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Zadar is fast becoming an unmissable stop for travellers to Croatia, with its scenic mix of Roman, medieval and Venetian buildings – as well as the appeal of the city's growing foodie scene. Along the marble streets of this coastal fort town, there are plenty of lively bars and cafés, as well as a stone promenade next to the water with unique art installations. Zadar also makes a handy base for exploring the country: head inland to trek through the Krka National Park or take a ferry to the popular Saharun Beach.

Many hostels in Zadar are right in the centre, with views over the winding streets and stone bell towers. Pick from boutique-style options with cosy common rooms and spacious outdoor areas such as a garden or a terrace. There are also Zadar hostels in homely guesthouses with shared kitchens in the bustling old town, as well as hostels that sit right next to the beach. For a calm spot away from the city, choose a Zadar hostel with a large garden and olive groves.

The heart of Zadar is the old town, with the Roman Forum, St Anastasia's Cathedral and many other historic sites. It's set on a peninsula with views of the surrounding archipelago. Take a seat on the promenade steps to catch the sunset or climb the Romanesque bell tower to look out over the rooftops towards the sea and islands. For nightlife, the Varoš neighbourhood has cafés and bars filled with locals, craft beers and glasses of Korlat, a local wine.

A typical Zadar to-do list starts on the historic peninsula, in one of the buzzing cafés in the city's Narodni trg public square. Alongside the many museums, you'll find the noise and light-producing art installations Sea Organ and Monument to the Sun. For a day trip, take a bus and river cruise to the Skradinski Buk waterfall, where you can swim in clear natural pools. Or you could hop on a ferry to Dugi Otok: a large island with a natural park and quiet coves.

Zadar's international airport is 12km east of the city centre. You can hop in a taxi or take a bus from outside the main terminal to the old town or the city's main bus station. While Zadar's historic centre is mainly a car-free zone, there are plenty of public buses in the rest of the city, and the old town is easily walkable.