Zagreb is a city where food markets and local crafts are woven into everyday life, making it a fantastic destination for anyone interested in authentic Croatian cuisine and craftsmanship. Unlike many European capitals that focus mostly on museums and monuments, Zagreb invites you to experience its culinary traditions directly through lively markets and interactive tours. Our favorite? The Zagreb Walking Food Tour, which offers a perfect blend of tasting, sightseeing, and local stories — all in a small-group setting. Plus, you get to explore the famous Dolac Market, a bustling hub for fresh produce and local specialties, with enough samples to make a meal.
If you’re a foodie who loves to cook, you’ll appreciate the hands-on classes that teach you how to prepare traditional Croatian dishes. These tours not only fill your stomach but also give you skills to recreate these flavors at home. Whether you’re after a comprehensive food experience or a deep dive into Zagreb’s market culture, this list covers the best options to suit different tastes and schedules.
Quick Overview
This list features four top-rated shopping and market tours in Zagreb, each offering unique insights and experiences:
– The Zagreb Walking Food Tour combines sightseeing with tasting local Portuguese, cheeses, wines, and more.
– The Å trukli cooking class with Dolac Market Tour focuses on teaching you to make Croatia’s beloved cheese pastry.
– The Croatian cuisine cooking class with Dolac market tour offers a full market-to-table experience making a three-course meal.
– The Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class in the Heart of Zagreb is a private, home-based cooking workshop that taps into Croatian family recipes.
Now, let’s look at each in detail.
1. Zagreb Walking Food Tour – Sightseeing – Dolac market visit
At number 1, the Zagreb Walking Food Tour delivers a full sensory experience of Croatian cuisine combined with sightseeing. This 6-hour tour is perfect for those wanting to see the city’s highlights while indulging in local flavors. You’ll explore Croatia’s capital on foot with a small group, visiting key spots like Quahwa for Croatian coffee, the dairy, meat, and bakery stalls at Dolac Market, and the open-air fruit and vegetable sections.
The tour’s strength lies in the variety of tastings—from cheese, cured meats, and wines to “štrukli,” a Croatian cheese pastry. Your guide shares stories about each dish’s origins, making this more than just a tasting; it’s a cultural journey. Highlights include a cheese tasting at Supernova Cvjetni and a wine tasting at Cheese Bar, paired with stories about Croatian wine production. You’ll also stroll through Gornji Grad, Zagreb’s historic upper town, passing significant monuments.
What makes this tour stand out? The personalized approach, with enough samples to substitute for a full meal, and rave reviews praising the guide’s storytelling and local insight. It’s ideal for food lovers who want an immersive experience with authentic tastes and a bit of sightseeing.
Bottom Line: This tour offers an ideal mix of local culture, gastronomy, and Zagreb’s sights — excellent value for a comprehensive half-day.
2. Å trukli cooking class with Dolac Market Tour
Next up, the Å trukli cooking class with Dolac Market Tour is a 3-hour hands-on experience focusing on one of Croatia’s most beloved dishes. You’ll start by exploring Dolac Market, familiarizing yourself with Croatian produce and learning how local vendors prepare their ingredients. Then, under the guidance of your instructor, you’ll make “štrukli” — a pastry filled with cheese wrapped in phyllo dough.
This class is praised for its personalized attention, with small groups and a friendly instructor who shares cultural insights along the way. After preparing your cheese-filled pastry, you’ll enjoy a glass of Croatian wine paired with your creation. The familiarity and warmth of the setting make this a satisfying experience for foodies eager to learn authentic recipes.
Reviews mention the knowledgeable instructor and the chance to try local favorites during the market visit. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a relaxed, interactive lesson with the bonus of taking home a traditional recipe. The price is reasonable considering the hands-on experience and insider access to the market.
Bottom Line: A practical, friendly class for anyone wanting to understand Croatian cuisine from its markets to the kitchen.
3. Croatian cuisine cooking class with Dolac market tour
At number 3, this Croatian cuisine cooking class offers an immersive, market-to-table experience. Over about 4 hours, you’ll shop in Dolac Market with your host, picking fresh ingredients for a 3-course Croatian meal. The class emphasizes traditional recipes like chicken minestrone and pork tenderloin, plus dessert.
This experience is capped at only 12 participants, ensuring personalized interaction. After shopping, you’ll cook alongside your guide, learning techniques and stories about Croatian culinary customs. The class culminates in a shared meal where you enjoy the dishes you prepared, complemented by local wine and possibly liqueurs.
Guests highlight the detailed insight into regional ingredients and the professional yet friendly atmosphere. The value lies in the comprehensive experience—combining market exploration, cooking skills, and a meal, all in a cozy setting. This is perfect for foodies who want to learn practical skills and taste the results.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, hands-on cooking experience that leaves you with new recipes and memories of Croatian food.
4. Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class in the Heart of Zagreb
Finally, the Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class offers a private, home-based culinary adventure. Spanning about 5.5 hours, this experience begins with a visit to Dolac Market, where you select ingredients alongside your host — a Croatian cook sharing family recipes. Then, in her kitchen, you’ll prepare a three-course meal from scratch, with dishes varying each day.
What sets this apart is the personalized, private setting—you’re in a local’s home, making for a warm, intimate atmosphere. The course includes tasting your finished meal, paired with local wine and coffee. The host’s warmth and the focus on family recipes make this a memorable cultural and culinary experience.
Reviews praise the friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to learn about Croatian family traditions. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a more private, authentic experience and those interested in Croatian home cooking. The longer duration allows for a relaxed pace and in-depth learning.
Bottom Line: A unique, private experience perfect for those wanting an authentic, family-style Croatian cooking lesson.
How to Choose the Right Zagreb Market Tour for You
Choosing between these tours depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you want a comprehensive, sightseeing-focused experience with tastings and city views, the Zagreb Walking Food Tour is a great pick. It’s ideal for travelers who want a bit of everything in a half-day outing.
For learning to cook or getting hands-on culinary skills, the Å trukli cooking class and the Croatian cuisine cooking class are excellent choices, especially if you enjoy structured classes with local ingredients. The private Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class suits travelers seeking a more intimate, family-style experience.
Budget-wise, the cooking classes are more affordable but offer a deeper, more personal experience. The walking food tour provides the best mix of sightseeing and tasting, especially for those with limited time.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons like spring and summer, to secure your preferred date.
Final Thoughts
Zagreb offers a rich array of shopping and market tours that go beyond just browsing stalls—they let you taste, see, and even cook authentic Croatian dishes. Whether you prefer a guided tasting tour through the city’s streets, a hands-on cooking class, or a private family experience at a local’s home, Zagreb has something for every food enthusiast.
For those seeking a well-rounded introduction, the Zagreb Walking Food Tour is a top recommendation. If you want to learn how to make traditional cheese pastries, the Å trukli cooking class is perfect. And for the ultimate personal touch, the Authentic Market Tour and Cooking Class offers a memorable family-style experience.
Whatever your choice, booking early ensures you get the best spots in these popular tours. Enjoy your culinary adventure in Zagreb!