Zadar

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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.

The City

Zadar is the urban centre of northern Dalmatia, situated just at the heart of the Adriatic sea. Often shadowed by more famous destinations along the Croatian coast, it's a city of exceptional history with a modern and welcoming attitude. In the peninsular Old Town traces of the past are still visible in the streets layout and in the Mediterranean architectures and Roman ruins popping up among cosy cafes and traditional eateries. Zadar is also the ideal departure point to discover the beautiful surroundings.

Do & See Dining Cafés Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

A blending of ancient time, colonial past and modern days animate the street of Zadar. Roman ruins, medieval churches and traces of the Venetian dominion are just few steps away from modern installations celebrating the most acclaimed sunsets of the city. Top quality museums and lively squares complete the offer of this characteristic Dalmatian town.

Church of St Donatus

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 venue for cultural and musical events. The ground floor houses a permanent exhibition of the …

Cathedral of St Anastasia

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 …

The Roman Forum

Commisioned 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 and stairs and two monumental columns of the the Roman square are …

Sea Organ

This serie of broad white steps descending into the sea are one of the most unique landmark 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 …

Museum of Ancient Glass

An outstanding collection of glass items, many of them hailing from the Roman settlements around the region and the local Roman necropolis. Available for visitors every days are glass-blowing and bead making …

People’s Square

Since its origin in the Medieval times, Narodni Trg (People’s Square) has been the core of Zadar's public life. Dominating the westerns side of the square, the City Guard dates back to the 1562 and it's crested by a 19th-century clock tower. Nearby, St Lawrence church is the oldest preserved building of the town, …

Church of St Simeon

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 silversmith, dating back to the 1381, this highly decorated silver casket placed just above the main altar contains the mummified body of St …

Land Gate & City Walls

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 …

Five Wells Square

Trg Pet Bunara owes its name to the five wells lining up in a row at its centre, which has supplied water to the city until the middle of the 19th century. Just a few steps away visitors can enjoy Queen Jelena Madije park, situated just between the medieval walls and the Renaissance Grimani …

Greeting to the Sun

The eccentric Pozdrav Suncu attracts tons of people every evening during summer. By the same architect of the Sea Organ, Nikola Bašić, Greeting to the Sun is a compound of multi-layered plates in circular shape inserted on the pavement of Riva promenade. Collecting energy from the sun during daylight, it displays a show of …

Permanent Exhibition of Religious Art

Hosted within the Benedictine monastery of St Mary, this permanent exhibition of religious art is one of the most valuable in Croatia and displays a number of masterpieces made out of gold and silver, but also other precious items such as manuscripts, embroideries, reliefs and …

Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum houses a collection of artefacts from the district of Zadar and the islands of Pag and Rab, dating from prehistoric times to the end of 11th …

Kalelarga

Lined with shops, bars and cafes Kalelarga is the biggest and busiest street in Zadar. Following the trail of the ancient Decumanus Maximus built by the Romans, it's the place where people in Zadar come for socialising and having fun and where many events take place all year …

National Museum

The National Museum showcases exhibits of the natural, cultural and ethnological heritage of the northern Dalmatian region from the 13th century until present days. The museum encompasses four departments: Natural History, Ethnology, Fine Arts and City …

Zadar Archipelago

Zadar archipelago gives visitors the possibility to discover one of the most beautiful areas of Dalmatia away from the more touristy part of the region. It may be popular with fishing enthusiasts, but there're plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy like snorkeling, cave exploring and cliff …

Church of St Chrysogonus

A notable part of the great Benedictine monastery that was destroyed in World War II, the Church of St Chrysogonus houses beautifully preserved 13th-century frescoes and a Baroque …

Treasury of the Franciscan Monastery

The Treasury exhibits valuable examples of sacred art: the large Romanesque painted crucifix from the 12th century, the painting of the Dead Christ — the work of Jacopo da Ponte Bassano, the large Renaissance crucifix from the 15th century, ancient liturgical vessels, precious illuminated codices and chorals, documents, incunabula, etc. The painted Ugljan polyptych …

St Michael's Church & Monastery

On the corner of Špiro Brusina Street and Mihovil Klaić Street there is a simple and charming Gothic Church of St Michael’s, once a part of the Franciscan monastery. A Gothic portal, which is adorned by reliefs from 14th century, dominates the facade. In its single-nave interior there is a painted wooden Romanesque crucifixion …

Riva

The sea promenade called Riva is a wonderful place to walk around and enjoy its beautiful green parks and palm trees. It is a first class city promenade with the view over the Zadar channel, the islands of Ugljan and Pašman and the open sea to the …

Dining

The culinary offer of Zadar may not be particularly international, but rather focused on Mediterranean cuisine and seafood. Wander the cobbled streets of the city and encounter culinary delights based on fresh, local ingredients and traditional dishes. The wine selection is very often varied and of good quality.

Bruschetta

Offering Italian dishes as well as traditional Dalmatian seafood, at Bruschetta the focus is on traditional Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant serves quality food in a casual environment and it's popular with locals for its lunch …

Kornat

By many considered the best restaurant in town, Kornat offers top-quality food in a delightful location and charming atmosphere. The restaurant can boast a set of Dalmatian dishes prepared with prime-quality ingredients and a good selection of Croatian wines just to be savoured by customers on the great front-harbour location. Try the black risotto …

Pet Bunara Dine & Wine

Seasonal, organic ingredients are the core of Pet Bunara cuisine, where traditional dishes are prepared according to the Slow Food philosophy. Dalmatian classics are served alongside carefully selected wines in a cosy atmosphere. Try the traditional fig …

Konoba Skoblar

Konobas are traditional Dalmatian taverns and Skoblar happens to be the oldest one in all Zadar. This is the right place to find authentic regional cuisine set in an equally traditional venue. Specialties of Konoba Skoblar include food cooked under the "pod pekom" (an iron baking bell) and desserts such as Kalelarga cheesecake and …

Foša

Beloved by locals for its seafood, Foša combines traditions and new trends in both its culinary offer and interiors' decorations. The place is named after the small harbours where restaurant is located. You can enjoy the harbour view from the beautiful …

Kaštel

Enjoy a complete fine-dining experience at Kaštel, where Croatian classics are revisited and enriched with Italian and French flavours. Seasonal, local ingredients are a must for this restaurant serving grate pastas, fresh fish and homemade …

Tri Bunara

A no-frills pizzeria located in the old town. The pizzas are some of the best in Zadar, but you should also try their sandwiches and …

Bistro Pjat

A traditional restaurant with classic Mediterranean cuisine and an interior decorated in the atmosphere of an old …

2Ribara

A central venue with modern-looking interiors serving a wide selection of Croatian and Dalmatian dishes and wood-oven-baked pizza at very reasonable …

Trattoria Canzona

Simple food and affordable prices in a rustic atmosphere. There are new options in the menu every day and their pizza is among the favourites in …

Harbor Cookhouse & Club

Just a five minutes walk away from the city centre, Harbor is located right in front of the old harbour. The interiors are carefully appointed and the innovative cuisine in a bland of Mediterranean and Peruvian flavours. Harbor is also a lounge bar with DJ …

Proto Food & More

Simple interiors, genuine food and an easy-going attitude are turning Proto into one of the most popular restaurant in Zadar. Dalmatian classics are served in big portions and every now and then they come up with special, limited time menus focused on select …

Konoba Stomorica

A traditional restaurant serving local dishes and Croatian wines and spirits. One of the oldest of its kind in the city and a favourite with local for its generous portions and reasonable prices. Enjoy live traditional music on Friday …

Malo Misto

A traditional charcoal-grill restaurant (roštilj) with an outdoor terrace and live Croatian …

Groppo

A Mediterranean restaurant in the heart of Zadar that organises banquets to the highest standards with a wide range of food, from finger-food to sumptuous fish and meat …

Cafés

Take a break from sightseeing with some savoury street food or some mouth-watering cake. Don't miss out on the stunning summer sunsets from the many terraced cafés on the Riva promenade.

Bistro Gourmet Kalelarga

One of the most well-regarded restaurants in town, Gourmet Kalelarga in most prized for its excellent wine selection and delicious pastries and cakes. Popular for its breakfast options, its also serves Dalmatian dishes for lunch and dinner. Enjoy local liquors during aperitif on the tables …

D16 Specialty Coffee

A colourful, bright cafe full of character specialised in top-quality coffee and teas. Among the many specialities are loose leaf teas and matcha latte, fresh juices, homemade iced tea and cold brewed coffee are also …

Pašta & Svašta

Pašta & Svašta is a family-run bistro serving homemade pasta with fresh sauces prepared right at the moment of your order. They also serve bruschette, salads and some à la carte …

Beach Bar Bamboo

Just a short bus ride away from Zadar city centre, Beach Bar Bamboo offers a relaxed atmosphere in a gorgeous sea-front location. Sip a drink and enjoy the view over the Old Town's terracotta …

Kavana Danica

An old classic located just opposite to the National Theater serving handmade cakes, Italian ice-cream and excellent …

Lovre

With the tables outside spreading on half of People's Square and the 12th-century St. Lawrence church hosting a major part of the interiors, Lovre can boast some of the most pleasant locations in town. Enjoy a light breakfast or a cooling …

Coffee & Cake

Perfect for breakfasts and brunches, Coffee & Cake makes the ideal break for any sweet-tooth. Great homemade cakes and freshly-baked pastries are served alongside smoothies, cookies and french …

Caffe Bar Riva

Riva has a pleasant terrace overlooking the sea by Riva promenade, near the Roman Forum, which makes it the perfect place to relax enjoying their ice-creams or local …

Callegro Café Bar

Callegro has the most beautiful view over the old Roman Forum. From its position, you can kick back and watch other people strolling through the famous street Kalelarga while you enjoy a good cup of coffee, a tasty pastry, or a cold …

Pirate Bar

A nice café in the Jazine bay is a new location for drinking coffee by the sea and enjoying a night out in the evening. The atmosphere is very relaxed, and the waiters are extremely friendly and …

Bars & Nightlife

The streets of Zadar have and undeniably relaxed ambiance, with locals flocking to the squares to sip refreshing drinks during aperitif hour. Many restaurants are open until late and hosts live music sessions. There are also numerous lounge bars with good selections of wines and cocktails. Clubs are usually open only during the summer.

The Garden Lounge

Unanimously considered by locals as one of the coolest and most chilled places to hang out in Zadar, the Garden Lounge Bar faces the harbour from its location just above the city walls. The venue is completely outdoors, and besides fancy cocktails, local wines and its own crafted beer it has an extensive vegan …

Arsenal

A multifaceted cultural venue housed in a renovated 16th century warehouse, Arsenal is today one of the main entertainment experience in Zadar. Its events range from world music and Croatian klapa concerts to club nights and art …

Famous Beach Bar & Grill

Famous is beach bar, pub and nightclub all at the same time. Serving tasty pub-like food and great beers in a Caribbean atmosphere, Famous hosts regular events and its seashore location makes it the perfect spot for evening hang …

Podroom Night Club

Open only on weekends and quite far away from the old town, Podroom is one of the biggest clubs in the city. It hosts both local and international DJs and it is one o the most popular venues when it comes to late-night …

Caffe Bar Kult

Ledana Lounge Bar & Club

Set in the beautiful surroundings of Queen Jelena Madije Park, Ledana is one of the most popular hangouts in Zadar despite being relatively new. Resident and guest DJs, club performers, concerts, stand-up comedy and theme parties are just a few of the many entertainments that Ledana bustles …

Hedonist Dining & Hangout

A cosy bar with many events and live music going on every week. Genuine street food is served with good wine and several cocktail …

Svarog Bar

The ultimate party destination inside the old city walls, Svarog is situated just in the Five Wells Square. Incredibly busy at weekends, this popular club plays mainly RnB and hip …

Yachting Bar

A modern club with a decent selection of drinks, a shisha bar and live music on the terrace overlooking Borik …

Shopping

Markets and independent shops selling traditional Dalmatian specialties are highly suggested for value-for-money shopping. For unique souvenirs check the gift shops of major museums and galleries, selling well-defined replicas of the ancient items they showcase made by professional craftsmen.