With a population of more than 800,000, Zagreb is Croatia’s capital and largest city.
It’s located in the northwest portion of the country along the Sava River, and has been continually inhabited since at least the beginning of the 12th century, and probably much longer than that.
During much of the ‘90s the country was embroiled in a religious conflict that resulted in the deaths of a significant number of its citizens.
Thankfully things have long since returned to normal, and the country is once again open to tourists from all over the world.
Below are 15 of the best tours of Zagreb.
1. 2 ½ -Hour Walking Tour and Funicular Ride
Source: Zdravko T / shutterstockContrary to popular belief, a funicular is not a bone in your arm.
Funiculars are actually cable cars, only with a much cooler name.
Now that you’re up to speed on the terminology, it’s time to consider the selling points of this 2 ½ – hour guided tour of Zagreb.
You and your travel companions will explore the capital city’s most impressive attractions including vibrant Tkalciceva Street, the Central Square, and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
From there you’ll head to the funicular station to begin your ascent to Gradec, the city’s elevated upper portion.
2. Guided Wine Class with an Experienced Sommelier
Source: PhotosOfTheWorld / shutterstockZagreb is a relatively laid-back city that’s experienced food, wine, and art renaissances in recent years.
This 1 ½-hour whirlwind food and wine tour is perfect for those without a lot of free time on their itineraries.
It includes the services of a professional guide, foodie, and wine aficionado who’ll lead you on a culinary tour including cafes, markets, and cozy wine bars.
Croatian wines are surprisingly tasty, and they pair well with local delicacies like prosciutto, cheese, and fresh baked bread.
You’ll also learn about the area’s history and culture on the way, and be done just in time for an early happy hour.
3. 3–Hour Classic Bike Tour
Source: www.getyourguide.comDespite its size Zagreb is a pedestrian and bicycle friendly city, especially in the warm spring and summer months when the weather is usually just about perfect.
This tour lasts about 3 hours, is only open to small groups, and is available with morning and afternoon start times.
It includes a local guide, bicycle and helmet and bottled water, and is even appropriate for most children and adults of moderate physical fitness.
Expect to see more than you thought possible while exploring both the upper and lower portions of the city before stopping for a mid-tour coffee and ice cream break.
4. Tastes of Croatia Morning Walking Tour with Breakfast
Source: www.getyourguide.comLike to rise with the sun and hit the streets while most tourists are still tucked into their hotel beds?
If so, this morning walking tour with breakfast is just the ticket.
Before dining tour guests will browse the stalls at the Dolac produce market and learn about growing seasons, the vendors, and the things they’re selling.
For many international visitors it’s like a trip into the past, and there are often items many guests have never seen.
From there you’ll head to an upper town tavern for a traditional breakfast that may include corn bread, local cheeses, yogurt and brandy.
5. 3-Hour Back to Socialism Tour
Source: xbrchx / shutterstockFor most citizens of Croatia, life behind the Iron Curtain wasn’t all rainbow sherbet and fuzzy bunnies.
In addition, socialists have never been particularly well-known for their impressive architecture, but as they say everything old is new again, and the once maligned buildings that dotted Zagreb are suddenly chic again.
This 3-hour tour is great for history buffs, lovers of culture, and even secret admirers of socialism.
You’ll visit a number of distinct neighborhoods, hear stories about the country’s socialist days, and enjoy a non-strenuous bike ride that’s appropriate for just about anybody.
Expect a perfectly timed break at a quaint espresso bar as well.
6. Museum of Broken Relationships 2-Hour Walking Tour
Source: paul prescott / shutterstockSome of us (if not all) have more than our fair share of broken relationships in our pasts, but it comes as a surprise to many visitors to discover there’s actually a museum in Zagreb dedicated entirely to them.
That’s right, it’s called the Museum of Broken Relationships, and it’s chockfull of heartbreaking tales of lost and unrequited love, philandering sweethearts, and other macabre tales of broken hearts and shattered dreams.
The tour starts at 10:00 am and includes time for general sightseeing and visiting shops, other strange museums, and coffee houses.
For lovers of the quirky, this fun 2-hour tour is an absolute must.
7. Small-Group Christmas Markets Tour
Source: Ivan Smuk / shutterstockThe Christmas season is a special time of year in Croatia, and Zagreb features dozens of markets that specialize in holiday gadgets, trinkets, and decorations of every stripe.
The tour gets under way in Jelacic Square which transitions to the city’s largest Christmas market beginning in October.
It’s the perfect place to do a bit of Christmas shopping, and pick up keepsakes to remind you of your trip, even if you plan on being home on December 25th.
The tour 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
Source: OPIS Zagreb / shutterstockE-bikes are rapidly becoming popular means of tour transportation because they allow riders to breathe fresh air and get some much needed exercise, but their electric motors provide assistance when the going gets tough.
This 3 ½-hour tour allows participants to explore the city’s upper and lower portions and experience many hidden gems that often get overlooked on larger tours.
Attractions include a number of urban parks, historic squares, the majestic fountains at the National University’s library, and Bundek Lake.
You’ll have ample time to stop for breaks along the way, and to enjoy a Zagreb-style cup of coffee or a cold drink.
9. Made In Croatia Guided Crafts, Cuisine and Shopping Tour
Source: www.getyourguide.comCroatian artisans and craftsmen and women churn out tons of traditional products that are typically big hits with those visiting from other countries.
This combo tour starts at 1:00 pm, lasts 2 ½ -hours and includes a pleasant mix of history, culture, food, and crafts.
Guests will hit a number of markets and shopping areas, and have time to browse items on display before deciding what to buy.
Guests will also have time to sample baked goods, world-class olive oil, and perhaps even a cup of coffee before moving on to other adventures.
It’s a great way to pick up some great souvenirs and support local entrepreneurs as well.
10. Guided Breweries Tour
Source: www.getyourguide.comCroatians have always loved their beer, and like many other parts of the world the country has experienced a rebirth in craft brewing in recent years.
This popular 4-hour guided tour includes stops at two city breweries where guests will learn about how mundane ingredients like wheat and hops are miraculously transformed into one of the planet’s most popular and intoxicating beverages.
Of course participants will not only see and learn, they’ll sample too, and therein lies the tour’s real appeal.
Plan on meeting new friends, relaxing on scenic terraces and sampling some of the continent’s best and most underrated brews.
11. 4-Hour Food Tour
Source: www.getyourguide.comDiehard foodies and epicureans could spend days in Croatia’s capital city and never experience it’s entire spectrum of culinary treats, but it is possible to have a memorable and in-depth gastro tour in just a few hours.
This 4-hour tour hits central Zagreb’s hotspots where guests will try local dishes, check out neighborhood markets, and learn about the city’s history and unique food culture.
Croatian chocolate, puff pastry, cottage cheese, and fresh meat and fish will all be sampled along the way, and mid-tour there will be time to sit and relax with a coffee or a pastry at a comfortable café.
12. Mix ‘n’ Mingle Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Source: Tomasz Guzowski / shutterstockFancy yourself a walker? A mixer? A mingler?
Then get ready to experience Zagreb from a unique perspective that those participating in larger tours just won’t get to experience.
The tour lasts 4 hours, gets underway at 11:30 and includes many of the city’s most popular attractions in both the upper and lower town areas.
Guests will get to ride the world’s smallest funicular and marvel at Ban Jelacic Square, St. Mark’s Church and the city’s medieval stone gate.
Tkalciceva Street is another of the tour’s highlights, and is always abuzz with revelers, diners, and happy tourists in various stages of intoxication.
13. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour of Zagreb City
Source: www.getyourguide.comHop-on hop-off bus tours are great way to experience a new city without feeling like you’re chained to other tour members and your guide for an entire day.
Zagreb is known for its abundant and varied attractions, and for do-it-yourselfers who’d rather not have a live guide blabbing their ear off all day, this tour may just be the ticket.
The accompanying audio-guide is available in 10 languages, and participants can choose which sites they want to see and explore, and skip those that don’t interest them.
Each tour is customizable and includes a booklet that offers discounts on everything from drinks and dining, to entrance fees and other tours.
14. Plitvice Lakes Day Tour from Zagreb
Source: weniliou / shutterstockPlitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia’s natural wonders, and though it’s outside Zagreb city limits it’s definitely worth visiting if you’ve got a full day to spare.
Guests will travel by minivan from the city to the park and begin their 4-hour guided sightseeing tour that includes many of the country’s most impressive natural attractions.
You’ll travel by boat, foot and even tram on your quest to see waterfalls, pristine lakes, idyllic forests, and old-world villages that look like they’ve been forgotten by time.
Tours include round-trip transportation to and from Zagreb and park admission tickets.
Food and drink stops will be made periodically, but aren’t included in the tour’s cost.
15. Private Walking Tour of Upper and Downtown Zagreb
Source: trabantos / shutterstockUpper and downtown Zagreb are two distinct areas of the city that are both worth checking out with a local guide.
They’re connected by the world’s shortest funicular, and each hold some of the city’s most significant and often-visited attractions.
The upper portion of the city was originally a medieval settlement, and offers guests amazing views of the St. Catherin’s Church, the Croatian Parliament, and the city’s picturesque rooftops.
Tours also includes stops at the square dedicated to historical figure Ban Jelacic, and Zrinjevac Park which is among the city’s most stunning.
Morning and afternoon tours are available, so click the link below to see what’s included with each because they’re not identical.