Zadar tours and tickets
Zadar's old town is small and free, and the Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun need no ticket. What is worth booking is the day trips: Plitvice Lakes uses timed entry that fills in summer, and the Kornati boats and the Krka falls need a day or two. A table at a good restaurant is worth reserving in peak season.
Book these first
- Plitvice Lakes entry
- A few days to a week ahead in summer. Entry is limited, and popular time slots and the high season sell out.
- Boat trips to Kornati and Telašćica
- A few days ahead in July and August. Day boats fill, and some sail only when there are enough passengers.
- A table at the better restaurants
- A few days ahead in peak season. The small old town places and the Michelin-listed ones fill at weekends.
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Monuments and landmarks
Sea Organ and Greeting to the Sun
Two public installations on the waterfront: an organ played by the waves under the steps, and a glass circle that lights up at dusk. Both are free and open at all hours.
Which to pick. Go at sunset and sit on the steps. No booking is needed, and it takes an hour.
Not needed, entry is freeVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorRoman forum and Church of St Donatus
The remains of a Roman forum beside a round Byzantine church, a symbol of the city. Entry to the church is by ticket, and concerts are held inside in summer.
Which to pick. Walk the forum for free and buy a ticket for the church. Check concert dates if you like music.
On the day is fineVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorSt Anastasia Cathedral and bell tower
A Romanesque cathedral with a tower that can be climbed for a view of the old town and the islands. Tickets are sold at the entrance. The climb is steep.
Which to pick. Climb the tower in the late afternoon. The cathedral is free, and the tower has a small fee.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Outdoors
Plitvice Lakes
A national park of 16 terraced lakes and waterfalls linked by wooden walkways, about 90 minutes by road. Entry is by timed ticket, and daily numbers are limited in summer.
Which to pick. Book a morning entry slot online a few days ahead, and arrive early to beat the coaches. Wear good shoes.
A few days to a week ahead in summerVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorKrka National Park
A park of waterfalls and pools on the Krka river, about an hour away. A boat from Skradin reaches the main falls, and swimming is not allowed at the main falls.
Which to pick. Go early, take the boat from Skradin and walk the main loop. Book a trip with transport if you have no car.
A day or two ahead in summerOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
On the water
Kornati and Telašćica boat trip
A full-day boat trip through the Kornati islands, a national park of bare islands and clear water, with a stop at Telašćica nature park for a swim and lunch. Boats leave in the morning.
Which to pick. Book a few days ahead in July and August. Pick a small boat for a quieter swim.
A few days ahead in July and AugustOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorIsland ferry to Ugljan
A short ferry to the island of Ugljan, with beaches, olive groves and cycle paths, about 25 minutes from the harbor. Foot passengers can buy tickets at the port, and cars need a booking in summer.
Which to pick. Take the ferry as a foot passenger and hire a bike. Book a vehicle space in July and August.
On the day is fine for foot passengersOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Museums and galleries
Museum of Ancient Glass
A museum of Roman glass in a historic palace, with jewelry, bottles and a glassblowing demonstration. Tickets are sold at the door, and the visit takes about 45 minutes.
Which to pick. Buy at the door. Join the demonstration if it runs, and buy a small piece of glass as a souvenir.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorArchaeological Museum
A museum of finds from the region, from prehistoric tools to Roman stone carvings and medieval objects, beside the forum. Tickets are sold at the door, and the visit takes about an hour.
Which to pick. Buy at the door, and visit it with the forum next door. It is a good choice when the heat is high.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Booking tours and tickets in Zadar
Do I need to book Plitvice Lakes?
In summer, yes. Entry is timed, and slots sell out on busy days. Book a morning slot, and arrive early to avoid the crowds.
Can I swim at Krka?
Not at the main falls. Swimming is limited to marked areas. Check the park rules, since they change. The boat ride is a good alternative.
Is a Kornati trip worth it?
Yes, for the clear water and the empty islands. A small boat is better for a quiet swim. Check the weather on the morning of the trip.
What is the Sea Organ?
A line of pipes under the waterfront steps that play notes as the waves pass. It is free and runs all day. Go at sunset.
Do ferries run all year?
Yes, but the timetable is reduced in winter. Check the schedule, and book vehicles ahead in summer. Foot passengers can buy tickets at the port.
What can wait until I arrive?
The old town, the Sea Organ, the cathedral tower and the museum can be done on the day. Book Plitvice, the Kornati boat and a dinner table first.