Free Things to Do in Zadar: A Comprehensive Guide

Zadar is a coastal city in Croatia with a wealth of history, culture, and natural beauty. It is known for its stunning sunsets, its beautiful churches and its vibrant nightlife. Visitors to Zadar can explore its many attractions without spending a fortune. Here is a comprehensive guide to the best free things to do in Zadar.

1. Take a Walking Tour of the Old Town

The Old Town of Zadar is packed with historical sights and cultural attractions. A walking tour is the perfect way to explore this ancient city without spending any money. The tour will take you past the Roman Forum, the Church of St. Donatus, and the Sea Organ, as well as many other fascinating sights. You will also have the chance to learn more about the city’s rich history and culture.

The walking tour is free, but you can also opt for a guided tour if you want to delve deeper into the city’s past. Guided tours usually cost around 10€, but they are an excellent way to get the most out of your visit to Zadar.

You can also take a free audio tour of the Old Town, which can be downloaded from the Zadar Tourism website. This is a great way to explore the city at your own pace and discover its hidden gems.

2. Explore the City Walls

Zadar’s city walls are a must-see for any visitor to the city. This fortified structure was built in the 9th century and still stands today. The walls are a great place to explore and get a feel for the city’s past. You can walk along the walls or take in the views from the top. There are also several small churches and monuments along the way, which make the walls even more interesting.

The walls are open to the public, so you can explore them free of charge. However, if you want to learn more about the history of the city walls, you can opt for a guided tour. These tours usually cost around 10€ and are well worth the money.

You can also take a free audio tour of the city walls, which can be downloaded from the Zadar Tourism website. This is a great way to explore the walls at your own pace and discover their hidden gems.

3. Visit the Sea Organ

The Sea Organ is one of Zadar’s most famous attractions. This unique musical instrument is located on the waterfront and creates beautiful melodies as the waves crash against it. It is a great place to sit and relax, and it is also a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

The Sea Organ is free to visit, but you can also opt for a guided tour if you want to learn more about the instrument and its history. Guided tours usually cost around 10€, but they are an excellent way to get the most out of your visit to Zadar.

You can also take a free audio tour of the Sea Organ, which can be downloaded from the Zadar Tourism website. This is a great way to explore the instrument at your own pace and discover its hidden gems.

4. Visit the Greeting to the Sun

The Greeting to the Sun is another of Zadar’s most famous attractions. This stunning installation is located on the waterfront and is composed of hundreds of glass plates that light up at night. It is a great place to watch the sunset and take in the views of the city.

The Greeting to the Sun is free to visit, but you can also opt for a guided tour if you want to learn more about the installation and its history. Guided tours usually cost around 10€, but they are an excellent way to get the most out of your visit to Zadar.

You can also take a free audio tour of the Greeting to the Sun, which can be downloaded from the Zadar Tourism website. This is a great way to explore the installation at your own pace and discover its hidden gems.

5. Go Hiking and Biking

Zadar is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, making it a great place for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. There are several trails around the city, ranging from easy to difficult, so there is something for everyone. You can explore the local countryside and take in the fresh air – all for free.

You can also take a guided tour if you want to learn more about the local flora and fauna. Guided tours usually cost around 10€, but they are an excellent way to get the most out of your visit to Zadar.

You can also take a free audio tour of the hiking and biking trails, which can be downloaded from the Zadar Tourism website. This is a great way to explore the trails at your own pace and discover their hidden gems.

6. Visit the Museum of Ancient Glass

The Museum of Ancient Glass is one of Zadar’s most popular attractions. This museum houses an impressive collection of ancient glass artifacts, including Venetian glassware and Roman glass vessels. It is a great place to learn more about the history of glassmaking in the region.

The museum is free to visit, but you can also opt for a guided tour if you want to learn more about the collection and its history. Guided tours usually cost around 10€, but they are an excellent way to get the most out of your visit to Zadar.

You can also take a free audio tour of the museum, which can be downloaded from the Zadar Tourism website. This is a great way to explore the museum at your own pace and discover its hidden gems.

7. Visit the Five Wells Square

The Five Wells Square is one of Zadar’s most iconic landmarks. This square is home to five wells, each with its own unique design. It is a great place to take a break and admire the architecture of this ancient city.

The square is free to visit, but you can also opt for a guided tour if you want to learn more about the wells and their history. Guided tours usually cost around 10€, but they are an excellent way to get the most out of your visit to Zadar.

You can also take a free audio tour of the square, which can be downloaded from the Zadar Tourism website. This is a great way to explore the square at your own pace and discover its hidden gems.

8. Visit the Land Gate

The Land Gate is one of Zadar’s oldest monuments. This impressive structure was built in the 15th century and still stands today. It is a great place to explore and get a feel for the city’s past.

The Land Gate is free to visit, but you can also opt for a guided tour if you want to learn more about the gate and its history. Guided tours usually cost around 10€, but they are an excellent way to get the most out of your visit to Zadar.

You can also take a free audio tour of the Land Gate, which can be downloaded from the Zadar Tourism website. This is a great way to explore the gate at your own pace and discover its hidden gems.

9. Visit the People’s Square

The People’s Square is one of Zadar’s most popular attractions. This square is home to several monuments, including the Monument to King Tomislav and the Monument to the Defenders of Zadar. It is a great place to sit and relax, and it is also a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

The People’s Square is free to visit, but you can also opt for a guided tour if you want to learn more about the monuments and their history. Guided tours usually cost around 10€, but they are an excellent way to get the most out of your visit to Zadar.

You can also take a free audio tour of the People’s Square, which can be downloaded from the Zadar Tourism website. This is a great way to explore the square at your own pace and discover its hidden gems.

10. Visit the Church of St. Donatus

The Church of St. Donatus is one of Zadar’s most iconic landmarks. This stunning church was built in the 9th century and is a great place to explore and get a feel for the city’s past. You can also take in the views from the top of the church.

The Church of St. Donatus is free to visit, but you can also opt for a guided tour if you want to learn more about the church and its history. Guided tours usually cost around 10€, but they are an excellent way to get the most out of your visit to Zadar.

You can also take a free audio tour of the church, which can be downloaded from the Zadar Tourism website. This is a great way to explore the church at your own pace and discover its hidden gems.

11. Visit the Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is one of Zadar’s most important archaeological sites. This ancient site was once home to a bustling marketplace and is now a great place to explore and learn more about the city’s past. You can also take in the views from the top of the forum.

The Roman Forum is free to visit, but you can also opt for a guided tour if you want to learn more about the site and its history. Guided tours usually cost around 10€, but they are an excellent way to get the most out of your visit to Zadar.

You can also take a free audio tour of the Roman Forum, which can be downloaded from the Zadar Tourism website. This is a great way to explore the forum at your own pace and discover its hidden gems.

12. Explore the Local Markets

Zadar is home to several local markets, where you can browse for souvenirs and local produce. These markets are a great way to explore the city and get a feel for the local culture. The markets are free to visit, so you can take your time and explore without spending any money.

You can also opt for a guided tour if you want to learn more about the markets and their history. Guided tours usually cost around 10€, but they are an excellent way to get the most out of your visit to Zadar.

You can also take a free audio tour of the markets, which can be downloaded from the Zadar Tourism website. This is a great way to explore the markets at your own pace and discover their hidden gems.

Summary

Zadar is one of Croatia’s most beautiful cities, and it is packed with attractions and activities that can be enjoyed without spending a fortune. From walking tours of the Old Town to exploring the city walls and visiting the Sea Organ, there are plenty of free things to do in Zadar. We hope this guide has given you some ideas of how to make the most of your visit to this beautiful city.