Considered one of the oldest and most important cities on the Istrian peninsula, and housing some of the best-preserved Roman structures, Pula, Croatia captivates the attention of curious travelers from its charming historic center, to its impressive nature offering adventures to fill your itinerary with!
Admire the incredible Pula Arena, a historic emblem of the city, annually hosting an award-winning film festival open to the public! Explore the long list of Roman monuments adorning the city, from the Temple of Augustus to the Arch of the Sergii, for an in-depth view of the Roman Empire in Pula.
Plan a dreamy boat tour, from a luxe dinner cruise to witness Pula’s famous sunsets, a dolphin-spotting cruise, or a fun speedboat to explore the coves throughout the Istrian peninsula.
Speaking of nature, Pula won’t disappoint if you’re looking to relax on the beach! Known for its incredibly clean, transparent blue waters, Pula offers a great range of beaches, perfect for all travelers!
If good food, lush nature, and historic monuments are your thing, let’s get down to the best things to do in Pula!
1 – Take a tour of the Pula Arena
Built in 27 BC, the impressive Pula Arena is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, donning its completely preserved 4 side towers, and not leaving too much to the imagination when it comes to how it originally looked like.
Due to the great preservation of the arena, it is known as one of the 6 largest and best Roman arenas to still exist today! Though the arena was used for gladiator events historically and could fit up to 20,000 fans, the arena today is still being used for various cultural events, including hosting the Pula Film Festival.
On a city tour in Pula, admire the grandeur of the historic arena, including getting a Pula Roman Ampitheater tour!
2 – Walk through the Arch of the Sergii
Learn the history behind the Arch of the Sergii, one of the pieces of art that inspired many artists of the times including Michaelangelo, built in 29 BC!
The arch was built in honor of the three brothers of the powerful Sergii family, in specific one of the brothers who participated in the Battle of Actium, Lucius Sergius Lepidus.
Though the arch was a commemorative landmark, it was also used as a city gate, which you’ll get to explore more in-depth on a walking tour of Pula. On your walking tour, your guide will also point out the text carved into the arch, while learning about the importance of the Sergii family in Pula.
3 – Take a peek inside the beautiful Temple of Augustus
Explore the interiors of the Temple of Augustus, a temple built between 27 BC and AD 14, that was built in honor of the first Roman emperor, Augustus.
Located in the middle of Pula’s historic center, the Temple of Augustus welcomes visitors through its marble porch and towering 4 pillars, many of which were reconstructed after WWll.
Inside the museum inside, learn more about the different uses the temple had, from a church to grain storage, a collection of small tombstones, fading frescoes, and other Roman sculptures.
You can enter the temple today, for a small entry fee of 1 euro for adults.
4 – Learn about the Adriatic Sea creatures at the Aquarium Pula
From sharks to turtles, and everything in between, come by the Aquarium Pula to see some of the most amazing sea creatures up close!
Set inside a historic 19th-century fortress, the Aquarium Pula houses incredible sea animals specifically from the North and South Adriatic Sea, from international waters, and bodies of water around Croatia.
Check out the aquarium’s unique efforts for turtle conservation inside the Loggerhead turtles recovery center, where you can see how turtles are cared for and healed to return to the sea.
Explore the Walking with Butterflies seasonal exhibit, and interact with dozens of butterflies while learning more about them!
5 – Wander around the Fortress Kaštel / Castello
Explore the history of the Fortress Kaštel, dating back to the 1600s and built by the Venetians, used as a defense fort due to its location on a hill.
Admire the rectangle shape of the fortress, and step inside to see the collection of more than 75,000 cultural objects inside and over 10 collections that indicate the many uses of the fortress, and the diverse historical and political story.
During the summer, enjoy many events hosted at the fortress, from concerts, movie screenings, and other cultural events! When there isn’t an event to attend, simply come up during sunset to experience the stunning sun and views of Pula!
6 – Do some dolphin spotting at Brijuni Islands / Brijuni National Park
Take the day to set sail to the stunning Brijuni Islands and the Brijuni National Park on a half-day or full-day tour option from Pula!
Cruise around the scenic archipelago, birdwatch over 150 varieties, enjoy a dolphin watching experience, and learn about the island’s history!
On this exciting experience, you’ll get to board a scenic boat ride with marine-animal experts and guides sharing interesting dolphin information, as well as pointing out a few amazing sites throughout your tour of the islands, and even learning about the island owners.
As part of your experience, you’ll be offered dinner or lunch consisting of delicious Croatian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and an open bar!
7 – Gear up to go kayaking
Book yourself for a fun and memorable kayaking experience in some of the most beautiful coastal areas near Pula!
Enjoy a 3-hour sea cave exploration activity, which combines kayaking and snorkeling into the caves off the coast of Pula, such as Galebijana Cave and Seagull’s Rocks, known for their golden-tinged rocky ledges, crystal blue waters, and frequent seagull landings.
Elevate your kayak game, and check out a transparent kayak night glow experience! Hop on an LED-bottom, transparent kayak, and see the sealife under you light up as you make your way around the caves!
Some kayak tours include snorkeling, and snacks, and don’t require previous experience, so all are welcome!
8 – Discover the Zerostrasse (Underground tunnels)
Created before WWl as a secret underground tunnels system to protect people from war, the Zerostrasse (underground tunnels) remains under the city center of Pula, as a reminder of war difficulties, but now transformed into one of the most unique things to do in Pula!
Extending 400 meters long, the underground tunnels snake throughout the city, and in some sections, were able to take in up to 6,000 people, while other sections could take up to 50,000 people, which was around the town’s population at the time.
Today, you can visit the Zerostrasse, and even attend events including concerts, parties, and other events!
9 – Get the lowdown on maritime history at the Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria
Visit the educative Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria, which conveniently showcases the history of the peninsula of Istria, the largest peninsula within the Adriatic Sea.
Divided into multiple sections, learn everything from the medieval period to modern times, and more, with physical examples of objects from the times. Everything from photographs, pottery, flags, posters, and more! Move to the maritime section of the museum, and observe the process of shipbuilding, military uniforms, phonographic readings, and even a few ancient maps!
The museum is located within the historic Fortress Kaštel, on the hilltops near central Pula, and tickets start at 6 euros.
10 – Relax and unwind at Gortan Cove Beach Pula
Looking for some quality beach time? Head to Gortan Cove Beach Pula, located near the Pula boardwalk Lungomare.
This small, yet beautiful beach offers shade and fresh pine aromas mixed with the sea, a pebble shore, and a rocky coast that adorns the scene. The beach is a bit shallow, making it a great for young kids!
The beach is 25 minutes on foot from the city center, and if you have a car, you can park it in the nearby lot!
Named after local hero, Vladimir Gortan, check out the monument nearby dedicated to him, and stock up on a few snacks sold at the shops nearby!
11 – Enjoy a panoramic boat tour
From a dolphin-watching boat tour to a romantic sunset tour or an adventurous boat tour with snorkeling and swimming opportunities, there’s bound to be a boat tour that offers just what you’re looking for!
Take a boat ride from Medulin, only 14 minutes away from Pula, and depart on a Medulin archipelago full-day boat tour, exploring Kamenjak National Park, Levan Island, and enjoying a delicious lunch and drinks on board!
Enjoy the scenic views of the coast of Pula as you set sail through the Adriatic Sea, overlooking the quaint view of the red-roof buildings, and the emblematic Pula arena in the distance.
12 – Breath fresh air at Tito’s Park
Make it to Tito’s Park, only a 10-minute walk from the city center, and enjoy a relaxing moment under the shady trees and green lawn to people-watch, pack a picnic, or read your favorite book out in nature.
Take a walk around the park’s walkways, and take a look at the different busts representing some of Croatia’s national heroes. Visit in the spring and summer, and take a look at the flora thriving throughout, from the colorful flowers to the ancient trees.
During the day and night, the park is always full of locals, so no matter what time you visit, you’ll see people exercising, or listening to music!
13 – Analyze the construction of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
See 4th-century religious architecture at the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as Katedrala Uznesenja Blažene Djevice Marije.
Inside the historical cathedral, witness the remains inside a sarcophagus of 3rd-century saints, fragments of 5th-century flooring, with carvings of names of worshippers, the 5th-century baptistery, and other pieces of the church that go back to its foundation.
The church is said to have continuously been remodeled and even has stones from the Pula Arena within its construction. See the belfry in front of the cathedral, built in the 17th century, and constructed out of materials from the amphitheater.
14 – Fill your belly on a food tour
Enjoy a rich sampling of the best Croatian food on a delicious food tour through Pula!
Relish a walking tour of the best restaurants in Pula, stepping inside local dining spaces, where you’ll try traditional dishes like Bučnica, a savory strudel dish, Punjena Paprika, a stuffed pepper dish, and Njoki, which is very similar to Italian gnocchi!
On your food tour, you’ll stop by the local markets and get a crash course on specific ingredients that make up Croatian dishes, as well as distinct flavors often combined in traditional dishes.
While at the restaurants, you’ll also learn and participate in local table manners, including drinking traditions with Croatian wine!
15 – Pack up your beach essentials to visit Ambrela Beach
Pack up for a calm and chill day at the popular Ambrela Beach, an award-winning Blue Flag beach recognized for its pristine conditions. Located in the small St. John Cove in between pebbles and larger rocks, it’s only a 9-minute car ride from Pula!
Enjoy the cooling effects of the sea breeze and the large oak trees nearby, and be sure to pack a lunch to enjoy the scenic beach. If you don’t want to bring your own food, consider stopping for lunch at one of the cute seaside restaurants or cafes!
Perfect for families, the beach has a lifeguard on duty, and clean changing rooms with showers.
16 – Cycle around Pula on a bike tour
Rent an e-bike and join a bike tour as you wander through the pretty streets of Pula, learning about the city as you move throughout, as well as uncovering areas of the city you’ve never seen before!
Ride by the iconic Pula Arena, ride down the lively Lungomare (boardwalk), and learn more about ancient Roman temples like the Temple of Augustus, the Arch of the Sergii, and the historic city gates!
Explore other bike tours that take you to the nature of Cape Kamenjak to witness the sunset, or a peninsula bike tour to sample a few local wines and more!
Bike tours start at $55 USD.
17 – Book a day trip to Rovinj
Fall in love with the coastal magic of Rovinj, one of Croatia’s fishing ports located on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula, and only 43 minutes from Pula.
A sight that combines history and nature beautifully, Rovinj is known for its transparent blue waters, enchanting cobblestone streets, and medieval character along with other incredible sights nearby to explore!
On a day trip to Rovinj, you’ll get to also stop by Porec, a historic town dating back to the 6th century, oozing Byzantine architecture and mosaics, and tons of natural beauty. Depending on your boat tour, you’ll also explore nearby Red Island, go swimming, and eat a Mediterrenean-style lunch!
18 – Smell the fresh produce at City Farmer’s market
Make a stop by the City Farmer’s Market (Tržnica), with two locations, the closest one of them being in the heart of Pula’s historic center featuring an abundance of locally grown fruits, and vegetables while hosting local farmers to sell their dairy, spices, herbs, beauty products, accessories, and more!
Dating back to 1903, the market officially opened and welcomed people into the stunning iron-made market. Stop in and do some window shopping, or buy snacks for the beach later!
Offering the best prices in town, you’ll see tons of locals flock to the market daily for their everyday grocery shopping, which makes it an amazing site to mingle with locals.
19 – Ride the zip line at Adventure Park Pula
Get into your competitive mode at Adventure Park Pula, offering tons of fun on the ropes course to push you a little bit outside your comfort zone!
Situated centrally in Pula, the Adventure Park Pula can easily be found at the end of the famous Lungomare, and offers more than 25 games for both children and adults with adventurous souls! Zip through treetops on the 80-meter-long zip line, or walk across the suspended plank bridge, challenging your balance.
Worried about heights or safety measures? Don’t worry, the team will brief you before hopping on the adrenaline-inducing rides, and you’ll receive proper safety gear!
Adventure Park Pula opens daily.
20 – Spend some time strolling Forum Square
Visit the center of city life in Pula, Forum Square! Located near the foot of the central hill, close to the sea, Forum Square for ages has always been the scene of religious services, political movements, and commercial activity taking place, amongst many other things.
Today, Forum Square hasn’t changed much, as it’s still the heart of Pula’s historic center, where people gather, enjoy lunch or a drink at the bars and restaurants nearby, or meet up for local walking tours!
Historically, the square housed 3 Roman-style temples, dedicated to Juno, Jupiter, and Minerva. Though today they no longer exist, except for a few ruins, walk around the square to spot them!
21 – Do some scuba diving
Scuba dive to the clear depths of the Adriatic Sea and take a clear view of unique sea life from sea horses, sea urchins, colorful fish, and maybe even a few dolphins near the horizon!
Whether you’ve gone scuba diving in the past or not, there are scuba diving experiences geared towards newcomers, as well as activities for others who have scuba dived before. In this particular experience, you’ll get a safety briefing, all the necessary gear for a successful dive, and then you’ll dive some 9 meters below sea level.
Traveling with kids? One of the most exciting activities to do in Pula is to book a kid’s only scuba diving experience!
22 – Become a wine connoisseur on a wine tour
Savor a variety of delicious Croatian wines from merlot to local refosk and teran on a fabulous wine tour through some of the best wineries in the Istrian peninsula.
With different wine tour experiences available, choose between a bike tour to Cape Kamenjak with wine tasting and incredibly scenic peninsula views, or check out an intimate, small group wine tour where you’ll experience the wine-making process on the peninsula, from the wine owners themselves!
From boat tours with wine tastings to a cooking class with a wine tasting, it’s all available, all you have to do is pick!
Pro tip: Try the local grape varieties like Malvazija Istarska!
23 – Be surrounded by nature at Montezaro Park
Montezaro Park is the perfect park escape to truly surround yourself with an abundance of nature, from manicured gardens to trees of different varieties, amazing wildlife, and more!
Located on a scenic hill, the park houses numerous Mediterranean trees, from cypress to cedar, laurel, pines, and many more, perfectly cut bushes that surround the many walking paths, and historical landmarks including a quaint fountain that sits exactly where a statue of the vice-admiral Tegetthoff once stood.
With over 200 different plant species, many of which are over 1,000 years old, and sufficient green spaces for friends to gather for a picnic, Montezaro Park awaits you for a relaxing time.
24 – Take a refreshing dip at Hawaii Beach
Visit the scenic and lush Hawaii Beach, located only 11 minutes from historic Pula!
Known as one of the most popular beaches in the area, for its incredible nature, scenic white pebble beach, turquoise blue waters, and jagged rocky boulders, Hawaii Beach is the perfect place to swim, sunbathe, go snorkeling, and much more!
Enjoy the shops and restaurants nearby the beach and plenty of changing spaces, which come in handy when the beach gets crowded, typically during the summer.
Want to avoid crowds? Consider visiting during shoulder seasons, as the water is still warm but it’s all less crowded!
25 – Attend an event at Muzejsko-galerijski prostor Sveta Srca
Pay a visit to the Muzejsko-galerijski prostor Sveta Srca, which means The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary, or just The Church of Sacred Hearts or Holy Heart, and explore the church’s past while attending an event!
Built in 1908, the church dons a late Baroque classicism facade and though the church housed a convent at the time, after WWll, the nuns left the convent, and the church began deteriorating. In the 50s, the church transformed into an Archaeological Museum of Istria, and then multiple other museums until 2007.
Today, the Sacred Heart hosts multiple events, traveling exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, and festivals, plus more!
26 – Book a morning or sunset stand-up paddle session
Enjoy a relaxing yet challenging stand-up paddle yoga session in Pula, and either wake up your body on a morning paddle yoga session or finalize your day with a sunset yoga session on the board.
For 1 hour and 15 minutes, uniquely exercise your body on the Adriatic Sea, with your professional yoga instructor teaching you strengthening body movements to perform on the stand-up paddle, carefully balancing yourself.
With your yoga activity, you’ll receive a waterproof bag to securely keep your valuables dry and even get a few photos that you’ll receive of the experience to share on your socials!
Stand-up paddle yoga starts at $43 USD.
27 – Take the underground train inside the Postojna Cave and visit Predjama Castle
Plan for double fun on an exciting day trip to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle, two impressive sites to see, both located in Slovenia and 2 hours away from Pula.
On your journey, enjoy a fascinating look and tour of the Postojna Cave, a historic 24-kilometer-long cave with elongated water droplets and jagged rock formations solidified through time, and an underground train that will take you along a portion of the cave’s interior.
After the cave, check out the 16th-century Predjama Castle, a stunning Renaissance castle built into the rocky mountain and near the cave, known as one of Europe’s most impressive castles with a history of secret tunnels and knights!
28 – Explore the Fort Punta Christo
Explore Fort Punta Christo, recognized as the largest Austro-Hungarian structure that still exists today, a 25-minute drive from Pula.
The fort dates back to 1918 when it was built along with 31 other structures under the order of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy when they made Pula the center of Monarchy’s maritime center.
The large structure has more than 200 rooms inside, impressive 360-degree views of Pula, a beautiful interior garden, underground tunnels, and so much history worth seeing for yourself! Today, the fort is mostly open for cultural events, including concerts, exhibitions, film screenings, and more!
29 – Taste test different olive oils at the Istrian Olive Oil Museum
Take appreciation for the traditional olive oil production on the Istrian peninsula at the Istrian Olive Oil Museum!
Located near the Pula Arena, the Istrian Olive Oil Museum will take your senses on a journey back to the Roman Times, to learn about the rich traditions, uses, and modern cultivation of local olive oil.
Enjoy a walk through the museum, The House, containing a tasting room to sample a variety of olive oils and products made with olive oil.
Book a tour with a knowledgeable guide sharing deeper insight into the story of olive oil production and the distinction between the peninsula’s olive oil from others!
30 – Get your caffeine fix at the best coffee shops
Sink into the cozy vibes with a latte in hand at Caffé Uliks (Ulysses), welcoming visitors at the door with an iron-made sculptor of James Joyce, located only steps away from the Arch of the Sergii!
Greet a new day with amazing sunrise views at E&D, located at the Verudela Resort. Though it’s 2 kilometers out of Pula city center, the vibes are immaculate, quiet, and beachy!
Enjoy a lovely cup of coffee with a view of the Temple of Augustus and the Town Hall at Caffé Diana! Nearby is the beautiful Cvajner Gallery Cafe, offering delicious coffee and breakfast options!
31 – Stand underneath the Twin Gate
Walk through the Twin Gate (Dvojna Vrata or Porta Gemina), a 2nd-century Roman, double-arched gate that served as one of the 10 total city gates to the city.
Connected to a defense wall that circled the city of Pula, the Twin Gate that currently stand was part of the north gates, and if you look closely, you can still observe the openings that were used for the gate’s doors.
You can also take a peek at the plate with the name Lucius Menacius Priscus, who was an important senator and partially funded the construction of the city’s water system.
The Twin Gate is 8 minutes from Pula city center.
32 – Zip down the zip lines at Glavani Park
Create some adventurous memories at Glavani Park, only 35 minutes from Pula, offering tons of fun activities from zip lines, wall climbing, walking on suspended bridges, high swings, and more!
Pick from the various adventure routes in the forest, each one with several activities built for different ages, and perfect for the whole family! Regardless of who you travel with, the more than 5 color-coded routes are easy to read and see which one is right for you!
Book your tickets ahead of time which grants you quick access to the park, and safety gear to securely and confidently go through the park’s many games and activities.
33 – Sign up for go-karting at Green Garden Go kart
Satisfy your need for speed at the Green Garden Go Kart race track, featuring go-karting opportunities for all in your group, from children go-karting, all the way to adults and even pros!
Located 2 kilometers from Pula city center, within the lush Šijana forest, a 1,002-meter long track awaits you, the only one of its kind in the region, and is mainly used by adults. Children have their separate tracks.
Hop on pro-go-karts, and after the safety briefing, get ready to rev up your engine and get going!
Not into go-karting? Check out other fun activities including paintball, and fueling up after at the on-site pizzeria!
34 – Get into the beach vibes at the best beach bars
Enjoy a fun night at Barracuda Beach Bar, at Medulin Beach! Order your drink, and enjoy it on the unique boat-themed seats, and do a little boat spotting as the DJ pulls out the best tunes.
Near Barracuda is Havana Beach Bar on Bijeca Beach, where you can relax at the beach bar terrace watching a game and sipping on a craft beer. Check out the upcoming events at this beach bar!
Zeppelin Beach & Lounge Bar is not to be missed, located in the nearby Saccorgiana Cove! Admire the sunset from the shore, and stick around on the weekends for some of the best beach bashes around!
35 – Be amazed by the views of the Istrian peninsula on an airplane tour
Take flight on the ride of your life on an invigorating airplane tour over southern Istria! For 15-45 minutes, fly up 150 meters high above sea level, where you’ll see breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, the red-roof buildings, the coast of Pula, and the stunning islands nearby!
As you ride through the sky, your pilot and guide will share and point out special landmarks to look out for, so make sure to bring your camera to capture some envy-worthy photos!
You’ll be able to pick out a specific airplane route that you’d like to experience, as well as the duration of the flight.
36 – Have fun at the activity-filled Valkane Beach
Enjoy a sunny afternoon at the pretty Valkane Beach, 6 minutes away from Pula, and mostly known for its warm sands, beautiful rock cove, and tons of activities for families to take advantage of!
With sections divided for families and non-family groups, different travelers will get to enjoy the beach their way!
Traveling with friends or alone? Enjoy walking on the scenic pier, sunbathing in the specified area, or stopping in at one of the beach bars for a refreshing beverage after your swim!
Consider renting a canoe or kayak near the beach, or stay on the shores and play a game of volleyball with your friends!
37 – Take a close look at the Gate of Hercules
Check out the Gate of Hercules, known as one of the city’s stone archways built between two medieval towers, and on the top of the arch, the carving of Hercule’s head.
Built by the Romans, the Gate of Hercules also went by the name of Colonia Iulia Pollentia Herculanea, and also has a few other inscriptions on the columns, including Lucius Calpurnius Piso and Gaius Cassius Longinus, who was the father-in-law of Julius Caesar.
Today, the Gate of Hercules is the entrance to the local Italian Community, where you can find delicious Italian-style coffee shops! The gate is a few steps away from Pula city center.
38 – See the large villas at Opatija
Plan a day trip to the idyllic village of Opatija, 1 hour from Pula, located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea in the scenic Kvarner Bay.
With the nickname “The Old Dame of Kvarner Bay” the beauty is comprised of large villas, mansions, and other beautiful historical buildings, taken straight out of a fairy tale! On a day trip to Opatija, you’ll tour the Old Town, while also getting free time to venture on your own!
Stop by 2 other small and quaint villages, Trsat, known for its beautiful 8th-century castle, and Mošćenice, known for its charming small fishing village appeal and views of the Kvarner Bay!
39 – Splash around at Aquapark Pula by Wibit
Get ready to have some fun on the inflatable and fun Aquapark Pula by Wibit, set upon a protected section of the Adriatic Sea, where the sea is your aquatic park!
Set on the stunning Verudela Beach only 10 minutes away from Pula, this innovative aquapark is full of floating and inflatable slides, jumping platforms, inflatable stairs, and other fun games to enjoy for the perfect beach day.
Mainly for children, they’ll have a blast jumping off into the water, swimming around, and easily getting on and off the floating aquapark, as you relax on the sandy shores. And not to worry, professional lifeguards are on duty and lifejackets are available.
40 – Walk through the courtyard of the Church and Monastery of St. Francis
Visit one of the first Franciscan community religious spaces in Pula, dating back to the 13th century, and observe the intricate details of the church’s Romanesque architecture, with Gothic details located on the western side of Pula Hill, behind the Forum Square.
Next to the church, is the Franciscan monastery also built in the 13th century, with a special altarpiece, and a Roman mosaic with Roman details!
Walk through the monastery, specifically the shady courtyard, and see pieces of stone blocks that were built into the walls of the courtyard. It’s quite an interesting site to see that not many have an explanation for!
41 – Make it to a game at the Aldo Drosina Stadium
As the popularity of soccer (football) started to grow around Pula, the need for an updated and formal space to play professionally was required – in came the Stadion Aldo Drosina!
Named after a Croatian soccer player, the Aldo Drosina Stadium, which was originally named Campo del Littorio, was the first official stadium in Pula that opened in 1931 and was recently heavily renovated in 2011.
Today, catch a game at the stadium and support the local Istrian team (NK Istra 1961)! You can buy tickets online or in person, starting at 2 euros. The stadium is only a 10-15 minute walk from the city center.
42 – See the city’s hidden gems on a segway tour
Enjoy a memorable segway tour through Pula’s most recognizable landmarks and sights, from the historic center to the sparkling coast, and everything in between!
Choose between a morning segway tour and a night segway tour, both offering spectacular versions of the city and its charm. On a morning segway tour, enjoy the city all to yourself on the 1.5-hour long tour, avoiding large crowds and harsh heat.
On a night tour, roll around Pula during the magical sunset hour, and enjoy the lively ambiance of Pula around dinner time. The tour lasts around 1.5 hours too, and is child-friendly!
43 – Catch an international flick at the Pula Film Festival
Attend the award-winning Pula Film Festival (Pulski Filmski Festival), hosted in the historic Pula Arena, featuring an international roster of critically-acclaimed films, Croatian films, and throwback award-winning films!
Known as the oldest film festival in Croatia, since 1954, the event is one of the most popular affairs to attend in Pula worth checking out!
Unlike other famous film festivals, the general public can attend the Pula Film Festival, and simply purchase their tickets online or in person at their 2 points of sale. Worried about the language barrier? Most films have English subtitles!
The Pula Film Festival is hosted in July- August, so check the official website to confirm dates!
44 – See the local giants put on a show at the Lighting Giants
Observe a local spectacle near Pula Arena called the Lighting Giants, a creative performance where a set of 8+ giants (cranes) take center stage in the distance, brightly lighting up in everchanging dazzling colors in sync with a track.
A fun event for families and friends, the Lighting Giants commemorates local legends and stories shared generationally about the existence of giants on the Istrian coast!
Today, thanks to technology, the city pays homage to its culture with this performance, which goes live multiple times every night from sunset to 10:00 PM and even midnight in the summer. The show lasts 10 minutes.
45 – Swoon at the sea sights on a sunset cruise
Choose from several different types of boat cruises through the Adriatic Sea, no matter your travel style or who you’re traveling with!
Consider a romantic dinner cruise in Pula, offering a scenic view of active dolphins around your boat and on the golden horizon! Enjoy a hearty Croatian-style dinner with your choice of alcoholic beverages and soft drinks.
Take your sea journeys on a boat tour through the National Park Brijuni, with amazing dolphin spotting and panoramic views of the Brijuni archipelago!
For an adrenaline rush, check out a fun speedboat tour, riding through the Istiria coast, sightseeing coves, and other natural formations accessible with a smaller boat!!
46 – Make dinner plans at the best restaurants
For some fresh and classic Mediterranean dishes, step into Kantina Restaurant, located in the heart of Pula! Fall in love with the restaurant’s interior decor, inspired by the coast, as you enjoy your meal indoors or on the terrace.
Visit the hidden Farabuto for some of the freshest fish dishes around! Though it’s a bit hidden, the trip to Farabuto will surely not disappoint with an incredibly authentic taste of Croatian specialties.
Listen to the live music of traditional Croatian folk music playing at Konoba Boccaporta, offering a cozy and local vibe, and a passion for Croatian recipes you can taste in every one of its dishes!
47 – Cheers to your travels on a pub crawl
Be part of a fun and memorable pub crawl tour, where your local guide will take you not only to the best pubs in town, but where you’ll also learn more about local pub culture, the region’s most popular drinks, beers, and wine!
Receive VIP treatment at the several pubs you’ll be stopping at, and be welcomed with shots, as you get a feel for what the local nightlife is like! Play drinking games, trivia, win swag, and so much more!
An amazing experience especially for solo travelers, experience one of the best ways to spend a night celebrating with strangers who turn into buddies!
How to get to Pula?
Plan on arriving at the Pula Airport, only a 13-minute car ride from Pula, or a 43-minute ride on a public bus.
Though you can opt for the bus, if you want to arrive quickly and easily at your hotel anywhere in Pula, consider pre-booking an airport transfer! Avoid lugging your luggage around, and opt for your transport to wait for you instead!
Where to stay in Pula?
Enjoy a lavish stay at the Park Plaza Histria Pula, with incredible views of the Adriatic Sea, 3 in-house restaurants, plenty of outdoor sporting amenities, and lounges to appreciate the beauty of the hotel and the Istrian coast. Breakfast is included in the price and available daily for guests!
Stay in the heart of the action at Boutique Suites Joyce, located right next to the Arch of the Sergii monument! Enjoy spacious and clean rooms, top-notch hospitality, and balcony views of the historic Pula including the monuments.
Splendid Resort offers a lovely stay on the Istrian coast, only 1.9 miles away from Pula! Enjoy in-house restaurants, and even a supermarket, plus tons of entertainment around!
Traveling on a budget? Consider the high-quality Hostel Antique, also located in Pula’s historic center! Be only minutes away from Pula’s main historic landmarks, including the best cafes and restaurants! Enjoy a shared room, or opt for an individual room for yourself at a good price!
Visiting Pula on a budget?
Be sure to add a free walking tour in Pula to your itinerary, and plan for an educative and fun walk through the city center with the knowledge of your guide, learning all there is to know about Pula historically, and today!
Learn the street names, and don’t forget to ask where the best restaurants are located!
Where to go next?
Don’t end your Croatian adventures in Pula! Check out all the incredible things to do in Zadar, starting with taking a tour around the scenic Zadar archipelago, or planning a day trip to the Plitvice Lakes!
Wander around Zagreb, exploring the modern side of the city at Upper Town, and plan for an evening at the Croatian National Theater!
Hvar enchants visitors every time with its laid-back vibes, impressive nature views from the Spanish Fortress, and a lazy stroll through St. Stephen’s Square, while nearby Split takes you back to 293 AD at the Diocletian’s Palace!
Make it to Dubrovnik, and get spanning views of the Adriatic Sea and Old Town from the Lovrijenac Fortress, and book a kayak tour to the Betina Cave. Thank us later!
Visit Venice, Italy and have a charming stroll through St. Mark’s Square and a memorable Gondola ride (you can also join a fun Venice day trip from Pula). Trieste, Italy is also not far, where you can check out what’s happening at Piazza Unità d’Italia and soak up the Adriatic Sea from the Italian side!
Final thoughts
Now that you’ve seen all the incredible things to do in Pula, which one caught your attention the most?
Is it the dozens of Roman monuments dotting the city? The incredible beaches like Gortan Cove Beach? The possibility of attending a film festival at Pula Arena, or a live concert at Zerostrasse? Let us know!
Happy travels!