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Zadar

Home to a historic old town of Roman ruins, medieval churches, cosmopolitan cafes and quality museums set on a small peninsula, Zadar is an intriguing city. It’s not too crowded and its two unique attractions – the sound-and-light spectacle of the Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation – need to be seen and heard to be believed.

While it’s not a picture-postcard kind of place from every angle, the mix of ancient relics, Habsburg elegance and coastal setting all offset the unsightly tower blocks climbing up the hilly hinterland. It's no Dubrovnik, but it's not a museum town either – this is a living, vibrant city, enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

Zadar is also a key transport hub, with superb ferry connections to the surrounding islands.

Explore Zadar

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Zadar.

  • Monument

    Sun Salutation

    Another wacky and wonderful creation by Nikola Bašić (the local architect who designed the nearby Sea Organ), this 22m-wide circle set into the pavement…

  • Monument

    Sea Organ

    Zadar’s incredible Sea Organ, designed by local architect Nikola Bašić, is unique. Set within the perforated stone stairs that descend into the sea is a…

  • Ruins

    Roman Forum

    One of the most intriguing things about Zadar is the way Roman ruins seem to sprout randomly from the city's streets. Nowhere is this more evident than at…

  • Church

    St Donatus' Church

    Dating from the beginning of the 9th century, this unusual circular Byzantine-style church was named after the bishop who commissioned it. As one of only…

  • Church

    St Simeon’s Church

    While this 17th-century baroque church is pretty enough, it's what lies inside that makes it truly noteworthy. Taking pride of place above the main altar,…

  • Museum

    Museum of Ancient Glass

    It's baffling that a medium as delicate as glass could survive the earthquakes and wars that have plagued this region over the millennia, but this…

  • Cathedral

    St Anastasia's Cathedral

    Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, Zadar's cathedral has a richly decorated facade and an impressive three-nave interior with the remains of frescoes…

  • Square

    Narodni trg

    Traditionally the centre of public life, this pretty little square is constantly abuzz with chatter from its many cafe-bars. The western side is dominated…

  • Museum

    Archaeological Museum

    A wealth of prehistoric, ancient and medieval relics, mainly from Zadar and its surrounds, awaits at this fascinating museum. Highlights include a 2.5m…

  • Tower

    Bell Tower

    Climb up the tower belonging to St Anastasia's Cathedral for worth-the-effort views across the city and out to sea.

  • Monastery

    Franciscan Monastery

    Entry to this historic monastery includes access to a lovely Renaissance cloister, the Gothic church (the oldest of its kind in Dalmatia, consecrated in…

  • Gate

    Land Gate

    The most elaborate of the city gates also has the prettiest setting, facing a sheltered little marina. Dating from 1543, it has Renaissance-style…

  • Square

    Trg Pet Bunara

    Built in 1574 on the site of a former moat, this square takes its name from the five wells that supplied Zadar with water until 1838. Set into the…

  • Gate

    Sea Gate

    Also known as St Chrysogonus' Gate (Vrata Sv Krševana), this port-facing archway was built in 1573 and sports the Venetian lion and part of a Roman…

  • Museum

    Museum of Illusions

    This fun museum is devoted to optical and other illusions. There's a vortex tunnel, holograms, a mirror room, an infinity room and loads of interactive…

  • Museum

    Museum of Religious Art

    This impressive museum in a Benedictine convent boasts a fine collection of reliquaries, sculpture, embroidery and paintings. Of particular note are works…

  • Gate

    New Gate

    This modest archway is the city's most important gate as it is the main tourist entrance from the handy footbridge across the harbour.

  • Gate

    St Rok's Gate

    This humble gate is handy for reaching the ferries and excursion boats that line the harbour here.

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Zadar.

  • Activities

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