Less popular and quieter than its neighbors to the south, Zadar surprises. Here is how to spend 48 hours in Zadar.
When thinking about the Dalmatian coast, most people’s minds wander to places like Dubrovnik, Split, and the islands, of course.
This is understandable and justifiable, but there’s much more to this extensive coast than just those destinations. Zadar, for example, is another magnificent old Dalmatian port town.
Less popular and quieter than its neighbors to the south, Zadar surprises. Boasting an interesting mix of Roman and Venetian history and architecture, its Old Town sits on a rectangular peninsula jutting out into the Adriatic Sea. Its wealth of culture and history, combined with a lively bar and dining scene and a fantastic atmosphere, is quite remarkable.
Zadar is a place worth visiting.
It’s often less crowded than Dubrovnik or Split, yet it offers many of the same attractions.
Don’t treat Zadar as an afternoon stopping point on a road trip along the coast, though. No, Zadar deserves two full days. You really don’t want to rush this town. Not to mention, Zadar is a great place to continue exploring Croatia!
This itinerary for 48 hours in Zadar will have you ready to book your flight and your Zadar accommodation in no time!
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2 Days In Zadar – Day 1
Spend the entire first day of your 48 hours in Zadar exploring the Old Town, which is where most of the action takes place.
It’s the location of all the town’s historic and modern attractions, and it also features numerous great bars, restaurants, and cafés.
Morning
Head straight to one of Zadar’s most renowned attractions in the morning—the Sea Organ on the Promenade, which is accessible 24/7.
Designed by architect Nikola Bašić, this natural organ consists of a pipe-and-whistle system embedded into perforated stone steps that run down into the sea. When the waves push air through the organ, you’ll hear its hauntingly strange chimes.
Spend some time strolling along Zadar’s waterfront before making your way into the heart of the Old Town.
Focus on the Roman Forum, an open-air archaeological site dotted with Roman ruins and freely accessible at all times, which indicates that this is indeed an ancient town. Try to find the Pillar of Shame, a stone monument where criminals were shackled and humiliated in medieval times.
At the Roman Forum, you’ll also find what’s probably the most remarkable historical attraction in Zadar. The Church of St. Donat dates from the 9th century, an imposingly massive circular church built with stones from the Roman Forum.
Afternoon
Cut across the Old Town to visit Zadar’s open-air market, which is at its liveliest in the morning and typically open Mon–Sat 7 am-3 pm and Su 7 am–noon.
The vendors sea wide range of food products, from honey and oils to Croatian cured meats, sheep and other cheeses, and fresh fish. Even if you’re not buying anything, it’s worth a quick walk-through for a glimpse of everyday life in Zadar.
Head to Deja Brew Pub, a relaxed spot nearby for a beer, cocktail, or spirit. It is a good place to take a break from sightseeing. From here, walk over to the Archaeological Museum Zadar, located right next to the Roman Forum. The museum provides valuable context for everything you’ve seen so far, with collections covering prehistoric, Roman, and early medieval Zadar.
Afterward, continue wandering the Old Town’s narrow streets at a slow pace, popping into shops or stopping for a coffee, until it’s time to head for an aperitif at Pinčo Tapas & Wine Bar. Pinčo runs a daily happy hour from 4–7 pm, with €8 cocktails, €3 olives, and €5 cheese plates.
Evening
One of the things you shouldn’t miss in Zadar is watching the sunset at the Sun Salutation, located right next to the Sea Organ.
Hundreds of layered glass plates fill this large circle on the ground, collecting energy from the sun during the day and providing a flashy light show at night. This is another weird yet fun creation by Nikola Bašić.
Watching the sunset over the Adriatic while the Sun Salutation lights up and the Sea Organ plays its strange tunes is without question the most “Zadar” thing you can do.
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2 Days In Zadar – Day 2
Today’s themes are culture and sunshine; get on your comfy shoes, and let’s explore two opposites that will make your day varied, engaging, and fun.
Morning
Arguably the most unexpected (even after the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation) attraction in Zadar is the Museum of Ancient Glass, with adult tickets typically €6 in 2026.
Housed in the 19th-century Cosmacendi Palace, this impressive museum exhibits the invention and evolution of glass.
There’s a truly phenomenal collection of Roman and Dalmatian glassworks, ranging from jars and goblets to rings, amulets, and other jewelry. Glassblowing demonstrations are also held regularly.
You can comfortably spend a couple of hours at this exceptional museum.
After the museum, meander back to the Forum. Stop at Narodni Trg (People’s Square) for lunch. This is one of the busiest squares in the Old Town, a great place to relax on a patio and watch the world go by. Consider grabbing a drink and a bite to eat at Café Lovre. Housed in a former church, this is a peaceful spot by day and a happening place by night.
Afternoon
Spend the rest of the afternoon soaking up the warm Dalmatian sun at one of Zadar’s beaches.
Note that, like most places in Dalmatia, Zadar’s beaches are mostly pebbled or concrete, with very few sandy options nearby.
You have plenty of options, though. In Old Town, you can go for a swim right from the Promenade. Steps help people get in and out of the water. Just south of Old Town, you can find a swimming area on the Promenade off Ul. Kralja Dmitra Zvonimira. This area features a café, a small park, and diving boards.
The Promenade, lined with trees and greenery, continues past this swimming spot to Kolovare Beach, located in front of Hotel Kolovare.
Alternatively, you can go for a half- or full-day trip to one of the nearby islands around Zadar, many of which are family-friendly and easily reached by ferry.
Evening
Finish off your 48 hours in Zadar with a delicious dinner at Restaurant Foša. This classy restaurant has a terrace that juts out into charming Foša harbor. Expect a higher-end bill (often around €50+ per person, depending on what you order). This is a superb place for fish and seafood.
If you’re looking for other good places to eat in Zadar, also consider:
• Pinčo Tapas & Wine Bar – small plates, cocktails, and wine
• 4 Kantuna – casual Dalmatian classics
• Botanist – modern plant-based dishes
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Zadar
Is Zadar worth visiting?
Yes. Zadar combines Roman and Venetian history, a compact Old Town, unique attractions like the Sea Organ, and a lively food and bar scene, often with fewer crowds than Dubrovnik or Split.
How many days do you need in Zadar?
Two days is ideal for first-time visitors. It gives you enough time to explore the Old Town, visit museums, enjoy the waterfront, and swim or island-hop without rushing.
Is Zadar less crowded than Dubrovnik or Split?
Zadar is often less crowded than Dubrovnik and Split, especially outside July and August, though it can still be busy during peak summer months.
Can you swim in Zadar Old Town?
Yes. You can swim directly from the Promenade in the Old Town using sea steps, or at nearby Kolovare Beach just south of the Old Town.
Does Zadar have sandy beaches?
Most beaches in and around Zadar are pebbled or concrete. Sandy beaches are limited and usually require a short trip outside the city.
Is Zadar a good base for island hopping?
Yes. Zadar has frequent ferry connections to nearby islands like Ugljan and Pašman, making it a convenient base for short island trips.
Let us know if you have other ideas on how best to spend 2 Days In Zadar.