Zagreb has a WWII secret underground. This 2.5-hour walking tour strings together Zagreb’s big sights—parks, squares, and the Upper and Lower Town—with a walk through WWII tunnels and panoramic stops on Grič Hill.

I especially like how the route gives you instant orientation: you start in Zrinjevac Park, then move through the postcard stops toward Gradec. And I really enjoy the human factor—guides like Marko, Iva, Lucy, and Robert show up with strong, easy-to-follow commentary and lots of practical tips, from what to look at to where to grab a bite afterward.

One key consideration: the funicular is closed for renovation until March 2026, and the tunnels/funicular may not run on certain dates. That can change the exact payoff of the Grič Hill ride if you’re visiting in that window.

Key highlights to expect

• Zrinjevac Park as a fun photo-and-orientation start point
• Bogovićeva Street and Tkalčićeva Street for a feel of Zagreb’s bar-and-restaurant areas
• WWII-era tunnels as the tour’s most distinctive, hands-on stop
• Grič Hill / Gradec viewpoints for that classic “I get this city” moment
• Key Old Town landmarks on the walk: Zagreb Cathedral, Lotrščak Tower, St. Mark’s Church, Stone Gate
• A short funicular segment when it’s operating (not guaranteed during renovations)

Starting at Zrinjevac Park: Zagreb’s easy first impression

If you’re new to Zagreb, this tour gives you a clean way to start: you meet near the Meteorological station at Trg Nikole Zrinskog 2. From there, the first real stop is Zrinjevac Park, which is ideal for a quick reset and a few good selfies before you hit the streets.

I like park-start tours because your brain stops fighting the city’s layout. You get a sense of direction, and then the walk naturally flows into the more historic core. It also helps that you’re moving right away, not spending an hour “reading” your first map.

Bogovićeva Street to Ban Jelačić Square: the city center rhythm

After Zrinjevac, you’ll head to Bogovićeva ulica, a street known for bars and restaurants. This is more than a marketing stop. It’s where you start picking up Zagreb’s day-to-day vibe—cafés nearby, people out and about, and a practical sense of where you might want dinner later.

Then you cross through Ban Jelačić Square, a central anchor that’s perfect for orienting your photos and your bearings. The tour keeps pausing at the major “you can’t miss this” spots, which is great if your priority is to see a lot without turning the day into a scavenger hunt.

Zagreb Cathedral and Dolac Market: mixing landmark Zagreb with real life

Next comes the Zagreb Cathedral. On a walking tour, cathedrals work like visual GPS: even if you don’t memorize every detail, you instantly understand where you are in the story of the city. Your guide’s job here is to connect the dots—how each stop fits the larger picture of Zagreb’s layout and past.

After that, you reach Dolac Farmers Market. Even if you don’t plan to shop, the value is in the contrast. You go from formal landmark architecture to a market atmosphere that feels more everyday. It’s also an effective emotional shift right before the tour’s heavier WWII stop, because you’re not just marching from history to history—you’re moving through the city as people actually experience it.

WWII tunnels: the moment the tour turns memorable

This is the part that makes the whole experience different from a basic highlights loop: the WWII tunnels. The format is simple: you walk through the tunnels leftover from WWII and your licensed guide fills in the context as you go.

Why this works for you: tunnels aren’t a “look at it from outside” attraction. They force a slower pace and a different kind of attention. You also get a break from the bright street view, which makes the rest of the tour feel more vivid once you’re back above ground.

Important reality check: the tunnels and the funicular do not operate on certain dates, and they may be affected by ongoing closures. If the tunnels are closed during your visit, you’ll likely still get the storytelling value, but the hands-on impact won’t be the same.

Grič Hill and the smallest funicular: views, even if the ride changes

One of the tour’s stated highlights is the chance to take a ride on the smallest funicular in the world. You’ll get a small rest and then move toward the top of Grič Hill, where the Gradec area opens up for panoramic views.

Now for the big planning note: the funicular is closed for renovation until March 2026. So depending on when you go, you might not get this exact segment. Still, the tour’s structure is built around the payoff—getting you up to the viewpoint side of the city so you can see Zagreb laid out in your mind.

If you’re visiting during the closure period, I’d treat this section as a “views-orientation” moment first, and the ride itself as a bonus if it happens to be running. That way the day stays satisfying instead of feeling like it’s missing one piece.

Gradec down to St. Mark’s Church and the Stone Gate

Once you’re at Gradec (the upper town area), the tour moves from viewpoint mode into classic Old Town walking. The itinerary includes several signature stops:

• Lotrščak Tower
• St. Mark’s Church
• Stone Gate

These are the kinds of spots that work especially well on a guided loop. Even without turning this into a museum day, your guide can point out how the buildings and street pinch points shape how you move through the city. The best part is that you don’t need to “figure it out” alone. Your guide’s pacing keeps you from skipping key corners.

From a practical travel-writer angle, these stops matter because they give you reference points. Later, when you’re wandering on your own, you’ll recognize where you are. You’ll stop feeling like you’re walking in circles and start feeling like you’re navigating.

Tkalčićeva Street finish: where to refuel after history

After the Upper Town sights, you descend to Tkalčićeva Street, another area known for bars and restaurants. This is a smart place to end the “official” touring feel, because it gives you immediate options for a snack or drink without backtracking through the thickest parts of the walk.

The tour finishes back at the meeting point. In other words, you’re not left stranded miles away from where you started. That matters in Zagreb because the Old Town is best explored in manageable chunks, not as an all-day hike with no plan.

Price and value: what $23 buys you in Zagreb time

At $23 per person, this tour is priced like a value-first city orientation. You’re paying for three things that normally cost extra in time and hassle:

• a licensed guide delivering English commentary,
• a structured route through the Upper and Lower Town highlights,
• and (when operating) a funicular ticket included.

The real question is whether the WWII tunnels and the viewpoint stop are operating during your dates. If they are, this tour becomes a high-impact combo: landmark Zagreb plus a truly distinctive subterranean stop, all in about 2.5 hours.

If the funicular isn’t running, the cost still makes sense for the walking orientation plus the WWII tunnels segment. But if you were specifically chasing that ride for the experience itself, do your homework before booking so you’re not stuck thinking about what didn’t happen.

Who should book this Zagreb walking tour?

I’d point you toward this tour if you want:

• an efficient way to get your bearings fast,
• a guided explanation that helps you make sense of Zagreb’s layout,
• a history stop that’s more hands-on than a quick street-corner glance.

I’d be a little more cautious if:

• you’re traveling during the funicular closure period and the ride is a must-have for you,
• or you’re expecting every stop to be open without disruption. The tunnels/funicular don’t operate on some dates, and closure effects can change what you physically experience.

The group-energy notes from guides are a plus. People repeatedly highlight guides like Marko for humor, quick responses to questions, and keeping everyone engaged. That’s the difference between “we walked past things” and “we understood what we saw.”

Should you book this Zagreb City and WWII Tunnels walking tour?

Yes—book it if you want a tight, guide-led overview of Zagreb that goes beyond the obvious squares. The WWII tunnels add real character, and the route through Zrinjevac Park, Bogovićeva Street, Ban Jelačić Square, Dolac Market, and the Upper Town landmarks gives you a satisfying first pass through both the everyday and the historic side of the city.

Just be smart about timing. Because the funicular is closed until March 2026 and both tunnels and funicular can be affected on certain dates, you should treat the ride as conditional and the guided walking route as the core value.

If you show up with that mindset, you’ll leave Zagreb feeling like you understand where everything sits—and you’ll have seen the tunnel part that most Zagreb self-guided days won’t replicate.

FAQ

How long is the Zagreb City and WWII Tunnels walking tour?

The tour lasts about 2.5 hours.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Trg Nikole Zrinskog 2, in front of the Meteorological station.

Is the tour guided in English and is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The tour is in English and it is wheelchair accessible.

What is included in the tour price?

You get a walking tour with a licensed guide. A ticket for the funicular ride is included when it’s operating.

Are the WWII tunnels and the funicular always open?

No. The WWII tunnels and the funicular do not operate on certain dates.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Yes. The tour operates in all weather conditions.

What is the cancellation policy and is pay later available?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. There is also a reserve now & pay later option so you can book without paying immediately.