If you are preparing your trip to Croatia and Zadar is on your itinerary, this blog will give you the list of the top 10 things to do in Zadar. In addition, at the end of the article, you will find a bonus to make your visit to Zadar the best.
1. Visit the Monument to the Sun
The monument to the Sun or Greeting to the Sun is an art creation in Zadar. It consists of a 22-meter circle with 300 solar panels that collect the sun’s energy during the day. As the sun goes down, it produces a light show that goes on from sunset until dawn.
Make sure to visit during sunset. Many people gather there to enjoy the beautiful sunset and afterwards, the lights produced by this monument.
2. Contemplate the sea while listening to the Sea Organ
The sea organ is another art creation next to the Greeting to the Sun. It captures the movement of the sea and its waves and produces “music” with it. The sound emulates the sea and the winds.
It is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the sea breeze on your face while you listen to its sound.
Interesting fact: Both the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun are creations by the same artist, Nikola Basic.
3. Walk around the Old Town Walls
The Old Town Walls of Zadar protected the city and its citizens for centuries from conquering attempts. They were built between the 12th and 13th centuries and they are still in very good condition.
Today they are a beautiful promenade that you should not miss. Along your way, you will see the Land Gate, the Sea Organ, the Sun Salutation and it ends with the New Gate.
4. Treat your senses in the Old Town Market
Zadar’s Old Town Market is a real treat for your senses. Walking around this market is an experience in itself. It is filled with colorful vegetables and fruits.
On its website, you can check opening hours.
5. Admire St Anastasia's cathedral
Another top thing to do in Zadar is to visit St. Anastasia’s cathedral and admire its façade full of details.
You can enter the cathedral for free. However, keep in mind it is a religious place so you will have to dress appropriately. If you are visiting during the warm summer months, make sure to have something to cover your shoulders.
6. Enjoy the gorgeous views from the Bell Tower
It is also possible to go up St. Anastasia’s cathedral bell tower. To get to the top you will have to climb around 200 steps. From there, you will be able to enjoy the best views of Zadar and the sea. On the top, be careful not to fly away! I almost lost my hat!
The Bell Tower is open Monday to Saturday from 9 am until 10 pm and from June to August. The rest of the year it has reduced opening hours. It has a small admission fee of 15 kunas.
7. Visit the Roman Forum ruins
Next to the cathedral, you will also find the remaining rests of the ancient Roman Forum. Zadar was a roman colony until the disintegration of the empire and some of its ruins are still standing in Zadar.
8. Window shop (or not) at Kalelarga street
This is the main artery of Old Town Zadar. As its name says it is a long street filled with shops, restaurants and cafés. You should definitely spend some time in it while you enjoy its ambiance.
9. Relax at Queen Jelena Madijevka park
During your visit to Zadar, another must is to visit Queen Jelena Madijevka park. This is the oldest park in Zadar and it is the perfect place to relax in the shadow after walking all around Zadar.
From this small and beautiful park, you can also enjoy a good view of the Land Gate to Zadar.
10. Have the best ice cream in Zadar at Slasticarna Donat
Ice cream is always a good idea but more so during the summer. This ice cream shop is located right in front of the St. Anastasia cathedral and you will not regret stopping by for delicious ice cream!
Bonus: Go on a day trip to one of the many islands around Zadar
Your visit to Zadar will not be complete unless you go on a day trip to one of the beautiful islands next to Zadar.
There are plenty of travel agencies in Zadar offering day trips to these islands so that you can enjoy its clear blue water beaches. You can either go on an organized day trip or visit them on your own by taking a ferry from Zadar’s port. The most visited ones are:
- Dugi Otok (Long Island)
- Ugljan
- Pasman
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