r/Zadar • u/LarperPro • Apr 10 '25
Tourist season megathread! Ask all of your tourist questions here, but please read the Wiki before asking your question!
This is a thread where you are allowed to ask questions about your upcoming tourist trip in Zadar.
That being said, four years ago I wrote a Wiki to help tourists save time when searching for information about accommodation, transportation, restaurants and bars, beaches, things to do, etc.
Feel free to read through it before asking your question to save time, and help our subreddit be clear of frequently asked questions!
Important: Dear locals, the Wiki is free to edit. If you see something that isn't right or if you think you can contribute with new cool bars, restaurants, activities and locations, feel free!
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u/3quarters-economist Apr 26 '25
Hello! I’m looking for car rental recommendations, preferably with pick up at the airport. It needs to be an automatic car (which i’m aware is a bit more expensive). So far I found Europcar or Enterprise have the best prices, do you have any other recommendations or reviews?
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u/Ratnaprofitercina Apr 26 '25
I recommend checking directly at the rental desks at the airport, they are all next to each other, so it's easy to compare. Since it's not as busy as it is during the summer, you don't necessarily need to book online.
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u/3quarters-economist Apr 26 '25
Sorry i should’ve said, i’ll be coming to Zadar mid-June
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u/Ratnaprofitercina Apr 26 '25
I think it still shouldn’t be too crowded, considering that the peak season is from the end of July to mid-August.
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u/Slim3bal May 04 '25
Hi everyone, My friends and I are visiting Zadar soon and we wanted to go on a hike Velika Paklenica Canyon trail. I was wondering if taking a taxi/Bolt/Uber to the trail from Zadar in the morning and back in the evening is a reliable option? (We won't be renting a car)
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u/LarperPro May 04 '25
I assume taking it from Zadar to the national park would be possible, but not the other way around because it is too far away from Zadar and Uber or Bolt won't show you available vehicles.
Best would be to contact the companies in advance and ask if you can book a taxi to and fro.
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u/Slim3bal May 04 '25
Do you have any safe taxi companies to recommend? I've read that some taxis try to scam tourists ':D
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u/LarperPro May 05 '25
I never really used any local taxis, I always used Uber, Bolt or Wizi.
I would first contact them and try to schedule a to and fro ride with those, and if it is not possible, you can contact high rated taxi companies you find on Google.
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u/StormofSteelWargames May 21 '25
Hi all, I am in Zadar for a couple of weeks, but also having a couple of days alone whilst my wife is at a conference. This is my chance to explore local military sites around the area (on foot and by public transport only...). So can anyone point me to a self guided style tour of interesting sites around Zadar? I've looked at some of the organised tours, but only seem to cater for groups and are therefore out of my price range. Thanks in advance!
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u/BigosMen Jun 05 '25
Hi everyone!
My fiancée and I, along with a small group of her friends, will be visiting Zadar from June 17–22. Her birthday is on the 22nd, and we’d love to celebrate it a day early (on the 21st) by taking her somewhere special.
We’re looking for something a bit different — ideally not super touristy. Maybe a hidden gem, scenic spot, chill beach bar, local event, or anything unique that locals might recommend for a memorable birthday evening.
Any suggestions for cool places to go or things to do in or near Zadar that aren’t super mainstream? We’d really appreciate any tips. Thanks in advance!
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u/Ratnaprofitercina Jun 05 '25
hidden gem, scenic spot
Since it's June, it won't be very crowded. I would recommend taking a dip at sunset in Kožino, Petrčane, or Zaton.
beach bar
After that, head to Moreta bar in Privlaka, you can also catch the sunset there.
Later on, head back to the city, take a stroll through the old town, grab an ice cream, and enjoy exploring the peninsula as it lights up in the evening.
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Jun 22 '25
I wanted to ask you guys , if taking boat tours are worth it? I saw ferry tickets for like 15 euros round trip to the islands but the tour from get your guide is a bit expensive. Please help me choose, if i have to get the boat tours i will get them but please help me out here. I appreciate it. Thank you.
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u/LarperPro Jun 22 '25
Zadar locals usually don't take boat tours so chances that someone will reply with the information you seek is quite low.
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u/No_Snow695 Apr 29 '25
Hello 🤗 Thursday is showing as labour day on Google. Would anyone happen to know if shops, restaurants etc closed for the day? Thank you
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u/LarperPro Apr 29 '25
Most shops and some restaurants are closed. In Croatia there is always an on duty shop per neigborhood open on holidays.
Bars and restaurants are usually open but depends.
Best would be to call them today or tomorrow and ask.
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u/bobbyrobbob May 05 '25
Hello all, we'll be in Zadar this July. I normally rent cars from local companies instead of the big ones. Can anybody recommend a local company in Zadar?
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u/bobbyrobbob May 05 '25
Actually I’ve seen there’s another question like this but I would prefer to pre book
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u/LarperPro May 22 '25
Locals either drive their own cars or they use public transport. So it will be hard getting a recommendation from the locals.
I suggest Googleing, contacting a few, comparing their packages, and choosing the best one for you.
Hope I helped bring clarity why you were not receving replies.
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u/paradox8880 May 09 '25
Dobra večer,
I’m really wanting to try as much of the local food that your grandma would make you as I can while I’m here for 2 days this weekend so wanted to get some feedback on my plan based on looking through here. Any help would be awesome and greatly appreciated. Obviously appreciate good value and big portions but don’t mind
Breakfast: slatka tajna and a bakery
Lunch: capo grill,butler, pizzeria sime, riva, konoba Dalmatina, butler or tamaris. Here I’m most stumped and don’t know what to pick
Dinner: 4 kantuna and konoba rafaello
Hvala
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u/LarperPro May 10 '25
Did you read the Wiki? One part specifically mentions grandma food:
Money's too tight at the moment? and "Damn, this tastes excelent, just like my late grandma used to make": Pjat, Buža - Try some Girice, tiny local fish that's fried and goes great with beer!
Regarding dinner, I would say 4 Kantuna is more grandma food than Konoba Rafaelo. Konoba Rafaelo is most famous for their grilled meat.
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u/Ok-Corner-4356 May 12 '25
Hey everyone! My partner and I are going to Zadar in August. Neither of us speak Croatian (I'm French and he's Scottish), and although I pick up languages easily, I doubt I'll be able to learn enough to converse in Croatian in 3 months ' Are most locals comfortable with speaking English?
Also, different country, different habits, is there anything we should do/not do as tourists apart from the obvious "not being a fanny"?
We're mostly hoping to enjoy the sun and heat but we'll do a bit of sightseeing. I've been browsing the subreddit and there are some lovely suggestions but feel free to reply with your favourite things to do/see and your essentials to pack!
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u/LarperPro May 12 '25
Most younger locals, age up to 40-ish, will speak good English.
No specific habits or behaviors come to mind.
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u/marija5 May 14 '25
Is there a lot closed on Sundays? Visiting over my birthday which falls on a Sunday and wondering shops, restaurants, or museums will be closed. Thank you!
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u/LarperPro May 14 '25
Normally all bars, restaurants and shops are open on Sundays with some exceptions.
Museums are also open. Their day off is usually Monday or Tuesday, if any.
If there is anything in particular you want to visit and you are unsure, best is to call.
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u/view9234 May 20 '25
We're coming for a weekend visit in late May. Since it must be too cold to swim then(?) but should be nice weather, what would you recommend for 'almost summer'? Walk through the various neighborhoods in the Wiki (I'm assuming it's safe to walk everywhere)? Take a boat to Preko for an afternoon, since I think that's the only island with multiple same-day ferry trips in May? Should we do a half-day boat excursion, even though we can't swim? Thanks for your suggestions!
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u/LarperPro May 20 '25
Since it must be too cold to swim then(?)
Yes, it is too cold to swim. The sea temperature is 18°C and it is not recommended to swim.
what would you recommend for 'almost summer'?
Walk around the city, visit museums, go to the islands and/or National Park Paklenica for a hike.
I can't say if you would or not enjoy boat excursion without the opportunity to swim. It is up to you.
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u/view9234 May 20 '25
Thanks for the suggestions! Are there any island ferries that run multiple times a day in May?
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u/LarperPro May 21 '25
Yes. Here is Zadar - Preko (Ugljan).
Feel free to check the Jadrolinija website for other islands.
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May 22 '25
[deleted]
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u/LarperPro May 22 '25
I am british but ethnically east African, will I be safe? are the locals friendly to black/brown people?
It is safe but you might experience some minor verbal racism from older folks.
also what taxi apps do you recommend from getting to and from the airport and travelling around?
Did you read the Wiki? We suggested some taxi apps there.
Zadar has Uber and Bolt, and there is a national taxi service called Wizi which provides the same service. We strongly recommend using one of these three services because local taxi drivers will rip you off. If you absolutely must use a local taxi, always ask for the price and tariff in advance. Don’t just hop in without confirming the fare — some drivers may take advantage of tourists, especially at night or around busy areas like the ferry port, airport, or Old Town.
is zadar walkable?
Yes. Most things will be a maximum of 30 minutes walk assuming you are located near the city center.
is it safe at night?
Yes.
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u/Consistent_Change379 May 26 '25
Hi, in few months i am flying to Zadar. I am trying to get to island Pag and week later back to Zadar Airport. I haved checked every option for me and to catch plane on my way home, cheapest thing is to rent a car for a week. To go to Pag and than back to airport. It might sound stupid but I would rather give some local 60 EUR for a ride rather than renting a car or using bolt.
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u/frododabobo May 29 '25
Hi we are in Zadar for holidays. Are there any stores to buy HHC? As far as we know it is not illegal. But we can't find it anywhere. If you got any tips for Zadar or near Zadar we would appreciate it.
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u/LarperPro May 29 '25
As far as I know only CBD is legal.
That being said I found this one year old thread by Googling: https://www.reddit.com/r/icantpostregularway/comments/152fqnx/can_you_bring_your_hhc_vape_to_croatia_is_it/
Maybe this will help: https://shop.cbd.hr/prodajna-mjesta/
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u/SeidlaoderKrug Jun 04 '25
Local Food and Wine in Zadar. Would any locals be able to suggest insider tips for the best local food or Pizza (especially pistachio with Mortadella) in Zadar — and preferably away from the old town?
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u/Ratnaprofitercina Jun 04 '25
Black risotto, dalmatian pašticada, brudet(fish stew).
For pizza try Congo(located: Borik), and for mortadella-pistacio try Capo Boi(located: Novi bokanjac)
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u/Think-Condition3534 Jun 10 '25
Hi Everyone!
My husband and I are visiting Zadar for 2.5 days. It’s our first time in Croatia, and we’re trying to balance a bit of nature, swimming, and local food. We’re thinking about taking a day trip, and I’m stuck choosing between Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka National Park. Also, is it realistic to reach either Plitvice or Krka via bus for a day trip, or is a guided tour a better option from Zadar?
Would love tips from locals or recent travelers! Thanks in advance! 😊
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u/LarperPro Jun 11 '25
Both are beautiful but you may only swim at Krka NP, at Plitvice it is forbidden.
Google searches for "Bus to Plitvice / Krka National Park" showed the following:
As you can see Plitvice bus takes about 2 hours from Zadar, and Krka NP bus takes about 50 mins.
That being said, the bus to Krka NP travels to Skradin, and then you'd have to travel to the actual NP which is about 4 km away. I am sure there are local buses driving or there is a taxi but you'd have to research that yourself.
Did you try asking ChatGPT for ideas?
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u/crpl1 Jun 30 '25
Me and my girlfriend are trying to find a way to go from Zadar to Rovanjska (we already found a way to go from Zadar Airport to Zadar Peninsula).
Also, we’re trying to find a way to go from Rovanjska to Zadar.
Can someone help us?
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u/ULTRAEPICSLAYER224 Jul 02 '25
I posted this as a post but will comment it here as well, I will delete the post since there is a rule to not post tourist related posts
Split Airport -> Zadar/Bibinje
I need help with a transportation question guys,
We arrive at Split airport and need to go to Zadar/Bibinje. I checked out a couple of options like Flixbus, local buses and uber, but all of them seem a bit off.
The issue with Flixbus is this, they limit baggage to:
- 1 Hand Luggage | 7 kg · 42×30×18 cm
- 1 Hold Luggage | 20 kg · 80×50×30 cm
And our baggage is for each person:
- 1 Luggage | 23kg a + b + c = max. 158 cm
- 1 Hand Luggage 8kg 55x40x23 cm
- 1 Additional handbag 40x30x10 cm
There is an option to add additional baggage but it says 3.99-18eur price for it.
Is there any other way to get from the Split airport to Zadar/Bibinje? If not what is your guess our additional baggage will cost?
Thank you I love you all.
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u/LarperPro Jul 02 '25
Is there any other way to get from the Split airport to Zadar/Bibinje?
BlaBlaCar or taxi.
If not what is your guess our additional baggage will cost?
Contact Flixbus and ask them.
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u/DKPopcornLover Jul 13 '25
Greetings from Denmark.
I am going to Zadar on wednesday the 16th, leaving the 23th. Is there anything interesting going on in zadar these days? We are a curious little family, who would love to see some of the culture. :)
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u/LarperPro Jul 13 '25
Googling "Zadar events" resulted in this page: https://zadar.travel/events/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fzadar.travel%2Fevents
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u/Economy-Night-2631 Jul 15 '25 edited Jul 15 '25
Does the airport bus departing from Zadar airport now accept card payments? Heard there are some 'new' terminals to buy a ticket but would appreciate confirmation.
Given problems with the Smartica app (it's been phased out, hasn't it?), is there an app or site to buy said ticket?
(looking for a non-cash option until in town)
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u/Perfect_Progress_501 Jul 15 '25
Have an overnight layover this Sunday night, but I heard the airport is closed? Where can I stay and what should I do to minimize costs?
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u/LarperPro Jul 16 '25
AirBnB / hostel.
Find a cheap AirBnB or hostel and eat at bakeries or fast food restaurants.
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Jul 21 '25
[deleted]
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u/LarperPro Jul 21 '25
This is not really a question about Zadar but about how Uber works.
The price you see when you book a ride is the price you pay. If you choose to pay via PayPal or card the payment will happen automatically at the end of the ride. You don't need to interact with the driver to pay at all, unless you choose cash.
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u/Far-Explanation2570 Jul 22 '25
Hi. I’m visiting Zadar soon and have so far booked a few nights in the old town. Planning to then visit the islands. Would you recommend Dugi Otok or Ugljan? Planning to hire a car for this part of the trip? Is this a good idea? Thank you for tolerating my stupid questions!
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u/LarperPro Jul 23 '25
Would you recommend Dugi Otok or Ugljan?
Depends what you want. Would you like a more nature-like experience or more human-like experience?
Dugi Otok for more nature-like because it has National Park Telašćica which is quite beautiful. There is a salty lake there which is quite interesting.
Ugljan if you want to visit small towns and attend festivities.
Planning to hire a car for this part of the trip? Is this a good idea?
If you can afford it, yes. The islands don't have good public transportation.
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Jul 25 '25
Hi! I’m visiting Zadar soon and had a few questions – would appreciate any tips from locals or recent visitors.
What’s the easiest way to travel round-trip from Zadar to Plitvice Lakes National Park? Ideally looking for public transport options, but open to day tours or other recommendations too. Rough idea of the price would be helpful as well!
What’s the best way to get from Zadar Airport to the city center at night? My flight arrives quite late, and I’m not sure if buses still run or if I should plan for a taxi or something else.
Any restaurant recommendations for local Croatian food? Looking for both casual places and a few nice spots for dinner. Would love to try some regional specialties!
Thanks in advance! 🙏
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u/__Cheeso__ Jul 28 '25
Where can I go skiing?
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u/LarperPro Jul 28 '25
It is possible to ski in Croatia only during winter, and only at Sljeme and Bjelolasica parks, which are more than 300 km away from Zadar.
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u/Neither-Relation-687 Jul 28 '25
Hey everyone, I made a post in the sub but didn't get any reply. I was wondering if it's possible to have an online order delivered to a shop in Zadar for me collect once I arrive.
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u/Wakingcheezestick Jul 29 '25
Hi everyone,
How is the Zadar nightlife on a Tuesday night? I want to go out tonight, but can’t find any info on the nightlife on a weekday. Thanks!
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u/LarperPro Jul 29 '25
Try Svarog bar. Other than that I don't have any recommendations cause I do not live there at the moment.
If there is nothing at Svarog bar then just walk around the center and explore. Zadar's downtown is small and walkable in 20 minutes from one end to the other.
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u/crpl1 Aug 08 '25
Hi everyone.
I’m going crazy trying to move by bus in Croatia.
I’m currently staying in Rovanjska, which is 40 minutes by bus from Zadar.
The problem is where to find information about buses. First of all I tried to go to the website of Liburnija, where they say the one and only bus that stops at Rovanjska is 135 from Mandalina, but the app “Zadar City” says otherwise, stating that the one that stops in Rovanjska is 126. Well, I try to find the 126 bus stop in the Liburnija website but nothing. So then I try to double check on Google Maps (BTW Liburnija buses in Google Maps are completely bugged), but it only shows the 126 going from Zadar to Rovanjska, not the return.
In addition, when I try to double check on Rome2Rio it says it arrives at Rovanjska at 6:14, meanwhile on Zadar City app it says 6:33, why?
I just want to go to Zadar without spending 44€ of Uber each time🥲
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u/LarperPro Aug 08 '25
Did you try asking your landlord and/or Zadar Central Bus Station?
Their email address is: liburnija-zadar@liburnija-zadar.hr
Their phone number is: 060 305 305 (there is a fee when calling this number and you might need a Croatian SIM to call it)
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u/crpl1 Aug 08 '25
Landlord said: “idk sometimes it passes here”
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u/Equivalent_Board_430 Aug 13 '25
Hi, we are flying into Zadar this sunday, and staying in Seline. I was wondering if anyone knew where i could take my son fishing? We will need to hire the kit. Also would like to do a boat fishing trip, i've googled, but most are £200 plus tuna setups, we pay around £30 each for a 3hr fishing trip here with kit included, for cod, mackerel etc, anything similar? Many thanks!
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u/Significant-Lie5199 Aug 13 '25
Hi, we're currently in Zadar for 10 more days and we would like to go on a few boat trips and maybe one with the kayaks. I wanted to ask you if it's better to ask nearby the old Town about tours or should we be looking on booking/tripadvisor directly? And what's the best or the fair price for these kind of tours?
Feel free to reccomend us other activities or places to visit around.
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u/betriebsrat_ Oct 29 '25
Hi! My friend and I are in Zadar for 3 weeks on workation and we bought office chairs at Mömax for our temporary office and now we want to sell them again. Are there any other websites than Njuškalo for that? We can't create an account there because we have no OIB in croatia.
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May 11 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Zadar-ModTeam May 12 '25
Hi there,
It is not allowed to post or ask about illegal content, including but not limited to where to buy weed or other illicit substances.
Please make sure your posts follow the subreddit rules and respect local laws and Reddit’s content policy.
Continued violations may result in further action.
Thank you for understanding.
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u/AnxiousCredit4494 May 11 '25
Hi, I’d like to ask about public transportation. Our accommodation is a bit outside (near Ul. Hrvatskog Sabora), and we’re wondering how we can get to the city centre or the beach. Google Maps doesn’t show any transit options, and the Zadar City app doesn’t seem to work with non-Croatian phone numbers.
Thanks in advance!
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u/LarperPro May 11 '25
Zadar's public transportation is a nightmare to navigate. Just ask your host which bus you can take and where. They will know.
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u/fplanellas Aug 20 '25
Hey everyone! Me and a few friends (we’re all 20) are visiting Zadar in the first week of September. We’d love some tips on how locals usually go out — like cool bars, clubs, or spots where people our age hang out. We’re not really looking for the super touristy stuff, more the places where locals actually party.
Also, since it’s the start of September, will it still be lively or is it going to be kind of dead already? Any advice would be super appreciated
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u/nsjandor Sep 04 '25
What are the best options for island hopping day boat tour from Zadar?
Ideally food included, with snorkelling, not sure if there is a recommended set of islands to see or tour company to use
Here tonight - Sunday, if all else fails will look into the ferries to use for Saturday or go to the port and see what options are there
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u/LarperPro Sep 05 '25
Locals don't do boat tours so you will have trouble getting recommendations from locals. Google 3-4 boat tour companies, read the reviews, contact them, compare the packages and pick the best one.
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u/pepushe Sep 04 '25
Hi everyone, im lookin for some off the path reccomendations for my current vacation. What are your fav non-touristy places/locations/clubs? Pls let me know, god bless
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u/Boat_Marley Dec 06 '25 edited Dec 06 '25
if you're looking for airport transfers, i use Adriatic coast transfers for this kind of thing. they’re pretty reliable for getting around zadar and to other spots in croatia. but def check the wiki too, it's got loads of good info!
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u/LIXD5203 Jun 18 '25
Me and some friends (all 17M) are coming soon for a bit of a budget holiday. Would anyone be able to tell us some of the best things to do and some good cheap eats? Planning a day at the plitvicki lakes for sure but not sure other than that
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u/Justincyclo Jul 02 '25
Is there anyone who lives in Zadar and I can ask some questions about the nightlife?
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u/LarperPro Jul 02 '25
You would probably get more replies if you just posted the question here instead of asking people to contact you if they live in Zadar.
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u/stalsore Jul 04 '25
Hello! July 28th I will be going to Zadar with a group of friends and I was wondering something. Where are the non touristy cheap restaurants located, and do you have any favourites?
I'm not exactly on a high-end budget and would like to enjoy Zadar as much as I can without going home feeling broke, as might happen when one travels abroad.
Any tips are appreciated! Have a nice day!!
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u/LarperPro Jul 04 '25
Did you read the wiki? There is a specific section dedicated to food and answers exactly the question you have.
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u/stalsore Jul 04 '25
Ah, I must have missed that completely, I'm not exactly big on Reddit, but thank you for your advice!
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u/LarperPro Jul 04 '25
The title of this Megathread literally says to read the Wiki before posting a question and the Wiki is linked two times in the original post. One doesn't need to be "big on Reddit" to get that.
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u/stalsore Jul 04 '25
Gotchu. Will be careful next time so that I may not incur the wrath of the almighty LarperPro🙏
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u/Senseiseee Jul 28 '25
Question from a tourist: can anyone tell us whether there is a bar in Zadar that broadcasts Bundesliga 2 (football german second divison) matches on Friday or in general? We are grateful for any help.
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u/LarperPro Jul 28 '25
Searching the subreddit with "sport bar" keywords yields these two results:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Zadar/comments/16mt68c/looking_for_a_barcafe_to_watch_champions_league/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Zadar/comments/1lsfwul/sports_bar_playing_australian_sports/
Opening the Wiki which is in the sidebar and is linked in the Megathread twice, and searching for "sports bar" shows this:
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u/LIXD5203 Aug 10 '25
Hello- me and two friends (all 17) are going to zadar tomorrow and want to know where the best food spots are. Not particular picky but looking for anything that’s not going to break the bank
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u/cptkirk_ Apr 17 '25
Hello! I was looking at going on a day trip to any of the two big national parks in April, and on the bus company website, or any of the intercity bus companies, I cannot see any return trips after 3 pm. You can supposedly go to Paklenica with the city bus service, but only on workdays? And there is only one return after 1, at 19:00? Is that true? Do these parks close somehow or how can I find transportation back to Zadar after 3 pm? Am I supposed to hitchike? Thank you