What To Do In Zadar In One Day Itinerary (2024)
Are you wondering what to do in Zadar in one day? I’ve got you covered!
I grew up in Croatia and I visited Zadar many times throughout the years. I usually only had a day in Zadar, so I came up with a perfect one day in Zadar itinerary that hits all the main things to see!
Zadar is a fantastic stop if you are on a Croatian road trip, as it is ideally located, in the middle of the Croatian coastline.
Whether you’re into historical sites or beaches, there are things to do in Zadar for every type of traveler.
Let’s find out what to do in Zadar for a day!
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Best Things To Do In Zadar In One Day
Zadar is worth a visit even if you only have one day to explore!
Since you only have one day in Zadar, we will start with the most important landmarks, and you can add the rest depending on how much time you have left.
1. Listen To The Music Of Nature At Zadar Sea Organ
Start your visit with the relaxing sounds of nature-made music at Zadar Sea Organ. This installation uses the waves to create the most incredible music.
The sound it makes sounds like an organ. It is truly a unique experience and a must-see (and hear) in Zadar!
If you are visiting in the summer, go early in the morning to enjoy the quiet and peaceful atmosphere while the Sea Organ is still in the shade.
It is possible to swim next to the Sea Organ as well! If you want to jump in for a quick dip, there are ladders to easily go out all along the coastline.
2. Admire St. Donatus’ Church
Make your way along the Riva to Zadar’s most famous landmark. The Church of St. Donatus was built in the 9th century and is the largest pre-Romanesque church in the country.
However, it has not been used as a religious site for quite a long time. Because of its exceptional acoustics, today it is used as the venue for musical programs.
Check out the schedule for Donat Musical evenings if you are a classical music lover.
3. See The Ruins Of An Ancient Roman Forum
Zadar was a Roman town known as Zara, and there are ruins dating back to Roman times all over the city.
As you walk around St. Donatus church, you can’t miss the remains of the ancient Roman Forum. It is the biggest Roman forum on the east coast of the Adriatic Sea.
There is not much left of the Grand Roman Forum today compared to Pula and its majestic Roman ruins.
Yet, you can still see some of the original structures, including a pillar used as a pillar of shame in the Middle Ages.
🏛️ Learn more about Zadar with a Historical walking tour!
5. Monastery of St Mary and Exhibition of Religious Art
Right across the St. Donatus Church stands the Monastery of St. Mary, built in the 11th century.
You can admire the architecture from the outside or check out the permanent exhibition.
The collection of Religious Art, Gold, and Silver of Zadar houses around 200 artifacts dating from the 8th to 18th century.
6. Stroll the most popular street in Zadar Kalelarga
The most famous street in Zadar must be Kalelarga Street.
There is even a famous Croatian song about the street that plays in my head every time I think of the street!
Kalelarga is now officially called Wide Street and is the main walking street in the old city.
Just like it has been since ancient times!
7. Admire St. Anastasia’s Cathedral
Impressive St. Anastasia’s Cathedral was built in the 12th and 13th centuries and is the largest church in Dalmatia.
The whole area surrounding the Cathedral is very picturesque and full of hidden gems.
You can grab a coffee on the square in front of the church or wander the cobblestone streets and see what you might discover.
8. Find all the historical gates of Zadar
Zadar City Walls, dating back to the 12th century, were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2017.
There are three Gates along the city walls -The Land Gate, the Sea Gate, and the New Gate.
The Land Gate is the most famous of the three of them. Once the main entrance to the city, this impressive piece of Venetian architecture was built in 1543.
The gate features the carved figure of St Chrysogonus on horseback and St Mark’s winged lion – the coat of arms of the Republic of Venice
The Sea Gate was built in 1573 to signify the victory of the Christian Army over the Ottomans. It is located between the ferry port and the city market.
Finally, the New Bridge gate, built during the Italian occupation of Zadar, is the most used today. It connects the bridge and a street that leads to Kalelarga Street.
9. Climb the City Walls and read about the history of Zadar
It is possible to climb the city walls and admire Zadar streets from above.
It is free to walk the city walls! You can climb up the stairs next to the New Gate and descend next to the Sea Gate.
You can read all about the city’s history on the signs along the promenade. Also, you can find a miniature version of Zadar where you can plan what to see in Zadar in one day!
10. Check out the Farmers’ Market
To taste the most flavorful fruits and vegetables in Croatia, you should buy them at a farmer’s market.
These markets are common in Croatia, and you will find this traditional method of selling local food in almost every city.
Stroll through the Zadar’s Market and grab a quick and healthy snack.
11. See Five Wells Square And Zoranić Square
Petar Zoranić Square is one of the most beautiful squares in Zadar, with a column relocated from the Forum among the buildings.
Five Wells Square is exactly what it sounds like, a square with five wells. These old wells were constructed to get the water from the old water reservoir built by the Venetians.
This picturesque square is surrounded by medieval walls and the Captain’s tower, part of the Venetian defense system.
12. Check out the amazing view of Zadar from Queen Jelena Madijevka Park
Climb the stairs from Five Wells Square to Queen Jelena Madijevka Park. This little green oasis in the city center is the oldest public park in Zadar and Dalmatia in general.
This charming park offers the best view of the Land Gate and a little port next to it.
13. Have a delicious vegan ice cream in aRoma or Gelateria Eva
A day in Zadar is not complete without grabbing an ice cream!
While there are many ice cream shops in the city center, you’ll want to avoid those watery ice creams and go for the best ice cream in Zadar!
I love vegan ice creams and sorbets from aRoma gelato boutique. They have a wide variety of fruit sorbets and delicious vegan dark chocolate ice cream.
Another highly rated vegan ice cream in Zadar is from Gelateria Eva. They also offer a few sorbet flavors and dark vegan chocolate ice cream.
14. Relax in the Park of Vladimir Nazor
Just outside the city walls, in front of the Land Gate, is the peaceful, green Park of Vladimir Nazor.
It is a perfect place to relax, hide from the scorching summer sun, and escape the crowds.
15. Discover Zadar’s history in the Archaeological Museum in Zadar
Zadar Archeological Museum is the best place to visit if you want to learn more about the long history of Zadar or hide away from the scorching summer sun.
Check the current working hours and entry fees here.
Don’t forget to bring your student ID if you are a student to take advantage of the student discount!
16. Swim On Zadar beaches
Visiting Zadar in summer is not complete if you don’t see one of Zadar’s beaches.
If you visit Zadar on a stopover, you probably won’t have time for a beach. But, if you have a full day in Zadar, it is worth spending some time on a beach!
While you can theoretically swim in the city center, along the Petar Krešimir coast, I recommend you take bus 5 and visit Borik beach, outside of the city center.
17. Try Vegan Dalmatian Food in the Botanist
If you spend the whole day exploring Zadar, you deserve to treat yourself to a delicious meal!
The Botanist is the only fully vegan restaurant in Zadar and a must-visit spot for every vegan looking to taste a vegan version of traditional Croatian food.
The restaurant is on the coast, close to the ruins of Stomarica church. This fine-dining vegan restaurant is on the higher end but extremely well-rated and worth the money!
17. Watch the Sunset at The Greeting to the Sun
The Greeting to the Sun-light installation is a recent addition to Zadar’s tourist attractions. It is located right next to the Sea Organ, so you can see how this square looks during the day.
It is interesting to see both monuments together, as they are envisioned as complementary monuments, the Organ representing communication with nature by sound, and the Greeting symbolizes communicating with nature with light.
The Greeting to the Sun comes alive as the sun goes down. When the sun goes down, the light installation lights up and makes for one of the best Instagram spots in Zadar.
18. Go On A Sunset Cruise
Alternatively, you can escape the crowds and watch the sunset from a boat!
Zadar has one of the best sunset views in the world, and if you stay long enough in the city it would be a shame to miss it.
While Greeting to the Sun Monument is the most popular place to watch the sunset, going on a Zadar sunset cruise gives a unique twist to this popular activity.
There are many boat tours to choose from, but sunset cruises are usually under 2 hours so it’s great for those visiting Zadar in one day.
🌄 Watch Zadar sunset with this sunset cruise!
How To Get To Zadar
Zadar has an international airport, so it is the easiest way to visit if you are traveling from outside of the country.
Unfortunately, just like other smaller coastal towns in Croatia, you can only catch international flights during the summer.
If you are already in Croatia, you can easily reach Zadar by bus. A bus ride from Zagreb to Zadar takes just under 4 hours.
I also took a boat to Zadar from Pula once! It was the best way to get to Zadar in the summer and avoid traffic jams.
No trains are coming to Zadar.
Can You Visit Zadar On A Layover?
Yes, you should visit the city if you have a layover in Zadar. I visited Zadar on a 7-hour layover one summer, and it was the best decision I could have made.
Zadar airport is approximately 15km from the city center, and the bus ride takes roughly half an hour.
Zadar airport is small, with just five gates, and there is nothing to do. In fact, when I tried to pass through the security check 2h before my flight, they told me to come back in an hour because it was the last flight of the night and there was nothing to do at the gate!
If you have at least a 3-hour layover, and it is not a busy season (check how many flights are departing at the same time as yours), I suggest you visit the city while waiting on your next flight.
During a 3-hour to 4-hour layover, you will have time for a quick walk in the city center.
A 5-hour layover is enough time to visit all the main sights and to have a quick meal.
Zadar Airport To The City Center
You have a couple of options to get to the city center from Zadar airport, but the best and the cheapest one is an official shuttle bus.
The bus stop is located on your right, just as you exit the airport.
Bus departures are synced with flights, so you shouldn’t wait long for the next bus. The schedule changes every month, so make sure to check the updated airport bus schedule on the airport website.
The bus driver sells the tickets as you enter the bus, and you have to pay in cash – euro! A one-way ticket costs 4,65 €.
The bus stops at the central bus station and in the city center, Poluotok – Liburnska Obala.
You will go to the last stop. That way, you are immediately in the middle of everything.
The ride from the airport to the city center takes about half an hour.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi to the city center, but I don’t think it is worth the money.
How To Get Around Zadar
The best way to get around the city center of Zadar is by walking. The city center is relatively small, and public transport doesn’t even enter the city walls.
Therefore, wear comfortable shoes and prepare for a lot of walking!
If your accommodation is not in the city centre, Zadar’s local bus company Liburnija has an extensive public transport system that runs from the city centre or the bus station to all the suburbs.
You can check out all the bus lines on the Liburnija website.
Best Time To Visit Zadar
The most popular time to visit Zadar is during summer.
The city is bustling with backpackers and travelers, it is easy to meet other people, and the weather is perfect if you want to spend days on the beach.
However, if you want to visit Zadar on a budget, the best time to visit is in the shoulder season – May, June, and September.
Why should you visit Zadar during the shoulder season?
Because the weather is fantastic and you can still enjoy the beaches, as it tends to be warm enough to swim. On the other hand, you avoid the scorching sun in July and August.
The city is beginning to be busy with the first/last tourists of the season, but it is not yet crowded.
Most importantly, the prices decrease.
Accommodation is usually half the price in the off-season. Restaurants and bars haven’t increased their prices yet, and tour operators want you to come on their tours and are willing to negotiate.
Where To Stay In Zadar
If you only have one day in Zadar, the best place to stay is close to the city center.
Some of the best-rated hostels in the city center of Zadar are the Downtown Boutique Hostel and Boutique Hostel Forum.
Both hostels have great reviews and are located in the city center, close to all the main sights. Furthermore, they offer dorm rooms or private rooms.
Staying in hostels is one of the best ways to make friends when traveling, and you can always book a private room if you are not a fan of dorm rooms!
Alternatively, you might want to stay close to the bus station.
The Lazy Monkey hostel next to the bus station is one of the consistently best-rated hostels in Croatia. The rooms are fairly basic, but they make up for it by offering a great atmosphere.
Vegan Restaurants In Zadar
Yes, it is possible to find restaurants with vegan options in Zadar. There is only one fully vegan restaurant, but many others offer some vegan options.
As always, the Happycow app is your best friend!
The Botanist is the only fully vegan restaurant in Zadar. It offers a fine dining experience and veganized versions of Croatian specialties. They also serve Beyond Meat burgers!
The best vegan ice creams in Zadar are in aRoma gelato boutique and Gelateria Eva.
- Check out my full vegan Croatia guide for everything you need to know about vegan food in Croatia!
Zadar Travel Budget
While the Croatian coast in the summer is getting pricier every year, it is still possible to visit Zadar on a budget.
One of the major expenses will be accommodation. Expect to pay anywhere from 25€ to 100€ per night if you spend a night in Zadar. Hostels are on the lower end of that spectrum, while apartments and rooms go for around 100€ per night in the high season.
If you are only doing a layover in Zadar, your only expense can be a bus ticket. That is approximately 7€ for a return bus ticket from Zadar airport to the city center.
Coffee with soy milk will cost around 3€, and the same goes for refreshing drinks like Cedevita. Vegan ice cream in artisanal ice cream shops is also around 3€.
If you’re going out for a drink, a cocktail goes from 8€ upwards, usually around 10€.
A meal in a vegan restaurant will cost you anywhere from 10-15€.
Alternatively, you can get a quick vegan snack in Mlinar bakery for around 2€. My favorite is a potato pie or an apple pie.
To conclude, you should budget anywhere from 10€ to 40€ for a day trip to Zadar + the price of accommodation if you are spending a night.
FAQ: 1 Day In Zadar
Yes, Zadar is one of the most popular towns in Croatia, and it is certainly worth a visit. This small town is full of culture and history to discover, with a laid-back seaside town vibe to enjoy as you sip on coffee among the locals enjoying the sun.
While you could certainly spend more time here, one day in Zadar is enough to see the main highlights and get a taste of the city. The main tourist attractions are in the city centre, which is rather small and compact. Therefore, you can see all the main sights in one day!
One day in Zadar is enough to see the main tourist attractions. If you want to base yourself in Zadar and discover the region, you should plan at least 3 days in Zadar.
Yes, you can expect that Zadar has a busy nightlife if you visit during the summer. As the summer season rolls around, there are events almost every night, and the city is full of people. Zadar is a student city, so you enjoy nightlife even during the off-season but mostly on the weekends.
Yes! Zadar and Croatia, in general, are safe destinations for solo female travelers. I did not feel unsafe at any moment walking alone. There are no dangerous neighborhoods, and it is safe to walk alone at night. As always, stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on your belongings, as pickpocketing happens.
Final Thoughts: One day in Zadar itinerary
That concludes what to do in Zadar for a day!
This coastal town is a perfect day trip destination, with a compact city center and countless picturesque corners.
It is also small enough that you can see all the main tourist attractions in Zadar in one day!
If you have more time in Zadar, consider adding some day trips or boat excursions from Zadar to your itinerary.
