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Zadar Old Town, Hrvatska - Things to Do in Zadar Old Town

Things to Do in Zadar Old Town

Zadar Old Town, Hrvatska - Complete Travel Guide

Zadar Old Town is a captivating peninsula jutting into the Adriatic Sea, where ancient Roman ruins seamlessly blend with medieval Croatian architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage site boasts over 3,000 years of history, featuring well-preserved city walls, marble streets polished by centuries of footsteps, and unique attractions like the world's first Sea Organ and the mesmerizing Greeting to the Sun installation. The compact historic center is easily walkable and offers stunning sunsets that Alfred Hitchcock once declared the most beautiful in the world. Beyond its historical significance, Zadar Old Town pulses with contemporary Croatian culture, featuring excellent restaurants serving fresh Adriatic seafood, charming cafés tucked into ancient squares, and a vibrant nightlife scene. The town serves as an ideal base for exploring the nearby Kornati Islands and Plitvice Lakes, while offering its own compelling mix of Roman forums, medieval churches, and modern artistic installations that create haunting melodies from the sea's movement.

Top Things to Do in Zadar Old Town

Experience the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun

Marvel at Zadar's most famous modern attractions along the waterfront promenade. The Sea Organ creates ethereal music through underwater pipes activated by wave action, while the nearby Greeting to the Sun is a 22-meter circle of solar panels that creates a spectacular light show after sunset. These installations transform the ancient Roman forum area into a unique sensory experience combining nature, art, and technology.

Booking Tip: These attractions are free and accessible 24/7, but visit during sunset (around 7-8 PM in summer) for the best experience. Arrive 30 minutes early to secure a good spot, as crowds gather for the famous Zadar sunset. No booking required, just bring comfortable seating or a towel.

Explore the Roman Forum and St. Donatus Church

Walk through the largest Roman forum on the eastern Adriatic coast, dating from the 1st century BC, with impressive stone columns and ancient foundations still visible today. The adjacent 9th-century St. Donatus Church, a unique circular Byzantine structure, now serves as a concert venue with exceptional acoustics. The church's distinctive architecture and the forum's archaeological remains provide insight into Zadar's layered history.

Booking Tip: Forum access is free year-round. St. Donatus Church entry costs 15 HRK (€2) and includes an audio guide. Visit early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) to avoid crowds and harsh midday sun reflecting off the white stone.

Take a Day Trip to Kornati National Park

Embark on a boat excursion to the stunning Kornati archipelago, featuring 89 mostly uninhabited islands with dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters. The park offers excellent swimming, snorkeling, and hiking opportunities, with traditional Dalmatian lunch typically included on organized tours. The stark beauty of these 'lunar landscape' islands provides a perfect contrast to Zadar's urban historic environment.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost 250-350 HRK (€33-47) including lunch and park fees. Book tours departing from Zadar harbor between April-October. Choose operators offering smaller group sizes (max 30 people) for better experience and swimming access to secluded spots.

Discover Zadar's Culinary Scene

Experience authentic Dalmatian cuisine through food tours or cooking classes featuring fresh Adriatic seafood, locally produced olive oil, and regional wines. Sample traditional dishes like pašticada (slow-cooked beef), fresh oysters from nearby Ston, and the famous Zadar maraschino liqueur. Many experiences include visits to local markets, family-run konobas (taverns), and olive oil tastings.

Booking Tip: Food tours range from 200-400 HRK (€27-53) for 3-4 hours including tastings. Book morning tours (10 AM start) to visit the fish market when it's most active. Look for tours that include at least 5-6 food stops and local wine pairings.

Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park

Take a day trip to Croatia's most famous national park, featuring 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls and wooden walkways through pristine forest. The park offers several hiking routes ranging from 2-8 hours, with the lower lakes showcasing the most spectacular waterfalls and the upper lakes providing serene forest scenery. This UNESCO World Heritage site is about 1.5 hours from Zadar by car or organized tour.

Booking Tip: Tours cost 350-450 HRK (€47-60) including transport and park entry. Book advance tickets online, especially May-September when daily visitor numbers are limited. Choose tours with early morning departure (7-8 AM) to avoid crowds and secure parking at the park.

Getting There

Zadar is accessible by air through Zadar Airport (23km from the city center), with direct flights from major European cities and budget carriers like Ryanair. The airport connects to Old Town via bus (25 HRK/€3.30) or taxi (200-250 HRK/€27-33). By car, Zadar is connected via the A1 highway to Zagreb (3 hours) and Split (1.5 hours), with several parking areas near the Old Town including Liburnska Obala and Jazine garages (8-10 HRK/€1.10-1.30 per hour). Bus connections link Zadar to all major Croatian cities, with the main bus station just 1km from Old Town, while ferry services connect to nearby islands from the harbor adjacent to the historic center.

Getting Around

Zadar Old Town is entirely pedestrianized and easily walkable, with most attractions within a 10-minute walk of each other on the compact peninsula. The historic center covers only about 1 square kilometer, connected to the mainland by bridges, making walking the most practical option. For reaching beaches, the airport, or nearby attractions, local buses operate frequently (11 HRK/€1.50 per ride) with stops at Foša and Poluotok near Old Town entrances. Taxis are readily available and affordable for short trips, while bicycle rentals (80-120 HRK/€11-16 per day) are popular for exploring the waterfront promenade and nearby Borik area beaches. Car rental is useful for day trips to national parks but unnecessary within the Old Town itself.

Where to Stay

Old Town Peninsula
Borik Beach Area
Diklo Waterfront
Puntamika Bay
Arbanasi Village
Poluotok District

Food & Dining

Zadar's dining scene expertly balances traditional Dalmatian cuisine with modern culinary innovation, centered around incredibly fresh Adriatic seafood and local ingredients. The Old Town features numerous konobas (traditional taverns) serving grilled fish, octopus salad, and pašticada in atmospheric stone-walled settings, alongside upscale restaurants offering contemporary interpretations of Croatian classics. Don't miss trying local specialties like Zadar's famous maraschino cherry liqueur, fresh oysters from nearby farms, premium olive oils from the surrounding region, and excellent local wines including Plavac Mali and Posip varieties. The morning fish market near the harbor provides the freshest catches, while numerous cafés and gelaterias line the marble streets, perfect for people-watching with quality coffee and homemade ice cream.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Zadar

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

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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
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When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Zadar Old Town is during late spring (May-June) and early fall (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 perfect for sunset viewing, but expect higher prices, larger crowds, and temperatures reaching 30°C+. Winter visits (November-March) provide a more authentic local experience with mild temperatures (10-15°C) and fewer tourists, though some seasonal restaurants and tour operators may have limited hours. The famous Zadar sunset can be enjoyed year-round, though summer offers the latest sunset times around 8 PM, while spring and fall provide comfortable viewing conditions without the intense summer heat.

Insider Tips

Visit the Sea Organ early morning around 7 AM for a peaceful experience with dramatic sunrise colors and no crowds, creating a completely different atmosphere than the popular sunset viewing
Climb the bell tower of St. Anastasia Cathedral (20 HRK entry) for the best panoramic views of the Old Town, islands, and surrounding coastline - especially stunning during golden hour
Shop at the morning market behind the fish market for excellent local olive oil, lavender products, and homemade rakija (fruit brandy) at prices significantly lower than tourist shops in the main squares

Explore Activities in Zadar Old Town