Zadar is known for its Roman ruins, Adriatic sunsets and modern sea-inspired art installations. Located along Croatia’s sparkling Dalmatian Coast, this coastal city blends ancient history with contemporary creativity in a way that few places can. It’s where Roman forums meet musical sea organs, and where locals linger on the promenade to watch the sky turn fiery orange over the sea.
Whether you're spending a day wandering the old town or using Zadar as a base to explore Croatia’s islands and national parks, here are 10 unforgettable experiences that show exactly what Zadar is known for.
1. Sea Organ
Zadar is perhaps most famously known for its Sea Organ (Morske Orgulje) — a one-of-a-kind architectural instrument that uses the motion of the sea to create music. Built into the city’s marble promenade, this structure features a series of underwater pipes that produce melodic tones as waves push air through them.
The result is an ever-changing, ambient symphony that plays 24/7. It’s one of the most peaceful and poetic things to do in Zadar, especially at sunset when people gather along the waterfront to listen, reflect and take in the view.
2. Greeting to the Sun
Right next to the Sea Organ is another modern masterpiece — The Greeting to the Sun. This solar-powered installation consists of a large circular panel embedded into the pavement, made up of 300 glass plates that absorb sunlight throughout the day.
At night, it comes to life in a dazzling display of color and movement, symbolizing communication with nature and the cosmos. Together with the Sea Organ, it reflects Zadar’s unique ability to merge innovation with its natural surroundings.
3. Roman Forum
Zadar is known for its rich Roman history, and the Roman Forum in the heart of the old town is one of its most striking archaeological sites. Originally built in the 1st century B.C.E., the forum once served as the center of Roman civic life and remains a focal point of the city.
Today, remnants of columns, temples and pavement stones are scattered around the open square. Locals and tourists alike sit on the ancient stones, sip coffee nearby or explore the area by day and under soft lighting at night.
4. St. Donatus Church
Towering over the Roman Forum is the circular Church of St. Donatus — one of the best-preserved pre-Romanesque buildings in Croatia. Built in the 9th century, the church is known for its unusual shape and striking acoustics, which make it an ideal venue for classical music performances today.
You can step inside to admire its simplicity and scale or just take in its presence from the square below. It’s a powerful symbol of Zadar’s long, layered history.
5. Venetian Heritage
Like much of coastal Croatia, Zadar spent centuries under Venetian rule — and the architecture reflects that influence. Walking through the old town, you’ll spot Gothic and Renaissance buildings with Venetian-style windows, coats of arms and ornate stonework.
The Land Gate (Kopnena Vrata) — Zadar’s grand entrance — is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and one of the city’s most photographed spots. Built in the 1500s, it features a winged lion of St. Mark, symbolizing Venice’s reign and artistic legacy.
6. Island Hopping
Zadar is known as a gateway to Croatia’s islands, with a ferry terminal and marina that make it easy to explore nearby gems like Ugljan, Dugi Otok and Pašman. Ugljan is the closest, known for its olive groves and bike paths, while Dugi Otok offers sandy beaches and the dramatic cliffs of Telašćica Nature Park.
Day trips and overnight escapes are easy to arrange and give you a taste of Croatia’s island life, away from the city’s bustle.
7. Beaches & Swimming Spots
Zadar’s coastline is lined with swimming spots — many of them rocky or pebbled, with platforms built right into the shore for sunbathing and diving. The most popular urban beach is Kolovare, located just a short walk from the old town and ideal for a refreshing dip in the Adriatic.
Further out, beaches like Borik and Puntamika offer more space, shade and beach bars. The water is famously clear and the sunsets over the sea are some of the best in Europe.
8. Markets & Local Flavors
The open-air Zadar Market, located near the city gates, is one of the oldest and liveliest in the region. Farmers from surrounding villages arrive daily with baskets of figs, peaches, tomatoes and homemade cheeses. Butchers, fishmongers and olive oil vendors round out the offering.
It’s a great place to try local specialties like paški sir (sheep’s milk cheese from nearby Pag Island), Dalmatian prosciutto or maraschino liqueur, which originated in Zadar and is still produced locally.
9. National Parks
Zadar is perfectly located for nature lovers looking to explore some of Croatia’s most beautiful national parks. Just a 90-minute drive inland is Plitvice Lakes National Park — home to turquoise waterfalls, forested walking trails and UNESCO World Heritage status.
Closer to town, Paklenica National Park offers excellent hiking, rock climbing and canyon views within the Velebit Mountains. Both parks are easy day trips and offer a dramatic contrast to Zadar’s coastal scenery.
10. Adriatic Sunsets
Zadar is famously home to what Alfred Hitchcock once called “the most beautiful sunset in the world.” And once you’ve seen it, you’ll understand the hype. The combination of sea, sky and golden light — especially when paired with the music of the Sea Organ — creates an unforgettable experience.
Locals and travelers gather along the Riva promenade every evening to witness the spectacle. Whether you’re with friends, a camera or a glass of wine, this nightly ritual is one of the best things to do in Zadar — and one of the simplest.
What is Zadar Known For?
Zadar is known for its Roman roots, seaside modern art and spectacular sunsets. From the harmonic tones of the Sea Organ and the glow of the Greeting to the Sun to ancient forums, island escapes and local markets, the best things to do in Zadar blend the city’s past with its ever-evolving present. It’s a place where stone streets echo with centuries of history — and every visit feels fresh, creative and uniquely Croatian.
Keep Exploring Zadar
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