Zagreb is a city packed with stories, from medieval streets to modern museums, making it a fantastic place for historical tours. What makes Zagreb especially engaging is its layered past, visible in everything from its iconic churches to WW2 tunnels. We particularly enjoy tours like the Zagreb: City & History Walking Tour & WW2 Tunnels, which reveals hidden wartime passages alongside city highlights, or the Sites & Bites Private Food and History Tour, blending local flavors with stories from the past. Both offer a personal, relaxed approach, perfect for those who want history served with a side of authentic Croatian cuisine.
Zagreb’s tours cover a broad spectrum— from guided walks through historic neighborhoods, such as the Upper Town and its medieval charm, to immersive experiences like museum visits and private tastings. Whether you prefer strolling through cobblestone streets or exploring underground tunnels, there’s something here for every history enthusiast. Below, we detail the top options to help you choose the best Zagreb tour for your interests and schedule.
1. Zagreb: City & History Walking Tour & WW2 Tunnels
At number 1, this 2.5-hour walking tour takes you through Zagreb’s most iconic sights with a small group, ensuring plenty of personal attention. Your local guide shares stories about the city’s past, from Ban Jelačić Square to the Stone Gate, while the highlight is stepping into the Grić Tunnel, an underground relic from WWII. It’s a perfect choice for those who want a well-rounded introduction to Zagreb’s history with a focus on its wartime past. The tour’s small-group format means fewer crowds and more tailored storytelling, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy intimate experiences.
The tour includes photo stops at Ban Jelačić Square, the Cathedral, Dolac Market, and a scenic view from Lotrščak Tower. The highlight is the Grić Tunnel, which offers a tangible link to the city’s WWII history. With a rating of 4.8/5 from over 1,100 reviews, it’s clear that many visitors appreciate the knowledgeable guide and relaxed pace. The price of just $18 makes it excellent value, especially for first-timers wanting a rundown without rushing. Perfect for history and culture buffs who want a deeper connection to Zagreb.
Bottom Line: A compact, insightful tour combining Zagreb’s top sights with a rare underground WWII experience—great value and perfect for history lovers.
2. Sites & Bites Private Food and History Tour of Zagreb
At number 2, this 5 to 6-hour private tour combines Croatian history with culinary delights. It’s ideal for travelers who want to learn about local traditions while tasting authentic food at small eateries, including a delicious three-course lunch. The guide keeps the atmosphere friendly and engaging, weaving stories about Zagreb’s landmarks like Lotrščak Tower and St. Mark’s Church into your tasting stops.
Guests rave about the personalized attention—one reviewer called their guide Karlo “knowledgeable and accommodating.” The tour covers key sites, including Ban Jelačić Square, the Cathedral, and Dolac Market, with tastings of cheeses, pumpkin seed oil, and Croatian wines. While priced higher at around $204, the experience delivers a rich mix of history, culture, and cuisine. It’s perfect for foodies who want a deeper understanding of Zagreb’s culinary heritage with a side of storytelling.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, leisurely experience blending Zagreb’s historic highlights with authentic local flavors—best suited for food lovers ready to indulge.
3. Bite Back in Time: Zagreb’s Food Tour Spiced with History
Number 3 on our list is the 3 to 4-hour “Bite Back in Time”. This tour emphasizes Croatian culinary traditions intertwined with stories of the city’s past. Starting at King Tomislav Square, your guide uncovers the roots of Zagreb’s culture through tastings at local spots, including Heritage Croatian Food. The mix of food and stories offers a vivid picture of Zagreb’s identity.
Rated 5/5 with enthusiastic reviews, travelers find this tour perfect for those curious about everyday Croatian life. It includes small bites, drinks, and a delicious three-course lunch, making it a good value for an immersive experience. The walk also covers main sights like Ban Jelačić Square and Tkalčićeva Street, with an emphasis on local flavors and history.
Bottom Line: This tour is great for travelers who want an edible history lesson, blending storytelling with authentic Croatian tastes in a relaxed setting.
4. Zagreb History Walking Tour
At number 4, this 2-hour to 2.5-hour tour is a straightforward exploration focused purely on Zagreb’s historic center. The small group visits Ban Jelačić Square, the funicular, Upper Town, and the Stone Gate, with highlights like the Krvavi Most bridge and the Old Town entrance. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a quick yet detailed overview of Zagreb’s history and architecture without the extra culinary stops.
The guide’s friendly approach helps visitors understand the city’s development, from medieval times to today, with plenty of stories about the landmarks. The tour is highly rated (5/5 from seven reviews), making it a reliable choice for those on a tight schedule or seeking a focused walk. The price is modest at about $36, offering good value for a small-group experience.
Bottom Line: A concise, engaging introduction to Zagreb’s historic core, ideal for first-timers or those with limited time.
5. VIP Experience Ticket: Video Game History Museum Zagreb
Number 5 is a departure from traditional walking tours: this all-day museum experience. It’s perfect for gamers or those interested in pop culture history. With over 3,000 exhibits—including arcade machines, consoles, and rare computers—you’ll see the evolution of gaming from the 1960s to the early 2000s.
The museum showcases how gaming became a global industry, bigger than film and music at times. Visitors describe it as nostalgic and highly engaging, with interactive displays and rare artifacts. Its standalone nature makes it suitable for those who prefer a self-guided exploration or a casual day immersed in tech history, especially if you’re traveling with kids or as a family.
Bottom Line: For gamers and tech enthusiasts, this museum offers a comprehensive look at gaming history—an unconventional but fun addition to Zagreb’s cultural scene.
6. Historical & Cultural Walking Tour in Zagreb
Number 6 is a 2.5-hour tour that explores Zagreb’s main squares and neighborhoods, starting at Ban Jelačić Square. It covers the Cathedral, Dolac Market, and the charming Tkalčićeva Street, with insights into Zagreb’s urban development and cultural fabric. The tour’s focus on history and local life makes it suited for travelers wanting a balanced look at the city’s past and present.
The reviews are excellent, and the guide’s storytelling is praised as friendly and informative. It’s an accessible option for those who enjoy walking and want to see the city’s highlights without straying into overly touristy areas. The price is reasonable at $28, and it offers a good introduction for first-time visitors.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a friendly, comprehensive walk that mixes history with local ambiance.
7. Taste Zagreb Heritage Wine Tasting with Traditional Lunch
Number 7 is a short but flavorful experience centered on Croatian wines and local cuisine. In a private cellar hidden in the city center, you’ll sample top wines paired with traditional Croatian dishes. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours, making it perfect for those who want a relaxed, intimate experience.
The highlight is the exclusive setting—the private cellar—where you can really savor both the wine and its story. The tour offers a unique taste of Zagreb’s wine heritage, paired with a traditional lunch, making it excellent value at just over $106 per person. It’s particularly well-suited for wine lovers or those seeking a more refined experience.
Bottom Line: A refined, intimate way to enjoy Croatia’s wine culture, ideal for couples or connoisseurs looking for a memorable culinary experience.
8. Private Culinary and Historical Tour in Zagreb
Number 8 offers a customizable private tour blending food and history. It includes visits to Dolac Market, the Museum of Broken Relationships, St. Mark’s Church, and other landmarks, with tastings along the way. The guide’s personalized approach ensures you see the highlights tailored to your interests.
Rated highly for its ability to combine culinary delights with storytelling, the tour appeals to those who want a flexible, intimate experience. With a price around $286, it’s best suited for travelers wanting a comprehensive, private day out with a focus on local culture and cuisine.
Bottom Line: Best for foodies and history enthusiasts who appreciate personalized attention and a full day exploring Zagreb.
9. Zagreb: Private Food and History Walking Tour with Tastings
Number 9 is a private tour focusing on Croatian classics like Sarma and Zagorski Strukli, combined with the city’s main sights. It’s perfect for those who want a guided, culinary-focused walk through Zagreb’s neighborhoods, with tastings of traditional dishes and local wines.
While the price is higher at $182, the specialist focus on food and culture makes it worthwhile. The guide ensures you understand the stories behind each dish, making it ideal for food lovers interested in Culinary heritage. The tour also includes photo stops at key landmarks, blending sightseeing with tasting.
Bottom Line: A personalized, food-centered tour for those eager to understand Croatia’s culinary roots through a guided walk.
10. Zagreb: Traditional Workshop Experience and Cultural Tour
Number 10 offers a hands-on experience where you create your own Licitar heart and paint a traditional wooden toy. This 1-hour cultural workshop is perfect for travelers who want to participate actively and learn about Croatian folk art. It also includes a guided tour of a traditional house and a tasting of homemade Rakija.
While the reviews are limited, the focus on crafts and folklore provides an authentic, memorable experience away from typical sightseeing. It’s suited for families or travelers interested in interactive cultural activities rather than just observing.
Bottom Line: An engaging, craft-based cultural experience that makes Croatian traditions come alive—great for families or curious travelers.
11. Discover East Croatia: Wine, Nature & Heritage Private Tour
Number 11 is a full-day private trip exploring Eastern Croatia, including Djakovo, Osijek, and Baranja. It’s suited for travelers wanting to escape Zagreb’s cityscape and immerse in rural culture, vineyards, and natural parks. Highlights include the stunning Djakovo Cathedral, Osijek’s fortress, and a boat ride in Kopački Rit.
This tour is ideal for those with a full day available and a desire for varied experiences—from architecture to wine tasting. It’s more suited for serious explorers, as it involves a long day and lots of travel, but the opportunity to enjoy local hospitality and scenic landscapes makes it worthwhile.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a comprehensive day trip to Croatia’s eastern provinces—wine, nature, and history wrapped into one.
12. Zagreb: Plitvice Lakes, War History, and Wildlife Tour
Number 12 is a 1.5-day private tour combining natural wonders with military history. It includes visiting the stunning Plitvice Lakes with their waterfalls, as well as exploring sites like Dubec Castle and the Turanj Museum. It’s suitable for travelers who want to explore beyond the city and see Croatia’s most famous national park.
Rated as a multi-day tour, it offers a mix of outdoor activities and historical insights, making it ideal for those with more time and a love for nature combined with history. The inclusion of the Željava Airbase adds an adventurous touch.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded option for nature lovers and history buffs willing to spend a night or two exploring Croatia’s diverse landscape.
13. Zagreb’s First Heritage & Flavours Small-Group Walking Tour
Number 13 emphasizes local flavors and stories in a 4-hour small-group walk. Starting at King Tomislav Square, it explores historic sites like the Cathedral, Dolac Market, and Tkalčićeva Street, with tastings of regional food.
Rated 5/5, this intimate tour is perfect for those who want personalized insight into Zagreb’s culinary and cultural roots. Its manageable length makes it suitable for travelers who want a thorough yet relaxed background on Zagreb’s heritage.
Bottom Line: A flavorful introduction to Zagreb’s history and cuisine, ideal for those who want depth in a manageable timeframe.
14. Zagabria Zagreb in Italian & English: Architecture & History
Number 14 is a 2-hour bilingual walking tour focusing on Zagreb’s architectural highlights in the historic districts of Kaptol and Gradec. It covers landmarks like St. Mark’s Church, the Stone Gate, and the Krvavi Most bridge, with detailed insights into their history and architecture.
Ideal for travelers interested in visual stories and architecture, this tour offers a quick yet detailed look at Zagreb’s most iconic buildings. The multilingual guide makes it accessible for international visitors.
Bottom Line: Perfect for architecture fans and travelers who want a short, detailed exploration of Zagreb’s historic structures.
15. Two Countries, One Day: Private Castles, Coffee, History
Number 15 is a full-day private journey into Croatia and Slovenia, visiting castles, enjoying coffee in Brežice, and strolling through Samobor. This tour is ideal for those eager to see two countries in one trip with a focus on historic castles and local culture.
Perfect for travelers with a full day and a sense of adventure, it combines history, scenery, and culinary treats like coffee and cake at Novi Dvori estate. The personalized small-group setting makes it flexible and intimate.
Bottom Line: Great for explorers wanting a comprehensive, private experience of two neighboring countries’ highlights.
How to Choose the Right Zagreb Tour
When selecting the best Zagreb historical tour for you, consider your interests and time constraints. If you love city walks and underground stories, the Zagreb: City & History Walking Tour & WW2 Tunnels offers a compact, insightful experience. For those wanting to combine food and history, options like the Sites & Bites Private Food and History Tour and the Taste Zagreb Heritage Wine Tasting provide delicious insights alongside cultural stories.
Budget-conscious travelers may prefer shorter walking tours like the Zagreb History Walking Tour, while families or craft lovers might enjoy the Traditional Workshop Experience. If you’re interested in exploring beyond Zagreb, the full-day trips to Eastern Croatia or Plitvice Lakes offer a broader view.
Booking early is advised, especially for private and popular tours, to secure your preferred timeslot. Think about your fitness level — most tours involve walking, but some, like the underground tunnels or museum visits, require minimal physical exertion.
To sum it up, Zagreb offers an impressive variety of historical tours tailored to different interests—from quick city overviews to immersive food-and-culture experiences. For a comprehensive introduction, the Zagreb: City & History Walking Tour & WW2 Tunnels is hard to beat. If you’re a food lover, the Sites & Bites Tour provides a tasty and educational experience. For those with extra time and curiosity, the full-day private tours of Eastern Croatia or the Plitvice Lakes are unforgettable.
No matter which you choose, booking early and tailoring your experience to your interests will ensure a memorable exploration of Zagreb’s layered past.