Zadar sits on the northern Dalmatian coast and gives you everything that makes Croatia special. You get rich history, beautiful beaches, incredible food, and legendary sunsets, all costing less than a vacation in more popular spots like Dubrovnik or Split.
But you can and will do a lot better after reading today’s article, as I share how to truly experience Zadar on a budget. With prices of everything going up, you will see that it’s still possible to have a great time without spending a fortune.
Alfred Hitchcock once said Zadar has the most beautiful sunset in the world, and you will see he was right as soon as you experience it yourself. And apart from that, there are plenty of things to do if visiting on a budget. So let’s jump right in!
When to Visit Zadar
Timing your visit right can save you a lot of money. Just like most parts of Croatia, Zadar sees prices climb steeply as July and August approach. High season accommodation can cost two to three times what you would pay in May or September.
If you’re curious, you can read my guide to visiting Croatia during the fall season.
Therefore, for the best price-weather quality, I recommend choosing either May or September, although June can still offer some good deals (although it’s when prices start to creep up).
No matter which month you choose out of the three, the weather is warm and sunny, the beaches are swimmable, and the prices are lower. Plus, you will share the streets with far fewer tourists.
How Much Does Zadar Cost Per Day?
If you’re on a shoestring budget, it’s good to be able to plan ahead. So here is the reality today, keeping in mind that the super low prices of several years ago are nothing but a sweet memory.
For a very strict traveler choosing the cheapest accommodation (hostel-like), cooking at home at least some of their food (or going for the cheaper street food options) and focusing on free sights, expect to spend around around €60 per person, per day in the shoulder season. In peak season, push that to €75.
Most of your spending will be on the room, and it’s better if you can share it with a partner to keep costs lower.
For a mid-range budget traveler who wants a better room, eats at local taverns (konobas) for most meals, and does a paid activity every couple of days: budget at least €80 to €110 per day on the shoulder season.
Important: These figures are for what you will spend in Zadar alone. Transport to get there, day trips, and alcohol will all add to those numbers.
The Best Hostels in Zadar for Budget Travelers
Hostels are the best option for keeping costs low, if you don’t mind the lack of privacy and the noisier atmosphere. If you are a light sleeper, you should opt for a hotel or apartment rental instead.
Zadar has a solid and varied hostel scene, with a few really unique options, as you will see below.
Current dorm bed prices typically range from €30 to €40 per night. Private rooms in hostels generally run between €60 and €90, depending on the season and property, and are similar to the cheapest hotels and apartments.
Book well in advance, no matter when you plan to visit and try to opt for places with kitchens (even if they’re shared) to save money on food.
As for what to pick, here are my top three choices in Zadar:
- Boutique Hostel Forum: Best for location and design. It sits right in the old town and accommodates travelers in four-bed dorms or beautifully designed doubles that offer incredible value.
- Lazy Monkey Hostel: Best for a relaxed, social vibe. It features great outdoor spaces to meet other backpackers.
- Rhythm Floating Hostel: Best for novelty. Located right in Zadar’s harbor on the main promenade, it gives you 360-degree views of downtown, the port, and those famous sunsets.
Budget-Friendly Apartments & Hotels
If you are traveling as a group of friends or a family with children, renting an apartment is the best way to visit Zadar on a budget. Also, these almost always have a kitchen, which is pure gold.
You can find private rooms and apartments scattered across the whole city, especially in the outskirts of Borik and Diklo, but they are also available on Zadar’s peninsula.
I recommend looking at platforms like Booking.com and booking well in advance (AirBnb might work as well and it should be checked, but I find prices a bit higher there when I look).
If you are lucky and book well in advance, you can sometimes find deals that are similar in price to hostels, but offer more for the money.
Free Things to Do in Zadar
A large amount of what makes the city special costs absolutely nothing.
The Sea Organ – probably the city’s main attraction – is the best example. Built into the stone steps of the Riva promenade, it is a system of 35 underwater pipes through which waves push air to create music.
The result is something between a meditation and a small wonder. It is random, beautiful, and unlike anything you will hear anywhere else in the world.
Sitting on those steps at sunset gives you one of the best evenings possible in Croatia for almost no money at all. After all, we’ve already decided that Zadar’s sunsets are the best in the world!
Right next to the Sea Organ is the Sun Salutation (Greeting to the Sun). This 22-meter circular installation features 300 solar-powered glass plates that collect energy during the day and produce a light show from sunset to sunrise and it’s a joy to look at.
The Roman Forum is free to walk and explore, too. It features the Church of St. Donatus which was built in the 9th century directly on top of these Roman ruins and is one of the most striking pre-Romanesque buildings in Europe.
The old city walls, the Land Gate, the Sea Gate, and the medieval streets of the old town are also all yours to explore at no cost – and a must, as well.
If you want a view, climb the bell tower of St. Anastasia’s Cathedral. It is not free, but it is very affordable, and the 360-degree view over the red rooftops and the Adriatic is worth every cent.
Public beaches are free too. Kolovare Beach is the closest to the old town and perfectly swimmable. The waterfront promenade is one of the best free walks in Dalmatia, especially around sunset.
And if you want to check out everything, including more expensive attractions, I recommend reading my previous guide sharing the top things to do in Zadar.
Where (and What) to Eat in Zadar on a Budget
Food is what can break a budget without mercy if you’re not careful. And Zadar has plenty of goodies to offer, ready just to do that. But there are good options at every price point if you know where to look.
The Zadar Market (Zadarska Tržnica) in Pod bedemom street is where I go first when I arrive. It has stood in the center since the Middle Ages and has always offered fresh produce, local cheeses, olives, cured meats, and homemade products at prices that make the tourist-area restaurants look absurd.
For quick, affordable meals on the go, look for a pekara, which is a traditional Croatian bakery. A burek (tasty filled pastry) or a sandwich will cost you €2.50 to €4.50 and will keep you going for hours.
I recommend dropping by Pekara Vražap for a guaranteed fresh bite. It is my go-to cheap breakfast in any Croatian city. Pair your pastry with a yogurt like many locals doo, and you have a solid meal – although not the healthiest.
For sit-down meals, avoid the restaurants directly on the main tourist squares. Instead, look for a konoba, a traditional Croatian tavern tucked away from the main streets – the ones filled with locals are the best, as they not only serve hearty, authentic Dalmatian food, but they also have lower prices.
Finally, look for places offering a dnevni meni (daily menu). Pizzerias are also consistently good value. A large pizza in Zadar easily covers two people comfortably.
To know what to expect, read my article about traditional food in Croatia.
Getting Around Zadar
The good news is that Zadar’s old town is entirely walkable. Once you are there, you can reach essentially every major sight, restaurant, and beach on foot. Good shoes matter more than any transport budget here.
Zadar has a local bus network covering the broader city, including Borik, Diklo, and the neighborhoods outside the peninsula. Tickets are cheap and buses run regularly. If you are staying outside the old town center to save money, you can and should use the bus.
Zadar’s international airport is about 12 kilometers east of the city center. A shuttle bus runs from the airport to the main bus station and is cheaper than a taxi.
Wrapping up
As long as you do a bit of planning and manage to stay away from the tourist traps, Zadar on a budget is easily doable and highly enjoyable.
If you have additional suggestions for keeping the costs low when visiting the city – including other free or low-cost things to see when there – let us all know in the comments down below.