The Pula Arena
The Pula Arena is the most famous symbol of the city and one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. Its construction began during the reign of Emperor Augustus at the beginning of the 1st century.
MorePula: a guide to the city, market and coast
Explore Pula from the Arena to the Forum and market on a trip from Bale. Choose Lungomare or Verudela for a separate coastal outing outside the centre.
From the amphitheatre to the Forum
Pula Arena is a good starting point for a first visit. The Romans built the amphitheatre outside the city walls in the 1st century AD. Look for the four rectangular towers along the outer wall: they housed staircases, with rainwater tanks at the top. They help explain how the builders managed the movement of spectators and the water supply for such a large venue.
Continue towards the Forum, where the Temple of Augustus stands beside the Town Hall. Dedicated to the goddess Roma and Emperor Augustus, the building was restored after wartime destruction in 1945. Ancient sculpture is displayed inside. The high entrance steps are a significant obstacle for visitors with reduced mobility.
The arch and a morning at the market
The walk through the old town continues to the Arch of the Sergii, beside the site of the former Golden Gate. Salvia Postuma paid for it herself to honour members of her family. Its more richly decorated western side faces the city while the eastern side once stood against the city gate. No ticket is needed to view the exterior, so this stop does not depend on museum opening hours.
From the arch, continue towards Narodni trg and Pula market, known locally as Merkat. Set aside the morning for food shopping: the fish market occupies the main building, while fruit and vegetables are sold at outdoor stalls. We recommend Merkat for buying your ingredients in one stop on a trip from Bale, returning to your accommodation after purchasing fish.
The market building opened in 1903. Its iron supports, large glass panels and stone staircases at the sides show a different Pula from the one around the Forum: a city that grew alongside the Austro-Hungarian Arsenal. The building still serves as a market, so you explore its architecture among the stalls rather than in a museum.
Zerostrasse beneath the castle
Austro-Hungarian authorities built shelters before and during the First World War, when the city faced the threat of air raids. In the lower system beneath the castle, four branches meet in a central space. Around 400 metres of passages are open to visitors.
Temperatures in the tunnels range from 14 to 18 °C. A light jacket is useful even in summer, particularly after walking through the sunny streets above.
A coastal walk along Lungomare
For the coastal part of your outing, head to Valkane, outside the old town. From there, Lungomare follows the shore past Gortanova cove towards Valsaline, between pine woods and rocky coastline. Walking and swimming here can form a separate part of the day instead of adding another monument to the city tour.
A one-way road also runs along the seafront. There is a separate pavement for walkers, so Lungomare is not an entirely pedestrian promenade. The coves serve as swimming spots, with natural rocky shoreline between them.
The aquarium on Verudela
Another option outside the old town is Aquarium Pula on Verudela, in the southern part of the city. Exhibits in the Austro-Hungarian forts feature Adriatic and tropical species, and the staff also run a sea turtle rehabilitation centre.
Arriving by car and choosing parking
Karolina car park beside the amphitheatre is conveniently placed for a walk beginning at the Arena. It has its own parking tariff. In the central red zone 1, an ordinary parking ticket allows a maximum stay of two hours, which matters if you plan to enter the monuments and visit the market. Zone 0 is reserved for residents and businesses in the old town, not visitor parking.
Since 16 October 2026, Vodnjanska road has reopened at its junction with Fažanska road, and bus routes 4 and 22 have returned to their usual routes. Routes 5 and 21 still follow diversions because of work on Fažanska road, but once again serve the Veli Vrh A and B stops. The temporary Vallelunga A and B stops have been withdrawn.
Distance from Bale: 28 minutes driving (29.4 km)
For: families, first time visitors, history lovers, art lovers, dog owners
What to do: information, architecture, activities, sea, refreshments, food and drink
Aquarium Pula
At Aquarium Pula on Verudela, you can explore Adriatic and tropical aquatic life. A rescue centre also cares for injured sea turtles.
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Pula je bezvremenski grad. Zivim u Istri vec nekoliko godina i sve vise shvacam koliko se povijesnih epoha bori za paznju i prica svoje posebne price. Rimska Pula, Austro-Ugarska Pula, romanticna Pula, militarna Pula, vrlo vazna i podcijenjena industrijska Pula i najnovija turisticka Pula koja objedinjuje i grli sve navedene prethodnice. Toliko razlicitih gradova u samo jednom. Koji god interes Vas doveo u Pulu, ocekujte vise i dozvolite pulskom karakteru da Vam se pokaze u svim svojim nijansama.
Pula nudi sve ljubiteljima većih istarskih gradova. Više volim manja mjesta, ali mi je draga i Pula sa svojim znamenitostima i organiziranim događanjima. Naravno, Arena je kolosalna ljepotica! Morate je posjetiti!
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