How to Spend TWO DAYS in Zadar, Croatia: 2-Day Itinerary

Planning a weekend getaway in Zadar, Croatia? We have the best two-day itinerary below!

Many travelers choose Dubrovnik or Split, but after spending time here, let us tell you straight away, don’t skip Zadar! It’s got historic sights, crystal-clear water, a lively waterfront packed with bars and restaurants, and delicious seafood. And with just 2 days here, don’t think your trip will be all beach, hotel, and restaurant, either.

From island hopping by speedboat and romantic sunset cruises to tasting local delicacies, there’s a lot more to do than lounge on the beach (although that’s perfectly fine too). We put together this itinerary so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying Zadar.

Ready to explore? Let’s get into it!

Itinerary Overview

Zadar, just like the more popular Dubrovnik and Split, has a little bit of everything. You’ve got Roman ruins, medieval churches, beaches, trendy food spots, island-hopping opportunities, and some of the best seafood in the region. You might have already heard about the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun, two modern installations that happen to be right here and are unlike anything you’ve seen before. 

Zadar is pretty compact, so you can walk to most places. The Old Town is completely pedestrianized, which means you’ll be doing most of your sightseeing on foot. If you’re staying near the center, you probably won’t need a car at all. 

Most of the tours in this guide also start right in the heart of town. You can rely on boats, local buses, taxis, and Uber to get to beaches and the surrounding islands. 

We’ve planned two days in Zadar, but if you’d rather swap one for a day trip, we’ve included a great option to Plitvice Lakes National Park, which is only 130 kilometers (about 80 miles) away.  Here’s how we suggest spending your time in Zadar: 

Day 1: Kickstart your vacation with a hearty breakfast before heading out for a speedboat island-hopping adventure. In the afternoon, explore the Old Town, catch the sunset at Zadar’s Sea Organ, and finish the day with some local seafood at a lovely restaurant. 

Day 2: Today, you have two options. Head off on a full-day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park or spend the day sightseeing, relaxing at the beach, tasting your way around Zadar, and enjoying a romantic sunset cruise before (or after) dinner at one of the finest restaurants in town. 

Day 1

Breakfast – Eden Gastro & Bar 

For your first morning, we suggest starting bright and early with a hearty breakfast, and around here, that means a stop at Eden Gastro & Bar. This place is part of a modern 4-star hostel, and although it’s fairly new, it’s always busy. There are a few different spots to choose from, including the street terrace, indoor dining area, or the back garden, which was our favorite.

We absolutely loved the vibe here, with colorful hanging string lights, cozy swing chairs, plants, and plenty of shade from the trees above. Food-wise, we recommend the truffle steak pasta or the beef steak with gnocchi in truffle sauce, but honestly, every plate they brought out looked delicious.

We spotted couples and families, so it really feels like a place for everyone. It opens at 7 am, breakfast is served until 11 am, and it’s only a 7-minute walk from the tour meeting point in the heart of the Old Town. It really couldn’t be more convenient.

Morning – Spend the morning island hopping on a speedboat

Zadar is lovely to spend time in, don’t get us wrong, but you’d be missing out if you didn’t explore at least a few of the surrounding islands. This speedboat island-hopping tour was one of the best ways to do that, and it only took about 4 hours (from 10 am to 2 pm). 

After breakfast, make your way to the main pier along Zadar’s waterfront (look for a guide wearing a white polo shirt). Once you’re on the boat, the fun begins! Our first stop was Ošljak, the smallest inhabited island in the Adriatic, with only around 35 people living there. After exploring the village, we made our way up to the viewpoint.

It took about 15 minutes on foot and, although it was uphill, it felt easy enough that we’d recommend it for all ages, regardless of your fitness level. The views at the top were well worth it! We could have happily stayed up there a little longer.

Next up was Otok Galevac, where we stopped for snorkeling (you’ll have about an hour here). We were tempted to jump straight off the boat the second we saw the crystal-clear water! If you have time, wander around the island, and you’ll find a monastery museum dedicated to Saint Paul the Hermit.

Preko was our final stop and the perfect place to end the tour, with beautiful beaches and seaside restaurants, where we stopped for a delicious lunch. We couldn’t believe how much we managed to fit into just 4 hours!

With 300+ 5-star reviews, we’re clearly not the only ones who loved it!

Afternoon – Explore Old Town Zadar at your own pace

Once you finish up your morning tour, head back to your hotel to get cleaned up and take a minute to relax and refresh, because it’s time to explore the heart of Zadar. Old Town Zadar isn’t huge, but there are a lot of historic sights to see. It is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia, after all!

If you want to check off most of the highlights here, just wander around, and you’ll discover something new (but old) at every corner. Here are some of the top sights in Old Town that you shouldn’t miss:

• Roman Forum – While this is definitely in ruins (and now one with the city’s modern street life), it’s a necessary stop that will only take about 30 minutes to explore. What stands out most is the “Pillar of Shame,” which is still intact. It was fun to learn that this was once a place where criminals were chained and publicly humiliated, and you can still spot parts of the metal chains today. 

• Church of St. Donatus – This lovely church was built in the 9th century and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Zadar. While it’s no longer a functioning church, you’ll find an art gallery and museum inside, and it also hosts concerts throughout the year. Even if you’re not planning to go inside, it’s worth stopping by to admire its unique circular design. 

• St. Anastasia’s Cathedral – Just behind the Church of St. Donatus, you’ll find the largest Roman Catholic church in the entire Dalmatian region. If you’re feeling fit, you can climb the 183 stairs to the top of the bell tower, although that’ll cost you €4, while entry to the cathedral itself is just €1.

• Narodni trg – Like most main squares, this is where all the action happens. We loved it because it’s fully pedestrianized, and from here you can easily see and reach several of Zadar’s other landmarks. A pit stop here is a must, cooling off with an Ožujsko beer while watching the world go by. 

• Queen Jelena Madijevka Park – Just behind the Old Town, this park is a nice refuge from the heat (not really the crowds, as there are tourists everywhere). From the Square of Five Wells, you have to climb a few steps and pass through an old city gate to get in. Once there, you get great views across the town and the small harbor. 

Evening – Watch the sunset at Zadar’s Sea Organ 

Zadar has spectacular sunsets. Even Alfred Hitchcock praised them, so it’s worth catching one while you’re here. The best place to do that is at the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun, which are actually a pretty big deal around here.

The Sea Organ’s clever design creates different sounds as the waves hit the sea wall (the bigger the waves, the louder the music). Once the sun has set, walk over to the nearby Greeting to the Sun, which is a 22-meter-wide (72-foot-wide) circle of glass solar panels built into the ground. They soak up energy during the day and light up at night with a pretty impressive show.  

Plan on arriving 30 to 60 minutes before sunset to grab a good spot, as hundreds of people come here every evening to do the same. We weren’t sure what to expect, but it ended up being one of our favorite moments in Zadar. It felt special to be part of it all!

Sunset varies depending on when you visit, but from April through September, it can be anywhere from around 7 pm to 8:30 pm.

Dinner – Restaurant Terracotta 

Dinner tonight is back in the Old Town and not far from the sunset spot. Restaurant Terracotta is a great choice if you’re in the mood for fresh local seafood. We arrived at around 8 pm without a reservation and were lucky enough to be seated straight away (though we’d recommend booking ahead, especially during summer and peak dining hours).

It’s located on a quiet side street just off the main square, and the building is actually part of a medieval monastery complex. Even so, the area around it is lively, and you might even hear musicians playing in the background.

As for the food, go for the fresh catch of the day (ours was wild tuna caught that morning). The black squid ink risotto is also delicious (fair warning, though, it might stain your teeth, but a few sips of wine seemed to do the trick. Just keep that in mind if you’re on a romantic date!).

Related Read: Not sure what to bring? Check out our Croatia packing list to make sure you’re prepared for beaches, boat trips, and city exploring. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, our Europe summer packing guide is packed with even more helpful tips.

Day 2 

Your second day agenda is packed with just as many fun things! We do have another full-day trip planned at Plitvice Lakes National Park if you want to explore beyond Zadar, but if you haven’t had enough of this city yet, here is what we suggest. 

Breakfast – Coffee & Cake 

Since you have a food tour at 11 am, stop by Coffee & Cake for a coffee first. The earlier you arrive, the better, as it feels a lot different without the morning rush-hour crowds. We got there right when they opened and loved the peace and quiet of the neighborhood, just waking up. 

The staff had more time to chat, and we could smell the fresh baking in the air. That alone made us even hungrier. If you want something light to tide you over, their chia seed pudding will do the trick, or the classic avocado toast. Of course, coffee is a must here, but if you’re not a coffee lover, a freshly squeezed orange juice will do. 

Despite being hidden down a small side street, this spot is always busy and has a lively outdoor seating area. It’s also just a 3-minute walk from the Archaeological Museum. They open at 7 am every day, except Sundays, when they open at 8 am.

Morning – Archaeological Museum Zadar 

Right after your morning coffee, make your way towards the Roman Forum square for more sightseeing. The Archaeological Museum Zadar is worth spending some time in, as it’s the second-oldest museum in the country, dating back to 1832. Inside, you’ll find hundreds of thousands of artifacts spread across three floors, from the Stone Age all the way to the Middle Ages.

The most interesting displays, at least for us, were the marble statues of Roman emperors and the items recovered from sunken Roman merchant ships deep in the Adriatic Sea. We also found it easy to follow along, as everything was explained in both Croatian and English.

It opens at 9 am, and for just €7 admission, you can hide from the heat and spend about an hour here. Luckily, the food tour meets right outside the museum, so if you arrive when it opens, you’ll have just enough time to get through it before the tour starts.

Morning – Taste your way around Zadar on a food tour

Starting at 11 am in front of the Archaeological Museum, this small-group food tour is one of the best ways to spend lunchtime in Zadar. It runs for about three hours, wrapping up around 2 pm, and combines great food with plenty of local stories and culture along the way.

Instead of wandering around trying to decide where to eat, you’ll be guided through some of the city’s best food spots, from family-run restaurants to local shops and the bustling market. Along the way, you’ll learn how Dalmatian cuisine has been shaped by the region’s history, traditions, and local ingredients.

One of the first things you’ll likely try is Soparnik, a traditional savory pie from the Dalmatian hinterland made with Swiss chard and garlic. You’ll also stop at the city market, where stalls are piled high with seasonal produce, local cheeses, and other regional specialties.

A highlight for us was the olive oil tasting. We loved learning why olive trees are such an important part of life along the Dalmatian coast while sampling a few different varieties. The tour also includes local prosciutto, Croatian wine, and traditional cakes from a local pastry shop, so don’t expect to leave hungry!

By the end, you’ll have a much better understanding of the local food scene and plenty of recommendations for the rest of your stay. Check out the 5-star reviews here and see why this is one of the most popular food experiences in Zadar.

Afternoon – Kolovare Beach  

If you want to get out of the Old Town, head to Kolovare Beach. This is just a short walk away (no need to drive), so after your food tour, head back to your hotel to get changed and then make your way here.

This is the most popular beach in Zadar. It’s mostly pebbles and gravel, but that doesn’t seem to stop anyone from having a great time here. Plus, it’s shaded by pine trees at the back (you can save on umbrellas), and the water is gorgeous for swimming. 

It’s easy to rent loungers, there are changing areas, lifeguards during the summer season, and the promenade is right there, which means you’ve got tons of beach bars and food stops right at your fingertips. It can get pretty busy during the peak summer months, so just keep that in mind.

Dinner – Kornat Restaurant

Finding a spot for dinner wasn’t as easy as we expected. In fact, it was probably the only thing we couldn’t really agree on in Zadar! There were so many good options, but in the end, Kornat Restaurant turned out to be the perfect find and a great place for a proper farewell dinner.

It has lovely waterfront views, and everything here feels a little more upscale (even the bathrooms!). Since seafood is the main attraction, we went for the lobster pasta, which was ridiculously delicious, but be prepared to get your hands messy. At the end of our meal, they surprised us with homemade pastries on the house. 

Prices aren’t exactly cheap, but we thought it was worth every cent. The service was excellent, and the live piano music made the evening feel even more special. We’d definitely recommend booking ahead. 

If you need to switch your dinner time around to fit in the sunset cruise, do so. The restaurant is about a 15-minute walk from both the start and end of the tour through the Old Town, and the boat for the sunset cruise departs right by the city walls. It’s open until 11 pm. 

Evening – Relax on a sunset cruise

For something a bit different than walking the waterfront, this romantic sunset cruise is a great way to escape the crowds and see the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun from the water. We started off in Foša, which is one of the most beautiful harbors in the Adriatic and a pretty spectacular way to begin the cruise! 

We were a small group, just two other couples and us, so we got pretty lucky. Even so, the maximum group size is only 12 people, so it still feels personal. At 1.5 hours long, we loved every minute of it! 

As for the sunset, Alfred Hitchcock was right, it really is something special! On top of that, we sipped complimentary Aperol Spritz while watching the sky change colors, and the captain made the ride even better with romantic Italian and Croatian serenades. 

Keep in mind that departure times vary depending on when you’re visiting. The latest option is usually around 8 pm in July, but from May to September, cruises can start anywhere from around 6:45 pm to 7:45 pm. If you need to switch your dinner reservation around to fit this in, we’d do it.

Check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews and see why this sunset cruise is so popular! 

Optional Day Trip – Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park

If you’d rather trade a day in the city for one of Croatia’s most famous natural attractions, this Plitvice Lakes National Park day trip is well worth it. We recommend booking the small-group tour that includes your entrance ticket, as it takes all the planning off your plate and makes for a very easy day from start to finish.

The tour departs from Zadar at 7:30 am and returns around 5:30 pm, so it’s definitely a full day. Thankfully, transportation is included, which means you can sit back and enjoy the scenic drive through the Croatian countryside while your guide shares stories and local insights along the way.

Once you arrive, you’ll have around four hours to explore Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and forested walking trails. Wooden boardwalks wind through the park, taking you past everything from small cascades and hidden streams to the park’s largest waterfalls. It’s one of those places where every turn seems to reveal another incredible view.

One thing we especially liked about this tour is that it includes both the panoramic train ride and the electric boat crossing. Not only do they give your legs a well-earned break, but they also let you experience the park from different perspectives while taking in even more of the scenery.

By the time you return to Zadar around 5:30 pm, you’ll have covered a lot of ground, but it’s the kind of day you’ll be talking about long after your trip is over. 

From here, simply rejoin the itinerary and head to Kornat Restaurant for dinner, the same recommendation we included above. After a day of hiking and sightseeing, the waterfront setting and excellent seafood make it an especially rewarding way to end the day.

Related Read: Zadar is just one of many incredible destinations in the country. Check out our guide to the best things to do in Croatia for more travel inspiration.

Where to Stay in Zadar, Croatia

Now that you have a full itinerary of Zadar’s top activities, you need somewhere comfortable to stay! We personally loved staying in the Old Town as it puts you close to the best things to do and the area is super charming. Here are three excellent hotel options for those with a range of budgets: 

Bastion Heritage Hotel – Relais & Châteaux – $$$

Bastion Heritage Hotel – Relais & Châteaux is my top pick for a luxury stay! This hotel is in Old Town Zadar, close to the water and the top restaurants in the city. They offer standard hotel rooms or suites, all individually decorated in a gorgeous Art Deco design. You can relax at the spa and wellness center, too! Rooms are available for around €250 per night and can be reserved on Booking.com.

Central Apartments Integrated Hotel – $$

Situated in the heart of Zadar’s Old Town, Central Apartments Integrated Hotel is a great moderate-budget hotel! They offer apartment-style rooms equipped with a kitchen and seating area. You can choose between studio or one-bedroom apartments, and each has its own unique style and charm. Rooms start as low as €150 per night and can be reserved on Booking.com. 

Downtown Boutique Hostel – $

Downtown Boutique Hostel is a fantastic budget-friendly option right in Zadar’s Old Town. It has a modern boutique feel, with both dorm beds and private rooms available, plus a restaurant, bar, garden, and shared lounge areas. Dorm beds usually start at around €45 per night, while private rooms cost more and can be reserved on Booking.com.

For more options, see all of the hotels in Zadar here!

Related Read: Want a deeper breakdown of Zadar’s neighborhoods? Read our complete guide on where to stay in Zadar, including hotel recommendations for every budget.

Thanks for reading!

For a city that’s often overshadowed by Dubrovnik and Split, Zadar packs a serious punch. In just two days, we managed to explore Roman ruins, cruise around nearby islands, sample local specialties, relax on the beach, and watch some unforgettable sunsets. Not many destinations can offer that much variety without feeling overwhelming.

Of course, the adventure doesn’t have to end in Zadar. If you’re dreaming up your next European getaway, take a look at our other Europe travel guides here. We’ve packed them with itineraries, local tips, and plenty of ideas for your next trip. Or browse through some of our most recent guides below for even more inspiration!

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