20 Best Things To Do In Pula: From A Local! (2024)
Pula is one of the most underrated places to visit in Croatia because people just don’t know about all the fun things to do in Pula!
I grew up in Pula and lived here for about 15 years. Also, I still come back nearly every summer since moving out. You can’t beat a free beach holiday!
And trust me, as a teenager living in a place that comes alive in the summertime, I had to find a lot of things to do here!
From the classic Roman amphitheater to charming cobblestone streets of the Old Town and pristine beaches, you’re in for a treat!
Let’s jump right in with the top things to do in Pula, Croatia!
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Best Things To Do In Pula, Croatia
1. See Pula Arena
We’re starting with the main and the biggest tourist attraction in Pula – Pula Arena.
Pula Arena is an incredibly well-preserved Roman amphitheater dating back to the 1st century, and seeing it in real life is one of the main reasons to visit Pula.
I’d argue that our amphitheater is so much better than the one in Rome!
First of all, it is not all dug up and you can stand in the middle of it imagining what it was like for the gladiators to fight there.
At the same time, you can still visit the underground tunnels where gladiators used to wait for their turn to fight.
Finally, you can also see a real Gladiator fight if you come in the summer when they have regular spectacles!
- Local Tip: Don’t miss the Pula Film Festival if you come to Pula in July. It is a unique opportunity to watch a movie inside a 2000-year-old Roman amphitheater!
🏛️ Book your Arena Pula Entrance Ticket in advance and avoid the crowds!
2. Arch of the Sergii
Another iconic Pula landmark is the Arch of the Sergii. It marks the entrance into the pedestrian zone of the historic old town of Pula.
The arch dates to the 1st century, and interestingly enough it was not originally built as a door.
It was built in memory of the members of the powerful Sergi family who served in the battle that led to the establishment of the Roman Empire.
If you hear somebody talking about Portarata, it is the local name for the arch and the square in front of it.
3. Stroll the cobblestone streets of the old town
As you pass through the Arch of the Sergii you enter the historic old town of Pula.
To be fair, if you compare Pula and Rovinj, the old town of Pula is not as picturesque.
However, there are quite a few hidden gems to look out for as you walk!
The first part of the road leading to Forum Square is more modern than the second half from the square to the Arena.
The city has invested a lot in renovating the old houses, so look up and admire intricate facades with unique stone carvings.
You can also find some interesting remains from the Roman period hidden in the old town. For example, the remains of Agripina’s house and a mosaic The Punishment of Dirce.
🤩Cover all the must-see spots in Pula on a Historic Walking Tour with a Local Guide!
4. Temple of Augustus and Forum Square
Forum Square is the biggest and the most beautiful square in Pula.
This square has been the city’s main hub since Roman times, and today it is the place where most of the city’s administration is located and locals gather for coffee on a sunny day.
The Temple of Augustus stands here as the token of history and the only surviving building from the Roman era.
The temple is quite impressive! It had many uses throughout history, serving as a church and a storage unit at one point.
- Local Tip: Take a break and grab a coffee or tea in Galerija Cvajner. It is the local’s favorite and boasts an incredible view of the square.
5. Discover Pula Citadel
Did you know that Pula had an important military role throughout history? Thanks to its strategic position, it was an important defensive point for the Venetians and later the Habsburgs.
Pula Citadel (Kaštel) was built in the 17th century, and they used the stone from Pula Amphitheater in the construction!
The Citadel looks especially interesting from the air, it’s rectangular shape looks like a flower.
Today, it is a museum and a popular event venue – I went here for concerts, plays, and movies!
Honestly, I love how we made everything into an event venue and the history of Pula lives on in the modern world.
Don’t let the hilltop position prevent you from visiting. You don’t have to climb hundreds of stairs to the Citadel anymore as there is a lift connecting Zerostrasse and the Citadel!
- Local Tip: The view of Pula Arena from Citadel Hill is one of the best photo spots in town!
6. See Small Roman Theather
You are lucky if you’re visiting Pula these days because the Small Roman Theater was recently renovated and it looks better than ever!
Well, at least much better than it looked when I was a teenager, and all high school kids would gather here on the weekends to party – it doesn’t happen anymore if you were already planning a night out.
I think it is cool to walk around this ancient site, and it is completely free to visit. It is also an event venue, and you can catch a movie or a concert there during the summer.
7. Twin Gate and Ancient Wall
Twin Gate is another gate along the ancient Pula wall. Unlike the other gates in the city, this one is a double gate – hence the name.
Unlike the Arch of the Sergii, this gate had a more simple role. It led to the Small Roman Theatre.
Today, it marks one of the entrances to Pula underground tunnels, also known as Zerostrasse.
You can follow the remains of the ancient wall to the smaller Gate of Hercules and the remains of 2 medieval towers.
8. Walk through Zerostrasse
A visit to the Underground Shelter Tunnels of Pula is one of the coolest things to do in Pula.
I find Zerostrasse so impressive because the tunnels were not open to the public when I was a kid and we only heard stories about these secret underground tunnels.
The tunnels were built under many hills in Pula during the First World War, with tunnels under Castelo Hill being the largest.
Local Tip: If you want to party in the most unusual place, Zerostrasse often hosts electronic music events. I went there for NYE several times and it was quite an experience!
9. taste a delicious gelato
You’ll quickly notice there’s a lot of Italian influence in Pula – in architecture and food.
There is no better sweet treat on a hot summer day than an ice cream, and there are many ice cream parlors in the city!
I’m a dedicated researcher, so I tried most of the ice cream parlors in Pula.
Here’s where to find the best ice creams in Pula:
- aROMA gelato
- Sereny Ice Cream
- Pomaj Gelato
10. Lighting Giants
There are several modern art installations in Pula, and the Lighting Giants are the most impressive.
So, what are these Giants?
They are waterside cranes from the local shipyard illuminated in colorful lights. You can see them as you walk along the seafront in the port.
Pula doesn’t yet have an enjoyable seafront promenade compared to Zadar or other coastal cities, so an art installation like this is a good reason to come to the port at night.
11. Have a drink on Corso
If you want to grab a drink at night with the locals, head to Corso – the local name for Giardini promenade.
It is a popular people-watching spot as you have several bars with outdoor terraces to enjoy a drink.
Other popular local places to grab a drink in Pula are Old City Bar, Uliks, Shipyard, and Circolo on the weekends.
12. See Fort Bourguignon
This activity might be a bit “niche” but don’t knock it till you try it!
Pula is home to over 20 fortresses and more than two hundred military buildings. Most of these fortress are abandoned and just waiting to be discovered!
If you want to start with something easy to reach, Fort Bourguignon in Verudela is one of the easiest to reach.
Fun fact: It used to be a very popular electronic music venue in the ’90s – I told you, we love to party in the most random places.
- Local Tip: If you’re up for some fort-hunting, my favorite places to wander are Fort Valmaggiore and Forno in Barbariga. Check out Pula Fort Center for more!
13. Swim on Pula beaches
Back to the more mainstream Pula attractions, we have Pula beaches.
Pula is a popular summer holiday destination and one of the top things to do in Pula is going to the beach, especially if you visit in the summer.
Unfortunately, you can’t swim in the city center of Pula – it’s just a port and a shipyard over there.
However, beaches are just about 5 km from the city center.
The most popular beaches in Pula are in Verudela. That’s where you’ll find the famous Hawaii Beach and Ambrela.
Other popular beaches are Gortan Cove in Lungo Mare, Cyclone Beach, and Galebijana Cave in Stoja.
14. Admire Verudela Canyon
Verudela Canyon is one of the most impressive natural landmarks in Pula, and you should visit if you’re already in the area for the beaches.
You can also jump from the canyon into the sea. It is not my type of fun so I can’t tell you if it’s good or not. But hey, people who do it look like they’re having fun!
- Local Tip: A little church platform next to the Canyon is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Pula.
15. Kayak to Galebijana Cave
Kayaking has become one of the top things to do in Pula in the summer, and there are many tours you can join to discover the coastline.
However, kayaking to Galebijana Cave is the most popular one, and for a good reason!
Galebijana Cave is a popular cliff-jumping spot, but the real magic is inside the cave.
You can kayak or swim into the cave and you’ll reach a small pebbled beach at the end of the cave!
Ideally, you’d take a lamp that works underwater, but your eyes adapt to the darkness once you’re there even if you don’t have one.
🛶 Discover hidden caves on this Kayaking and Snorkeling Sea Cave Exploration Tour!
16. Enjoy Kamenjak Nature Park
Kamenjak Nature Park is one of the best places to visit near Pula if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy the crystal clear sea.
While most people head to Safari Park, there are more than 10 beaches around the park where you can enjoy a day on the beach.
You’ll have to pay an entrance fee during summer, but it is free if you visit during the off-season.
17. Visit Brijuni National Park
Brijuni National Park is a group of islands off the coast of Pula and one of Croatia’s 8 national parks.
It is a great day trip idea, especially if you visit in the summer when you can go for a swim.
The island had an important historical role in the past century, and it was a holiday destination for the party leaders.
You can still visit a small open-air zoo on the island and admire hundreds of deer running around.
While you can simply take a boat from Fažana to the main island, another popular way to explore the archipelago is by taking a boat trip from Pula.
18. Have the best pizza in Jupiter or Tivoli
I already said you can expect a lot of Italian influence in Pula, and one of the best products of that is pizza.
Not many places in the world make pizza as good as you’ll have in Pula. However, you need to know where to go if you want to have an actually good pizza.
Some of the best places to have pizza in Pula are Jupiter in the city center and Tivoli in Veli Vrh.
19. Discover the Nesactium archeological site
History lovers will love Pula, as there are so many historic places to visit in Pula.
You already discovered the Roman and Habsburg eras in the city center, and now it’s time to learn who lived in this area before.
The Nesactium archeological site is situated about 10 km from Pula and it is still kind of hidden gem. It used to be the capital of Histri, an ancient people inhabiting the Istrian Peninsula before the Romans.
Unfortunately, there’s not much left and you’ll have to use your imagination to picture how this area used to look like.
20. Go on a day trip from Pula
Finally, you can take many day trips from Pula if you decide to base yourself in the city for your holiday.
The whole Istrian peninsula is quite small, and there are many places to visit near Pula within a two-hour drive.
So, where to go from Pula?
The most popular day trip from Pula is to visit Rovinj. Rovinj is a charming seafront town, often named one of the most beautiful towns in Croatia.
Other popular seafront towns are Poreč and Umag.
However, my favorite are hilltop villages in central Istria. They are quite different than coastal villages and they remind me a lot of Tuscany. Especially when you see all the vineyards!
You can also go on a wine-tasting tour in Istria, it is after all one of the best wine-making regions in Croatia!
Planning A Trip To Pula
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Pula is in the summer. Pula is a summer destination, and it comes alive with warm water.
Sure, it gets a bit crowded but nothing dramatic compared to the other coastal towns in Croatia.
If you don’t care about swimming, shoulder season in spring and summer is a great time to enjoy the city without crowds.
How To Get To Pula
Pula has an international airport so the easiest way to get here is flying.
If you’re already in Croatia, or Italy and Slovenia, you can also take a bus to Pula.
A bus from Pula to Zagreb takes about 4-5 hours, depending on the line.
You can also take a bus from Venice, Trieste, or Ljubljana. These all take about 5-6 hours.
Finally, the most popular way to get to Pula is driving. The route is pretty straightforward as you have to follow the Istrian highway straight into the city.
How To Get Around Pula
You don’t need a car to get around Pula.
Most tourist attractions are in the city center, and you can easily walk everywhere.
Beaches are about 5 km from the city center, so you’ll probably want to get a bus. Luckily, many bus lines are going through the city.
Where To Stay In Pula
Pula is a compact city, so you can’t go wrong with staying anywhere within the city limits.
Staying around the city center is the best if you don’t have a car.
If you have a car, I suggest you look for accommodation with parking, as it can get complicated finding parking in the city during summer.
- Backpacker budget: Hostel Antique
- Mid-range: Apartments Forum
- Top pick: Park Plaza Arena Pula
Final Thoughts: Top Things To Do In Pula, Croatia
That concludes this list of the best things to do in Pula, with something for every type of traveler!
Thanks to its industrial and military history, Pula is one of the most underrated tourist destinations in Croatia.
However, there are so many fun things to do in the city and you can easily spend your entire summer vacation here as it is one of the cheapest beach destinations in Europe!
Now that you know what to do in Pula, continue planning your adventure and discover the Istrian Peninsula!
