Transport
Getting around Zadar
Zadar is very walkable once you're in the Old Town — most of the key sights are within a 15-minute walk of each other. For getting to the beaches and surrounding villages, you have several options ranging from very cheap to very convenient.
Walking
FreeOld Town is entirely pedestrianised. Sea Organ, Forum, and most restaurants are all walkable. Kolovare beach is a 20-min stroll from the centre.
City bus
€1.30 – €1.80Liburnija buses connect the centre to surrounding areas. Tickets bought on board are slightly more expensive. Routes 1, 2, 4 most useful for tourists.
Taxi / Bolt
€5 – €15Bolt app works well in Zadar and is cheaper than traditional taxis. A ride from the Old Town to the airport costs around €12–15.
Ferry
€3 – €12Regular ferries from Zadar to nearby islands — Ugljan, Pašman, and Dugi Otok. Jadrolinija operates the main routes. Great for a day trip.
Insider tip
Getting from the airport: Zadar Airport is only 8km from the city centre. The official airport bus costs around €4 and connects to the bus station. A Bolt ride is typically €10–12. Avoid the unmarked taxis waiting outside — they often charge €25+.
Zadar's Old Town sits on a narrow peninsula — walk from one end to the other in 20 minutes.
Budget eating
What food & drink costs in Zadar
Zadar is noticeably cheaper than Dubrovnik or Split for food, especially if you eat where locals eat. The Old Town has plenty of tourist-trap restaurants along the waterfront — wander one street back and prices drop significantly. Here's a realistic breakdown of what to expect in 2026.
| Item | Where | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee (espresso) | Café | €1.20 – €2.00 |
| Beer (0.5L) | Bar | €2.50 – €4.00 |
| Local wine (glass) | Restaurant | €3.00 – €5.00 |
| Burek (pastry) | Bakery | €1.50 – €2.50 |
| Ćevapi (grilled meat) meal | Local konoba | €6 – €9 |
| Pizza (full size) | Pizzeria | €8 – €13 |
| Fish & chips style meal | Harbour kiosk | €7 – €12 |
| Restaurant dinner (2 courses) | Mid-range | €15 – €25 |
| Supermarket lunch (sandwich + drink) | Konzum / Lidl | €4 – €6 |
| Ice cream (gelato) | Gelateria | €1.50 – €3.00 |
Budget day (eating out)
€20 – €30Bakery breakfast, local konoba lunch, supermarket dinner or cheap pizza.
Mid-range day
€40 – €60Café breakfast, sit-down lunch, proper restaurant dinner with drinks.
Self-catering week
€80 – €120Full week of supermarket shopping for two. Konzum and Lidl are both nearby.
Night out budget
€20 – €40Drinks at a few bars in the Old Town. Cocktails run €7–10, beers €3–4.
Local tip
The best cheap eat in Zadar is burek — a flaky pastry filled with cheese or meat — from any bakery near the market. For €2 you get a genuinely filling breakfast. The Gradska Tržnica (Green Market) near the city gate sells fresh local produce, cheeses, and cured meats at very fair prices.
Zadar's Gradska Tržnica (Green Market) — fresh local produce, cheese, and cured meats at very fair prices.
Attractions Free Free Free / €4 Free €5 Free €5–10 €10–40 €10–30 €3–12
Things to do in Zadar — free & cheap
One of Zadar's best qualities as a budget destination is how much is completely free. The most iconic experiences — the Sea Organ, Greeting to the Sun, and wandering the old city walls — cost nothing. Here are the best things to do, in rough order of recommendation.
01
The Sea Organ (Morske Orgulje)
An architectural wonder — stone steps conceal 35 pipes that turn wave energy into music. Most magical at sunset. Never gets old, no matter how many times you visit.
02
Greeting to the Sun (Pozdrav Suncu)
A 22-metre solar-powered light installation next to the Sea Organ. After dark it creates a stunning light show. Designed by the same architect as the Sea Organ.
03
Roman Forum & Church of St. Donatus
One of the best-preserved Roman forums in the region. The 9th-century Church of St. Donatus rising above it is Zadar's most photographed landmark. Entry to the forum area is free.
04
Sunset from the City Walls
Alfred Hitchcock famously called Zadar's sunset "the most beautiful in the world." The western city walls and promenade offer unobstructed views over the Adriatic. Best in May–September.
05
Museum of Ancient Glass
Surprisingly compelling — a vast collection of Roman glass found in the region, beautifully displayed. One of the best museums in Dalmatia and very undervisited.
06
Kolovare is the most accessible beach — pebble and concrete, great facilities. Borik is further north and more family-oriented. Both have shallow, calm turquoise water. See Kolovare apartments →
07
20km north. Smear yourself in healing grey mud at Kraljičina Plaža, then explore the world's smallest cathedral in the tiny island town. Half a day is enough. See Nin apartments →
08
Plitvice Lakes National Park
Croatia's most famous national park is just 1.5 hours by car or bus. Absolutely worth the trip — turquoise lakes connected by wooden boardwalks. Book entrance tickets in advance in summer.
09
Krka National Park
Easier to reach than Plitvice. Famous for its series of waterfalls. About 1.5 hrs south of Zadar.
10
Ferry to Ugljan or Dugi Otok Island
Dugi Otok's Sakarun beach is one of Croatia's most beautiful — white sand, shallow turquoise water. The Ugljan ferry takes 25 minutes and offers a lovely slow-travel day.
The Sea Organ — 35 pipes hidden beneath the harbour steps that turn wave energy into music. Free, always open.
Timing
Best time to visit Zadar
Zadar has a classic Mediterranean climate — hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The best time for a budget trip is May–June or September — you get warm weather and sea temperatures, without the July–August crowds and peak prices.
Jan
10°CQuiet, cheap, some rain
Feb
11°COff-season, good deals
Mar
14°CGetting warmer, quiet
Apr
17°CPleasant, few tourists
May
22°C⭐ Ideal, warm & quiet
Jun
26°C⭐ Great, sea swimmable
Jul
30°CPeak, busy & pricey
Aug
30°CPeak, most expensive
Sep
26°C⭐ Perfect, calm & warm
Oct
21°CShoulder, great value
Nov
15°CQuiet, some closures
Dec
11°CFestive, very cheap
Best advice
September is the sweet spot for budget travellers. The sea is still warm (23–24°C), school holidays are over so prices and crowds drop significantly, and the light is beautiful. Apartment prices can be 30–50% lower than August. June is a close second — everything is open but far fewer tourists.
The sunset Alfred Hitchcock called "the most beautiful in the world" — viewed from Zadar's western city walls.
Excursions
Best day trips from Zadar
Zadar's location in northern Dalmatia makes it an excellent base for day trips. National parks, islands, and charming inland towns are all within reach — many without needing a car.
Plitvice Lakes
1.5 hrs awayCroatia's most visited national park. Direct buses from Zadar bus station. Book entrance online in advance — €10 off-peak, up to €40 in summer.
Krka Waterfalls
1.5 hrs southSeries of stunning waterfalls with swimming spots. Easier to reach than Plitvice. Tour buses available from Zadar or drive yourself.
Dugi Otok Island
2 hrs by ferryHome to Sakarun, one of Croatia's most beautiful beaches. Ferry from Zadar harbour. Bring a picnic as restaurants are limited.
Nin Ancient Town
25 min by busTiny walled island town with healing mud beach. Bus runs from Zadar bus station. Half a day is plenty — combine with a swim at Queen's Beach.
Know before you go
Practical info for Zadar
Currency
Euro (€). Croatia joined the Eurozone in January 2023. Cards widely accepted. ATMs plentiful in the centre.
Language
Croatian. English widely spoken in tourist areas, especially by younger locals. No issues communicating.
Tap water
Safe to drink. Save money and skip the bottled water — Zadar's tap water is clean and tastes fine.
SIM / Mobile
EU roaming rules apply for EU citizens. Local SIMs from A1 or T-Hrvatski Telekom available from €10 at the airport or city shops.
Getting to Zadar
Zadar Airport (ZAD) has direct budget flights from across Europe — Ryanair, easyJet, Eurowings. Very well connected in summer.
Climate
Mediterranean. Hot dry summers (28–32°C), mild winters (8–12°C). Summer sea temperature reaches 25–26°C.
Healthcare
Opća bolnica Zadar (General Hospital) is the main facility. EU citizens should carry their EHIC card. Travel insurance strongly recommended.
Time zone
CET (UTC+1) in winter, CEST (UTC+2) in summer. Same as most of Central Europe.
Packing tips
The beaches are mostly pebble and concrete — water shoes are worth packing. Bring reef-safe suncream. A light layer is useful for September evenings. The Old Town cobblestones are hard on sandals, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.
Plan your budget
Zadar trip cost calculator
Adjust the options below to get a rough estimate of what your Zadar trip will cost. All figures are based on 2026 local market data.
Trip duration
7 days
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Number of people
2 people * Food, transport & activities multiplied per person. Accommodation shared.
Cost breakdown
Rough estimate only — actual costs vary by season, availability and choices. Browse apartments →
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