Best things to do in Pula

Tired of the usual European city breaks? If you’ve already ticked off Rome, Paris, and Dubrovnik, it might be time to look somewhere less obvious. Pula is laidback, lived-in, and full of Roman ruins, and it deserves a spot on your radar.

This Istrian port city delivers atmosphere without the crowds. You’ll find ancient amphitheaters, gritty Austro-Hungarian architecture, buzzing beach bars, and some of the best seafood in Croatia. If you need a break from city streets, you can explore Istria’s olive groves, hilltowns, and wild coastline.

Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Pula. What to see, where to go, and why this underrated city is worth your time.

The information in this article is taken from The Rough Guide to Croatia, your essential guide for visiting Croatia.

What to see in Pula, Croatia

Looking for things to do in Croatia that go beyond the usual postcard spots? Pula is a standout alternative. Set on the tip of the Istrian Peninsula, this coastal city blends Roman history, crumbling grandeur and a distinctly local vibe. It's compact enough to explore in a couple of days, but packed with sights that punch well above its weight.

From ancient amphitheaters to live gladiator shows, here's what to see in Pula.

Marvel at the Roman Amphitheatre

Pula’s amphitheatre isn’t just the city’s star attraction. It’s one of the best-preserved Roman structures anywhere in the world. Built in the first century AD, it once held 20,000 spectators cheering on blood-soaked gladiator battles. Today, you’re more likely to catch a film screening, concert, or summer festival inside its limestone walls.

It’s free to wander around the outside, but pay to go in. Inside, you’ll find an underground section that was once used by fighters and animals before combat. It now houses an exhibition on ancient olive oil and wine production. Yes, really. It’s oddly fascinating.

If you’re here in July or August, check the schedule. Big-name gigs, ballet performances, and the Pula Film Festival all bring the place to life after dark.

Stroll through the Old Town

Pula’s Old Town is a mash-up of centuries and styles. You’ll wander down cobbled lanes lined with Austro-Hungarian mansions, stumble across sleepy Roman chapels, and catch glimpses of Venetian shutters and faded pastel façades.

The pace is slower than in Split or Dubrovnik, and that’s part of the charm. Locals actually live here, and the cafés are filled with people who aren’t just passing through. Grab a coffee at Cvajner Bar in the main square and watch the world go by: ideally with a warm burek in hand.

There’s no set route. Let yourself get lost. Keep an eye out for street art, tiny boutiques, and shaded courtyards tucked away behind arched doorways. It’s not polished, but it’s real.

Visit the Forum and the Temple of Augustus

Pula’s Forum has been the city’s beating heart for over 2000 years. These days, it's where locals come to chat over coffee, teens lounge with their gelato, and street performers add a soundtrack to your stroll. But the real draw is its Roman architecture.

The Temple of Augustus is the standout. Its tall Corinthian columns still rise above the square, looking almost out of place among the modern cafés. Inside, you’ll find a small collection of Roman artefacts and sculptures.

Across the square, you’ll see the city hall, which was built on the foundations of another Roman temple. It’s a weird but oddly satisfying mix of ancient stone and more modern patches of medieval and Renaissance design.

Time your visit with Pula’s Spectacvla Antiqva festival and the Forum becomes a stage for gladiator battles, live reenactments, and fire-lit processions. It’s touristy, yes, but done with flair.

Where are the best beaches in Pula?

Thinking about the best beaches in Croatia? Sure, there’s Zlatni Rat, Brela, and the Pakleni Islands, but you don’t need to leave the mainland to find your perfect swim spot. Pula might be better known for Roman ruins, but just beyond the city, you’ll hit a stretch of coast that’s all about turquoise coves, rocky platforms, and chilled beach bars.

The Verudela Peninsula, five kilometers south of the center, is where you’ll find the city’s best beaches. Hire a bike or hop on a local bus and spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and pretending you’re in a vintage Mediterranean postcard.

Here are the top spots to check out.

Havajka Beach

Despite the name, you won’t find soft white sand at Havajka Beach; this is a Croatian classic with smooth stone slabs and bright blue water. It’s tucked into a small cove on the Verudela Peninsula, surrounded by pine trees and cliffs that offer a bit of shade when the sun gets intense.

The water here is crystal clear and perfect for snorkeling. You’ll see sea urchins, schools of tiny fish, and maybe even an octopus if you’re lucky. Just bring water shoes if you’re not used to rocky beaches. Locals leap off the rocks into the sea, but there are also easier entry points if you’re more float than fearless.

There’s no bar or café on the beach itself, so pack snacks and water. Or walk ten minutes to one of the nearby hotels for a drink with a view.

Ambrela and Brioni Beaches

If you’re after a more traditional beach setup, head to Ambrela or Brioni Beach on the eastern side of the Verudela Peninsula. Both come with sunbeds, showers, and a few spots to grab a cold drink. It’s a popular stretch for locals and hotel guests, especially on summer weekends.

Ambrela is a well-kept pebbly beach with a Blue Flag rating for water quality. It has a lifeguard in peak season and calm, shallow waters, perfect if you're not a strong swimmer or just want to float all afternoon.

Brioni Beach is a bit rockier and quieter, with more space and fewer kids. The beach bar has a view worth lingering over, especially around sunset. It’s an easy pick for couples looking to slow the pace, ideal if you're planning a honeymoon in Croatia and want a laidback day by the sea without venturing far.

Both beaches are walkable from central Pula, though cycling gets you there faster and gives you the chance to explore the hidden coves along the way.

The Holy Rock

At the western tip of Verudela, the Holy Rock (Sveta Stijena) is more viewpoint than a beach, but it’s one of the most beautiful spots in Pula. You won’t find sun loungers or umbrellas here, just flat rocks, clear water, and wide-open views of the Adriatic.

Come in the late afternoon when the heat has dropped, and stay for the sunset. The rock ledges are ideal for lounging, and you might spot dolphins cruising past if you’re lucky. It’s a favorite with locals, especially couples and groups of friends hanging out with beers and a portable speaker.

Getting here is half the fun. The coastal trail weaves through pine forest and rocky inlets, and you can stop for a swim along the way. Just bring decent shoes; flip-flops aren’t ideal for the uneven paths and stone ledges.

What to do in Pula, Croatia

Planning your Croatia itinerary and looking to go beyond the usual hotspots? Pula is a smart addition, especially if you’re into Roman history, coastal adventures, and fewer crowds. It’s not as flashy as Dubrovnik or Split, but that’s exactly why it belongs on the list of the best places to visit in Croatia.

Once you’ve explored the amphitheatre and wandered the old town, there’s more waiting just beyond the city limits. Hop on a ferry, rent a bike, or head into nature, here’s what to do in and around Pula.

Take a ferry to Veli Brijun Island

Looking to escape the city crowds and swim in crystal-clear water? One of the most rewarding things to do in Pula is to take the short ferry from Fažana to Veli Brijun, the largest island in the Brijuni archipelago. This national park feels a world away from the mainland, quiet, green, and full of unexpected history.

The coastline is wild and unspoiled, with rocky platforms and pine-shaded coves that invite long swims and lazy afternoons. Bring a towel, some snacks and settle in. You can rent bikes at the dock to explore flat, well-marked trails that loop around the island.

There’s more than just nature, too. Roman villa remains and early Christian ruins dot the landscape. At the port, don’t miss the “Tito on Brijuni” photo exhibition, a quirky look at the island’s time as a political retreat, when Yugoslav leader Tito welcomed everyone from Fidel Castro to Elizabeth Taylor.

Explore fortresses and underground tunnels

If the heat gets too much or you’ve had your fill of beach time, Pula’s got a solid set of indoor options, and they’re far from boring. The city’s Austro-Hungarian past left behind a network of military forts and tunnels, some of which you can explore today.

Start with Zerostrasse, an underground tunnel system built during World War I. It runs beneath the old town and once served as a bomb shelter. Now, it’s a cool (literally) walk through history, with exhibitions about Pula’s wartime past.

Above ground, check out Fort Punta Christo. It’s a 19th-century fortress that’s been taken over by artists, DJs, and creatives. If there’s a festival on, it’s one of the most atmospheric party venues in Croatia. If not, it’s still worth the trip for the eerie stone corridors and sweeping sea views.

Cycle the Kamenjak Peninsula

If you’re up for an active day, head south to Cape Kamenjak, a protected nature park at the southernmost tip of Istria. This wild peninsula is crisscrossed with dusty cycling trails, hidden coves, and flat rocks that drop straight into the sea.

You can rent a bike in Pula and ride down, or drive and start your adventure at the park entrance. The terrain’s rough but manageable, and the payoff is worth it: remote beaches, cliff-jumping spots, and Croatia’s most famous beach bar, Safari Bar. It’s part jungle shack, part treehouse, with cold drinks and hammocks to flop into after a swim.

Entrance to the park is free for cyclists and pedestrians. If you're driving, there's a small fee at the gate. Bring water, sunscreen and decent shoes, and don’t expect perfect signage. Getting slightly lost is part of the fun.

What to eat and drink in Pula

Food isn’t just a side note in Pula, it’s a reason to visit. If you’re looking for things to do in Pula that go beyond Roman ruins and beach days, eating your way through the city is a great place to start. With a rich mix of Italian influence, ultra-local ingredients, and a deep love for seasonal cooking, this part of Istria delivers some of the top foodie experiences in Croatia.

From truffle-drenched pasta to award-winning olive oils and seafood caught the same morning, here’s what to eat and drink in Pula.

Istrian food

If you’re into food, there’s no doubt that Pula deserves a place on your list. Local chefs have access to some of the best produce in the region, and they know exactly what to do with it.

Start with truffles. Istrian truffles are famously earthy and intense, best shaved over fresh pasta or folded into creamy sauces. You’ll find them on menus year-round, though autumn is peak season.

Seafood is another highlight. The waters off Pula are packed with everything from squid and sardines to sea bass. Try brodet sa palentom (fish stew with polenta), stuffed squid, or crni rižoto: risotto dyed black with cuttlefish ink.

And then there’s the olive oil. Istria regularly wins international awards for its spicy, grassy oils. Some locals still take a spoonful each morning like it’s medicine, not a bad idea, judging by the local lifespans.

Istrian wines 

You’ll drink well in Pula, especially if you’re into wine. Istria’s Mediterranean climate and mineral-rich soil produce some of Croatia’s best bottles.

Start with Malvazija Istarska, a crisp, dry white that pairs perfectly with seafood and truffle dishes. Then move on to Teran, a bold, ruby-red that’s great with grilled meats and aged cheese. You’ll find local bottles on nearly every menu, usually at prices that make a second glass hard to resist.

If you want to dive deeper, consider visiting nearby wineries like Kabola, Benvenuti, or Roxanich. Many offer tastings, cellar tours, and vineyard walks, though it’s best to book ahead. It's an easy way to get a feel for Istria's wine scene, and an excuse to explore more of the countryside while you're at it.

Best areas to stay in Pula

When it comes to Croatia accommodations, Pula gives you a solid mix of beachside resorts and character-packed stays in the city center. If you want sea views and easy beach access, base yourself on the Verudela Peninsula. This is where you’ll find larger hotels, bike paths, and rocky coves for swimming. Park Plaza Arena is a smart option, just a short walk from Havajka Beach, with modern rooms and pine-scented air all around.

Prefer to stay in the thick of things? The city center puts you close to Roman ruins, bars, and restaurants. Pipistrelo is an arty, design-led guesthouse with individually styled rooms and a great location by the waterfront. For something with a literary twist, try Boutique Suites Joyce. It’s inside the old language school where James Joyce once taught English, and looks out over the Arch of the Sergii, ideal for people-watching with a morning coffee.