Zadar
Temperature
14°
Time
1:06 AM
Zadar
Almost entirely surrounded by the warm waters of the Adriatic, Zadar may not be large, but it will charm you with its character. A thoroughly cosmopolitan space, the city is full of extraordinary architecture and offers some of the best sailing around Zadar's archipelago and along the western coast of the Dalmatia region.Find your trip
The Church of St Donatus is considered by many the symbol of Zadar. This majestic circular building is one of the finest examples of Byzantine style in the whole country. Nowadays it's no longer used as a church but as a venue for cultural and musical events. The ground floor houses a permanent exhibition of the medieval collection. The first floor is dedicated to the permanent exhibition of the ancient collection. The second floor shows off the permanent exhibition of the prehistoric collection.
This Romanesque Cathedral was built in the 12th century on the plan of a former Christian basilica and it's the biggest one in the Dalmatian region. Behind the ornamented facade, remains of frescoes and a carved choir decorate the interiors of the church. From the top of the bell tower visitors can enjoy views of the old town below.
Commissioned by emperor Augustus in the 1st century, the Roman Forum (today known as Zeleni trg) was the heart of public life during the empire and it's nowadays the most genuine image of the city's ancient appearance. Remains of the original pavement, stairs and two monumental columns of the Roman square are among the most well-preserved ruins of the sight.
This series of broad white steps descending into the sea are one of the most unique landmarks in Zadar. Designed by the local architect Nikola Bašić, the Sea Organ consists of underwater resonant chambers carved in the steps which allow the organ to play chiming notes when the water flows into them.
An outstanding collection of glass items, many of them hailing from the Roman settlements around the region and the local Roman necropolis. Glass-blowing and bead making demonstrations are available every day.
Since its origin in the Medieval times, Narodni Trg (People’s Square) has been the core of Zadar's public life. The City Guard, built in 1562, commands the western side of the square, topped by a 19th-century clock tower. Nearby, St Lawrence church is the oldest preserved building of the town, while the Loggia on the opposite side is now a venue for exhibitions.
Despite its humble exterior, this small Baroque church, named after one of the patron saints of the city, houses one of Zadar's highlights: the St Simeon Chest. A fine example of medieval silversmithing, dating back to 1381, this highly decorated silver casket placed just above the main altar contains the mummified body of St Simeon.
Traces of the old city walls can still be found all around Zadar, with some sections dating back to the Middle Ages and a greater part built during the Venetian control over the city as a fortification against the Turks. Beside some portions of the previous walls, eight gates used as entrances to the city remain, of which the most elaborate is the one known as Land Gate. Located just in front of the little Foša harbour, Land Gate is adorned with some of the finest Dalmatian Renaissance-style decorations, including representations of Saint Chrysogonus and the lion of St Mark.
The Church of St Donatus is considered by many the symbol of Zadar. This majestic circular building is one of the finest examples of Byzantine style in the whole country. Nowadays it's no longer used as a church but as a venue for cultural and musical events. The ground floor houses a permanent exhibition of the medieval collection. The first floor is dedicated to the permanent exhibition of the ancient collection. The second floor shows off the permanent exhibition of the prehistoric collection.
This Romanesque Cathedral was built in the 12th century on the plan of a former Christian basilica and it's the biggest one in the Dalmatian region. Behind the ornamented facade, remains of frescoes and a carved choir decorate the interiors of the church. From the top of the bell tower visitors can enjoy views of the old town below.
A lively market with fresh fish, fruits and vegetables from local farmers, herbs and countless homemade products. Rooting back to the Middle Age, Zadar's market is one of the biggest and oldest in the Dalmatian region.
The Archaeological Museum produces replicas of many of the artefacts on display (mainly made of pottery and artificial stone) that are on sale in its souvenirs shop.
Gligora is an award-winning producer of Pag Cheese (Paški Sir), a most beloved Croatian specialty. In addition to cheese, wine, prosciutto, oil and other local delicacies can be purchased here. Before you buy, consider participating in their tastings.
City Galleria is a modern venue combining a traditional market and a shopping mall. The market indoor and in the main open square has stalls of local producers selling fruit and vegetables, meat, fish and other delicacies. Beside the market, many shops of renown fashion brands can also be found.
Laudato Gallery sells Croatian sacred art with a focus on christian iconography. Inspired by the Croatian heritage, the artists of the gallery create reliefs, illustrations and reproductions of St Simeon's Chest, crafted after the one kept in the sanctuary.
World-famous Maraschino liqueur from Zadar and several other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks made from maraschino and black cherries are on purchase in the shop of Maraska Inc.
After attending the blow-glass workshop at the Ancient Glass Museum, visitors have the possibility to purchase replicas of the Roman glassware and jewellery at the gift shop.
Bibich is a specialised wine shop that also sells liqueurs and local delicacies. Bibich is especially famous for the regional white wine Debit, hence a must-try.
A lively market with fresh fish, fruits and vegetables from local farmers, herbs and countless homemade products. Rooting back to the Middle Age, Zadar's market is one of the biggest and oldest in the Dalmatian region.
The Archaeological Museum produces replicas of many of the artefacts on display (mainly made of pottery and artificial stone) that are on sale in its souvenirs shop.
Zadar airport is located in Zemunik Donji, 12 kilometres from the city centre. It operates internal as well as international flights, often with low-cost airlines. A bus route connects the airport to the port and the city centre.
Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Croatia, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.
The most popular period with tourists is between May and August, when the weather is hot and slightly humid. To enjoy warm weather and find cheaper accommodations, April and September may be the best options.
Liburnija, the local public transport company, operates on 11 lines covering the whole city and some areas of the Zadar County. You can buy one-way tickets in cash from the bus driver. Return tickets are issued and paid in cash at the ticket sales department of the Zadar Bus Station (point of sale #15), as well as with authorised vendors. It's possible to buy digital travel tickets using the Smartica mobile app. Remember to activate your ticket when you get on the bus.
There are several taxi companies operating in Zadar and the main taxi ranks can be found near the Bus Station (Autobusni kolodvor) and the ferry quay (Liburnska obala). Prices can differ depending on the company, so it's advisable to ask for the total amount in advance. Two reliable companies are Eurotaxi and Dalma.
There are three pharmacies in the city centre that are open around the clock: Center Ulica Jurja Barakovića 2, Zadar +385 23 302 921 Donat Braće Vranjanina 14, Zadar +385 23 251 480 Jadran Put Murvice 2, Zadar +385 23 211 743
Beside the main post office, there is also another one in the city centre, located in Š.Kožičića Benje 1.
Country code: +385 Area code: (0)23
Zadar airport is located in Zemunik Donji, 12 kilometres from the city centre. It operates internal as well as international flights, often with low-cost airlines. A bus route connects the airport to the port and the city centre.
Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Croatia, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.
