Zagreb: Walking Tour with Upper Town, Dolac Market & Funicular

Summary

Upper Town tales, Dolac Market scents, funicular rides & city secrets

You’ll wander Zagreb’s parks and squares with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Taste fresh cheese at Dolac Market, walk through WWII tunnels beneath Grič Hill, and catch panoramic views from Upper Town. Expect laughter, history, maybe even new friends — plus enough confidence to explore Zagreb on your own afterwards.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound of gravel under my shoes in Zrinjevac Park — chestnut trees overhead, sunlight flickering through their leaves like someone playing with a dimmer switch. Our guide, Maja, waved us over by the old music pavilion and asked where we were from. She had this way of making you feel like you’d known her for ages. There was a group of older men on a bench arguing about football (I think?), and pigeons strutting around like they owned the place. It felt so local that I almost forgot we were about to start a walking tour of Zagreb.

We zigzagged through Bogovićeva street — people everywhere, clinking coffee cups and laughing in that easy Croatian way. Ban Jelačić Square opened up in front of us all at once, noisy and bright. Maja pointed out the statue (the horse faces north for a reason, apparently), but I got distracted by the smell of fresh bread drifting from somewhere nearby. The cathedral was next — impossibly tall, stone cool to the touch if you sneak your hand along the wall when no one’s looking. At Dolac Market I tried to pronounce “sir i vrhnje” (cheese and cream) and totally failed; one vendor just grinned and handed me a sample anyway. It tasted like summer picnics.

The Grič Tunnel surprised me — cool air rushing past as we walked through its echoey length. It’s wild thinking this used to be for wartime shelter; now it’s just another shortcut between neighborhoods. We didn’t get to ride the funicular (it’s closed till 2026), but Maja told stories about how locals use it for lazy days or quick dates up to Upper Town. Lotrščak Tower loomed above us; she explained about the noon cannon blast that still startles everyone downtown if you’re not ready for it.

Upper Town itself felt like stepping into another century — cobbles underfoot, St. Mark’s Church with its patchwork roof shining in the sun. We wandered past government buildings and tiny museums (the Museum of Broken Relationships is real — I laughed at some of the exhibits). At Stone Gate I stopped for a second just to breathe in candle wax and incense; people were pausing there to make wishes or prayers on their way home. We ended up back on Tkalčićeva street where everything spills out onto terraces: locals talking fast, glasses clinking again, someone playing guitar badly but with heart. I still think about that view from Upper Town down over Zagreb’s rooftops — kind of makes you want to stay longer than you planned.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Walking tour of Zagreb highlights

• Start at Zrinjevac Park
• Walk Bogovićeva street bars
• Visit Ban Jelacic Square
• See Zagreb Cathedral
• Explore Dolac Market
• Pass through Gric Tunnel
• Ride funicular to Upper Town
• Visit Lotrscak Tower
• Enjoy panoramic views in Upper Town
• Walk through Stone Gate
• Descend to Tkalčićeva street

Top questions

How long does this walking tour of Zagreb take?

The tour covers main sites in central Zagreb over several hours; exact duration may vary depending on group pace.

Is hotel pickup included for this Zagreb walking tour?

No hotel pickup is included; tours meet at Zrinjevac Park in central Zagreb.

Will we visit both Upper Town and Lower Town on this tour?

Yes, you’ll explore both Upper Town (Gornji Grad) and Lower Town areas during the walking tour.

Is the funicular ride included in the price?

The ticket is usually included if operating; currently it’s closed for renovation until March 2026.

What are some highlights visited on this day trip?

You’ll see Zrinjevac Park, Ban Jelačić Square, Zagreb Cathedral, Dolac Market, Grič Tunnel, Lotrščak Tower, Stone Gate, Tkalčićeva street and more.

Are there food tastings during the tour?

You can sample local products at Dolac Market but formal tastings aren’t guaranteed or included in price.

Is this walking tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes; it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels though there are some uphill sections in Upper Town.

Are service animals allowed on this Zagreb city tour?

Yes; service animals are allowed during the walking tour.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walking tour led by a licensed local expert through both Upper and Lower Towns of Zagreb; entry fees where needed; plus a ticket for the historic funicular ride if it’s operating (currently closed until March 2026). All main attractions are within easy reach by foot or public transport nearby.