Zagreb’s 6 Top Workshops & Classes

Zagreb stands out not just for its charming streets and lively markets but also for its vibrant scene of hands-on workshops and classes. Whether you’re eager to learn traditional Croatian recipes, dive into local crafts, or explore artistic techniques, the city offers a range of experiences suited to different interests. We particularly enjoyed the Å trukli cooking class with Dolac Market Tour — a cozy, expert-led session that combines market exploration with the delicious art of making strukli, a Croatian cheese pastry. The chance to sip Croatian wine while mastering this beloved dish makes it a memorable cultural treat.

Zagreb’s workshops range from culinary experiences to cultural crafts and even art techniques, providing authentic ways to connect with Croatian heritage. For a full list of the most engaging options, keep reading. We’ve selected six standout experiences that cater to various tastes, budgets, and schedules, all offering unique insights into Zagreb’s traditions and creativity.

Here’s a quick overview of the different types of workshops included in this list: from market-to-table cooking classes like Croatian cuisine cooking class with Dolac market tour to art workshops such as Suminagashi water painting. There’s also a traditional Croatian craft experience and cultural performances, making Zagreb an excellent city for hands-on learning. Now, let’s dive into each of these experiences so you can find the one that fits your trip best.

1. Å trukli cooking class with Dolac Market Tour

At number one, the Å trukli cooking class with Dolac Market Tour offers an authentic slice of Croatian life. For around $95.91, you’ll spend about three hours exploring Zagreb’s most iconic market before rolling up your sleeves to make strukli, a pastry made with phyllo dough and cheese. Your instructor guides you step-by-step, making this experience both educational and fun. The market tour alone is worth the price — you’ll discover local produce, flavors, and Croatian market culture that you might not encounter on a typical sightseeing day.

What elevates this class is the warm, small-group atmosphere, which allows for personalized attention. You’ll get to enjoy a glass of Croatian wine along with your freshly baked strukli, turning the session into a true taste of local hospitality. The reviews highlight the expertise of the instructor and the friendly, family-like environment. One guest praised it as “a great, personal experience,” mentioning how the market tour allowed them to try national favorites.

Bottom line: Perfect for food lovers wanting a hands-on experience that combines market culture with home-style cooking. It’s a memorable way to learn about Croatian culinary traditions in a relaxed setting.

2. Croatian cuisine cooking class with Dolac market tour

At number two, the Croatian cuisine cooking class with Dolac market tour is a slightly more extensive, private experience priced at about $155.86 for four hours. This class is ideal if you want to learn how to prepare a full three-course Croatian meal from scratch. Starting at the bustling Dolac Market, you’ll pick out ingredients alongside your guide, gaining insights into local produce and vendors. Then, in a cozy studio, you’ll get hands-on instruction in making dishes like chicken minestrone and pork tenderloin, with a sweet treat to finish.

This class is capped at only 12 participants, ensuring plenty of personalized attention. Guests love how approachable and tasty the recipes are, making it easy to recreate them at home. One reviewer mentioned, “Karmela was so knowledgeable about Croatian food culture,” noting how the experience was both fun and educational. The meal is served at the end, giving you the chance to enjoy your hard work with new friends and local wines.

Bottom line: Best suited for serious foodies looking to master traditional Croatian dishes and take home recipes. It’s a comprehensive, immersive experience that’s well worth the extra cost for its depth and intimacy.

3. Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class in the Heart of Zagreb

Number three on our list is a longer, more personalized experience: a 5.5-hour private market and cooking class for about $184. This tour combines the best of both worlds — a thorough market visit with Zelka, a local host, and a home-cooked meal in her kitchen. You’ll pick out fresh ingredients at Dolac Market, learning about Croatian products and traditions firsthand. Then, in her home, you’ll prepare a three-course Zagreb-style meal, which changes daily based on what’s fresh and in season.

Zeljka, the host, shares family recipes passed down through generations, making this experience deeply authentic. The workshop concludes with a tasting of the meal paired with local wines and liqueurs, giving a true taste of Croatian hospitality. Reviewers note how warm and welcoming Zeljka is, with one describing her as “a fantastic mother and son team.” The experience is ideal for travelers wanting a meaningful connection with local life and cuisine.

Bottom line: This is a perfect choice if you want an intimate, educational cooking experience combined with cultural insights in a private setting. It’s especially suited for those who want to spend a relaxed half-day immersed in Croatian home cooking.

4. Traditional Workshop Experience Hearts Of Zagreb

Coming in at number four, the Hearts of Zagreb offers a one-hour cultural workshop for about $65. This experience is less about cooking and more about Croatian folklore, music, and tradition. It features performances, interactive elements, and heartfelt stories that celebrate Croatia’s cultural heritage. It’s a lively, engaging way to connect with local traditions through dance, music, and storytelling.

While shorter, this experience is highly recommended for travelers interested in cultural preservation and authentic entertainment. It’s not a hands-on activity but provides a meaningful cultural exchange, perfect for those who want an introduction to Croatian folklore in an accessible format.

Bottom line: Best suited for visitors looking for a cultural overview rather than a culinary or craft workshop. It’s a lively, memorable way to experience Croatian traditions firsthand.

5. Zagreb: Traditional Workshop Experience and Cultural Tour

Number five offers a unique crafting experience in a traditional Croatian setting. For about $184, you can create your own Licitar heart and paint a traditional wooden toy, then enjoy a guided tour of a historic Croatian house and taste homemade Rakija. This workshop provides a tactile glimpse into Croatian folk arts and craft traditions, making it ideal for those who want to get creative and learn about local customs.

The highlight is the opportunity to design your own Licitar heart, a symbol of love and happiness in Croatian culture, and pose with folklore performers in traditional attire. The tasting of Rakija adds a flavorful touch, rounding out the culture.

Bottom line: Perfect for families or craft enthusiasts interested in traditional Croatian arts and souvenirs. It offers a hands-on approach to understanding Croatian folklore beyond just food.

6. Suminagashi Water Painting Workshop

The final experience is a Suminagashi water painting workshop, priced at $45. This Japanese art form involves creating abstract, flowing patterns on water’s surface, which can be both calming and creatively inspiring. During the workshop, you’ll choose from herbal or fruit teas to sip as you paint, with relaxing music in the background.

This experience is ideal for art lovers or anyone seeking a tranquil, meditative activity. It produces unique pieces of art that you can take home as a souvenir of your Zagreb trip. The workshop’s focus on mindfulness and creative expression makes it stand out from more traditional offerings.

Bottom line: A peaceful, artistic break from sightseeing, suitable for all skill levels and those interested in exploring a different cultural art form.

How to Choose the Right Workshop in Zagreb

When deciding which experience to book, consider your budget, time, and personal interests. If you’re a foodie eager to learn traditional recipes, the Å trukli class offers an excellent mix of market tour and hands-on cooking. For a more immersive, home-based meal, the Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class suits those wanting a deeper cultural connection. Budget travelers interested in cultural entertainment might enjoy the Hearts of Zagreb, while creative types will find the Suminagashi Water Painting a peaceful artistic escape.

Consider your schedule — some experiences are short and lively, like the Hearts of Zagreb, while others, like the full-day cooking class, offer a more comprehensive dive. Early booking is advisable, especially in high season, to secure your spot in these popular workshops.

To sum it up, Zagreb offers a wide variety of workshops and classes that go beyond sightseeing, revealing the city’s rich culinary, cultural, and artistic traditions. Whether you prefer to cook, craft, or enjoy cultural performances, there’s something for every curious traveler. For a truly memorable trip, pick an experience that suits your interests and give yourself enough time to enjoy it fully. And don’t wait too long — these popular experiences fill up quickly. Happy learning!