractions along the waterfront promenade. The Sea Organ creates haunting melodies as waves push air through underwater pipes, while the nearby Greeting to the Sun installation produces a spectacular light show powered by solar energy collected during the day.

Booking Tip: These attractions are free and accessible 24/7. Visit 1-2 hours before sunset for the best experience, as the Greeting to the Sun activates at dusk. Bring a blanket to sit comfortably on the steps.

Explore the Historic Old Town

Wander through Zadar's compact old town, enclosed by Venetian walls and built on ancient Roman foundations. Discover charming squares, medieval churches like St. Donatus, traditional markets, and authentic konobas (taverns) while following the ancient Roman street grid that still defines the city layout.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently, but guided walking tours cost 100-150 HRK and provide valuable historical context. Early morning visits offer the most authentic atmosphere before tourist crowds arrive.

Take a Day Trip to Kornati National Park

Embark on a boat excursion to the stunning Kornati archipelago, featuring 89 mostly uninhabited islands known for their dramatic karst landscapes and crystal-clear waters. The park offers excellent swimming, snorkeling, and hiking opportunities with breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.

Booking Tip: Full-day boat tours range from 300-500 HRK including lunch and park entrance fees. Book with reputable operators offering small group sizes (max 30 people) for a more intimate experience. Tours run April-October.

Sample Local Cuisine and Maraschino Liqueur

Discover Zadar's culinary heritage through traditional Dalmatian dishes and the famous Maraschino liqueur, invented in the city in the 16th century. Visit the original Maraska distillery, explore local markets, and dine at family-run konobas serving fresh seafood and regional specialties.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost 250-400 HRK per person and typically last 3-4 hours. Look for tours that include Maraska distillery visits and market stops. Book afternoon tours that end with dinner for the most comprehensive experience.

Getting There

Zadar is easily accessible by multiple transportation modes. Zadar Airport, located 12km from the city center, receives flights from major European cities, with shuttle buses (25 HRK) and taxis (150-200 HRK) connecting to downtown. The city is well-connected by bus to Split (3 hours), Dubrovnik (5 hours), and Zagreb (3.5 hours), with frequent daily services. Driving offers flexibility for exploring the region, with good highway connections and parking available in the city center for 8-12 HRK per hour. Ferry connections link Zadar to nearby islands including Ugljan and Pašman.

Getting Around

Zadar's compact old town is best explored on foot, as most attractions lie within a 15-minute walk of each other and the historic center is largely pedestrianized. Local buses operated by Liburnija-Zadar connect the city center with residential areas, beaches, and the airport for 12 HRK per ride. Taxis are readily available and relatively affordable for short distances, while bike rentals (80-120 HRK per day) offer an excellent way to explore the waterfront promenade and nearby coastal areas. Car rental is recommended only for day trips outside the city, as parking in the old town is limited and expensive.

Where to Stay

Old Town Historic Center
Borik Peninsula
Diklo Waterfront
Puntamika Beach Area
Brodarica Coastal Strip
Bibinje Suburb

Food & Dining

Zadar's dining scene celebrates fresh Adriatic seafood and traditional Dalmatian cuisine, with the old town harboring numerous family-run konobas serving grilled fish, black risotto, and peka (slow-cooked meat and vegetables). The city's restaurant scene ranges from budget-friendly taverns charging 80-120 HRK for main courses to upscale establishments offering modern interpretations of regional dishes for 200-300 HRK per person. Don't miss trying local specialties like Pag cheese, Nin salt, and the famous Maraschino liqueur, while the nearby fish market and morning farmers' market provide insight into local ingredients and culinary traditions.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Zadar

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Butler Gourmet&Cocktails Garden

4.9 /5
(7989 reviews) 2

Restoran 4 Kantuna

4.6 /5
(7121 reviews) 2

Restoran Bruschetta

4.6 /5
(7037 reviews) 2

Tri Bunara

4.7 /5
(3383 reviews) 2
bar

PET BUNARA Dine & Wine

4.7 /5
(2759 reviews) 2

Trattoria Mediterraneo

4.7 /5
(1636 reviews) 2

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Zadar is during late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October), when temperatures are comfortable (20-25°C), crowds are manageable, and most attractions and restaurants are fully operational. Summer months (July-August) offer the warmest weather and longest days but bring peak tourist crowds and higher prices. Winter visits (November-March) provide a more authentic local experience with mild temperatures, though some seasonal restaurants and tour operators may have limited schedules, and ferry services to islands are reduced.

Insider Tips

Visit the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun 90 minutes before sunset to secure the best viewing spots for the evening light show
Purchase fresh produce and local delicacies at the morning market near the old town walls, which operates daily until 1 PM
Climb the bell tower of St. Anastasia Cathedral just before closing time for golden hour photography and fewer crowds while enjoying panoramic views of the old town and islands

Explore Activities in Zadar Cathedral