How to Spend the Perfect Day in Zadar, Croatia

Nestled along the picturesque Dalmatian coast of Croatia lies the enchanting city of Zadar. Steeped in history and surrounded by stunning natural beauty, Zadar offers travelers an unforgettable experience. We were only there for a day, but we felt like we saw a lot! In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore must-see sights and landmarks, delve into some activities to do while visiting, savor the flavors of the city, and provide invaluable tips for a perfect day in Zadar.

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Sites to Visit & Activities to Do

Zadar is the perfect city to explore for one day. You can see almost everything in town within walking distance. The majority of the sites are free to visit. Here are quite a few sites and landmarks to visit in Zadar to visit while you’re in the city.

St. Donatus Church

A prime example of Byzantine architecture, this cylindrical church is an iconic symbol of Zadar and offers a glimpse into the city’s religious history.

Up until the 19th century, it housed the Archaeological Museum, and now is the venue for Renaissance music festivals. There isn’t much to see inside when touring, but the outside is beautiful.

Roman Forum

Across from St. Donatus Church, you will find the Roman Forum. It was built by the first Roman Emperor, Gaius Julius Caesar Octavian, dating back to the 3rd century. It was once the meeting point for religious people, administrators of the Republic, and Roman soldiers.

Relax on the grass, enjoying the view, or have a snack while taking in the Roman Forum.

Cathedral of St. Anastasia

Dedicated to St. Anastasia, this monumental cathedral is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, housing a stunning gold-plated altar.

The cathedral also has a large bell tower that offers stunning views of Zadar. The church is free to enter while visiting, and if you choose to climb the bell tower, that is a few euro extra.

Church and Monastery of St. Mary

The Monastery and church are located close to St. Donatus Church. The Monastery was founded by the Zadar noblewoman Čika in 1066, and the church was built in 1091.

You can also explore the Exhibition of Religious Art with the Sold and Silver of Zadar. The exhibition has about 200 artifacts dating as far back as 8th century.

Land Gate

The grand entrance to the old town, this Venetian gate is adorned with a lion of St. Mark and offers a glimpse into the city’s defensive past. Built in 1543 by Michele Sanmicheli, the Land Gate was the main entrance into the city.

While walking through the gates, you can still view the city walls that are still intact around the city.

Sea Gate

Built in 1573, the Sea Gate was to celebrate the victory of the Christian fleet over the Turks at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. The Sea Gate is between the ferry port and the market and is known as St. Chrysogonus’ Gate, due to the nearby church of St. Chrysogonus.

Monument to the Sun

Also known as the Sun Salutation, this installation comes alive at night, creating a mesmerizing light display that complements the stunning sunset.

It’s located right next to the Sea Organ outside is a free attraction. You can marvel at the lights while listening to the tune of the organ from the waves.

Sea Organ

The melodious tunes created by the Sea Organ, powered by the Adriatic waves, provide a unique auditory experience for visitors.

You can sit along the steps while watching the sunset listening to the music from the waves. The Sea Organ is free to visit, and I recommend visiting before the sun sets because it can be quite busy.

Museum of Ancient Glass

This unique museum showcases an impressive collection of ancient glass artifacts, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship of centuries past. With over 5000 pieces, with some from the 1st century BC and the 5th century AD. They even offer a glass making workshop to make replicas of the ancient glass artifacts.

The Museum of Ancient Glass is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (closes at 9:00pm in the summer) and closed on all public holidays.

Admission prices are €6.00 for adults and €3.00 for children. You can also choose to take a guided tour throughout the museum, which is €10.00 in Croatian and €15.00 in English.

Catch a Sunset

There is no surprise this is on the list of things to do and see in Zadar. When we were there, everyone lined up on the water to watch the stunning sun set over the Adriatic Sea.

If you’re planning on watching the sunset at the Sea Organ, I recommend getting there early, the steps fill up as time gets closer.

Kolovare Beach

If you have some extra time for swimming and relaxing, then definitely check out Kolovare Beach. Just a 15 minute walk from the Land Gate, this public beach offers an escape from the heat into the Adriatic Sea.

It’s a pebble beach, so make sure to pack your swim shoes! You can easily spend half a day or longer here if you’re looking for a relaxing activity in Zadar, Croatia.

Climb the Bell Tower for Scenic Views

Like mentioned previously, the Cathedral of St. Anastasia offers a large bell tower where you can climb the stairs for stunning 360 views of Zadar.

The fee for climbing the tower was €3.00 per person and can take 30 minutes or more to climb the stairs of the tower, enjoy the view, and climb back down. I did not see an elevator available unfortunately.

Take a Guided Tour

If you’re looking for history or education, or even island hopping tours, then Get Your Guide is the perfect place to book. They offer a wide range of different types of tours, including day trip tours to Plitvice Lakes National Park or Krka National Park.

Food, Drinks, & Desserts in Zadar

Honestly, there are an insane amount of highly rated restaurants and bars in Zadar. I would have easily planned to stay longer only for the endless amount of delicious food and drink options.

Kornat – Situated along the waterfront, Kornat specializes in traditional Dalmatian cuisine, providing a taste of authentic local flavors.

Harbor CookHouse & Club – A relaxed waterfront restaurant and terrace offering an array of seafood and meat options.

Restoran 4 Kantuna – A highly rated restaurant that always has a line down the street to eat. With outdoor seating, as well as indoor, options include pastas, pizza, seafood, and meat dishes with a delicious wine list.

Restoran Bruschetta – This family-owned restaurant is renowned for its creative dishes, including cold cuts, pasta, seafood & meat dishes. Open daily starting at lunch time.

Arsenal – Housed in a historic building, Arsenal offers a sophisticated dining experience with a menu inspired by Mediterranean and international cuisine.

La Famiglia – A delicious, laid back restaurant that serves breakfast, burgers, pastas, and seafood. We grabbed burgers here for lunch and they were absolutely delicious.

Caffe bar Porthos – If you’re looking for a place to watch the sunset while drinking cocktails, this is the place for you. There is a playground on site and they open as early as 7:00am.

Beach Bar Bamboo – If you’re looking for another bar with views, this is another option. With a beach nearby, you can swim before then head over for cocktails while enjoying the view.

Bob Rock’s Ice Cream Shop – Offering a wide variety of premium and classic ice cream flavors, as well as allergen friendly options. Bob Rock’s is the perfect place to cool down with ice cream on a hot, sunny day in Zadar.

aROMA gelato experience Boutique Zadar – If you’re visiting other cities in Croatia, then you’ll more than likely come across aROMA. Delicious gelato with a variety of flavor options, including sorbet. The tiramisu, apple pie, and caramel with sea salt are *chefs kiss*.

Invaluable Tips for Zadar

Between transportation, currency, language and more, here are some tips to keep in mind while visiting this lovely city.

Transportation

If you’re planning on flying in, Zadar Airport serves as the main gateway to the city. There are public buses and taxis that are readily available for local transportation. If you plan to stay right where all the landmarks are, you can easily walk everywhere. We found a great Airbnb right by the Sea Gate.

Additionally, if you’re interested in island hopping, ferries can be an option or a guided tour with transportation included is always a plus while traveling anywhere.

Currency

The currency used to be the Croatian Kuna (HRK), but since January 2023, it has transitioned to the euro. It’s advisable to always have some cash on hand, although credit cards are widely accepted in most places and restaurants. They cannot accept tips on cards or increasing the bill to include a tip, only cash.

Language

While Croatian is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. I always love to note that learning a few phrases in the language of the country you’re visiting is a sign of respect and locals enjoy that.

Zadar, Croatia, is a city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty, offering travelers an unforgettable experience. From its ancient Roman roots to its modern-day marvels, Zadar has something to captivate every visitor. With a rich culinary scene and a range of sites, the city ensures that your trip is memorable. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey to discover the enchanting city of Zadar!