Things to Do in Zadar Cathedral

Climbing the bell tower of St. Anastasia

The campanile sits apart from the cathedral itself, a habit common to Dalmatian church architecture. It rises in tapered tiers of pale stone. The climb is steep and narrow. No air conditioning. But the view from the top spreads across red-tiled rooftops to the Velebit mountains across the channel. Worth doing in the hour before sunset, when the light turns everything copper.

Roman Forum ruins at the cathedral's doorstep

Right beside the cathedral sits the ruined forum, dating to the first century, when it was the civic heart of Roman Iader. Broken columns, a corn-grinding stone, and that grim pillar of shame still stand in situ. Children clamber over the stones. Parents take photos. Feels appropriate somehow. The forum was always meant to be a public space.

Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun stroll

A five-minute walk from the cathedral takes you to Nikola Bašić's two installations on the peninsula's tip. The Sea Organ produces eerie, slightly mournful tones as waves push air through pipes under the marble steps. Beside it sits the Greeting to the Sun. The 22-metre solar-powered disc lights up at dusk in shifting patterns of color. Locals gather here at sundown with bottles of wine, watching the light show. A decent sign. The city loves its waterfront.

St. Donatus rotunda visit and concert

Directly across from the cathedral, this 9th-century circular church is acoustically notable. That's why it hosts the Musical Evenings festival in summer. Step inside even without a concert. It smells of cold stone and dust. The space shows how early medieval Dalmatia built upward in solid, no-nonsense forms. Roman paving slabs underfoot. They were repurposed from the forum.

Sunset drinks at a Kalelarga café

Kalelarga, the limestone-paved main street running through old town, sits a minute from the cathedral. Cafés line it. Locals nurse a single espresso for an hour. The stone underfoot has been polished glassy by centuries of feet. You'll hear the clack of backgammon pieces from the older patrons. Order a rakija. Feel properly Dalmatian. Or a Karlovačko beer if you don't.

Old Town (Poluotok), directly around the cathedral. The most atmospheric base, also the priciest and noisier thanks to late-night cafés.

Voštarnica sits just across the footbridge. A 10-minute walk to the cathedral, with better-value apartments and a more residential feel.

Borik sits about 4km north. A beachy area, good for families and travelers who want sand within walking distance of their door.

Diklo, further north along the coast. A quieter suburb with smaller guesthouses and a working-class neighborhood vibe.

Arbanasi, inland of the old town. Budget-friendly rooms and easy bus access. Popular with travelers who want a real neighborhood.

Petrčane sits about 12km north. A small village for travelers wanting a quieter, more rural base with day trips into the city.