Experience Student Life in Croatia’s Cultural Gem – From UNESCO Walls to Famous Sunset Views, Perfect for International Students

Zadar is located along the Adriatic Sea coast, surrounded by islands on one side and the impressive Velebit mountain on the other.

The famous world-renowned director Hitchcock, when he visited Zadar, was so captivated by the beauty of the sunset that he declared it the most beautiful he had ever seen.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that we will start this mini-guide, “What to see in Zadar?” at the Zadar waterfront – in the city center, a beautiful stone promenade along the sea that offers tourists a view of the old town and nearby islands.

At the end of the stone promenade, there are two very famous attractions – the Sea Organ and the Greeting to the Sun. The Sea Organ is a unique architectural project – a series of stone steps with pipes embedded in them, and while sitting and enjoying the sea and sun, you can listen to the sounds of the organ produced by the sea waves.

What to see in Zadar?

Next to it is the Greeting to the Sun installation – a solar panel in the shape of a circle that absorbs sunlight during the day and creates incredibly beautiful light effects in the evening.

After enjoying the sea and soaking in the last rays of the sun, you can head to the Peninsula – the old town core of Zadar. Here, at the famous forum, you’ll find the Church of St. Donatus, one of the most famous monumental buildings in Croatia from the early Middle Ages – the 9th century. Next to it is the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, which has a beautiful bell tower open to visitors, offering a view of the entire city of Zadar, its surroundings, and nearby islands.

On the forum, you’ll find the Archaeological Museum, the beautiful Church of St. Mary, and the Gold and Silver of Zadar Museum – both museums are worth a visit!

You will also notice the large street dominating the old town – the famous Kalelarga, which, apart from being celebrated by many local poets, is the main promenade and the heart of the city.

At the end of Kalelarga is the People’s Square, which was created in the Middle Ages as a large square with the City Loggia, the City Guard with the famous clock that has been working continuously since the early 19th century, and the beautiful City Hall, where the political administration of Zadar is located.

On the square, you’ll also find the Church of St. Lawrence from the 11th century and the Ghirardini Palace with a Renaissance balcony from the 15th century.

Here on the square, enjoy a delicious coffee or another drink, knowing that this is where the long tradition of Zadar cafes began, as the first café in Zadar opened here in the 18th century.

You may be surprised by the large number of people leisurely sipping their coffee for hours, enjoying light conversation in a relaxed atmosphere… Don’t be surprised… It’s part of our tradition, so feel free to sit down at one of the many cafés and enjoy your drink, the sun, and the cheerful chatter of the locals and their guests, because the motto in Croatia is – “Slowly, no hurry :)”

A leisurely walk through the old town will also take you to Petar Zoranić Square, which houses a large museum and is the modern center of all cultural and entertainment events in the city of Zadar. Nearby is the Square of Five Wells, with the Captain’s Tower from the 16th century.

Don’t forget to visit the Zadar city walls, which are under UNESCO protection, and the Muraj promenade, from which you can view the modern part of the city, the famous Zadar Bridge that connects the modern and old parts of the city, as well as the rooftops and bell towers in the old town.

We can say that the old town core is like an open-air museum, where at every corner you’ll find something interesting with historical and cultural value – we believe it will leave you breathless!

One of the attractions in Zadar is the Zadar market in the city center and the boatmen „Barkajoli“ who have been rowing people to the peninsula for centuries.

Zadar also has beautiful city beaches and promenades along the sea.

If you have time, visit the nearby islands, especially the Kornati National Park, or if you want to experience the beauty of Mount Velebit, visit the Paklenica National Park. You can find information about these attractions at numerous tourist stands in the city.

Zadar may not be a large city, but it offers the perfect blend of city hustle and bustle, as well as peace, and enjoyment in the sea, sun, and the beauty built on a long history of existence.

All this shows that by coming to our Academy, you can enjoy the perfect combination of education and a phenomenal free time experience.