Travel Guide 02 02 03 04 Quick view Travel etiquette Health 04 04 06 07 Phone calls & Internet Top 10 sights Shopping in Restaurants 07 08 10 Nightlife Calendar of events Hotels Getty Images/Westend61 LH.com/travelguide 01/10
02 Quick view a brief overview Boasting an enviable location on s island-sprinkled Adriatic Coast, enjoys further kudos thanks to a cultured Old Town, some impressive Roman ruins, a strong café scene and a set of excellent museums. Its setting inevitably makes it a popular transport hub for those heading out to the islands, but there s plenty to keep you lingering in the city itself and what s more, with most visitors to the n coast drawn to Split, Dubrovnik and the islands further south, you ll generally find it s far from thronged with visitors. For cultural tourists, its cobblestone streets and through-the-ages architecture hold real reward. General Information Country overview With a gorgeous coastline and over 1,100 islands, is one of Europe's top seaside destinations. But it's much, much more than just sea and sunshine. Geography stretches along the Adriatic coast, narrowing north-south, with a larger inland area (Slavonia) running west-east from Zagreb to the border with Serbia. The northern two-thirds of this border are formed by the River Drava, the east by the Danube, the southern part by the Sava. The country borders Slovenia and Hungary to the north, Serbia to the east, Montenegro to the southeast and Bosnia & Herzegovina (southeast from Zagreb; northeast from the Adriatic coastline). The coastline is highly indented, with over 1100 islands and islets lying offshore. General knowledge Key facts Population: 4,28 mio. Population Density (per sq km): 75 Capital: Zagreb Population: 790.000 Language The official language is n (Hrvatski). Ethnic minorities living in also speak Serbian, Slovenian, Hungarian and Italian. People working in tourism generally speak excellent English, plus some Italian and German. Currency Kuna (HRK; symbol Kn) = 100 Lipa. Notes are in denominations of Kn1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of Kn25, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 lipa. LH.com/travelguide 02/10
03 Electricity 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs as in most of Western Europe. Public holidays Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2018 - December 2019 period. 2018 Nova Godina (New Year s Day): 1 January 2018 Bogojavljenje (Epiphania): 6 January 2018 Uskrsna nedjelja (Easter Sunday): 1 April 2018 Uskrsni ponedjeljak (Easter Monday): 2 April 2018 Praznik rada (Labour Day): 1 May 2018 Tijelovo (Corpus Christi): 31 May 2018 Dan antifasisticke borbe (Anti-Fascist Resistance Day): 22 June 2018 Dan drzavnosti (Statehood Day): 25 June 2018 Dan domovinske zahvalnosti (Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day): 5 August 2018 Velika Gospa (Assumption Day): 15 August 2018 Dan neovisnosti (Independence Day): 8 October 2018 Dan svih svetih (All Saints Day): 1 November 2018 Bozic (Christmas): 25 December 2018 Sveti Stjepan (St. Stephen s Day): 26 December 2018 2019 Nova Godina (New Year s Day): 1 January 2019 Bogojavljenje (Epiphania): 6 January 2019 Uskrsna nedjelja (Easter Sunday): 21 April 2019 Uskrsni ponedjeljak (Easter Monday): 22 April 2019 Praznik rada (Labour Day): 1 May 2019 Tijelovo (Corpus Christi): 20 June 2019 Dan antifasisticke borbe (Anti-Fascist Resistance Day): 22 June 2019 Dan drzavnosti (Statehood Day): 25 June 2019 Dan domovinske zahvalnosti (Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day): 5 August 2019 Velika Gospa (Assumption Day): 15 August 2019 Dan neovisnosti (Independence Day): 8 October 2019 Dan svih svetih (All Saints Day): 1 November 2019 Bozic (Christmas): 25 December 2019 Sveti Stjepan (St. Stephen s Day): 26 December 2019 All information subject to change. Travel etiquette How to fit in Social Conventions People normally shake hands upon meeting and leaving. Smoking is generally acceptable but there are restrictions in public buildings and on public transport. Photography Certain restrictions exist. LH.com/travelguide 03/10
04 Health Health Food & Drink Food is almost universally safe, and tap water is fine to drink. Other Risks Vaccinations against hepatitis B and tuberculosis are sometimes advised. Precautions should be taken against tick bites. For anyone planning to spend long periods of time in forested areas, carrying a pair of tick tweezers is advised, and immunisation against tick-borne encephalitis is also a possible precaution. Rabies is present. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. Phone calls & Internet Phone calls & Internet Telephone Country code: +385 Mobile telephony and Internet Since June 2017, EU citizens traveling within the EU, and also in Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein have been able to use their cell phones and surf the Net without incurring any extra charges: In other words, customers pay the same price for phone calls, text messages and data volume as they do at home. Restrictions do apply to the constant use of SIM cards abroad, however, and caps may be set on data packages. For full details, contact your mobile telephony provider in your country. Travelers using a SIM card from a non-eu state do not benefit from the new arrangement. Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using public Wi-Fi networks, it is a wise precaution to ensure encryption of all passwords, credit card details and banking TANs entered. Use of a VPN app or security software to check the safety of a hotspot is recommended. Top 10 sights Top 10 sights in Sea Organ A wonderful installation, set right on the ocean, that plays music thanks to a series of tubes set under its marble steps. It remains one of the best known sights (and sounds) in the city. Istarska Obala Franciscan Monastery and Church A gem of a 13th-century complex, despite much of it being redeveloped in later years, the monastery also houses a treasury containing some significant items and artworks. Trg Sv Frane 1 Daily 0900-1800 LH.com/travelguide 04/10
05 Roman Forum A legacy of s rich past, which witnessed centuries of overseas attention, the old Roman forum is today marked by a high pillar to which criminals were routinely tied. The area has today become part of the fabric of the city. Forum National Museum Founded in 1962, this comprehensive museum includes a gallery of fine arts, a natural history department, an ethnological department and a museum dedicated to itself. Poljana Pape Aleksandra III 4 Various www.nmz.hr The Greeting to the Sun The second of s two extraordinary public urban installations, this horizontal sculpture comprises some 300 multicoloured plates of glass, which collectively reflect the sun s rays to create a mesmerising effect. Istarska Obala Museum of Ancient Glass A relatively new attraction that exhibits exactly what it says on the tin ancient glass, most of it dating back to Roman times. Cups, goblets and jars all feature. Poljana Zemaljskog Odbora 1 Tel: +385 23 363 831 Mon-Sat 0900-2100 www.mas-zadar.hr Cathedral of St Anastasia A remarkable triple-naved cathedral, dating largely from the 12th and 13th centuries and containing frescoes, choir stalls and the sarcophagus of St Anastasia herself. The building has been reconstructed since wartime bombing. Trg Svete Stosije 1 Ulica Šimuna Kožičića Benje Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1700-1830 LH.com/travelguide 05/10
06 Archaeological Museum History buffs will enjoy the collections on show here, ranging from prehistoric times to more recent centuries. Expect to see everything from weaponry to ceramics. Trg opatice Čike 1 Tel: +385 23 250 516 Daily 0900-2100 (Sep-Jun) Daily 0900-2200 (Jul-Aug) www.amzd.hr Gold and Silver of A permanent exhibition housed in a Benedictine convent, this is a repository of valuable items from the eighth to 18th centuries the painstaking work of some of the goldsmiths and silversmiths is remarkable. Trg opatice Čike 1 Tel: +385 23 250 516 Mon-Sat 1000-1300 and 1800-2000 Sun 1000-1300 Church of St Donatus One of the most iconic sights in the city, the structure dates back in part as far as the ninth century, and its circular design is emblematic of the Byzantine era. Trg Rimskog Foruma Tel: +385 23 316 166 Daily 0900-2100 (Sep-Jun) Daily 0900-2200 (Jul-Aug) Shopping in Shopping in Key Areas As well as bottles of maraschino brandy, classic souvenirs include glassware, ceramics and jewellery, making the museum shops great places to pick up quality items particularly the Archaeological Museum. You ll find plenty of other souvenir shops around the Old Town, with goods ranging from massproduced to high quality. Markets s daily market (Hrvoja Hrvatinica) is a colourful attraction in its own right, showcasing mounds of fresh regional produce. You ll find everything on sale from figs and olive oil to cured ham and local cheeses. It s a superb option for picking up a few local delicacies for a picnic. Shopping Centres City Galleria (Murvicka 1) is a mall set in an eye-catching building with various well-known brands on offer, among them Adidas, Kappa, Lee and Timberland. Another good option is Supernova (Akcije Maslenica 1), a shopping complex 10 minutes drive from the centre of town. LH.com/travelguide 06/10
07 Restaurants Restaurants in Having the Adriatic Sea so close means some fantastic seafood and much in the way of Italian-influenced cookery be sure too to sample maraschino, the local cherry brandy. Pet Bunara A quality Dalmatian restaurant, with good regional produce and a strong wine list. Stratico ulica Price: Expensive Pasta & Svasta A highly rated pasta restaurant with good service levels. Poljana Sime Budinica 1 Price: Moderate Bistro Gourmet Kalelarga Inventive local dishes on offer at this bistro, part of Art Hotel Kalelarga. Ulica Majke Margarite 3 Price: Moderate Kaštel The restaurant at 4-star Hotel Bastion, specialising in fish, homemade pasta and oven-baked bread. Bedemi skih Pobuna 13 Price: Moderate Fast Food Nana Cheap and cheerful snacks such as pizzas and burgers a filling feed for those on a budget. Varoška ulica 1 Price: Cheap Nightlife Nightlife in LH.com/travelguide 07/10
08 The long summer months see hitting party form, with a string of sea-facing bars and terraces helping create an unpretentious goodtime vibe for visitors.the Old Town is a focal point for many of the best spots. The Garden Sitting on top of the city walls, this beautifully relaxed bar grants good harbour views. Liburnska obala 6 Barbara Bar Part of the Hotel Borik, this is a tasteful bar with indoor and outdoor seating. Ulica Majstora Radovana 7 Beach & Cocktail Bar Bamboo A beach setting makes this all-day spot a winner. Obala Kneza Domagoja 88 Kult Caffe Located in the Old Town, with a large terrace and good music. Stomorica ulica 6 Caffe Bar Zodiac There s an arty vibe at this tiny bar, where things can get crowded. Šimuna Ljubavca 2 Calendar of events Calendar of events International Choir Competition Amateur choirs from around the world are invited to each spring to LH.com/travelguide 08/10
09 participate in this renowned choral contest. It s a chance for music lovers to listen to an extraordinary selection of ensembles of an exceptionally high standard. A jury awards a Grand Prize to the winning group. 24-27 May 2018 www.zadarchoirs.com/en/ Venue: National Theatre Summer Theatre Festival Throughout the summer, the n National Theatre hosts a thrilling series of plays staged in unique venues such as ancient churches or courtyards of historical buildings. Audiences can also enjoy dramatic dance displays and concerts performed by outstanding professional musicians. June - August 2018 www.hnk-zadar.hr Venue: Various venues Musical Evenings Sveti Donat s oldest musical festival has been entertaining summer audiences for over half a century. World-class n and international ensembles and soloists perform a dynamic programme of classical concerts featuring everything from early music to 21st-century compositions. Venues range from squares and churches to museums and parks. July - August 2018 www.donat-festival.com Venue: Various venues snova Troupes large and small from around the world come to to perform in this international festival of contemporary theatre. Aside from a first-class programme of plays, the event branches out to include art exhibitions, music performances, circus acts and film screenings. August 2018 Venue: Various venues Night of the Full Moon Street lights are switched off and candles and torches illuminate the coastal promenade at full moon in the middle of summer. Boats gather at the quay, selling fresh tuna, clams and mussels along with hunks of cheese and clumps of figs. There s dancing and singing on the beach until dawn. August 2018 de-de.facebook.com/zadarsnova Venue: Riva, s promenade Fig Festival LH.com/travelguide 09/10
10 Organised by the producer of a popular brand of fig spread, Šinjorina Smokva, this celebration of s ubiquitous fruit includes cooking demonstrations and a fair in city centre selling all manner of fig goodies. The spread itself is produced on an organic farm just outside. Start Date September 2018 Venue: City centre Hotels Hotels in draws enough tourists to ensure there s plenty of good choice in and around the city, and while there s only a limited amount of quality accommodation actually in the Old Town, there are some great options further afield. Hotel Bastion A boutique hotel in s historic core, complete with a spa. Ulica Bedemi zadarskih pobuna 13 Category: Expensive Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera A sleek resort with more than 200 guest rooms and suites and great sea views. Punta Skala 23231 Category: Expensive Hotel Niko A smart family-run hotel with a seafront location. Obala Kneza Domagoja 9 Category: Moderate LH.com/travelguide 10/10