THE 30 BEST Things to Do in Zadar, Croatia (2025)
Places to Visit in Zadar
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Sea Organ (Morske Orgulje), Greeting to the Sun, Beaches, Nature and Wildlife Tours. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Sea Organ (Morske Orgulje), Greeting to the Sun, Beaches, Nature and Wildlife Tours. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Zadar.
Speed Boat Hirefromper adult₹2,844
Eco Toursfromper adult₹5,213
Speed Boat Hirefromper adult₹8,436- fromper adult₹4,266
Private Sightseeing Toursfromper adult₹4,740
On the Waterfromper adult₹5,213
Bike Toursfromper adult₹5,213
Day Tripsfromper adult₹9,005
Half-day Toursfromper adult₹4,740
Speed Boat Hirefromper adult₹4,775
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Waterfront promenade featuring an architectural sound art installation where sea waves create natural melodies, complemented by serene sunset views.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Solar-powered light installation by the waterfront, featuring a vibrant display at dusk. Complemented by the Sea Organ's melodies, this spot provides an enchanting evening ambiance.
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Bodies of Water
Ancient Ruins
Historic neighborhood with Venetian-influenced architecture, including a Renaissance gate and panoramic bell tower views. Explore artisanal shops and old city walls.
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Historic Sites
Wineries & Vineyards
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Step-clad journey through a historical tower with panoramic city and sea vistas. The ascent is steep and narrow, requiring sturdy footwear and steadiness at heights.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Churches & Cathedrals
Marinas
Ancient Ruins
Beaches
Pebbled shores and crystal-clear waters invite swimming and relaxation near the historic center, with nearby cafes and beach loungers. Water shoes recommended.
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Other Top Attractions around Zadar
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- J&S_SingaporeSingapore, Singapore6,158 contributionsWe were told by our Local Guide that this is the #1 attraction for tourists to Zadar!
From the Old Town Lion Gate we walked along the Western embarkment Promenade. As we approaches we can start to hear some sound, chimes that is rather unique.
The public art installations was created by Nikola Bašić whom have so successfully livened up the Zadar city waterfront that t won the European Public Space Award for its unusually & yet entertaining way.
From a distance the place is just marble step stones pavement but Set within the perforated stone stairs that extends into the sea is a system of pipes/whistles that exudes sound when the movement of the sea pushes air through it. With the random awashing of waves the sound (music) pl by way of sea waves will always be unique, and uncoordinated..
The waves interact with the organ and create somewhat random but harmonic sounds. Interesting & unforgettable..Written 6 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - J&S_SingaporeSingapore, Singapore6,158 contributionsJust before the other fabulous installation of Sea Organ, it was actually in-place since 2008.! Another ingenuous design by famous architect Nikola Bašić, the Greeting to the Sun features some 300 glass plates set in a large circle within the stone paving. During the day the many light-sensitive solar modules below the glass plates absorb energy from the sun, and in the evening the wonder appears. The stored energy will energise the solar-powered multi-colored light display.
We were here around 6pm, early-Dec when the sun sets early so just nice. We catch a bit of the beautiful Dalmatian coast sunset as we amazed ourselves with the interesting lighting display.
Unique & unforgettable.Written 6 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Voyage60272156771Split, Croatia28 contributionsWow...... Perfect view. Easy to come there. Free parking, no tickets for enter.
200 meters from park place. Nice place to take pictures.Written 18 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - J&S_SingaporeSingapore, Singapore6,158 contributionsFrom the Zadar Old Town we walked towards the best-known of the gates along the walls that protects Zadar.
The Land gate was once the main entrance to the city. Located by the Foša harbor with views of the water, it was built by the Venetian architect Michele Sanmicheli in 1543 and features a huge triumphal arch and two side arches, all decorated with images of Zadar’s patron saint, Chrysogonus. The winged lion of St. Mark hovering over the central arch is a clear reminder of Venice’s long rule over Zadar, as our Local Guide told us.
The magnificent Walls actually had several entrances but this the most impressive ones (also known as City Gate, or Kopnena vrata in Croatian). A Renaissance masterpiece that come in the form of a triumphal arch with a central passage and two smaller two arches for wheeled traffic and pedestrians. The monumental lion of St. Mark above it was thee coat of arms of the Venetian Republic.
Just an interesting point - the reverse side of the Wall is very plain.Written 4 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - CatharineBOttawa, Canada1,644 contributionsIt was built in the early 9th century on the paving stones of the former Roman Forum and has a circular ground plan with three circular apses.
This monumental pre-Romanesque round building, traditionally but erroneously said to have been erected on the site of a temple of Juno, is the most important preserved structure of its period in Dalmatia. The massive dome of the rotunda is surrounded by a vaulted gallery which also extends around the inside.
Inside, climb up some stairs and take a look down from the women’s gallery which is supported by six pilasters and two roman columns which border the circular nave and divide the structure into two floors.
We did not have to pay to enter the church and we did not climb the tower.
As an aside, we really enjoyed our time here, Zadar is one of Dalmatia’s larger cities, but it did not feel that way and has lots of interesting architecture. First settled by the Illyrians, the Romans, then Venetians, heavily bombed during WWII and held under siege during the Homeland War. We only spent two nights in Zadar – in hindsight, we could have used another day.Written 14 July 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - PapSzczecin, Poland9 contributionsWe came here after a terrible service at other wineyard (kralijevski or something). And the coowner or the waiter was AMAZING! Dude knew what we wanted and the service was exceptional! We had wine tasting with greatbtable service and each wine tasting comes with a plate of cheese and ham and other stuff. Each wine was explained in detail and great info and tips on what to expect. We left very pleased and bought some homeWritten 20 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BLANCA and LES HLa Bocana, BCS, Mexico191 contributionsIf you are not used to walking or running, this is not for you! The first and last sets of stairs are REALLY narrow and steep. The steps in the middle are slippery stone, my sandals slipped on them, so I went up barefoot!Written 12 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- J&S_SingaporeSingapore, Singapore6,158 contributionsOne of the main attractions in Zadar is the Roman Forum. The Forum in Zadar was commissioned by the first Roman Emperor Gaius Julius Caesar Octavian, as witnessed by the stone inscriptions dating back to the 3rd century, when the construction finished. It is the site of the original roman marketplace although little original pieces now remain save for a surviving pillar of a colonnade. It is really amazing to be able to be so close to these historical ruins!
While most of the Roman ruins across Europe (even Italy) are quite guarded in Zadar one can even walk between the stones and even sit on them. But no advisable as these ae really historical treasures left behind!
Our Local Guide shared that the Forum complex originally features an elaborate design of temples and colonnades (but with one proud column standing intact now). There are closed porches with galleries on the first floor and under the porches. Most of the original structures were destroyed after a violent 6th century earthquake & the various past wars and today only the original pavement and stairs have been preserved. Plus 2 decorative monumental columns; one of which only one stands in its original place & that this column is thought to be a shame pillar with holes to hold chains. The other column was relocated a distance away!
We also walked past a reconstructed part of the capitol, just beside the pavement there are remains of an altar have been found where rites with blood victims were performed. We took a pic and attached to share.
Today the Zadar Roman Forum site also host a wonderful view of the famous St Donatus Church. And it is also a social spot to host concerts and commemorative events.
Must visit!Written 3 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Southside TravelsGlasgow, UK2,862 contributionsDid combined Cathedral and Bell tower ticket for €5 very good value for money in my opinion.
Nice small Cathedral for a wander about visit only takes about 20-30 minutes depending on have detailed a look you have..Written 2 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - soinicLux.3,078 contributionsLarge promenade with some trees in the middle, ideal if you are looking for shadow in the July heat.
On one end there is the university and small yacht port on the other side you'll find the sea organ 🎶Written 1 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - dese2Auburn, NY3,633 contributionsGlad we passed by this historically significant spot in Zadar.
The Rennaissance Five Well Square is surrounded by the medieval city wall and the Captain's Tower.
The supporting wall on the east is the entrance to the Queen Jelena Madije Park so be sure to take the steps up for another good spot in Zadar.Written 28 November 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Mirjam HBudapest, Hungary46 contributionsRocky beach, due to boat traffic around not even that clear, not the summer paradise u might wish for on your holiday…. :(Written 5 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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