Zadar is the biggest city, cultural, economic and transit center of northern Dalmatia and the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia. Zadar is today one of the most popular Croatian tourist destinations, named "entertainment center of the Adriatic" by The Times and "Croatia's new capital of cool" by The Guardian in 2017.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Its Venetian city walls are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. 1 Turistička zajednica Grada Zadra (Tourist Information Centre), Mihovila Klaića 1. (updated Aug 2016)
The centre is easy enough to get around on foot. To reach the bus and train stations or Youth Hostel you will probably need to catch one of the frequent local buses, which are the only form of public transportation. Liburnija. Provides local bus services in the city. Buses are relatively new and well maintained. Single ride ticket €1.59 (valid 50 min); double ride: €2.65. (updated Oct 2023) Virtually all the routes have a stop at the Autobusni kolodvor (Bus station). In the newer part of the city there is another popular bus stop: 1 Mala Pošta stop – at the post office at the crossroads of Ul. Josipa Jurja Strossmayera and Ul.
Walk around the atmospheric streets of the old town, located on the peninsula. There are 34 old churches on the peninsula, and all of them with a very rich history. The oldest is St. Simeon (Sv. Šime). 1 Crkva svetog Donata (Church of Saint Donatus). The church is one of the best preserved pre-Romanesque buildings in the world. It is pretty difficult to miss, as it has become the most recognizable symbol of Zadar. The church is no longer in use for religious ceremonies, and today is a museum. It also holds a series of classical music concerts every summer. €2.70/adult (cash only). (updated Oct 2019) 2 Katedrala sv. Stošije (Zadar Cathedral or Cathedral of St. Anastasia).
Chill in one of the cafes and enjoy the city, the sun, and the people. Walk: take a stroll along the paved seafront on a summer evening for one of the best sunsets in Europe and listen to the relaxing sounds of the rather original 'sea organ' set into the harbour wall. Sail: if you wish to spend your holidays on a yacht charter, Zadar has a lot to offer.The best season for sailing is early summer with good S/SE winds in May and June, while the winds during July and August are generally calmer. Summer temperatures are 26-30°C on average and the sea temperature is about 25°C. Swim: take a dip in the beautiful clear waters.
1 Crazy Pizza, Stomorica ul. 1. Daily, 24 hr. The pizza is fresh and tasty, the people who serve are very nice. If you seek a quick, easy treat then get to this place. A giant pizza can feed a family of 4. (updated May 2022) 2 Konoba Tovar, Ul. Matice Dalmatinske 1. Small tavern. Real local food. You can eat very well here. Chef and staff ensure good food and a good atmosphere. (updated May 2022) 3 Barbakan, Ul. Ruđera Boškovića 5. Tables outside - nice atmosphere. Frequented especially in the evening by young people and adults. Good food. (updated May 2022) 4 Gušti, Ul. Zrinsko Frankopanska 20.
1 Cocktail Bar Mango, Krešimirova Obala 12, ☏ +385 91 734 0769, mangozadar@gmail.com. Lounge bar with a view over the bay. Large selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Comes to life in the early evening, only during the busy summer months. (updated Aug 2016) 2 The Garden, Liburnska obala 6, ☏ +385 23 25 06 31, info@thegarden.hr. 10:00-01:30. A fancy open bar with a lovely view over the harbour, opened by UB40 drummer Jimmy Brown. The Garden also hosts an annual electronic music festival. (updated Jul 2017) 3 The Arsenal, Trg tri bunara 1, ☏ +385 23 253 820, toll-free: +385 23 253 830, info@arsenalzadar.com.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
Top-rated tours and tickets from €20 — book ahead for the popular ones.
Tours and tickets provided by Viator (a Tripadvisor company). Some links earn Stayonomy a commission.
In Jul, Zadar typically sees ~29°C daytime highs and 7 rainy days.
Cheapest destinations travellers searched recently — refreshed daily.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-07-22. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.