Welcome to BSides Zadar, where the art of cybersecurity meets the charm of Croatia's Dalmatian coast! Inspired by the practice of CTI, we've crafted something special we call Cyber Guest Intelligence or CGI, for short :) 

This guide is designed to streamline your experience, sparing you the hassle of endless Google searches. 

In true CTI parlance, consider this report both tactical and strategic: tactical in the sense that it gives you all the necessary intel on the best spots for dining, drinking, and diving into Zadar's rich historical tapestry; strategic for those who like to plan every step ahead. Whether you're here just for the talks or planning a longer adventure, this guide has got you covered. 

From Getting to Zadar—whether by air or road—to pinpointing the best Lunch Options Near the Venue, we provide intel to optimize your operational time during the event. The Grab a Drink section directs you to ideal spots to refuel with coffee or execute a night operation across Zadar's vibrant nightlife, while What to Do in Zadar offers a curated set of activities—from exploring historic sites to dynamic evening engagements—powered by local intelligence from Zadar4Fun.  

Zadar is more than just a backdrop; it's a city rich in history and modern attractions like the Sea Organ and Sun Salutation. Whether you're fitting in some quick sightseeing or planning a longer stay, this guide covers all the must-see spots. Don't forget to check the Safety Tips to ensure a secure and smooth experience. 

For deeper dives into local history or to arrange hassle-free transport, check out detailed tours at Zadar4Fun and travel info at Zadar Transfers. Each section below includes concise info with Google Maps links to get you there without a glitch. 

Get ready to enrich your conference experience with a tactical and strategic exploration of everything Zadar has to offer!

Whether you’re flying, driving, or taking public transit, getting to Zadar for BSides is straightforward. Below are the best ways to arrive in Zadar, complete with links for more detailed information.  

Air Travel

Fly directly into Zadar Airport (ZAD), a well-connected hub just 8 km from the city center. The airport hosts flights from major European cities, including direct routes from London, Berlin, and Paris, as well as connections via major hubs for those coming from farther afield.
‍Official Airport Website: Zadar Airport  

By Road
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‍Bus: Zadar’s main bus station links to numerous cities across Croatia and beyond, offering a convenient and affordable option for travel. For routes, timetables, and ticket bookings, visit the Zadar Bus Terminal website.

‍Driving: If you’re coming by car, Zadar is accessible via the Croatian motorway network, with clear signs guiding you to the city. For directions and parking information, use this map.
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Car Rental: Car rental services are available at Zadar Airport and throughout the city.
 
Train
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While trains to Zadar are available, they are less frequent and can be unreliable. We don’t generally recommend this mode for time-sensitive travel, but you can check the Croatian Railways website for schedules and availability if you prefer.  

Local and Airport Transfers

‍Local Transportation: Once in Zadar, you can rely on local buses to get around the city or explore the wider region. For more information on local transport options, refer to Zadar Public Transport.

‍Zadar Transfers: For hassle-free transfers from the airport to your hotel or between cities, Zadar Transfers provides comfortable, safe, and professional service. Check their offerings and book a ride at Zadar Transfers.

Bike Rental: For those who prefer cycling, bike rentals are a great way to explore Zadar at your own pace. Several shops, like this one, near the city center offer daily rentals.

Zadar is a compact city, which makes it easy to explore on foot. You can access many places within minutes, whether you're strolling through the historic old town or along the scenic waterfront. This also means you can save on accommodation costs by choosing a place slightly further from the conference venue. Properties closer to the sea, old city core, or with scenic views generally charge higher rates.

Due to the dynamic nature of lodging availability and the close date of the conference, we recommend using platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com for your stay in Zadar. These services offer a wide range of options, from budget-friendly rooms to luxury accommodations, and provide the flexibility to choose what best fits your needs.

‍Airbnb - explore unique stays and experiences in Zadar on Airbnb
‍Booking.com - find hotels and other accommodations at competitive rates on Booking.com

Booking through these platforms allows you to secure accommodation that is up-to-date with real-time availability and rates, ensuring you find a place that suits your preferences and budget.

Navigating parking in Zadar requires a bit of planning, especially during peak tourist seasons. Here’s a guide to help you find the most convenient options:

‍Hotel Kolovare Parking: Conveniently located at the conference venue, Hotel Kolovare offers on-site parking at a rate of 1 EURO per hour. This option is especially practical if you're attending events or staying at the hotel.

Public Parking: Zadar offers various public parking areas close to the venue and popular tourist sites. For a map of all relevant parking spaces near the venue, refer to this list.

‍Walkable Distances: The parking area just below the main bus station is only about a 5-minute walk from the venue, providing a convenient and affordable option. Additionally, parking at large grocery stores nearby typically allows free parking for the first 1 or 2 hours, after which a small fee applies.

‍Seafront Parking: Parking along the scenic seafront offers beautiful views and proximity to many attractions. However, finding a spot here can be challenging due to high demand. If you're willing to try your luck, it could be rewarding, but be prepared for alternatives.

‍Respecting Local Rules: Always adhere to local parking regulations to avoid fines and towing. Parking only in designated areas and paying the required fees is crucial. Proper parking etiquette ensures the area remains accessible and pleasant for everyone.

Efficiently planning your lunch break at BSides Zadar is crucial to maximize your conference experience. Here’s a concise guide to help you quickly find a spot to refuel before heading back to the sessions.  

Plan Your Lunch Break  

‍Self-Organized Lunch: Please note, lunch is not provided as part of the conference. We recommend selecting your lunch location well in advance to avoid long wait times and to make the most of your break. Reviewing the menu beforehand can help speed up your ordering process, leaving you more time to enjoy the surroundings or network with fellow attendees.

Speed Up Your Ordering and After-Lunch Options: By choosing your meal ahead of time, you can ensure a quicker dining experience. If time allows after your meal, enjoy a relaxing moment on the beach directly below the venue or visit one of the nearby bars for a refreshing drink—perfect for unwinding before the next session.  

Recommended Restaurants  

We provide a list of recommended eateries, most of which include parking options, accessible via the map. Remember, these are merely suggestions, and you are free to explore any dining options that suit your taste and schedule.

Exploring Further Options

The map also includes additional dining options for those planning a longer stay in Zadar. These include finer dining establishments and spots that might be further from the venue. While not recommended for a quick lunch break if you intend to attend talks immediately after, they are perfect for leisurely dinners or weekend meals.  

Navigating the social landscape of BSides Zadar doesn't require complex algorithms, but here’s some intel to help you plot your course through Zadar's drinking scene. Whether you're compiling data the evening before or decompressing post-conference, we’ve mapped out optimal locales for rehydration—coffee or otherwise.  

Pre-Event Recon (The Night Before)

‍Sunset Bars: Initialize your conference experience by syncing with the local vibe at one of Zadar’s waterfront bars. These venues are perfect for compiling your thoughts and setting your social parameters while enjoying a drink as you watch one of Zadar's legendary sunsets.

‍Old Town Pubs: Query the old town's network of pubs to experience firsthand the city’s dynamic pulse. These spots are excellent for establishing connections with fellow attendees or locals before the main event.  

Coffee During the Event

‍On-Site Coffee at Hotel Kolovare: Given the compact schedule of talks and workshops, we've ensured that coffee—a primary fuel for many hackers—is readily available on-site at Hotel Kolovare during short breaks. This is your best bet for a quick refresh without missing a byte of the conference.
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‍Beach Bar Quick Visit: If your runtime allows for a brief function call to external environments, consider a swift coffee execution at the beach bar just below the venue. Its proximity to the main stack ensures you won't overflow your buffer and miss subsequent talks.

‍Note: We understand that hacker fuel isn't limited to coffee. While Club Mate, the other essential hacker juice, isn’t officially provided this year, you're welcome to import your own supply to maintain your system's optimum caffeine levels.  

Post-Event Decompression

‍Craft Beer Joints: Traverse the local craft beer scene by pointing your function towards one of the breweries or taprooms. These locations offer an array of domestic and international beers, perfect for a relaxed data exchange session.

‍Scenic Wine Bars: If your subroutine prefers a more refined dataset, execute a query at one of Zadar’s scenic wine bars. Here you can process excellent Croatian wines paired with stunning views, allowing for a peaceful wind-down.  

‍Safety Warning: If you are driving on the same day as the event or shortly after, we strongly advise against consuming alcohol. Your safety, and that of others on the road, is paramount. Please ensure you are fully sober before driving, or consider arranging alternative transportation.  

We’ve deployed a map pinpointing all recommended nodes, enabling you to efficiently navigate to your chosen refreshment locations. Remember, these points are merely suggestions to optimize your experience; feel free to deviate from the provided script and explore other modules according to your personal preferences.

If you're extending your stay in Zadar beyond the BSides event, there's plenty to keep you engaged and entertained. Whether you're looking to explore during the day or experience the city's vibrant nightlife, we've got you covered with some initial pointers.

Maximize your Zadar excursion by leveraging the insights from Zadar4Fun’s network of local experts. Their expertise acts as your strategic guide to accessing unique experiences, ensuring an enriched visit that goes beyond standard tourist protocols. Here’s an overview of the key activities, each encoded with local significance and curated for optimal enjoyment:

‍Explore & Engage: From ancient ruins to dynamic cultural scenes and natural explorations, navigate directly to Zadar4Fun for a curated selection of the best local experiences.

‍Nature & Code: Dive into the natural matrix surrounding Zadar, from lush parks to scenic coastal routes—perfect environments for rebooting your system.
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‍Beachside Subroutines: Engage in or relax by the beautiful coastline, where each beach activity refreshes your cache.
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‍Dynamic Activities: Compile a list of diverse experiences like tours, water sports, and other adventurous exploits.

‍Night Operations: After sunset, Zadar’s system architecture changes—whether you're syncing at tranquil seaside bars or running night-long sessions in vibrant clubs, the city has protocols for all.

For a comprehensive guide and deeper exploration of these activities, execute a query at Zadar4Fun. Their local intelligence decodes the region’s best offerings, guiding you to standout experiences not always parsed in conventional travel guides.

Just as those who have spent time in SOCs or handled incident response know the value of a good emergency contact list, we’re providing something similar here—alongside other key safety tips—to ensure you navigate the local terrain of Zadar with confidence and security.

Local Emergency Numbers  

Keep these vital contacts in your quick-access memory:
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International Dialing Code for Croatia: +385  
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‍Emergency Services:

Medical Emergency: 194
Fire Department: 193
Police: 192
Universal EU Emergency Number: 112  
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‍General Hospital Zadar:
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Address: Bože Peričića 5, 23000 Zadar
Phone: 023/505-505  

Safety Tips  

‍Personal Safety: Stay alert to your environment and adhere to the event's code of conduct to maintain an optimal security posture for all attendees.
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‍Cybersecurity: Enhance your digital defenses by securing your internet connections and disabling Bluetooth when not in use to avoid potential threats. Regularly update your devices with the latest security patches.
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‍Travel Safety: If you're driving post-event, abstain from alcohol to maintain system integrity—ensure a fully sober state or deploy alternative transportation protocols.  

Personal Health: Prioritize your well-being and the health of others by staying home if you are feeling unwell or have any suspicion of illness, such as a cough, fever, or other symptoms. Remember, this is not the last BSides Zadar—there will be future opportunities to participate when you're feeling your best

Weather Forecast  

Stay updated on real-time weather data to plan your activities. Visit local meteorological stations such as this one or this one for accurate and up-to-date forecasts.