Top Experiences in Zagreb

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
3.0
(1)
3.5 hours
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Private group
Dive deep into Croatian cuisine with this foodie tour of Zagreb. Hit the streets of the country's capital, learning about its history and culture through your taste buds. Zagreb's food scene is an essential part of its culture. From its lively open-air markets to hidden local favorites, you can learn a lot about the city's essence from its flavors and gastronomic traditions. You'll start with a visit to the famous Dolac Market, locally known as "Plac," right off the main city square of Ban Jelačić. Historically, women and others from the countryside would bring their produce and goods to the market to sell to the city dwellers, often carrying baskets of specialties on their heads. You can find this treasured memory locked in time with a statue of one of these basket-balancing women. Today, the market is a vibrant place where locals truly do their shopping. First, enjoy meeting the food producers, learning how to select the finest products as you taste some of the regional specialties, including cheeses, cream, and charcuterie. Then, head downstairs to find some of the city's best herb shops and bakeries, or hang out at the cafes lining the stalls. You can try dishes such as štrukli (small squares of dough layered with soft cheese, boiled and baked simultaneously) as you enjoy the colorful atmosphere. Polish off your samples with a gemišt, a refreshing Croatian spritzer made with white wine and sparkling water. If you're feeling brave, join the locals for rakija, a potent...
National Theater
3.5 hours
·
Private group
Enjoy a walking tour of Zagreb's buzzing historical city center, complete with a ride on the funicular and visits to all the famous sites and buildings the Croatian capital has to offer!Zagreb is roughly divided into two separate parts: Upper Town and Lower Town. Expanded from two medieval settlements, Kaptol and Gradec, these two districts create an authentic Central European city. The Upper Town sits atop a hill overlooking the city and features medieval architecture. The Lower Town sits at the base of the hill, mostly expanded by the Austro-Hungarian Empire to create a southern hub of art, education, and industry. Here is where you'll find the main train station, established to connect Zagreb to other regional cities.As you stroll through both areas of Zagreb, you'll learn interesting facts and stories about local history and culture. Some highlights include the Gothic cathedral, Dolac market beloved by local shoppers, the medieval St. Mark’s Church, and the House of Parliament. You'll also enjoy the Stone Doors, Croatian National Theater, Zrinjevac Park, and, of course, Ban Jelacic Square, the heart of the city. For a break from sightseeing, stop at the popular restaurant La Struk for traditional strukli. It's a one-of-a-kind cafe that only serves this traditional Croatian specialty.Read more about unique experiences in Zagreb.
4.5 hours
·
Private group
Many European cities have castles, but not all sit atop a forested hill surrounded by hiking trails and a dense nature park. Well, Zagreb is one of them! For lovers of hiking, mountain biking, or the outdoors, you can enjoy a moderate trek through the Medvednica Nature Park to Medvedgrad, one of the best-kept secrets of Zagreb.The name Medvednica roughly translates to "bear mountain," and it's set just north of Zagreb. Medvednica is the mountain range and park, whereas Medvedgrad is the castle. The range's highest peak is Sljeme, which stands over 3,000 feet (1,033 m). The area is a unique example of an almost fully preserved natural environment just out the back door of a large city!Follow a picturesque 2-mile (3.2-km) hiking trail called Miroslavec. This path takes you through the woods and alongside a babbling stream, ending at Kraljičin zdenac (Queen's Well). Rest along Kraljevec Stream next to its small pond, and then continue just a few more minutes to the castle.The 13th-century fortress was built after the Tartar invasion. Medieval Medvedgrad was arranged for nobility and heavily fortified with double walls, moats, and guard towers. It also had water tanks, a chapel, and two palaces. While walking through the castle ruins, you'll listen to the story of the legendary Black Queen, as told by your guide. Then, see the eternal flames of the Homeland Altar and take beautiful panoramic photographs of Zagreb.Discover other interesting excursions in and around Zagreb.
4 hours
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Private group
One perk of Zagreb's relatively small size (at least for a European capital) is the peaceful countryside making up its surroundings. With rolling hills and valleys, you can explore some of the rural villages just outside the capital and get a taste of traditional life. Along the way, stop to visit a family-owned farm and eatery. Here, you can indulge in some of the area’s beloved local specialties, such as roasted duck with mlinci, a traditional flatbread, or wild boar ragu. Before or after your meal, enjoy a wine tasting with the owner of the restaurant and sample some unique varietals from the area. The entire country of Croatia is covered in wine regions, and Zagreb County alone hosts three distinct ones: Samobor, Plešivica, and Sveti Ivan Zelina. Thanks to the area's gentle slopes, you can taste favorite indigenous grapes like Graševina and Škrlet, or other popular choices like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.If you're traveling with your family, kids love learning about traditional farming techniques, sipping on juice, and seeing the animals!Discover more interesting family experiences in Croatia and excursions in and around Zagreb.
Veliki Tabor Castle in the rollings hills of Zagorje county
6 hours
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Private group
Just a few miles northwest of Zagreb lies Zagorje, a bucolic hilly region dotted with Renaissance and medieval fortresses, numerous baroque castles, and family-run vineyards and farms. It's a memorable, romantic landscape that will take you back in time to a sense of both the aristocratic past and the rural traditional way of life that still exists in Croatia today. A quick day trip from Zagreb allows you to immerse yourself in this beautiful region.First, find your way to Trakošćan Castle, an excellent example of one of a storybook locale, as it sits perched on a hill adjacent to a glassy lake. The castle, a historic landmark, was built in the 14th century as a defensive fortress but was later used as a home for aristocratic Croatian families. Enjoy exploring the castle grounds and interiors, including four floors that function as a museum with permanent exhibitions. Afterward, visit Veliki Tabor Castle, located just southwest of Trakošćan. This gothic-renaissance castle dates to the 16th century and sits atop a green hill overlooking the fertile countryside. It was originally built for a noble Hungarian family, its fortifications designed to defend against Turkish invaders. A tour of Veliki includes visits to the towers, guardhouses, inner courtyard, and a small museum featuring exhibitions of medieval artifacts like armor, weapons, and paintings. Apart from castles, explore nearby villages, like Kumrovec, where you'll find restored peasants' houses from the 19th...

Experiences in Zagreb, Croatia

Tour Croatia through its diverse culinary scene
Top Culinary Experiences in Croatia

Croatia's culinary traditions boast influences from many other cultures, including Italy, Austria, Hungary, and the Balkans. You'll find rich foods in the north, truffle-infused fare in Istria, and seafood along the coast. Zagreb is a haven for markets and contemporary cuisine, and distinct wine regions cover nearly the entire country. You can go truffle hunting, taste olive oils, or shuck oysters, all while sipping unique heritage wine varietals that thrive in Croatia's harsh soils.

Views of Dubrovnik
Top Historical Experiences in Croatia

Croatia is a prime spot for history buffs, with numerous cultural influences from centuries of various rulers and empires. In Zagreb, enjoy "mini Vienna" with grand Austro-Hungarian architecture and museums depicting life from the Bronze Age to the time of Yugoslavia. Head west to Istria for true Italian vibes, or venture south along the coast and visit some of Europe's most historical relics, including Diocletian's Palace in Split and the walled city of Dubrovnik. Even the islands host an abundance of unique rural history!

Istrian town of Motovun
Top Cultural Experiences in Croatia

Croatia's distinct shape, coastal location, and dynamic history have created a unique and diverse culture. So, whether you're hunting truffles in Istria's countryside with its Italian vibes or castle hopping near Zagreb with its Austro-Hungarian grandeur, there's an abundance of cultural activities to enjoy. Dive deep into the country's culture by meeting with the locals, taking day trips to smaller towns and cities, and eating traditional cuisine.

Croatia is a wonderful destination for families
Top Family Experiences in Croatia

Croatia is a family- and kid-friendly destination, filled with hiking, paddleboarding, castle hunting, and plenty of beach time. The country's culture works well for families of any age, as it's slow-paced with tasty cuisine and activities that you can adapt to your interest. Discover waterfalls in national parks, go truffle hunting in Istria, or explore one of the numerous islands that dot the Croatian coastline. End each day with ice cream and a sunset.

Looking to Zagreb's Hilly Old Town
Best Things to Do in Zagreb

Many travelers skip Croatia's vibrant, youthful capital in favor of the coast, but Zagreb perfectly complements any Croatian itinerary. With grandiose Austro-Hungarian architecture, a never-ending calendar of festivals and events, the best coffee scene in the country, and nearby hiking and skiing, there's plenty to see and do in buzzy, authentic Zagreb.

Learn more about Zagreb : Best of Zagreb · Top Hotels in Zagreb
Top experiences in popular travel destinations in Croatia: Split · Dubrovnik · Hvar · Trogir · Zadar · Hvar Island · Korčula · Istria · Plitvice Lakes · Brač Island · Rovinj · Vis Island · Motovun
Top experiences in Croatia