Zagreb Food Tour: Old Town Walk & Croatian Wine Tastings

Summary

Wander Zagreb’s old streets tasting local recipes and stories

You’ll walk Zagreb’s old town with a local guide who shares stories behind every bite — from Istrian appetizers to market cheeses and regional wines. Taste warm homemade dishes, wander colorful streets, light a candle at Stone Gate, then finish with dessert as the city glows outside. You’ll leave with new flavors (and maybe some words) lingering long after.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to start my day in Zagreb thinking about cheese and rakija before noon, but that’s how this food tour began — right in Ban Jelačić Square, where everyone seems to be headed somewhere. Our guide, Ana, waved us over like we were old friends. She told us locals just call it “plac,” which made me feel like I was getting let in on something small but real. The city felt busy but not rushed; a little drizzle on the cobblestones made everything smell faintly of coffee and wet stone.

We wandered past the European Square (there was a tiny model of the city there — somehow cuter than expected) and then ducked into our first restaurant for an Istrian appetizer and some wine. I tried to pronounce “pašteta” properly — Ana grinned at my attempt, so maybe I wasn’t too far off? The cold dish tasted earthy and fresh at the same time. After that came Dolac Market: red umbrellas everywhere, vendors shouting prices for peppers and cherries. It’s loud in a good way. Someone handed me a slice of cheese with truffle oil — honestly, I’m still thinking about that taste.

Lunch was a warm Zagreb-style appetizer in a spot tucked away from the main street. The place smelled like roasted meat and bread. We walked along Tkalčićeva Street after — it’s full of color, chatter, people smoking outside cafés or laughing over coffee. There’s this mix of old shop signs and new boutiques that makes you want to stop every few meters just to look around. At Stone Gate, people lit candles quietly; it felt almost out of time compared to the rest of the city.

The cathedral’s spires looked even taller up close (I kind of craned my neck too much), and then we passed Saint Mark’s Square before heading for more food — this time a main dish from Zagorje. Ana told us stories about her grandmother making štrukli by hand; she even showed us photos on her phone while we ate. We squeezed through Grič Tunnel (it smells slightly damp and echoes when you talk) before ending with dessert at the last stop — they wouldn’t tell us what it was until it landed on the table with a glass of sweet wine.

I left full but also kind of grateful — not just for the food, but for all those little moments: truffle cheese at Dolac Market, candlelight flickering at Stone Gate, Ana’s laugh when someone mixed up “hvala” and “vala.” If you’re curious about Croatian food or just want to see Zagreb through someone else’s eyes (and stomach), this is one way to do it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zagreb food and city walking tour

• Start at Ban Jelačić Square
• Walk to European Square
• Taste Istrian cold appetizer and wine
• Visit Dolac Market
• Taste warm Zagreb appetizers
• Walk through Tkalčićeva street
• Visit the Stone Gates
• See Zagreb Cathedral
• Pass Saint Marks Square
• Pass Lotrščak Tower
• Pass Uspinjača stairs funicular
• Enjoy views at Strossmayer promenade
• Taste main dish at third restaurant
• Pass through Tunnel Grič
• Walk along Bloody Bridge street
• Taste regional dessert and wines

Top questions

How long does the Zagreb food tour last?

The tour covers several hours walking through old town Zagreb with multiple food stops along the way.

Is lunch included on this Zagreb food & walking tour?

Yes, you’ll have several tastings including appetizers, main dishes, dessert and regional wines during the tour.

Does the tour visit Dolac Market?

Yes, Dolac Market is one of the highlights where you’ll sample local produce and cheeses.

Are vegetarian options available?

Vegetarian menus are available if requested in advance; vegan options are not recommended.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide at Ban Jelačić Square in central Zagreb.

What languages does the guide speak?

The professional local guide leads tours in English (other languages may be available upon request).

Can children join this Zagreb food tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants can ride in strollers or prams.

Does this include wine tasting?

Yes, several Croatian wines are served during different stops along the route.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks through historic Zagreb neighborhoods with stops at four different restaurants for tastings of regional Croatian dishes—appetizers from Istria and Zagreb, a main course from Zagorje, dessert paired with sweet wine—as well as visits to Dolac Market for cheese sampling and rakija tasting along the way. A professional local guide leads throughout; vegetarian menus are available on request.