Zagreb Old Town Walking Tour: Kaptol and Grič
Introduction to Zagreb—its history and culture through its two medieval towns: we start at Ban Jelačić Square and climb the hills of Kaptol and Grič (Gradec), tracing their old rivalry at Bloody Bridge and visiting key sights such as the Stone Gate, St. Mark’s Church, Lotrščak Tower, Dolac Market, and the Cathedral.

Basic Information
Total time
2h
Language
English, Spanish (check the calendar for availability)
Price
„Pay what you wish” tours do not have a fixed price. It is up to you to evaluate your guide’s work and reward it. Some people give 10€, others 50€ depending on their satisfaction and abilities.
Meeting point
Horseman statue, Ban Jelačić Square Nearest public transport: Trg bana Josipa Jelačića tram stop; Zrinjevac tram stop
Additional info
☂︎ This tour is organised by Free Spirit Tours guides. Look for the guide with the orange umbrella.
Booking rules
Booking is obligatory. Our pay as you wish tours are designed for individual travellers and small groups. We don’t accept parties of more than 5 people on them. If you travel in a party of 6 or more (school groups, bigger groups of friends etc.), please book a Private Tour. For more information on the latter, please contact us.
About the tour
Zagreb is everything that … one does not associate with Croatia. Instead of a typical Dalmatian town with white stone houses set against an azure sea and Mediterranean climate, we get a large European city vibrating with culture. 1,000 years of history, two mediaeval old towns, city walls built in fear of Turkish invasion, Baroque villas of the local socialite and a modernly designed 19th century centre. And to top it all off, museums that other metropolises can only envy. For where else will you find such unusual museums as the Hangover Museum, the Mushroom Museum or the now legendary Museum of Broken Relationships? All this would be enough to visit Zagreb, but it doesn’t end there! Croatia’s capital is also home to a great food scene and restaurants, locally loved cafes and fascinating nightlife. Zagreb is definitely a place worth visiting all year round, not just in summer!
Our tour will start at Ban Jelacic Square, from where we will start climbing the two historic hills of Kaptol and Grič. They were once occupied by rival cities, one secular, the other ruled by the clergy of the local cathedral. At the Bloody Bridge, we’ll talk about the conflict between the two and their eventual merger into one Croatian capital. We’ll see the most popular (especially at night!) street, the local market – one of the most photogenic places in the city, and the most important temples, including Zagreb’s icon, the charming 14th century St. Mark’s Church with its colourful roof. A decent dose of historical knowledge awaits you as well, starting from the time when the Slavs arrived in the area, through the period when these lands were ruled by Emperor Franz Joseph until the moment Croatia became part of federated Yugoslavia. Ready for a walk? Great, Zagreb is a city just made to be discovered on foot!
Highlights
- 1
Ban Jelačić Square
Zagreb's central square and the main meeting point, where the tour of the city begins.
- 2
Kaptol and Grič
The two rival medieval hills that eventually merged to become the Croatian capital.
- 3
St. Mark's Church
A 14th-century church famous for its unique, colourful tiled roof depicting coats of arms.
- 4
Bloody Bridge
A historic street named after the conflict between the rival towns of Kaptol and Grič.
- 5
Tkalčićeva Street
A vibrant and charming street in the city centre, lined with popular cafes and bars.
- 6
Dolac Market
A photogenic farmer's market, famously known as the "Belly of Zagreb" for its fresh produce.
- 7
Zagreb Cathedral
The city's monumental Gothic cathedral, a key symbol of Zagreb and the tallest building in Croatia.
Map
Horseman statue, Ban Jelačić Square Nearest public transport: Trg bana Josipa Jelačića tram stop; Zrinjevac tram stop