Things to Do in Zadar: The Old Town and the Best Day Trips

Top 10 sights in Zadar

1. 1. Sea Organ (Morske orgulje)

   Beneath the marble steps at the tip of the Old Town, pipes turn the movement of the waves into sound. Architect Nikola Bašić built the Sea Organ in 2005. Sit on the steps and listen; it sounds best with a light swell.

2. 2. Greeting to the Sun (Pozdrav Suncu)

   Right next to the Sea Organ is a circle of about 300 glass plates, roughly 22 metres across, also by Nikola Bašić. Solar cells collect energy during the day and a light show starts in the pavement after sunset.

3. 3. Church of St Donatus (Sv. Donat)

   This round 9th-century church, about 27 metres high, is the symbol of Zadar and is considered the largest pre-Romanesque building in Croatia. Stones from the Roman Forum were reused in its construction.

4. 4. Roman Forum

   The forum dates from the time of Emperor Augustus and is the central square of the Old Town. Remains of the colonnades survive, along with a single standing column that served as a pillar of shame in the Middle Ages.

5. 5. St Anastasia Cathedral and bell tower

   The Romanesque cathedral stands a few steps from the forum. Climb the bell tower for the best view over the Old Town rooftops, the islands and the sea.

6. 6. Kalelarga

   The main street of the Old Town follows the line of the Roman main street. It is lined with cafés and shops and is where Zadar comes to life in the evening.

7. 7. Land Gate (Kopnena vrata)

   This Renaissance gate from 1543 was designed by the Venetian architect Michele Sanmicheli and resembles a Roman triumphal arch. The Lion of St Mark watches over the entrance.

8. 8. Five Wells Square and the city walls

   The five wells from the 16th century supplied the city with water during the Ottoman sieges. Next to them is a bastion with a small park. Zadar’s Venetian fortifications have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017.

9. 9. Barkajoli rowing boats

   For centuries the barkajoli have rowed passengers across the city harbour, a crossing of about 70 metres. It is the shortest and most charming boat ride in Zadar.

10. 10. Museum of Ancient Glass

    The museum displays Roman glassware excavated in the region. A good plan for the hottest hours of the day or a rainy afternoon.

Zadar Old Town in half a day

This walking route links the sights in order and ends at the Sea Organ for sunset:

1. Cross the harbour with the barkajoli, or walk over the city bridge
2. Land Gate and Five Wells Square
3. Along Kalelarga to the Roman Forum and St Donatus
4. Bell tower of St Anastasia Cathedral
5. Museum of Ancient Glass or a coffee break
6. Sunset at the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun

Sunset in Zadar

Zadar’s sunset is world-famous. Alfred Hitchcock is said to have called it the most beautiful in the world during a visit in the 1960s. On land, the Sea Organ is the best spot, but arrive early because it gets busy in summer.

The view of the Old Town from the water is even better. Our Zadar sunset boat tour lasts one hour and costs from €30.

Beaches in Zadar

You do not have to leave town for a swim: Kolovare is within walking distance of the Old Town, and Borik is in the north of the city. For fine sand and turquoise water, take a boat to the islands. Sakarun on Dugi Otok is the best-known beach in the region; read our Sakarun Beach guide.

Best day trips from Zadar

Not sure which trip suits you? Read our guides to Kornati, Plitvice Lakes and Krka National Park.

Frequently asked questions