Zagreb Walking Tour Review 2026: Hidden Gems & History

Good morning from Zagreb, the vibrant capital of Croatia! Today marks the official start of my Croatian adventure, and I woke up feeling incredibly excited and energized.

If you are planning your own trip, Zagreb is the perfect starting point. Most travelers fly into the capital and then make their way down the gorgeous Adriatic coast, ending in the iconic city of Dubrovnik. Of course, you can also do this route in reverse, starting in Dubrovnik and ending here in Zagreb.

While Zagreb is highly walkable, exploring on your own can mean missing out on the rich history and hidden stories behind its many statues and historic landmarks. That is why I decided to join a local walking tour.

If you are wondering whether a guided tour is worth it, my answer is a resounding yes! Having an expert explain the context makes the city come alive in a way guidebooks simply cannot match. I met my guide at noon by the King Tomislav Statue. Having lived in Croatia for over two decades, they shared incredible local insider tips that went far beyond the standard tourist facts.

We began with a leisurely stroll through Zrinjevac Park. It was so peaceful to watch locals relaxing on the grass and enjoying picnics under the massive plane trees. The air felt incredibly fresh and clean.

The park even has some charming photo spots, so I couldn't resist snapping a quick picture! Along the way, we passed Mlinar, a beloved local bakery chain that you will see all over Croatia—perfect for a quick, delicious pastry on the go.

Next, we arrived at Ban Jelačić Square, the bustling heart of the city. I was instantly struck by how beautifully preserved the architecture is and how clean the streets are. Unlike many other European capitals, Zagreb's public transit system is incredibly efficient and easy to navigate, with the iconic blue trams being the preferred way to get around.

From the square, we headed uphill toward the magnificent Zagreb Cathedral, an absolute symbol of the city. Six years ago, back in 2020, a powerful 5.4 magnitude earthquake—the second largest since 1880—struck the city, leaving several historic buildings damaged. Even now, restoration work is ongoing to preserve this gothic masterpiece.

Did you know that Croatia is the birthplace of the modern necktie? We stopped by Kravata, which is recognized as the oldest active necktie shop in the world. The owner happened to be standing outside, so I managed to get a great photo of him in front of his historic store!

Next up was the iconic St. Mark's Church, famous for its beautifully tiled mosaic roof representing the coats of arms of Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slavonia. Like the cathedral, it suffered damage from the earthquake and the interior remains closed for renovations, but the exterior is absolutely stunning and a must-see photo spot.

We also came across some fascinating street murals. What looked like simple graffiti actually held a deep historical meaning—another detail I would have completely missed without a guide! The mural pays tribute to Slavoljub Penkala, the inventor of the mechanical pen, and the legendary scientist Nikola Tesla, both of whom have strong ties to Croatia's history of innovation.

Passing by the famous Museum of Broken Relationships, we made our way to the Lotrščak Tower. Every single day at noon, a loud cannon blast echoes across the city from this very tower—a thrilling tradition that definitely startled me despite the warning!

I paid the small admission fee of about ~$3 to climb to the top of the tower. The spiral staircase is quite narrow, so you have to patiently take turns with travelers heading down, but the climb is absolutely worth it.

Once at the top, the panoramic views of the red-roofed city under the clear blue sky were breathtaking. It was the perfect moment to capture some stunning photos of the cityscape.

Every corner of Zagreb feels like a postcard. The European charm here is undeniable, and I found myself completely captivated by the views.

Right next to the tower is the Zagreb Funicular, one of the shortest cable car routes in the world. It has been connecting the Upper and Lower Towns for over 135 years! While we had the option to ride it down, we decided to enjoy a leisurely walk instead.

Our fantastic walking tour concluded at the lively Flower Square (Preradović Square), leaving me with a deep appreciation for Zagreb's history, culture, and vibrant local life.