Zadar City Market
A vibrant hub of local life in Zadar's Old Town, offering fresh produce, Adriatic seafood, and authentic Dalmatian delicacies.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest goods, fewer crowds
Zadar City Market
Best Time
Freshest goods, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant hub of local life in Zadar's Old Town, offering fresh produce, Adriatic seafood, and authentic Dalmatian delicacies.
"Authentic local market with fresh fish and seasonal product’s. A must-visit for experiencing local life.
"🎯 Go Early for Freshness
Arrive before 9 AM for the best selection of produce and fish. :clock1:
🍯 Souvenir Shopping
Look for local olive oil, honey, and rakija. Ask for certifications for olive oil. :gift:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Seasonal Produce
Outdoor stalls
Vibrant displays of ripe tomatoes, figs, olives, and fresh herbs. Taste the true flavors of Dalmatia.
Fresh Adriatic Fish
Indoor fish market
A clean, well-stocked market with the morning's catch – sea bream, sardines, squid, and more.
Local Delicacies
Various stalls
Discover homemade olive oil, artisanal cheeses, local honey, rakija, and natural juices.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Morning Market Magic
Authentic Souvenirs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Early for Freshness
Arrive before 9 AM for the best selection of produce and fish.
:clock1:🍯 Souvenir Shopping
Look for local olive oil, honey, and rakija. Ask for certifications for olive oil.
:gift:🤝 Friendly Vendors
Vendors are happy to share cooking tips and information about their products.
:wave:💰 Price Check
Prices are generally fair, but compare for best value, especially for olive oil.
:moneybag:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Early for Freshness
Arrive before 9 AM for the best selection of produce and fish.
:clock1:🍯 Souvenir Shopping
Look for local olive oil, honey, and rakija. Ask for certifications for olive oil.
:gift:🤝 Friendly Vendors
Vendors are happy to share cooking tips and information about their products.
:wave:💰 Price Check
Prices are generally fair, but compare for best value, especially for olive oil.
:moneybag:🚶♀️ Explore Both Sections
Don't miss the indoor fish market and the outdoor fruit and vegetable stalls.
:shopping_cart:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Zadar City Market's authentic local feel, fresh produce, and friendly vendors. It's praised as a must-visit for experiencing genuine Dalmatian life, with a clean fish market and vibrant fruit and vegetable stalls offering seasonal delights and unique souvenirs. Some caution is advised regarding the quality of olive oil, suggesting due diligence.
"Authentic local market with fresh fish and seasonal product’s.
If you’re in Zadar’s Old Town and want to experience local life, the Zadarmarkt is a must-visit. The market is divided into two main sections: a fish market with the day’s fresh catch and an open-air fruit and vegetable market with local produce from the surrounding region.
The fish market is indoors and impressively clean. You’ll find a wide range of Adriatic fish – from sea bream and sardines to squid, tuna, and even shellfish. Most of it is caught the same morning, and prices are very fair. The vendors are friendly and happy to give tips on how to cook the fish Croatian-style.
Outside, the vegetable and fruit stalls are full of seasonal colors and smells – ripe tomatoes, figs, olives, garlic braids, fresh herbs, and homemade products like olive oil, cheeses, and dried fruits. Everything here feels authentic and vibrant.
You can also find local honey, rakija (fruit brandy), wine, and natural juices – often made by the vendors themselves or their families. These make perfect souvenirs or gifts.
It’s best to go early in the morning when it’s freshest and least crowded. Great place for foodies, home cooks, or anyone looking to taste real Dalmatia."
Fabrice
"Great market, fruit and vegetables are fresh, sellers are super friendly. Fish market is nearby"
Katja Shved
"Very nice place! In May 2025, strawberries were €3-4 for 1/2 kg, and cherries were €6-10 for 1 kg. Parsley, for example, cost only €0.50. You can also buy goat cheese, fish, meat, and flowers. The market operates from 7 in the morning."
Kateryna Vyshnevska
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Zadar City Market is conveniently located in the heart of the Old Town, making it easily accessible on foot if you're staying nearby. If you're arriving from further afield, you can take a local bus to the city center. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk from the main bus station.
Parking in Zadar's Old Town can be challenging. There are several paid parking lots and garages around the perimeter of the Old Town, such as the one near the City Galleria mall. It's often easier to park outside the historic center and walk in.
The market typically operates from early morning, around 7 AM, and usually closes by mid-afternoon. The fish market might have slightly different hours. It's best to visit in the morning for the freshest selection.
Absolutely! Even a short visit can be rewarding. You can quickly grab some fresh fruit or a local souvenir. However, to truly experience it, allow at least an hour to browse and chat with vendors.
Yes, local buses frequently stop near the Old Town. From the main bus station, it's a short ride or a pleasant walk to the market area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Zadar City Market is free. It's an open-air public space where you can wander freely and browse the stalls. You only pay for the items you choose to purchase.
The indoor fish market, like the rest of the market, is free to enter. You can explore the offerings without any charge.
The market is generally open daily, but hours can vary slightly by season and day of the week. It's typically closed on Sundays and public holidays. Always best to check locally if you have specific plans.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check local regulations regarding pets in public markets. Many outdoor markets allow well-behaved dogs on a leash, but it's best to be prepared.
The outdoor market stalls are on paved surfaces, which are generally accessible. The indoor fish market is also on a level floor. However, cobblestone streets in the Old Town can be uneven.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Local Products
You'll find a fantastic array of local products, including fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, local honey, homemade olive oil, dried fruits, and traditional Croatian spirits like rakija.
The quality can vary. While many vendors offer excellent, authentic local olive oil, some may dilute it. It's recommended to ask for certifications or recent chemical analysis reports from the owners to ensure you're getting a genuine product.
Local specialties like high-quality olive oil, artisanal cheeses, jars of local honey, and bottles of rakija make for excellent and authentic souvenirs. Braided garlic and fresh herbs are also popular.
While not always common, some vendors might be open to a small negotiation, especially if you're buying multiple items. It's always worth a polite inquiry, but be respectful.
Occasionally, you might find stalls selling flowers, small crafts, or local textiles, though the primary focus is on fresh produce and food items.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the market is primarily for purchasing ingredients, you can often find vendors selling ready-to-eat items like fresh fruit salads or small snacks. It's a great place to sample local flavors on the go.
The fish market offers a variety of fresh Adriatic seafood, including sea bream, sardines, squid, tuna, and sometimes shellfish. Most of it is caught the same morning.
Yes, the market is located in the Old Town, which is brimming with cafes and restaurants. You can buy fresh ingredients from the market and then enjoy a meal at a nearby eatery, or simply grab a coffee and people-watch.
Prices vary by season. For example, in May, strawberries might be around €3-4 for half a kilogram, and cherries €6-10 per kilogram. Fresh herbs like parsley are very affordable, around €0.50.
While the focus is on fresh ingredients, some vendors might offer simple prepared items like fruit cups or small pastries. It's more about buying the components for a delicious meal.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The vibrant colors of the produce, the bustling atmosphere, and the interactions with vendors make it a very photogenic location. Early morning light is particularly beautiful.
Early morning offers the best light and the most authentic scenes with vendors setting up. Later in the day, the crowds increase, which can also add to the dynamic feel of your photos.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. However, always be respectful and ask permission before taking close-up photos of individual vendors or their stalls.
Focus on the textures and colors of the produce, candid shots of vendors and shoppers, and the overall lively atmosphere. Details like braided garlic or unique local products can make for great close-ups.
Yes, the indoor fish market is also a great spot for photography, showcasing the day's fresh catch. Again, be mindful and respectful of the vendors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep it short and sweet for younger children, focusing on the visual appeal. Consider letting them pick out a piece of fruit to enjoy as a snack. The market is generally safe and easy to navigate, but always keep a close eye on little ones in crowded areas.
foodie Travelers
Don't shy away from trying local specialties like rakija or natural fruit juices. Engage with the vendors; they are often passionate about their products and can offer invaluable insights into Croatian cuisine. Consider buying ingredients to prepare a meal at your accommodation or to bring home as edible souvenirs.
Budget Travelers
Buying directly from local vendors often means better prices than in tourist shops. While some items like artisanal honey or high-quality olive oil might be pricier, you can still find great value. It's a perfect place to grab breakfast or lunch on the go without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heartbeat of Zadar: The City Market Experience
The market is typically divided into two main sections: an indoor fish market and an outdoor area for fruits, vegetables, and other local products. The fish market is known for its cleanliness and the impressive variety of Adriatic seafood caught that very morning. Vendors here are often happy to share their knowledge and even offer tips on preparing their catch in traditional Croatian ways.
Beyond the fresh catch, the outdoor stalls overflow with the colors and aromas of the region. You'll find everything from ripe tomatoes and juicy figs to fragrant herbs and local specialties like artisanal cheeses, honey, and olive oil. These local products make for perfect, authentic souvenirs. However, a word of caution regarding olive oil: while many offerings are genuine, it's wise to inquire about certifications or recent chemical analyses to ensure you're purchasing a high-quality, unadulterated product.
Navigating the Market: Tips for a Delicious Discovery
When exploring the market, don't hesitate to engage with the vendors. They are a friendly bunch, proud of their products, and often eager to share stories, cooking advice, or details about where their goods come from. This interaction is a significant part of the authentic market experience.
For those looking for unique souvenirs, the market is an excellent place to find local delicacies. Consider purchasing artisanal cheeses, jars of local honey, or bottles of traditional Croatian rakija. Remember the advice about olive oil: ask for proof of quality to ensure you're getting the real deal.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit