City in Zadar County, Croatia
Zadar
Compact seaside old town with Roman ruins, the Sea Organ and sunsets, plus a budget-airline hub for Kornati, Paklenica and Plitvice. Walkable, safe and cheaper than Split; summer heat and cruise crowds apply.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$2,030–2,930Comfortable, one person · €1,800–2,600Details
- Value for money41/100Better value than 40% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 28°CDetails
- Internet93 MbpsFixed broadband, Croatia medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe; refill at old town fountains.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$56–101Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBoltVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards accepted in most restaurants and shops; carry cash for the city bus, markets and island ferries.Details
Where to stay in Zadar
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Old Town peninsula | Sights, Sea Organ, restaurants; walkable and car-free |
| Bili Brig and Voštarnica | Quiet residential, short walk to the old town |
| Borik and Diklo | Beaches, resorts and cheaper stays a bus ride away |
Apps that work in Zadar
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bolt | Works in Zadar; cheaper than taxis |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp, Viber
- Jadrolinija: Ferry and catamaran tickets and timetables
- FlixBus: Intercity and international bus tickets
- Taxis: Metered taxis are fine if the meter runs; use Bolt from the airport and at night.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Croatia.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards accepted in most restaurants and shops; carry cash for the city bus, markets and island ferries.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Avoid standalone Euronet ATMs with high fees; use bank ATMs and always decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not expected but appreciated: round up or leave about 10% for good restaurant service, ideally in cash so staff get it.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work wherever contactless is accepted, which is nearly everywhere.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen member: 90 days in any 180 across the whole Schengen area. Non-EU visitors give fingerprints and a photo for the EES on entry.
- ETIAS pre-travel authorisation is not yet required; its launch has slipped beyond 2026.
- Your accommodation must register you with police within 48 hours; hotels do it. Staying privately, register at a police station.
Emergency numbers
Police 192 · Ambulance 194 · Fire 193 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
EU SIMs roam at no extra cost. Prepaid SIMs are sold in operator shops and Tisak kiosks; about €10–20 buys a month of generous data. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Croatia
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.