🇭🇷Croatia · Places to discover
What to see in Zadar?
13 places selected by the community - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
Landmarks & heritage
3 places
1Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0Landmark
Roman Forum of Zadar
The largest Roman forum on the eastern Adriatic coast, founded in the 1st century BC. The column of shame, where medieval criminals were shackled, still stands proudly. A living, breathing place—not a museum piece.
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Landmark
Landmark
Five Wells Square (Trg Pet Bunara)
A medieval square with five 15th-century wells, once the only source of fresh water for the besieged old town. Today it thrums with local life, anchored by the watchtower Bablja Kula and an authentically lived-in atmosphere.
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Landmark
Landmark
Land Gate (Kopnena vrata)
A triumphal Renaissance gateway from 1543, designed by Michele Sanmicheli, marking the old town's main entrance from the mainland. The Venetian lion of Saint Mark presides proudly above the archway.
Museums
1 place
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Museum
Museum
Archaeological Museum of Zadar
One of Croatia's richest archaeological collections, spanning prehistory through the medieval period. The Roman glass and Illyrian jewellery are particularly outstanding.
Religious sites
3 places
5Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Religious site
Cathedral of Saint Anastasia, Zadar
Croatia's grandest Romanesque cathedral, built between the 12th and 14th centuries atop the ruins of an early Christian basilica. Climb the bell tower for sweeping views across the old town and the islands.
6Wikimedia CommonsReligious site
Church of Saint Donat, Zadar
A masterpiece of 9th-century pre-Romanesque architecture, erected directly upon the Roman forum's stone slabs. Now deconsecrated, it hosts early music concerts blessed with exceptional acoustics.
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Religious site
Religious site
Church of Saint Simeon, Zadar
A Baroque church housing one of Croatia's most precious treasures: the silver sarcophagus of Saint Simeon, commissioned by Queen Elizabeth in 1377. A masterpiece of medieval metalwork often overlooked by visitors.
Activities
3 places
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Activity
Activity
Maraska Distillery
The historic producer of maraschino, the emblematic marasca cherry liqueur of Zadar since 1821. The shop offers tastings and bottles unavailable elsewhere. An authentic local souvenir par excellence.
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Activity
Activity
Sea Kayaking Around Zadar Peninsula
Hiring a kayak to paddle along the Venetian fortifications from the sea is one of the finest ways to experience the old town. Several local outfitters run guided sunrise excursions to avoid maritime traffic.
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Activity
Activity
Tržnica Market, Zadar
A covered and open-air market where local producers sell sheep's cheese, dried figs, Dalmatian olive oil and artisanal maraschino. Arrive early in the morning to catch the fish market at its liveliest.
Beaches
2 places
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Beach
Beach
Borik Beach
A large shingle and rocky beach nestled in a pine forest north of Zadar, favoured by local families. The water is exceptionally clear and the pines provide welcome shade during the heat of summer.
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Beach
Beach
Kolovare Beach
The urban beach beloved by Zadar's residents, a ten-minute walk from the old town. A mix of rock and concrete with clean water, beach volleyball and basketball courts. Bring your own mat—there are no loungers for hire.
More to discover
1 place
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Place
Place
Arsenal Zadar Café/Bar
An 18th-century Venetian arsenal transformed into a cultural space and bar with a concert stage. The raw stone architecture and rotating exhibitions make it a hybrid venue beloved by locals.
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