Where to stay for Pula’s Roman amphitheater, historic Old Town, and must-see attractions
The Ultimate Guide to the Roman Arena, Old Town & Adriatic Views
Pula, Croatia was our fourth stop on our Istrian Peninsula road trip, and it quickly impressed us with its incredible mix of ancient Roman history, seaside charm, and laid-back coastal vibes.
As the largest city in Istria, Pula is best known for the Pula Arena, a massive 1st-century Roman amphitheater that is one of the best-preserved Roman arenas in the world. Sitting just steps from the Adriatic harbor, this historic structure dominates the city skyline and instantly transports visitors back nearly 2,000 years.
Walking through Pula’s Old Town feels like stepping through layers of history, where Roman temples, triumphal arches, and cobblestone streets appear around every corner. Add in lively cafés, waterfront promenades, and incredible sunset views, and it’s easy to see why Pula is a must-visit stop when exploring Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula.
Visiting the Pula Arena
The moment we stepped out of the car into the shadow of the Pula Arena, we were completely blown away.
This ancient amphitheater is enormous — and seeing it in person is even more impressive than photos.
We somehow managed to squeeze our car into the world’s tiniest parking spot directly next to the arena, which felt like a small miracle. That said, parking near the arena can definitely be tricky, especially during busy travel months.
Still, arriving right beside this 2,000-year-old Roman monument made for an unforgettable first impression.
Fun Facts About the Pula Arena:
The Pula Arena was constructed between 27 BC and 68 AD, making it one of the six surviving Roman arenas still standing today.
Even more impressive:
- It is the only Roman amphitheater with all four side towers still preserved
- It maintains all three classical Roman architectural orders
- It once hosted gladiator battles for up to 20,000 spectators
Today the arena is used for concerts, festivals, and cultural events, making it one of the most unique historic venues in Europe.
Where We Stayed in Pula?
For travelers visiting Pula, the best areas to stay are near the Pula Arena or Old Town, where you’ll be close to the city’s main attractions.
Our rental in Pula, “Best View Pula,” truly lived up to its name. This Pula vacation rental offered sweeping views of the Pula Arena, the harbor, and the charming Old Town, all visible directly from our balcony and bedroom.
The spacious rooftop balcony was perfect for relaxing, soaking up the sun, and watching the city bustle below. Every hour, the bells of Sveti Antun Church chimed across the rooftops, adding a touch of local charm to our stay.
For anyone searching for the best rentals with views in Pula, this rental ranks as one of our favorites from the trip. Don’t miss the rooftop views of Pula—see them below!
Link to Apartment “Best View Pula” (click here)
Other popular options to stay in Pula include:
- Hotel Amfiteatar – located right beside the arena
- Park Plaza Histria – a modern seaside resort with beautiful Adriatic views
Travel Tip: Laundry Days in Europe
One unexpected perk of our Pula apartment? It had a washing machine.
When you’re traveling for weeks with just a backpack, this becomes a major luxury. We turned our afternoon in Pula into laundry day, spreading everything out to dry on the spacious rooftop patio overlooking the ancient amphitheater.
Not a bad place to do chores.
Travel tip: When backpacking through Europe, try to strategically book accommodations with a washing machine every week or so. It’s a game changer for refreshing your wardrobe.
Things to Do in Pula, Croatia
1. Walk Through the Arch of Sergii
While our laundry dried, we explored some of Pula’s most famous historic sites, starting with the Arch of Sergii.
The Arch of the Sergii, one of Pula’s oldest ruins, was built between 29–27 BC to commemorate the powerful Sergii family.
Walking beneath the same impressive arch that countless travelers have passed through for over 2,000 years is truly awe-inspiring—a tangible connection to history.
It’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Pula Old Town and a must-see when visiting the city.
2. Visit the Temple of Augustus
Just a short walk away in the Forum Square, you’ll find the Temple of Augustus, another beautifully preserved Roman structure.
Dedicated to Emperor Augustus, the temple dates back to the 1st century AD and stands as one of the best examples of Roman architecture in Croatia.
We grabbed a charcuterie board and drinks nearby, enjoying the atmosphere of the square while surrounded by ancient ruins — one of those travel moments that makes you pause and appreciate where you are.
3. Watch Sunset Views Over the Pula Arena
After a delicious easy outdoor dinner at Hook & Cook, we returned to our apartment and poured a glass of wine on the balcony. Watching the sunset over the Pula Arena and harbor was easily one of the most memorable moments of the trip.
As the sky turned shades of orange and pink, the ancient amphitheater glowed against the evening light — a breathtaking reminder of how old and beautiful this city truly is.
It was one of those moments that perfectly captures the magic of Pula.
WOW.
Waking Up in Pula
The next morning in Pula began with the gentle chimes of Sveti Antun Church and this stunning view right from our bed:
There’s something magical about waking up to the Pula Old Town skyline and watching the city slowly come to life.
Before leaving town, we stopped for coffee at Caffe Bar Lipa, conveniently located next to our parking spot and just steps from the Pula Arena. This charming café is a great spot to soak in the morning atmosphere in Pula, sip a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, and watch locals and visitors stroll past historic landmarks.
This coffee view was particularly refreshing ☕️
Is Pula Worth Visiting?
We’re so glad we added Pula, Croatia to our Istrian road trip, even for 1 night.
The city offers a perfect mix of:
- Ancient Roman history
- Coastal Adriatic views
- Great food and cafés
- Walkable historic streets
We recommend spending 1 night and 2 days in Pula to fully explore the arena, Old Town, and waterfront.
If you’re short on time, it also makes a fantastic day trip from Rovinj, which is only about 40 minutes away.
Either way, Pula’s combination of history, culture, and seaside beauty makes it an unforgettable stop when exploring the Istrian Peninsula.
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