Top 15 Zagreb Tours You Can’t Miss

With a population exceeding 800,000, Zagreb stands as Croatia’s capital and largest metropolis.

Situated in the northwest region of the country, along the Sava River, Zagreb has been continuously inhabited since at least the early 12th century, possibly even longer.

Throughout much of the 1990s, the nation was engulfed in a religious conflict which led to significant loss of life among its citizens.

Fortunately, normalcy has since been restored, and the country now welcomes tourists from all across the globe.

Presented below are fifteen of the premier tours available in Zagreb.

1. 2 ½ -Hour Walking Tour and Funicular Ride

Contrary to common misconceptions, a funicular refers not to a bone in your arm but rather to a type of cable car.

With this clarified, it’s time to delve into the highlights of this 2 ½ -hour guided exploration of Zagreb.

Participants will discover the capital’s most remarkable sites, including vibrant Tkalciceva Street, the Central Square, and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Following this, the group will proceed to the funicular station to commence an ascent to Gradec, the distinguished upper section of the city.

2. Guided Wine Class with an Experienced Sommelier

Zagreb presents a relatively relaxed atmosphere that has witnessed gastronomic, vinicultural, and artistic rejuvenations in recent years.

This concise 1 ½-hour culinary and wine excursion is ideally suited for visitors with limited time availability in their schedules.

Participants will be guided by a proficient sommelier passionate about food and wine, leading them through cafes, markets, and intimate wine bars.

Croatian wines are notably delightful and complement local specialties like prosciutto, cheese, and freshly baked bread remarkably well.

Moreover, attendees will gain insights into the region’s history and culture throughout the journey, completing the experience just in time for an early happy hour.

3. 3–Hour Classic Bike Tour

Despite its considerable size, Zagreb is highly accommodating for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly during the mild spring and summer seasons.

This tour extends over approximately 3 hours, tailored for small groups, with morning and afternoon departure options available.

Included in the experience are the services of a local guide, along with the provision of bicycles, helmets, and bottled water, making it suitable for children and adults of moderate fitness levels.

Expect to uncover much more than anticipated while admiring both the upper and lower segments of the city, punctuated by a mid-tour coffee and ice cream pause.

4. Tastes of Croatia Morning Walking Tour with Breakfast

Do you prefer to rise early and explore while other tourists remain comfortably ensconced in their accommodations?

If yes, then this morning walking tour with breakfast is an excellent choice.

Prior to breakfast, participants will explore the stalls at the Dolac produce market, gaining insights into growing seasons, the vendors, and their offerings.

For many international travelers, this experience resembles a journey back in time, revealing items that many may have never encountered before.

Following this, the group will proceed to a tavern in the upper town for a traditional breakfast that may comprise corn bread, local cheeses, yogurt, and brandy.

5. 3-Hour Back to Socialism Tour

For most of Croatia’s citizens, life under the Iron Curtain was not a time marked by ease and comfort.

Additionally, socialists have historically not been renowned for their impressive architectural contributions; however, as the saying goes, what was once overlooked is now appreciated, as the erstwhile disparaged buildings in Zagreb have regained their charm.

This 3-hour tour caters to history enthusiasts, cultural aficionados, and even those intrigued by the legacy of socialism.

Participants will explore various distinct neighborhoods, hear narratives from the era’s socialist days, and enjoy a leisurely bike ride suitable for nearly everyone.

A well-timed coffee break at a charming espresso bar will also be incorporated into the experience.

6. Museum of Broken Relationships 2-Hour Walking Tour

Many individuals, if not all, carry their own stories of broken relationships, but it often surprises visitors to learn of a museum in Zagreb dedicated entirely to this theme.

The Museum of Broken Relationships is indeed a repository of poignant narratives about lost and unreciprocated loves, infidelities, and other somber accounts of heartache.

The tour commences at 10:00 AM and includes time for general sightseeing and shopping at various peculiar museums and coffee establishments.

For those with an appreciation for the unconventional, this engaging 2-hour tour is indispensable.

7. Small-Group Christmas Markets Tour

The festive season holds a special significance in Croatia, with Zagreb featuring numerous markets that showcase holiday gifts, trinkets, and decorations of various kinds.

The tour begins at Jelacic Square, leading into the city’s most extensive Christmas market, which commences in October.

This is an ideal location for some Christmas shopping and acquiring souvenirs to cherish your visit, even when planning to return home before December 25th.

This experience includes an English-speaking guide, complimentary donuts and cake, and either a warm glass of mulled wine or a shot of local brandy.

8. 3 ½ -Hour Private E-Bike Tour

E-bikes are growing in popularity as a mode of touring, offering riders a chance to enjoy fresh air and exercise, with electric motors providing assistance during challenging sections.

This 3 ½-hour tour invites participants to discover both the upper and lower sections of the city, revealing numerous hidden gems often overlooked in larger excursions.

Noteworthy attractions include various urban parks, historic squares, the impressive fountains at the National University’s library, and Bundek Lake.

There will be ample opportunities for breaks along the route to appreciate a Zagreb-style coffee or a refreshing drink.

9. Made In Croatia Guided Crafts, Cuisine and Shopping Tour

Croatian artisans craft a wide array of traditional products that are highly sought after by international visitors.

This combined tour commences at 1:00 PM, lasting for 2 ½ hours, and encompasses a delightful mix of history, culture, cuisine, and crafts.

Participants will explore a variety of markets and shopping venues, allowing time to peruse or sample local delights before making purchasing decisions.

Additionally, there will be opportunities to sample baked goods, top-quality olive oil, and potentially enjoy a cup of coffee before continuing with other experiences.

This tour constitutes an excellent way to acquire memorable souvenirs while supporting local businesses.

10. Guided Breweries Tour

Croatians hold a longstanding affection for beer, and akin to many regions globally, there has been a resurgence in craft brewing in recent times.

This popular 4-hour guided excursion includes visits to two local breweries, where participants will discover how basic ingredients such as wheat and hops are transformed into some of the world’s most adored beverages.

Attendees will not only observe and learn but will also have the opportunity to taste, which significantly enhances the tour’s allure.

Expect to forge new friendships, unwind on scenic terraces, and sample some of Europe’s finest yet often underrated brews.

11. 4-Hour Food Tour

Dedicated food enthusiasts and culinary lovers could spend numerous days in the capital and still not fully appreciate its expansive culinary offerings; nonetheless, a comprehensive gastro tour can be achieved in a matter of hours.

This 4-hour excursion covers Zagreb’s central hotspots, allowing participants to enjoy local dishes, explore neighborhood markets, and gain insight into the city’s rich history and unique gastronomic culture.

Along the way, attendees will sample Croatian chocolate, puff pastry, cottage cheese, and fresh meat and fish, with a relaxing coffee or pastry break at a cozy café included in the schedule.

12. Mix ‘n’ Mingle Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Do you consider yourself an avid walker, socializer, or networker?

If so, prepare to engage with Zagreb from a distinctive perspective unavailable to those on larger tours.

This 4-hour journey commences at 11:30 AM and incorporates many of the city’s key attractions within both the upper and lower town areas.

Participants will ride on the world’s smallest funicular, and enjoy views of Ban Jelacic Square, St. Mark’s Church, and the medieval stone gate.

Tkalciceva Street is also a focal point of this tour, consistently alive with activity from revelers, diners, and cheerful tourists.

13. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour of Zagreb City

Hop-on hop-off bus tours provide an excellent way to explore a new city without feeling tethered to a guide and other participants for an entire day.

Zagreb is renowned for its extensive and diverse array of attractions, and for those who prefer a self-guided approach without constant narration, this tour is fantastic.

The associated audio guide is available in ten languages, allowing participants to select which sites to visit and which to bypass based on personal interests.

Each tour is customizable, accompanied by a booklet offering discounts on diverse offerings including dining, drinks, entry fees, and additional tours.

14. Plitvice Lakes Day Tour from Zagreb

Plitvice Lakes National Park represents one of Croatia’s natural marvels and, although situated outside the city limits, merits a visit if you can dedicate a full day to the adventure.

Visitors will travel by minivan from Zagreb to the park and commence a guided four-hour sightseeing expedition that includes numerous of the country’s breathtaking natural sites.

Exploration will involve travel by boat, walking, and even tram rides to admire waterfalls, pristine lakes, enchanting forests, and antiquated villages seemingly suspended in time.

Tour packages encompass round-trip transportation from Zagreb and admission tickets for the park.

While food and drink breaks will be arranged, they are not included in the overall tour price.

15. Private Walking Tour of Upper and Downtown Zagreb

The Upper and Downtown sections of Zagreb are two distinct city areas worthy of exploration with a knowledgeable guide.

Connected by the world’s shortest funicular, both areas host some of the most significant attractions frequented by visitors.

The upper city, originally a medieval settlement, offers stunning vistas of St. Catherine’s Church, the Croatian Parliament, and the charming rooftops of the city.

The tour also includes visits to the square honoring the historical figure Ban Jelacic and Zrinjevac Park, renowned for its remarkable beauty.

Both morning and afternoon tours are available, so check the details to determine what is included in each, as the offerings may vary.