Zagreb: City and WWII Tunnels Walking Tour

Exploring a city like Zagreb through a guided walking tour offers a wonderful mix of history, culture, and local flavor. While I haven’t personally taken this particular tour, reviews and detailed summaries paint a clear picture of what travelers can expect—a rich blend of landmarks, underground history, and panoramic vistas.

What stands out most? The tour’s affordability at just $19 per person, the highly praised guides like Iva and Marko, and the chance to see unique sites like WWII tunnels and the smallest funicular in the world. But a note of caution: the funicular is closed for renovation until 2026, so you’ll want to check current operational status before booking.

This experience aligns best with travelers who love walking through city streets, enjoy learning about history with engaging storytelling, and want to capture stunning views without breaking the bank. If you’re seeking a comprehensive introduction to Zagreb’s highlights, this tour looks like a solid choice.

Good To Know

• Affordable Price for a Full Experience: At $19, this tour offers excellent value, covering major sights, tunnels, and panoramic views.
• Highly Rated Guides: Guides like Iva, Robert, Marco, and Lucia consistently receive praise for their knowledge and humor.
• Rich Local Insights: Expect stories about Zagreb’s past, Cold War history, WWII tunnels, and current-day culture.
• Beautiful Panoramic Views: The ascent to Gri hill provides photo-worthy vistas of the city.
• Underground History: The WWII tunnels offer a rare glimpse into Zagreb’s more recent history, including underground hospitals.
• Weather-Resilient: The tour runs in all weather, making it suitable for any trip season.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour kicks off at the Meteorological station in front of Zagreb’s Zrinjevac Park—a prime spot for photos and a perfect warm-up to the city’s vibe. This lush, green park offers a lively atmosphere and is easily accessible, making it a convenient starting point. From there, you walk through Bogovićeva street, known for its bustling cafes and lively atmosphere. This area is great for grabbing a quick coffee or snack afterward, and the street itself gives a taste of Zagreb’s modern-day social scene.

Exploring the City Center Highlights

Next, your guide will lead you across Ban Jelačić Square, the heart of Zagreb, bustling with locals and performers. It’s a lively spot that captures the city’s energy. From there, you’ll visit the Zagreb Cathedral, a striking example of Gothic architecture. Reviewers mention that guides like Robert make these landmarks come alive through humor and storytelling, transforming what might be just another church into a vivid part of your trip.

Walking through Dolac Farmers Market is a highlight—you’re immersed in local life, with vendors selling fresh produce, cheese, and traditional goods. Many reviews highlight how guides bring these places to life, sharing stories about Zagreb’s culture and food traditions.

WWII Tunnels and Underground History

A key feature of this tour is the visit to WWII tunnels, which provide a fascinating look into the city’s more recent, clandestine history. As one reviewer pointed out, it’s “a good respite from the heat” and offers a glimpse into how Zagreb functioned during wartime, including underground hospitals and bunkers. Notably, the tunnels are a significant draw, with many reviewers praising the detailed explanations and stories shared by the guides.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Funicular and Gri Hill

Although the funicular ride is currently unavailable due to renovations until 2026, the tour typically includes this charming ride, which is known as the smallest funicular in the world. When operational, it offers a short, scenic trip up Gri hill, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Zagreb. Many travelers mention that the ascent to Gri Hill is a highlight, especially for capturing photos of the city and enjoying a moment of peaceful elevation after walking through busy streets.

The Upper Town and Tkaljeva Street

From Gri Hill, you’ll descend into Gradec, the upper town, with its cobblestone streets and historic charm. It’s a perfect place for a leisurely walk, and reviewers love the chance to see Zagreb’s medieval side. Tkaljeva Street, famous for its bars and vibrant nightlife, offers a lively end to the tour where you can decide to relax with a drink or snack.

Ending Back at Ban Jelačić Square

The tour concludes back at the starting point, ensuring a natural wrap-up where you can further explore or plan your next stop. It’s a well-paced journey that packs in the city’s main sights, history, and views in just a few hours.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Multiple reviewers have expressed high praise for the guides, highlighting their knowledge, humor, and ability to make Zagreb’s stories engaging. Iva, Lucia, Robert, and Marco all get shout-outs for their passion and ability to respond to questions—adding a personal touch to the experience.

The tunnels and cold war history seem to be a standout, with one reviewer describing the underground hospital as “unbelievable,” highlighting the tour’s ability to surprise and educate. The panoramic views from Gri hill receive glowing comments, with travelers noting how useful it is for getting a sense of Zagreb’s layout and beauty.

Travelers also appreciate the value for money—at just $19, the tour combines major sights, underground history, and scenic vistas into a compact, well-organized experience. The small group size and knowledgeable guides make it feel personalized, rather than rushed or impersonal.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Since the tour runs in all weather conditions, dress appropriately—comfortable shoes, weather-proof gear if needed.
• Check the operational status of the WWII tunnels and funicular before booking, as some parts may be closed for maintenance.
• Food and drinks are not included, so plan to grab a snack or coffee along the route or afterward.
• The tour is conducted in English, making it accessible for international visitors.
• For those with mobility issues, note that there’s some walking and elevation gain, especially when heading up Gri Hill.
• Booking flexibility is available, with the option to reserve now and pay later or cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a well-rounded introduction to Zagreb’s highlights, including its history, architecture, and scenic views. History buffs will appreciate the underground WWII tunnels and Cold War stories, while casual travelers will enjoy the lively city atmosphere and great photo opportunities.

It suits those who prefer a manageable walking pace but still want a rundown, especially since guides appear adept at engaging diverse groups. Budget-conscious travelers will find the price very reasonable given the depth of content and expert guides.

If you’re after a blend of history, culture, and fantastic views, this tour checks all those boxes — perfect for a relaxed yet insightful exploration.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all weather conditions?
Yes, the tour operates regardless of weather, so you can plan with confidence no matter the forecast.

What is included in the price?
You get a guided walking tour of Zagreb’s main sights, entry to WWII tunnels, and a ticket for the funicular when it’s operating.

Will I see panoramic views of the city?
Absolutely. The ascent to Gri Hill offers stunning views that are perfect for photos and getting a sense of Zagreb’s layout.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
While the tour is generally accessible, some walking and hill climbs are involved, so consider your mobility before booking.

What are the main highlights I will visit?
Expect to see Zrinjevac Park, Ban Jelačić Square, Zagreb Cathedral, Dolac Market, WWII tunnels, Gri Hill, Gradec (Upper Town), and Tkaljeva Street.

Is there free time during or after the tour?
Yes, the tour ends in Ban Jelačić Square, giving you flexibility to explore more or grab a bite.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is in English, suitable for international travelers.

This Zagreb walking tour offers an enriching look at the city’s most iconic sights combined with rare underground WWII history. With highly praised guides, stunning viewpoints, and excellent value, it’s an ideal way to orient yourself in Zagreb and learn about its past and present.

Perfect for history enthusiasts, first-time visitors, or anyone wanting a comprehensive yet relaxed exploration of Croatia’s capital, this tour delivers both educational value and memorable moments.

If you’re aiming to see Zagreb’s highlights without a hefty price tag, and enjoy stories told with humor and passion, this tour is definitely worth considering. Just remember to verify the tunnel and funicular availability before booking to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Happy exploring!

You can check if your dates are available here: