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What to do in Pula? In southern Istria, Pula is one of those cities that surprises far beyond its most famous postcard image. Of course, people come first for its Roman monuments, and especially for its exceptional amphitheatre, one of the best preserved from the ancient world. But you also discover a port city on a human scale, marked by several layers of history—Roman, Venetian, Austro-Hungarian, Yugoslavian, Croatian—and opening onto a stunning coastline.
In just a few days, you can go from a 1st-century temple to military tunnels, from a fortress transformed into an aquarium to a trip to the Brijuni Islands, from a sun-drenched forum to rocky beaches where the water shimmers in turquoise hues. Pula works perfectly for a cultural city break with swimming, or as a base for exploring Istria without sacrificing history. First, here’s a clear FAQ to help you plan your stay, followed by seven unmissable experiences to discover the city.
🗒️ Dates and hotels: what you need to know before visiting Pula
Before we get into things to do in Pula, here are some useful tips.
What is the best time to visit?
Pula is particularly pleasant from May to October. Spring is ideal for enjoying the monuments without the intense heat, with the light already beautiful on the golden stone and the Adriatic. Summer brings maximum activity, swimming, concerts in the amphitheatre, and a vibrant atmosphere along the coast, but it is also the busiest season.
September is often the best compromise: the sea remains warm, the light is splendid, the sites can be visited more peacefully, and the temperatures are milder. In winter, the city remains interesting for its heritage and more local atmosphere, even if many seaside activities and some tourist services operate at a reduced capacity.
How many days should I plan for?
Two days are enough to see the essentials: the arena, the forum, the Temple of Augustus, the Arch of the Sergii, a few underground tunnels, and a stroll along the seafront. With three days, the trip becomes much more complete, as you can add a beach visit or a trip to the Verudela Peninsula, visit the aquarium, or take a day trip to the Brijuni Islands.
Four days or more allows you to explore Pula at a more Mediterranean pace, alternating between heritage sites, time spent at the seaside, and gourmet stops. The city is perfect for a long weekend, but it can also serve as a base for exploring the rest of Istria.
How to get around easily in Pula?
Pula’s historic centre is best explored on foot. The main Roman monuments, ancient squares, market, underground tunnels, and shopping streets are all concentrated within a very accessible area. For reaching the beaches, the Verudela peninsula, or some of the more outlying neighbourhoods, the city bus network is useful and well-developed.
If you want to combine beaches, aquarium visits, and excursions without being tied to schedules, a car can be convenient, but it’s not essential for a city-focused trip. The best approach is often to explore the city centre on foot, then use buses or taxis for more distant areas.
How do I get to the city centre from the airport?
Pula Airport is a short distance from the city. An official shuttle bus connects the airport to Pula’s main bus station, departing approximately thirty minutes after flights land, for an advertised fare of €6. The journey is quick and easy. You can also reach the city centre by taxi or rental car, a very convenient option if you plan to explore Istria as well. This proximity makes Pula particularly convenient for a short stay, eliminating the need for long transfers upon arrival.
Where to stay in Pula + three popular hotels
Staying in the historic centre allows you to fully experience the urban atmosphere, explore on foot, and easily go out in the evening. The Verudela peninsula is better suited to those who prefer the sea, beaches, resort hotels, and a more beachy vibe. Between these two options, some hotels near the port or bus station offer a good compromise for exploring both the city and the surrounding area.
The Grand Hotel Brioni Pula, on the Verudela peninsula, impresses with its upscale beachfront location, panoramic views of the Adriatic, and easy access to the beaches. The Park Plaza Histria Pula, also in Verudela, is highly regarded for its comfort, immediate proximity to the sea, and the ambiance of a large resort, ideal for a seaside holiday. The Hotel Amfiteatar, in a more urban style, benefits from its location near the bullring and the historic centre, making it an excellent base for exploring Pula on foot.
Is Pula an expensive destination?
Pula remains generally more affordable than some of the more upscale Adriatic resorts. The budget depends mainly on the season and the type of accommodation chosen. Sightseeing tours are reasonably priced, walks and beaches are free, and you can eat simply without breaking the bank. However, beach hotels and certain excursions can quickly increase the cost of a stay in the summer. As is often the case, booking early and aiming for spring or September allows you to better enjoy the city while keeping your budget under control.
🔝 What are the must-do things in Pula?
Now let’s get to the heart of the matter and see what there is to do in Pula. Only the must-sees, of course.
Visit the Pula bullring
The Pula Arena is the main reason many travellers stop in the city, and it’s undeniably impressive. Located on the edge of the harbour, it’s one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. Built in the 1st century, when Pula was called Colonia Pietas Iulia Pola, it could accommodate thousands of spectators who came to watch the fights and other spectacles. Even today, the structure retains a rare visual power, especially when viewed from the harbour or when entering its galleries. The organization of space, the Roman monumentality, and the direct link between architecture, power, and public representation are all clearly evident.
The visit isn’t limited to walking around the outer walls. You also have to descend into the lower levels, where a permanent exhibition focuses on topics such as oil and wine in Roman times. In the summer, the arena also becomes a vibrant cultural venue, hosting concerts and events.
Strolling from the forum to the Temple of Augustus
The Pula forum remains the best place to experience the continuity between the ancient city and the modern city. It is not a frozen archaeological site, but a square still fully alive, lined with cafes, administrative buildings, and Roman monuments that engage in a dialogue with daily life.
On its western edge stands the Temple of Augustus, built between the late 1st century BC and the early 1st century AD, and considered one of the finest Roman temples preserved outside of Italy. Its elegance, proportions, and central location are what make it so charming. It can be admired from the outside, and visitors can then enter to discover some of its stone remains.
Pass under the Arch of the Sergii and explore the historic centre
The Arch of the Sergii, sometimes also called the Golden Gate, is one of Pula’s most iconic Roman monuments after the arena. Erected between 29 and 27 BC, it honoured powerful members of the Sergii family and was once attached to a monumental gate of the Roman city. Although now isolated within the urban landscape, it remains very impressive for its refinement and decorative quality. Seeing it appear at the end of a pedestrian street is always striking. It also serves as an excellent transition point between the modern commercial town and the ancient heart of the city.
From the arch, you should take the time to walk through the streets of the centre. Pula does not have the museum-like perfection of some Adriatic cities, but that is precisely what makes it endearing: history emerges there without excessive staging, on a street corner, in front of a shop, under a porch.
Explore the underground tunnels of Zerostrasse
Beneath the city lies another, more unexpected side of Pula: that of the Austro-Hungarian era. The Zerostrasse underground network, excavated at the beginning of the 20th century, served as a bomb shelter system. It extends under the central hill dominated by the Kaštel and connects several entrances scattered throughout the old town. The tour reveals long, cool corridors, a large central hall, and another layer of Pula’s history, quite distinct from its Roman heritage. The experience is interesting both for its historical significance and for the contrast it creates with the bright lights of the city above.
Go up to the Kaštel and the Historical Museum of Istria
In the heart of Pula, perched on the hill overlooking the old town, the Kaštel offers a fascinating and informative view of the city’s topography. This fortress, remodelled during the Venetian and Austro-Hungarian periods, commands the rooftops, the arena, the harbour, and the surrounding hills. It’s immediately clear why this site has always held strategic importance. The Istrian Historical and Maritime Museum, housed within the fortress, complements this understanding with collections related to regional history, navigation, and the political developments of Istria. Even if you’re not particularly interested in museums, the climb is worthwhile for the panoramic view alone.
The Kaštel works very well after visiting Zerostrasse, as the two sites complement each other. You go from the lower part of the city to one of its highest points, which gives a very comprehensive view of Pula.
Join us in Verudela and discover the Pula Aquarium
The Verudela peninsula, south of the city, offers a complete change of scenery. Leaving the Roman heart behind, you enter a landscape of pine trees, rocky outcrops, small beaches, and hotels facing the sea. It’s also home to Pula Aquarium , the largest aquarium in Croatia, housed in a former Austro-Hungarian fortification, Fort Verudela. The site is worth a visit for its setting alone: a 19th-century military fort overlooking the sea, repurposed as a space for discovering the marine world. The tanks, organized by habitat, showcase a wide variety of Adriatic and Mediterranean species.
Take a trip to Brijuni National Park
If you have a day or half a day to spare, a trip to Brijuni National Park is one of the best possible additions to a stay in Pula. The Brijuni Islands, located off the coast of Fažana, are accessible by boat and offer a landscape very different from that of the city: protected nature, Roman ruins, gardens, ancient residences, quiet country roads, and an almost aristocratic atmosphere inherited from the time when the archipelago hosted rulers and prestigious guests. It’s a place where heritage and landscape are balanced in an exceptional way.
The tour is usually organized from Fažana, but there are also boat trips from Pula. Once there, you can take a guided tour or explore certain areas more freely, depending on the package you choose.
So, we hope this list of things to do in Pula has helped you to prepare for your Croatian getaway.