The 8 Best Historical Tours in Zagreb
Zagreb’s charm lies in its mix of medieval streets, Austro-Hungarian architecture, and lively markets. It’s a city that invites exploration on foot, where every corner seems to tell a story. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just curious about Croatian culture, Zagreb offers a variety of tours that make history tangible. We especially like the Zagreb: City & History Walking Tour & WW2 Tunnels for its personal touch and underground history, and the Sites & Bites Private Food and History Tour for mixing local flavors with fascinating stories. These tours help travelers connect with Zagreb’s past through stories, sights, and tastes that stick.
Many visitors enjoy walking through Zagreb’s historical heart—like Upper Town and Ban Jelačić Square—while others prefer to combine history with food or even gaming culture. Think of Zagreb as a city where you can walk in the footsteps of kings or explore the tunnels where WWII once played out. Whatever your style, this list points to the most engaging ways to learn about Zagreb’s past.
Quick Overview
Our list includes guided walking tours, some tailored for small groups or private experiences, that explore Zagreb’s rich history while offering insights into daily life and local culture. There’s also a food tour that pairs Croatian culinary traditions with local landmarks, plus a visit to the Video Game History Museum for something more modern and playful. Whether you want a comprehensive city walk or a specialized museum visit, each tour offers something unique. Now, let’s get into what makes each of these experiences worth your time.
1. Zagreb: City & History Walking Tour & WW2 Tunnels
At number 1, this tour stands out for its personalized approach and the chance to crawl through the WWII-era Grič Tunnel, one of Zagreb’s most intriguing underground sites. The tour combines highlights such as Zagreb’s Upper Town, where history is layered in every stone, with a visit to the WW2 tunnels beneath the city. Led by a local guide, the small group format ensures you get detailed stories and enough time for questions.
What makes this tour special is the blend of sightseeing and underground history—a rare combination in a relatively compact city. You’ll see the iconic landmarks and hear stories that only locals can tell, all while enjoying the relaxed pace that makes it easy to absorb Zagreb’s story. The tour has earned a stellar 4.9/5 from over 1,000 reviews, indicating consistent high praise.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want an engaging mix of Zagreb’s highlights with a touch of WWII intrigue, all in a personal setting.
2. Sites & Bites Private Food and History Tour of Zagreb
For those who want more than just sights, this tour combines Croatian cuisine with local stories. It’s an intimate, private experience that lasts around five to six hours, offering tastings at small eateries along with visits to landmarks like Tunel Grič and the Cathedral of Zagreb. Your guide keeps the stories lively and well-informed, making each bite part of a larger historical narrative.
What’s unique here is the combination of culinary delights—from Croatian cheeses and pumpkin seed oil to a hearty lunch—and cultural insights. Guests rave about guide Karlo’s knowledge and friendly approach, with reviews consistently giving it a perfect 5.0/5. The tour’s price may seem high, but with tastings, drinks, and a multi-course meal included, it offers genuine value.
Bottom Line: Best suited for food lovers eager to learn about Zagreb’s past through its flavors, and for those preferring a private, relaxed atmosphere.
3. Zagreb: Historic Walking Tour with a Local Guide
This tour offers a classic guided walk through the city’s most historic areas, focusing on Zagreb’s medieval and Baroque architecture. It’s an ideal choice for travelers wanting a structured overview, with highlights like the short funicular ride and a stroll through the Upper Town. The guide’s stories bring Zagreb’s history to life, from its early days to the modern city.
What makes this tour special is its flexibility—there’s no minimum number of participants, making it accessible for solo travelers or small groups. The focus is on culture, history, and local life today, offering an authentic glimpse of Zagreb’s soul. The reviews are excellent, praising the guide’s knowledge and the lively, friendly atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who prefer a steady, comprehensive introduction to Zagreb’s past without too many stops or complexity.
4. Bite Back in Time: Zagreb’s Food Tour Spiced with History
At number 4, this tour is perfect if you’re interested in Croatian culinary traditions combined with historical context. Starting at King Tomislav Square, the tour takes you through Zagreb’s most beautiful parks and busy streets, allowing you to sample local foods like Sarma and Zagorski Štrukli. You’ll also hear about Zagreb’s history and culture from your guide.
What sets this apart is how the food and history intertwine—not just tasting, but understanding how historical events influenced Croatian cuisine. The tour includes six tastings at six venues, including Croatian wine, which adds to its value. Reviewers mention the guide’s warmth and the quality of the food, with several calling it an “amazing day.”
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who enjoy food-focused exploration and want to see Zagreb’s historical sites while sampling its flavors.
5. Zagreb History Walking Tour
This short but sweet history walk covers Zagreb’s key sites, including Ban Jelačić Square, the Funicular Railway, and the Stone Gate. It’s a good option for those short on time but eager to get a rundown. The tour emphasizes Zagreb’s medieval roots, with stories about the city’s development from two rival towns into the capital of Croatia.
The guide’s engaging storytelling, combined with visits to Tkalciceva Street and the Dolac Market, makes it a lively intro. It’s perfect for travelers who want a small-group experience with flexible timing. The reviews reveal satisfied visitors who appreciated the personalized attention and insights.
Bottom Line: A fast-paced but thorough introduction suited for visitors with limited time who want to cover the main sights.
6. Historical & Cultural Walking Tour in Zagreb
This 2.5-hour tour focuses on Zagreb’s historical and cultural layers, starting at the main square. You’ll see the Mandusevac Fountain, learn about the city’s name origin, and walk through the Old Town with stories about its medieval origins. The walk also covers Tkalciceva Street and the Krvavi Most bridge, telling tales of old rivalries.
An advantage is the small group size and the focus on local life today, offering a well-rounded picture of Zagreb. Reviewers highlight the guide’s engaging storytelling and the tour’s value for its price.
Bottom Line: Good for travelers who want a compact but informative cultural and historic overview.
7. Video Game History Museum Zagreb – VIP Entry Ticket
If you’re a gaming enthusiast, this visit to the Video Game History Museum is a unique twist on Zagreb’s historical offerings. With over 3,000 exhibits, including arcade machines, rare consoles, and computers, the museum showcases how gaming has grown from simple pixels to a cultural phenomenon.
The VIP ticket grants you priority access and allows for an immersive experience, perfect for a fun break from traditional tours. The museum’s collection explores several decades of gaming history, making it a fun, nostalgic visit that connects technological innovation with cultural change.
Bottom Line: Ideal for tech fans and gamers wanting a playful, interactive history that complements the city’s more traditional tours.
8. Zagreb: Private Food and History Walking Tour with Tastings
Rounding out our list is a private tour combining food, history, and culture. With a focus on Croatian classics, this tour includes 10 tastings, from Sarma to local wines and a visit to St. Mark’s Square. The tour’s flexibility and personalized approach make it perfect for those seeking a customized experience.
The tour provides a deep dive into Croatian culinary traditions alongside stories of Zagreb’s historic sites. It appeals especially to travelers who want a gourmet experience while learning about the city’s past. Reviews mention the delicious tastings and the friendly guide as highlights.
Bottom Line: Great for foodies and culture lovers who want an in-depth, private experience with tailored tastings.
$182 per person
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
When selecting your Zagreb adventure, think about your budget, interests, and preferred style. If you love walking and underground stories, the WW2 tunnels tour offers a fascinating underground perspective. For a culinary journey, the Sites & Bites private tour combines food and culture beautifully. Budget travelers might prefer the shorter historic walks, while those with more time should consider the Food & History Tour or Private Food Tour.
Families or solo travelers should look for small-group or private options to get personalized attention. Meanwhile, if you’re interested in modern culture, the Video Game Museum offers a fun break from traditional history. Booking early, especially for private or popular tours, helps ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
Zagreb’s diverse array of historical tours makes it easy to find an experience that suits your interests. For a rundown, the Zagreb: City & History Walking Tour & WW2 Tunnels offers a well-rounded look at the city’s layered past. If food and culture are your passion, then the Sites & Bites Tour or the private tastings are perfect choices.
For a lighter, more playful experience, the Video Game Museum provides a fun twist on Zagreb’s story. No matter your style, booking early is wise—these tours fill quickly, especially in peak seasons. Use this guide to pick the one that fits your travel style and enjoy uncovering Zagreb’s fascinating past.