Apartments in Zadar -- Budget-Friendly Studios
Zadar is a portal to the past. The old town is the picture of rustic charm lined with old, crumbling Roman ruins, medieval, spired churches, and quaint shops. But Zadar also has a foot well-placed in the present day, and you'll easily find a collection of trendy cafes, white-cube galleries, and designer bars tucked in between historic monuments and age-old architecture. Perhaps the best thing about Zadar, though, is its quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Unlike Croatia's larger cities, it remains under the radar. Most tourists visit for the famous Sea Organ, a creative display of sound and light that perches at the edge of the ocean. It's this combination of old and new together with the character of a historic town and the charm of a coastal city that makes Zadar so enticing. Enjoy the city from the comfort of our apartments in Zadar, a collection of handpicked budget studios and boutique flats nestled in the heart of the historic centre.
Quirky Installations and Roman Ruins - Things to do in Zadar
- Church of St. Donatus -- An impressive Roman church in the heart of Zadar. It was built in the 9th Century and remains an impressive historic building.
- Zadar Cathedral -- Also known as the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, this Roman Catholic church is the seat of the Archdiocese of Zadar and holds the record for the biggest church in the whole of Dalmatia.
- Osljak -- Nestled in the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea, this island sits just off the coast of Zadar and boasts a lush green landscape rimmed with white-sand beaches.
- Sea Organ -- The world's first ever sea organ is a sight (and sound) to behold. Perched on the edge of the ocean, it uses the flow of the wind and waves to create beautiful melodies.
- Wells Square -- During the 16th Century, Zadar was attacked by the Turkish but managed to survive thanks to the construction of five water wells. These ornate wells still remain today, standing proud in a rustic little square.
- Sun Salutation -- Also known as A Salute to the Sun, this architectural project was the brainchild of Nikola Basic.
- Silver Casket of St. Simeon -- Set inside a church of the same name, this ornate silver casket sits comfortably in the arms of a quad of bronze angels. It actually holds the remains of a saint.
Check out our selection of Zadar apartments that are dotted around the city, many of which can be found near the major attractions.
History, Religion, and Art -- Museums in Zadar
Zadar boasts a historic outlook, peppered with grand old buildings and a rich timeline that weaves its way through the narrow streets of the old town. If you're looking to get to grips with its history then it's a good idea to check out some of the museums around the city.
Dip into the Museum of Religious Art which is tucked away in the Benedictine convent. Here, you can wander through displays of religious sculptures, frescoes, huge tapestries, and incredible paintings. As well as works by local Croatian artists from times-gone-by, you can also catch a glimpse of some pieces by world-renowned Venetian masters like Carpaccio and Veneziano.
If old fossils and the pre-historic era is more your thing, then take a look around the Archaeological Museum which plays hosts to a huge collection of ancient, medieval relics. Most of the artefacts were found in and around Zadar, but there are also a number of displays from further afield.
Then there's the Museum of Ancient Glass which offers a jaw-dropping journey through the history of glass-making in the region. It's hard to believe that so many delicate glass objects could come out unharmed after all the earthquakes and battles of the region, but they did. And now you can see them in all their glory in this fascinating museum.
Zadar Accommodation
The trendy atmosphere of Zadar draws in every kind of traveller, from those seeking a laidback trip filled with sun and sea, to energetic visitors in search of a vibrant nightlife and plenty of traditional eateries. Zadar accommodation taps into all of these audiences, providing a wide selection of holiday options. Expect sophisticated hotels that border the seafront and boast spacious rooms with high-end luxuries, intimate hostels tucked away down the cobbled streets of the old town, and short term apartments and studios that are the perfect place to stay for a short weekend break.
Discover the Zest of Zadar -- Explore Like a Local
Zadar, like much of Croatia, harbours a rich set of traditions and a lovely, laidback lifestyle. You can get stuck right into the local way of life in Zadar, sipping coffee down side streets and soaking up the buzz of this quirky hotspot.
At the weekends, stroll through the vibrant and aromatic fresh fruit and flower market that takes place in the centre of the old town. Here, you can browse stalls piled high with huge mushrooms, golden honey, and local, handpicked fruit and vegetables. The atmosphere is lively and the people are extremely friendly, so take your time to explore all the goods on offer. Afterwards, why not grab a coffee? Find a cosy café nearby, grab a hot drink, and while away a few hours.
In the evening, head to a local restaurant to sample some of the delicious seafood dishes that the city is known for. Don't forget to accompany your meal with a local white wine -- the area produces some of the best flavours in Croatia.
For the full local experience, check into one of our Zadar apartments in the city centre, where you can continue to soak up the authentic tradition of the area.
Zig-Zagging Around Zadar -- Getting in and Around
Zadar Airport is close to the city centre and, therefore, easy to get to. There is a local bus service that runs directly from the airport into town which is a cheap and cheerful option, plus you'll also get an insight into local life from the offset. However, there are only a few buses a day, so it's worth working out whether it's better for you to find another method if your flight times don't match up. You might want to hop in a taxi if this is the case. Journeys are short and relatively cheap.
Once you're in Zadar it's really easy to get around. All of the major attractions are within walking distance of each other, so it's definitely possible for you to go the entire trip without getting any public transport. If you need to, though, there are local bus and train services that travel to nearby towns and cities, and you can also hop on a ferry to some of the Adriatic islands.
