What are the best things to do in Zadar?
Explore local landmarks, neighbourhoods and day trips around Zadar, Croatia. This guide covers attractions, food and where to stay.
Why visit Zadar
Travel guide for Zadar, Croatia — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Zadar is a stop in Croatia, not a country-in-a-weekend. Most people stay 2–4 days. Mid-range ground costs are about 70–160 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds
Weather
Temperate, with warm summers and cool winters
Budget
Zadar trip cost
Budget
USD 30–55
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 70–160
per person / day
Luxury
USD 185–305+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Zadar, Croatia. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Zadar
Estimated total (USD)
$2,390
≈ $1,195 per person · $341 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $115/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Zadar mid-range ground costs (budget 30–55 · mid 70–160 · luxury 185–305+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Crazy Pizza
The pizza is fresh and tasty, the people who serve are very nice. If you seek a quick, easy treat then get to this place. A giant pizza can
Konoba Tovar
Small tavern. Real local food. You can eat very well here. Chef and staff ensure good food and a good atmosphere.
Barbakan
Tables outside - nice atmosphere. Frequented especially in the evening by young people and adults. Good food.
Gušti
Very good pizza, quality ingredients, the dough is very soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. Great and fast service, employees spea
2Ribara
Small restaurant in the historic center of Zadar, 5-min walk from the Roman Forum. Decent food for a fair price.
Restaurant Karoca Gre
Specialized in grilled meat and fish. Large portions, fast service, competitive prices. Suitable for large groups and lunch or dinner with k
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Hotel Kolovare
The only hotel close to the city center.
Villa Nico
A small family-run hotel and restaurant at the sea side, halfway between Borik and Diklo. Bus stop of line 8 is 50 m away from the hotel. Fa
Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa
A five-star hotel north of Zadar in Punta Skala peninsula.
Hotel Niko
Hotel Niko is 3.5 km from Zadar city centre. It offers a panoramic view of the old town of Zadar. It has 15 stylish and comfortable rooms.
Hotel Bastion
Hotel Bastion is a boutique hotel, built on the remains of a medieval fortress. Hotel Bastion has 28 rooms, including 5 suites.
Shopping
- Petar Zoranić
- University Book Store
- Market Kalelarga
Nightlife
- Cocktail Bar Mango
- The Garden
- The Arsenal
In pictures
Zadar gallery
Photos: dronepicr, Berthold Werner, H.Helmlechner, Chris Sammis from Lenexa, KS, United States — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Zadar travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Zadar?
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds.
How many days do I need in Zadar?
Most travellers spend 2–4 days in Zadar, depending on how many day trips you want in Croatia.
Where should I stay in Zadar?
Popular stays in Zadar include Hotel Kolovare, Villa Nico, Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Zadar cost?
On the ground in Zadar (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 30–55 per person per day, mid-range about 70–160, and luxury about 185–305+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Zadar, Croatia. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
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