Things to Do in Zadar 2026: Sea Organ, National Parks & Islands
Upcoming Events in Zadar, Croatia Travel Guide
- International Festival of Folklore, Dance & Music
zadar
Week-long international folklore and dance competition at Zaton Resort near Zadar, with ensemble performances, a gala awards ceremony, and guided tours of the Zadar region.
Terminal V Croatia
zadar
Electronic music festival at The Garden Resort in Zadar, part of the Terminal V series known for its warehouse and outdoor stage productions.
Book an experience
Things to do here
The top-rated tours and activities here — all with instant confirmation and free cancellation on most bookings.
Contents
- In the city
- Walk the Old Town
- Sea Organ (Morske Orgulje)
- Greeting to the Sun (Pozdrav Suncu)
- Roman Forum and St. Donatus Church
- Cathedral of St. Anastasia bell tower
- Land Gate and Five Wells Square (Trg Pet Bunara)
- Museum of Ancient Glass
- Zadar Pijaca (green market)
- Day trips from Zadar
- Krka National Park
- Paklenica National Park
- Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Zrmanja River rafting or kayaking
- Kornati Islands boat tour
- Island hopping — Pag and Dugi Otok
- Price summary
Zadar offers a mix of city sightseeing, distinctive public art, and easy access to some of Croatia’s best National Parks and islands. The Old Town is compact; most people do it in a half day and then plan one or two day trips. All prices in euros (€).
In the city
Walk the Old Town
Zadar’s walled peninsula packs the Roman Forum, St. Donatus Church, Cathedral of St. Anastasia, Land Gate, People’s Square, and the Sea Organ into a compact 1–2 hour walk. Start at the Land Gate and work your way to the waterfront.
- Cost: Free
Sea Organ (Morske Orgulje)
A musical installation built into the steps of the seafront — waves push air through 35 pipes to create a continuous, ever-changing sound. One of Europe’s most distinctive free attractions. Best experienced at sunset when the light changes and the evening crowd settles on the steps.
- Cost: Free, 24 hours
Greeting to the Sun (Pozdrav Suncu)
A 22-metre solar-powered disc embedded in the promenade that runs a nightly light show synced with the Sea Organ. Best viewed within 30–60 minutes after sunset.
- Cost: Free, 24 hours
Roman Forum and St. Donatus Church
The remains of Zadar’s Roman-era public square, dominated by the 9th-century round church of St. Donatus — one of the most-photographed buildings in Croatia. Open-air and free to access.
- Cost: Free
Cathedral of St. Anastasia bell tower
The largest church in Dalmatia with a Romanesque bell tower offering 360-degree panoramic views over the Old Town and harbour. A short climb but worth it.
- Admission: €2–5
Land Gate and Five Wells Square (Trg Pet Bunara)
The Venetian-era main entrance to the Old Town and a well-preserved square just inside. Good photo stops and a natural transition point in any Old Town walk.
- Cost: Free
Museum of Ancient Glass
A well-curated modern museum showcasing Roman and ancient glass artefacts, with live glass-blowing demonstrations. An unusual and worthwhile 1-hour visit.
- Admission: €5–10
Zadar Pijaca (green market)
The morning market for fresh produce, local cheese, olives, and Dalmatian specialities. Worth visiting early for the atmosphere and for picnic supplies.
- Cost: Free
Day trips from Zadar
Krka National Park
Waterfalls, boardwalks, and a swimming spot at Skradinski Buk. A classic Dalmatian National Park excursion about 1.5 hours from Zadar.
- Organised tour: €50–85 per person (includes transport and entry)
- Best time: Early morning departure; May–September
Paklenica National Park
Hiking and canyoning in the Velebit mountain range, 1 hour from Zadar. The most dramatic rock scenery near the city; better for active travellers than Krka.
- Entry: €10–15; guided hiking or canyoning tour: €40–70
- Best time: Spring or autumn to avoid peak heat
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Croatia’s most famous National Park — turquoise lakes connected by waterfalls and boardwalks. A longer day trip (2 hours from Zadar) or an overnight.
- Organised tour: €60–120 per person
- Best time: Spring or early summer for best lake colour and water levels
Zrmanja River rafting or kayaking
River canyoning on the Zrmanja — emerald green water, rapids, and canyon scenery in the Dalmatian hinterland. Half-day or full-day options.
- Price: €40–70 per person
- Best time: Spring and early summer for best water levels
Kornati Islands boat tour
A day trip to Croatia’s most dramatic archipelago — dense islands, channels, and clear swimming water. Full-day cruise with lunch.
- Price: €60–90 per person
- Best time: Mid-June to early September
Island hopping — Pag and Dugi Otok
-
Pag: Known for Pag cheese, sea-salty wine, and music festival culture
-
Dugi Otok: Caves, cliffs, and clear-water swimming; less touristy
-
Typical day trip: €40–80 per person
Price summary
| Activity | Price |
|---|---|
| Sea Organ | Free |
| Greeting to the Sun | Free |
| Roman Forum | Free |
| Cathedral bell tower | €2–5 |
| Museum of Ancient Glass | €5–10 |
| Krka day trip | €50–85 |
| Paklenica entry + tour | €40–70 |
| Plitvice tour | €60–120 |
| Zrmanja rafting | €40–70 |
| Kornati cruise | €60–90 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many days do you need in Zadar?
- 2–3 days for the city plus one National Park day trip. A week if you want to do multiple parks (Krka, Paklenica, Plitvice) and island hopping.
- Is Zadar better than Split?
- Different strengths. Zadar is quieter, better for National Parks, and less crowded. Split is bigger, better connected to islands, and has more restaurants. Many visitors do both.
- When is the best time to watch the Sea Organ?
- At sunset — the combination of the sound, the Greeting to the Sun light show that follows, and the Adriatic evening light makes it genuinely memorable. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before sunset.
Ready to explore?
Browse hundreds of tours and activities. Book securely with free cancellation on most options.
Browse on GetYourGuide →We may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you.