There are far more things to do in Pula than photograph the Arena and move on. Yes, the Roman amphitheatre is the headline, and rightly so, but the visitors who fall in love with this city are the ones who dig a little deeper: into the Roman streets and underground tunnels, and then out onto the coast that surrounds it. Pula is a working city with two thousand years of history and a wild, island dotted sea on its doorstep. Here is how locals actually spend their days.

Top things to do in and around Pula
Do this	What it is	Time needed
Pula Arena	One of the six largest and best preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world	1 to 2 hours
Roman old town circuit	Temple of Augustus, the Forum, the Arch of the Sergii and the Twin Gate	2 to 3 hours
Zerostrasse tunnels	A network of First World War tunnels under the city centre	1 hour
Brijuni National Park	Islands with a safari park, Roman ruins and history	Half to full day
Cape Kamenjak	Wild coves, sea caves and cliff jumps at Istria's southern tip	Half to full day
Boat tour from Pula	Swim, snorkel and reach coves only open to the sea	3 to 8 hours
Sunset dolphin cruise	Golden hour on the water toward Brijuni	About 3 hours

The Roman city

Start with the Arena. Built in the first century AD under the emperor Vespasian, it is one of only a handful of Roman amphitheatres anywhere that still has its complete outer wall and all four side towers standing. In summer it hosts concerts and the Pula Film Festival, so catching an event under those floodlit arches is a special thing. From there the whole Roman core is walkable. The Temple of Augustus on the Forum square is one of the finest preserved Roman temples outside Italy, the Arch of the Sergii has stood since around 27 BC, and the old streets between them are made for slow wandering with a coffee.

Go underground and after dark

For something most day trippers miss, head into Zerostrasse, the network of tunnels dug under the city during the First World War. They are cool, atmospheric and a welcome escape from the midday heat. Then, as the light fades, walk down to the harbour to see the Lighting Giants, the old shipyard cranes that are lit each evening in thousands of shifting colour combinations until late. It is a quietly brilliant piece of the city's industrial character turned into art.

The coast, where Pula really shines

Here is the honest local view: the city is wonderful for a day, but the coast is why you stay. Once you have your fill of Roman stone, get on the water. The islands of Brijuni, the wild coves of Cape Kamenjak, the glowing blue sea caves and the resident dolphins are all within easy reach, and the best of them are only reachable by boat.

Dive into the detail with our guides: is Brijuni worth visiting, the wild Cape Kamenjak, the blue water sea caves near Pula, the best beaches near Pula and dolphin watching in Pula. Planning your days? See the perfect Pula itinerary for 1, 2 or 3 days and the best time to visit.

The one thing not to miss

If you do only one thing beyond the old town, get on the sea. A boat trip toward Brijuni or Cape Kamenjak, with swim stops in clear coves and a chance of dolphins, is the day people remember long after the trip. When you are ready, browse all our Pula boat tours and pick the one that fits your group.

Frequently asked questions

What is Pula best known for?

Its Roman Arena, one of the six largest and best preserved amphitheatres in the world, along with a walkable Roman old town and the beautiful Istrian coast, islands and coves that surround the city.

How many days do you need in Pula?

One day covers the Roman city, two lets you add a boat trip or a beach day, and three lets you enjoy the coast properly with a full day on the water. Two to three days is the sweet spot.

What is the best thing to do near Pula?

Get on the water. A boat trip toward Brijuni or Cape Kamenjak, with swimming in clear coves and a chance of seeing wild dolphins, is the standout experience for most visitors.

What can you do in Pula when it rains?

Explore indoors: the Zerostrasse tunnels stay cool and dry, the Arena has covered sections and exhibits, and the museums and old town cafes make an easy rainy afternoon.

Is Pula worth visiting?

Yes. Few cities combine world class Roman monuments with a wild, clear sea and island trips on the doorstep. Pula gives you history and coast in one compact, affordable base.