Zadar quietly delivers everything Split and Dubrovnik are known for — Roman ruins, a walkable old town, dramatic coastline — with a genuinely unique landmark of its own and noticeably fewer crowds. Here are the 10 best things to do in 2026.
A one-of-a-kind architectural instrument built into the waterfront steps — waves push air through underwater pipes to produce genuinely musical, ever-changing tones. Nowhere else in the world has anything quite like it.
A circular, solar-powered light installation right beside the Sea Organ that puts on a genuinely mesmerising display after dark, charged by the same sun it lights up at night.
The ruins of Zadar's ancient Roman forum sit right in the old town, alongside the striking circular St. Donatus Church that has become the symbol of the city.
Croatia's most famous national park — cascading turquoise lakes connected by wooden walkways — is an easy day trip from Zadar, closer than from Split or Dubrovnik.
A dramatic archipelago of roughly 140 mostly uninhabited islands and islets, best explored by boat — starkly beautiful, rocky scenery unlike anywhere else on the Adriatic.
Zadar's largest church, a Romanesque cathedral with a bell tower worth the climb for sweeping views over the old town's terracotta rooftops.
A historic square named for its five 16th-century wells, once the city's main water supply — a quieter, less-visited corner of the old town worth seeking out.
Zadar is the historic home of maraschino cherry liqueur — sample it at a local bar, where it's a genuine point of civic pride rather than a tourist novelty.
A pebble beach a short walk from the old town, popular with locals — a good option for an afternoon swim without leaving the city.
The nearby islands of Ugljan and Pašman are a short ferry ride away, offering a quieter, more local alternative to the bigger Kornati excursion.
Currency: Euro. Card payment is widely accepted throughout the old town.
Getting around: The old town is compact and entirely walkable; a car or organised tour is more practical for day trips to Plitvice or Kornati.
Language: Croatian. English is widely spoken in tourism.
How many days do you need in Zadar? 2–3 days covers the old town and a major day trip. 4+ days lets you add island time or a more relaxed pace.
Is Zadar safe? Yes — one of Croatia's safer cities, with very low rates of crime targeting tourists.
Is Zadar better than Split or Dubrovnik? Different rather than better — Zadar is calmer and cheaper, with a comparable old town and a genuinely unique landmark in the Sea Organ.
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