12 Unique Things To Do In Zadar, Croatia (2025)
Are you looking for a list of fun things to do in Zadar? You’ve come to the right article.
Zadar is a charming historic city only 1.5 hours north of Split, with ancient ruins, beaches, and a marina with art installations. From the laid back atmosphere to the cheap cafes, it ended up being my favorite city I stayed at in Croatia!
This article will cover all of the must-see places in Zadar’s Old Town, where to stay, and the best day trip opportunities.
Here are 12 fun and unique things to do in Zadar.
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Things To Do In Old Town Zadar
Visit The Roman Forum
Once you arrive in Zadar, stroll around the Roman Forum. This is an ancient Roman forum built between the 1st century BC and 3rd century AD, where you can see remnants of stairs, columns, and stone structures.
Here you’ll be able to see the beautiful stone Church of St. Donatus, and Cathedral of Saint Anastasia. You can climb the cathedral’s bell tower (~4€/adult) for a view overlooking the square, and the area makes for great photo opportunities.
Relax By The Sea Organ
Zadar’s marina has this fascinating sea organ art installation, where you can hear the sea make music! There’s steps leading out into the sea, and it creates this really beautiful melodic music. This is the perfect place to relax, go swimming, or watch the sunset in the evening.
It was created by the architect Nikola Bašić in 2005, and consists of 35 underwater pipes that make sounds from waves crashing!
Wander Around Old Town
Zadar’s Old Town is lined with restaurants, gelato shops, cafes, bars, and unique churches and buildings. It’s the perfect city to wander around for a few hours, and check out all the interesting historic buildings and landmarks.
If you love history, join a free walking tour to learn about the sites in Old Town.
Watch The Greeting To The Sun At Sunset
Located right next to the sea organ in the marina, you’ll see the Greeting to the Sun. This is a large circle on the floor, with underground solar panels that create a light show at sunrise at sunset!
During the day, it looks like a large flat blue circle. But if you visit at sunset, you’ll get to enjoy a colorful light show, along with relaxing music from the sea organ!
Go Island-Hopping
If you’re up for an adventure, go island-hopping from Zadar.
This island-hopping tour will take you by speedboat to small islands, hidden coves, and beaches for a day of swimming and snorkeling. It’s the top-rated tour from Zadar, and includes drinks, and free use of snorkel equipment.
Visit The Five Wells Square & Queen Jelena Park
As you stroll Old Town, you’ll come across the Five Wells, a medieval square built in 1574 with five wells that once supplied the city with water.
It’s located at the entrance to Queen Jelena Madijevka Park, a charming small park with gardens and benches. From the western side of this park, you’ll have an amazing view of Zadar’s City Gate.
Enjoy Cake & Coffee At Art Kavana
If you have a sweet tooth, stop at Art Kavana for some coffee and cake. This is a really nice cake shop with indoor seating that serves you like you’re in a restaurant. They’re in a quiet area outside of Old Town, and less than a 5 minute walk from the Five Wells Square.
Relax At Punta Bajlo Beach
If you’re looking to relax on a beach, head to Punta Bajlo Beach. This is a beautiful beach fringed by pine forests, with shaded picnic areas, benches, and cliffs to jump off of into the sea.
It’s around a 30 minute walk (10 min drive) from Old Town, and is one of the most secluded beaches to enjoy away from crowds.
Go On A Sunset Boat Cruise
As the sun begins to set, go on a boat cruise around Zadar’s city walls, the sea organ, and old town. This tour includes unlimited sparkling wine, and is narrated so you can learn all about the city’s interesting history as you cruise around Old Town.
Go On A Day Trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park
Zadar is only a 1.5 hour drive from Plitvice Lakes, Croatia’s largest and most beautiful national park. This national park is tucked away in the countryside, and has these stunning turquoise blue lakes, waterfalls, and a variety of great hiking trails.
You can get to the park from Zadar by a 1.5 hour Flixbus ride, or joining a group tour. The group tours include a guided hike in the park, and roundtrip transportation from hotels in Zadar.
Plitvice Lakes was the highlight of my trip to Croatia, and it’s well worth visiting if you have the time. For details on what to do and where to stay, check out our complete guide to visiting Plitvice Lakes!
Go On A Day Trip To Krka National Park
Zadar is less than an hour’s drive from Krka National Park, another beautiful park with waterfalls and nature trails.
This national park is much smaller than Plitvice Lakes, but it’s located outside of the small town Skradin, which has attractions of its own. You can get to the park from Zadar by a 1 hour Flixbus ride, or join a group tour.
The group tours include a guided hike in the park, free time to wander around Skradin, and roundtrip transportation from hotels in Zadar.
If you’re arriving by bus, you can purchase tickets to the park at the main ticketing office in Skradin, and hop on a short boat ride to get to the park. For full details, check out our guide to visiting Krka National Park!
Go Museum-Hopping
If you love history, check out the Duke’s Palace, Archaeological Museum, or Museum of Ancient Glass. These are all small museums, but worth visiting if you want to escape the weather, or crowds for a half hour.
- Archaeological Museum: three storied museum with artifacts and exhibits on the Stone Age, Roman Period, and Early Middle Ages, 7€/adult, only cash
- Museum of Ancient Glass: medieval glass artifacts and exhibits, 6€/adult
- Duke’s Palace: Renovated 16th century palace with art exhibits and sculptures, €5/adult
Zadar Attractions Map
Summary
Zadar is one of the most charming and unique cities in Croatia. It’s the perfect city to wander around, relax at a cafe, and watch the sunset while enjoying relaxing music from the sea organ!
Similar to Split, it’s a great base for day trips, whether you want to go-island hopping or visit nearby national parks.
For more ideas on how to spend your time on vacation, check out our 7 day Croatia itinerary!