Zadar is in a great location in the center of the country that is a particularly good home base if you plan on visiting Croatia’s two National Parks, Krka and Plitvice Lakes. However, as a city itself there’s really not much to Zadar and you shouldn’t make a special trip or go out of your way to visit Zadar.

Where to Stay in Zadar

If you do end up staying for a night or two in Zadar, the best place to stay is The Heritage Hotel Bastion – Relain & Chateaux

Things to do in Zadar

Sea Organ

At the tip of the old town’s peninsula is Zadar’s famous Sea Organ. This imaginative and award-winning art installation was created in 2005 by the architect Nikola Bašić. This is the first organ of its kind. As the waves break beneath the steps the water enters a series of tubes that create different notes. The result is a random bunch of notes that form a sort of avant-garde organ song.

Salutations to the Sun

Just adjacent to the Sea Organ is another installation by the same architect, Nikola Bašić. A series of photo-sensitive cells absorb light throughout the day and when the sun goes down they come to life and create a psychedelic dance floor.

Drink Maraska Liqueur

After olive and grapes, maraschino cherries are the third largest crop in this region. As such, since the 1700s, the locals have taken to turning them into a sweet and sour liqueur named Maraska. The liqueur is afed in special oak casks. Most cafes and bars will be selling it. Make sure to try some while you’re in Zadar.

Sail to Sali

Off the coast of Zadar is a small archipelago of islands, the largest island being Dugi Otok and Salt being it’s major port. This is a great place to spend the day sunbathing and hiking around the beaches.

Visit Arsenal

An expansive renovated 18th-century warehouse that combines an art gallery, a music stage, a cocktail bar and a popular restaurant upstairs.

Watch Glassmakers Blow Glass

At Zadar’s Museum of Ancient Glass you can watch glassmakers and glass blowers perfecting their craft Monday to Saturday from 10am to 2pm.

Celebrate Fridays at the Friday Festive

Every Friday from June to September the Old Town streets are filled with traditional klapa singing groups, traditional food and drinks and a festive atmosphere.