Zagreb offers a surprising variety of tours and experiences that showcase everything from its rich history to breathtaking natural scenery. While the city itself is full of lively markets, charming streets, and historic landmarks, it’s the nearby natural wonders and cross-border day trips that truly set Zagreb apart as a base for exploring Croatia and beyond. We especially like the Plitvice Lakes tours, which let you walk among dazzling waterfalls and lakes that look like they belong in a fairy tale, and the guided city walking tours that reveal the city’s secrets with humor and insight.
Whether you’re interested in exploring pristine national parks, uncovering Zagreb’s WWII tunnels, or taking a quick trip to Slovenia’s Ljubljana and Bled Lake, this list has something for every traveler. Read on for detailed descriptions of each of the best tours and experiences in Zagreb.
Quick Overview
Our list includes a mix of day trips, small-group tours, and private explorations tailored to different interests and budgets:
- National park adventures at Plitvice Lakes and Rastoke, with guided walks and entry tickets []
- City history and culture tours including Zagreb’s WWII tunnels, Ban Jelacic Square, and architectural highlights []
- Cross-border journeys to Slovenia’s Ljubljana and Bled Lake, perfect for combining city sightseeing with alpine scenery []
- Small-group and private tours that emphasize personal attention and insider stories, ideal for travelers seeking in-depth experiences or a more relaxed pace []
Now, let’s dive into each of these top-rated experiences.
1. From Zagreb: Plitvice & Rastoke Guided Day Trip with Ticket
This tour is a crowd favorite, rated 4.9/5 by over 2,700 reviews. For around $111 per person, it offers an immersive day exploring Croatia’s most iconic natural attraction—Plitvice Lakes National Park—plus a visit to the charming village of Rastoke. The highlight is wandering through the park’s 16 lakes connected by waterfalls, experiencing nature’s grandeur up close. The tour includes entry tickets, so there’s no fuss about lines or planning, and a professional guide shares stories about the park’s formation and flora.
What makes this trip stand out is the combination of breathtaking scenery with cultural insight. Rastoke’s watermills and fairy-tale ambiance offer a picturesque break from the lakes, perfect for photographers and history buffs alike. The guide’s commentary helps you understand the park’s ecological importance and Croatian heritage. The tour’s price reflects its quality, making it an excellent value considering hotel pickup, entry fees, and expert guiding.
Bottom line: If natural beauty and cultural stories are your jam, this full-day trip is a must.
2. Zagreb: Rastoke & Plitvice Lakes Guided Tour with Ticket
At number 2 on our list, this tour shares many features with the first but is slightly more budget-friendly at $96. It’s rated 4.9/5 from over 1,600 reviews and includes entry tickets to Plitvice Lakes. The tour’s flexibility allows you to choose between small group or bus options, with hotel pickup available for the smaller groups.
You’ll enjoy walking alongside waterfalls, exploring Rastoke’s quaint watermill-lined streets, and learning about the local environment and history. The focus on expert guiding and local insights means you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Croatia’s natural and cultural landscape. The inclusion of a licensed English-speaking guide and transportation makes this a stress-free way to see two of Croatia’s most photogenic sights in one day.
Bottom line: For travelers seeking value without sacrificing depth, this tour offers an excellent overview with personal touches.
3. Best of Zagreb with the WW2 Tunnels
For just about $24, this private 2.5-hour walking tour offers an intimate look into Zagreb’s city center and WWII history. Rated perfectly at 5.0/5 from nearly 1,000 reviews, it’s perfect for history enthusiasts or travelers wanting a local perspective on Zagreb’s past.
Your guide will take you through Ban Josip Jelacic Square, the Zagreb Cathedral, Dolac Market, and the Stone Gate, sharing stories about the city’s resilience and cultural evolution. The highlight, however, is visiting the WWII tunnels and the basement shelter, where you can imagine life during the air raids of the 20th century. This tour emphasizes authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences that reveal Zagreb’s layered history.
Bottom line: If you’re after a personal, insightful city tour with a focus on history, this private walk is a top choice.
4. Plitvice Lakes & Rastoke Day Trip from Zagreb with Entry Ticket
This full-day experience is rated 5/5 with nearly 930 reviews and costs about $90. It’s perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free visit to Croatia’s most famous national park. The trip includes hotel pickup, a guided walk, and all entrance fees, making it convenient and straightforward.
The itinerary balances time in Rastoke’s watermill village with a guided exploration of Plitvice’s waterfalls and lakes, including a boat cruise across the largest lake. The guide, often praised for their knowledge, helps you appreciate the geology and ecology that create this stunning landscape. Guests mention the guide “knows everything” and makes the experience memorable.
Bottom line: This tour offers incredible value for a full day immersed in nature, perfect for those who want the full experience without extra planning.
5. Zagreb: City & History Walking Tour & WW2 Tunnels
Aimed at those eager to connect with Zagreb’s cultural and wartime history, this 3-hour private tour costs just under $24 and is rated 4.9/5 by nearly 1,100 reviews. It covers Ban Jelacic Square, Zagreb Cathedral, Dolac Market, and the WWII tunnels, all led by a knowledgeable local guide.
Guests often praise the guide’s storytelling ability, saying that the tour is both insightful and engaging. The combination of city highlights with underground tunnels offers a layered perspective on Zagreb’s resilience and evolution. It’s ideal for travelers interested in local life, architecture, and history without an overly rushed schedule.
Bottom line: For a compact, personal overview of Zagreb’s city life and wartime stories, this tour delivers.
6. Zagreb: City and WWII Tunnels Walking Tour
This tour, at $19, is similar to the previous but slightly longer and more detailed, rated 4.9/5 from over 1,000 reviews. It emphasizes walking through Zagreb’s parks, landmarks, and tunnels and includes a ride on the smallest funicular in the world.
Exploring both the Upper and Lower Town, you’ll see the St. Mark’s Square, the Parliament, and enjoy panoramic views from Grič hill. The highlight is the WWII tunnels, where you get a tangible sense of the city’s wartime history. This tour is best suited for those who want a comprehensive city experience with a mix of history, architecture, and local anecdotes.
Bottom line: If you want a full city walk with historical twists, this is a great choice.
7. Plitvice and Rastoke day trip from Zagreb w/ticket (guar. dep.)
Rated 5/5 by over 700 travelers, this tour focuses on comfort and ease—perfect for those who dislike public transport hassles. For about $119, you get a private vehicle transfer, guided walk in Plitvice, and time in Rastoke. The itinerary allows a relaxed exploration of both highlights without feeling rushed.
The tour’s guide “Marko” is praised for being attentive and professional. Travelers love the personalized experience and the opportunity to see Croatia’s waterfalls and village atmosphere without the stress of planning. It’s especially suited for those looking for a small-group or private experience with a focus on scenic beauty and cultural charm.
Bottom line: This hassle-free, personalized day trip is perfect for travelers wanting comfort and tailored attention.
8. Zagreb: Communism and Croatian Homeland War Tour
Exploring Zagreb’s recent past, this tour costs $47 and is rated 4.9/5 by over 800 reviews. It takes you through underground tunnels, the basement shelter, and key sites related to Croatia’s communist era and Homeland War.
The guide provides a thought-provoking narrative about the country’s turbulent 20th-century history, making it ideal for history buffs or travelers interested in modern Croatian identity. The tour offers a rare glimpse into war tunnels and underground hideouts that shaped Zagreb’s resilience.
Bottom line: If you’re curious about Croatia’s recent history, this tour offers a rare, insightful perspective.
9. Ljubljana and Bled Lake – small group – day tour from Zagreb
Rated a perfect 5/5 from 637 reviews, this full-day tour at $127 takes you into Slovenia’s most iconic sights. It includes city walking in Ljubljana and a boat ride on Lake Bled, with plenty of free time to explore on your own.
The tour is praised for a friendly guide, comfortable transportation, and well-planned stops. Guests love seeing Ljubljana’s Triple Bridge and castle, then heading into the Julian Alps for Bled’s famous castle and lake. The combination of culture and scenery makes it a favorite.
Bottom line: For a comprehensive day trip combining city charm and mountain scenery, this is hard to beat.
10. From Zagreb: Ljubljana and Lake Bled Tour
This semi-private tour, rated 4.8/5 and costing about $124, emphasizes exploring Slovenia’s two top destinations. Travel in a spacious van with free Wi-Fi, enjoy a funicular ride to Ljubljana Castle, then visit Lake Bled and its castle. You can even take a Pletna boat ride (own expense) and enjoy Bled cream cake with fantastic views.
The tour balances guided sightseeing with free time, appealing to travelers who want an in-depth yet flexible experience. The highlight is the stunning scenery of Lake Bled combined with Ljubljana’s lively streets.
Bottom line: If Slovenia’s landscapes and cities appeal, this tour offers a well-rounded day.
11. Zagreb: Plitvice with Ticket & Rastoke Tour for Max 8 people
Rated 5/5 by nearly 500 travelers, this small-group tour provides an intimate experience at just $105. It includes all tickets to Plitvice, a guided walk, and a visit to Rastoke’s waterfalls. The small size makes it ideal for solo travelers or those seeking a more personal connection with the guide.
The review quotes highlight the beautiful scenery and friendly guide — perfect for travelers who want to avoid large tour buses and enjoy a more relaxed, close-up experience. The tour is especially appealing to solo female travelers looking for safety and camaraderie.
Bottom line: For a personalized, small-group adventure, this tour is a top pick.
12. From Zagreb: Ljubljana and Lake Bled Day Trip by Minivan
At $111, this affordable full-day trip takes you to Slovenia’s two most famous spots. It features a guided city walk in Ljubljana, a funicular ride to Ljubljana Castle, and a scenic drive into the Julian Alps to Lake Bled.
Travelers praise the friendly guide and the balance of guided exploration and free time. It’s perfect for those who want to experience Slovenia’s highlights without a complicated itinerary or multiple bookings.
Bottom line: If you’re after a budget-friendly, well-organized day trip, this offers great value.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding which experience suits you best, consider your budget, interests, and timing. For nature lovers, the Plitvice Lakes tours offer breathtaking scenery. If your focus is city history and local culture, the urban walking tours provide detailed insights. For those eager to see Slovenia, the Ljubljana and Bled trips give a perfect taste of the neighboring country.
Think about group size — small-group or private tours tend to be more relaxed and personal, while larger groups can be more budget-friendly. If you’re unsure, many tours include hotel pickup, making logistics easier.
Booking early is advised—these tours fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Check each tour’s itinerary to match your fitness level; some involve long walks or boat rides.
Final Thoughts
From exploring Croatia’s stunning national parks to uncovering Zagreb’s hidden WWII tunnels, and even crossing borders into Slovenia, Zagreb offers a diverse range of experiences. For a nature fix, the Plitvice Lakes day trips stand out; for culture, the city and WW2 tunnels tour are excellent choices. If you want to combine city sights with mountain scenery, the Ljubljana and Bled tours provide a memorable dose of both.
No matter your choice, booking early will ensure you get the best spots. We recommend considering your interests and budget—small-group tours for a more personalized experience, larger tours for value, and private options if you prefer flexibility. Happy exploring!