In 2026, Zadar continues to shine as a vibrant Adriatic destination where history, culture, and nature come together in unforgettable ways. Wander through the charming Old town and discover ancient landmarks like the Roman Forum, St. Donatus church, and the stunning bell tower of St. Anastasia´s Cathedral offering panoramic views of the sea and city. Experience the unique sound of the Sea Organ and the magical light show of the Greeting to the Sun-two iconic waterfront attractions that define Zadar´s seaside charm. Explore crystal-clear waters on boat tours, sea kayaking adventures, or relaxing beach days along the beautiful coastline and nearby islands. Dive into local culture through seasonal festivals, culinary experiences, museums, and lively nightlife, making Zadar an excellent choice for every kind of traveler in 2026.
Zadar offers so much to see – from historical monuments and charming streets to unique modern installations. While it’s hard to choose the highlights, below are some of the best activities and attractions.
1. Land Gate
Land Gate once served as the main entrance to the city. Built in the 16th century, it dates back to a time of great danger, when the Ottoman army threatened to conquer the city. During this period, Zadar was the strongest Venetian fortress in the region. Land Gate, together with the city walls and fortifications, is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Google maps location: click here
2. Five wells square
Five wells square is actually a large cistern for drinking water with five decorated well crowns. It was constructed in 16th century to provide sufficient supplies of drinking water for the city’s residents. From here, you can climb the steps leading to a beautiful park, where you can admire picturesque views of Foša Port and the Land Gate.
Google maps location: click here
3. St. Donatus church
The Church of St. Donatus is dating back to the 9th century. Its name refers to Donatus of Zadar, a bishop and celebrated Zadar’s saint who began the construction of the church. It stands out by its monumental size and specific cylindrical shape. This church is a symbol of the city of Zadar so don’t forget to take spectacular photos in front of it.
Google maps location: click here
4. Roman Forum
Roman Forum in Zadar was built between the 1st century BC and the 3rd century AD and commissioned by the first Roman Emperor Augustus. The Forum was the center of the public life with various shops, temple and basilica for public gatherings. Today only have been preserved decorative elements, the original pavement and stairs in its original place.
Google maps location: click here
5. Cathedral and the bell tower of St.Anastasia
Cathedral in Zadar is the largest church in all of Dalmatia (the coastal region of Croatia). The church’s origins date back to an Early Christian basilica built in the 4th and 5th century. While much of its present day appearance was shaped in a Romanesque style during the 12th and 13th centuries. You can enter the church for free to experience this quiet sacral place and to admire its valuable sacral art.
Google maps location: click here
Bell tower of Zadar’s cathedral is 42 m high and fun fact is that it was build in 2 different periods. Ground and 1st floor were made in the 2nd half of 15th century and it was finished some 400 years after according to the ideal concept of an English architect Thomas G. Jackson, most recognized by his work at Oxford university. If you visit bell tower, you will find out more about its intriguing history explained by info panels on the walls, however this is not the only reason why you should visit. The best thing is waiting on the top – you will be amazed by the view of the entire Zadar old town, its wider area, sea and scattered islands across the channel. Entrance ticket is just 3,00 EUR.
6. People’s square
People’s square is the centre of urban life in the city of Zadar. In Medieval period it was called Platea Magna. The City Guard with a clock-tower is dominating the square that is surrounded with other historical buildings. This is a perfect spot for all visitors that want to experience local’s lifestyle. Sit down and enjoy sipping delicious coffee that is being served on sunny terraces.
Google maps location: click here
7. Sea organ
Popular Sea Organ is a stairway that stretches 75 m along the Zadar waterfront. The installation is like a musical instrument that creates unusual melody using only the power of sea waves. Underneath those huge marble steps are placed 35 pipes of various lengths and diameters through which waves push air that, at the end, creates unique sound. It is a popular spot for people that come to chill and linger while listening unique melody played by the sea.
Google maps location: click here
8. Tasting the liqueur Maraschino
Maraschino is Zadar’s traditional liquor made by secret recipe from the specific type of cherries called Marasca cherries. This is a small slightly sour fruit that grows wild along Zadar region. Pharmacists of the Zadar’s Dominican monastery noted down the 1st recipe for this herbal liquor at the beginning of the 16th Century and at that time this aromatic drink was medical potion. Through time the original recipe was gradually changed and perfected. In 18th century Maraschino as a prestigious drink became world famous, present in all reigning European courts. It was respected and enjoyed by the British king George IV and the queen Victoria, the French kings Louis XVIII, Charles X and Louis Philippe, the Russian tsar Nikola I, Napoleon Bonaparte, marshal Marmont, the great seducer Giaccomo Casanova, film director Alfred Hitchcock, writers and artists Rudyard Kipling, George Bernard Shaw, Charles Baudelaire, Ernest Hemingway, Orson Welles, Charlie Chaplin and many others.
Therefore, once in Zadar do not miss the chance to taste this noble liquor and travel back in time while enjoying its unique aroma. You can find Maraschino in almost every bar in Zadar or end your day watching Zadar’s sunset and sipping delicious cocktails with Maraschino.
9. Visit Duke’s palace
Once in Zadar you must visit Duke’s palace, it is renovated historical complex that unites museum, concert hall, exhibition hall and multi media center in one. The palace itself is of exceptional value for citizens of Zadar. It was first mentioned in 13th century and in its hall were held city councils, and throughout period of the Venetian Republic rule this palace was duke’s residence.
Today you can visit its exhibition hall and admire beautiful paintings of local artists or artworks of famous artists like Andy Warhol, Chagall or even Dali, depending which exhibition is actual at the moment of your visit.
You can even watch movies or attend one of the classical music concerts organized by Zadar Concert office that are being held in the concert hall. Live like locals do, check the events program at the link here.
10. Ride in a row boat
In the old town, in marina, search for a row boat sign and hop in a wooden boat to enjoy short boat ride to get across the sea to the opposite side of the marina. Boatmen in Zadar are called “Barkajoli” and for 8 centuries they have been transporting citizens from peninsula to the mainland, that way shortening the 5,00 km long walk around the coastline, regardless the weather conditions. This tradition is being passed from father to son, from one generation to the other. Have in mind that there is no schedule, the boatman will approach you as soon as he sees you standing at the dock waiting. Zadar’s boatmen are being super friendly, they will help you to get in the boat. On the mainland you can take a nice walk along the seaside, sit in café bar and sip delicious coffee.
11. Glass blowing demonstration using ancient techniques
Museum of Ancient glass is one of a kind cultural institution not only in Croatia but in the world. This is specialized archeological museum with a unique collection of about 5.000 different glass objects from antiquity that were found in Zadar, dating from the 1st century BC to the 5th century AD. Before opening the museum, this valuable antique glass collection has been presented at numerous international exhibitions in Rome, Venice, Lisbon and other cities. Great addition to the museum is a glassmaking workshop in which you can see live demonstration of a glass blowing technique. In museum’s gift shop you can buy amazing hand-made glass jewelry, vases or plates.
Price for an entrance ticket is 6,00 EUR.
12. Zadar Virtual Walking tour
Zadar walking tour with virtual reality experience is a walk through the old city with an expert assistant to the 8 most attractive locations where you will discover with help of VR (Virtual Reality) glasses how Zadar looked in different historical periods. In addition to the virtual display, the audio guide translated into 7 languages provides the most important information about Zadar and historical events. You will step into the virtual world, return to the past and experience over 2000 years of Zadar’s history. You have no longer to imagine what Zadar looked like, you will just put on VR glasses and experience the most important moments in Zadar’s history and experience Zadar in a new and innovative way. You will see numerous animations, 3D models of historic buildings, 360 ° views and enjoy numerous sound effects.
You will see following:
- The Roman Forum built 2000 years ago
- Zadar in 1202 and the IV cruscade attack on the city
- Former green market and how Zadar looked before World war II
- Aerial bombing of the city in World War II
- St. Anastasia Cathedral and places inside that are closed for public
- St. Chrysogonus Church and the former cloister of the church
- St. Simeon’s Church and its silver pleated chest
- Main entrance gates into the city during Roman period and Middle ages, and learn more about defense city walls system built by Venetians under UNESCO protection
The built in audio guide is available in 7 languages: Croatian, English, German, Italian, French, Spanish and Esperanto. Virtual walking tour duration is 2 hours.
13. Zadar City Walking tour with licensed guide
You can explore Zadar old town with a licensed guide. Experienced licensed guides will tell you all the interesting facts about buildings, events and the way of life in Zadar and even reveal some secrets related to Zadar and his citizens. In the city tour you will visit Greeting to the Sun, a modern art installation located in the western part of the old town, the Sea Organ, the Forum, the former Ancient Forum, the church of St. Donatus, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, the main street Kalelarga, the main square with the City Hall from the 16th century. and an 18th-century clock tower, a town guard, and a 12th-century town lodge. After a pleasant walk through the city streets, you will taste Zadar’s Maraschino, a liqueur with a rich taste produced from special cherry sort.
Licensed guides are available in: Croatian, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, Norwegian, Swedish, Polish, Czech, Russian, Slovenian, Romanian, Hungarian, Catalan, Chinese and Japanese.
Beside the above mentioned locations we can arrange visiting:
- all churches in Zadar
- St. Anastasia’s bell tower
- Museum of ancient glass
- Museum of Ilusions
- Permanent exhibition Gold and Silver of Zadar
We also offer a new tour to see the city of Zadar with a guide, with whom you will have the opportunity to taste local delicacies.
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