Witches & Whispers: Zagreb’s Upper Town Tales

Step into a storybook version of Zagreb where history, mystery, and legend come alive. Led by a costumed guide, this immersive walking tour reveals the secrets of the city’s Upper Town through the eyes of outspoken women, forgotten witches, and scandalous nobles. You won’t just see landmarks, you’ll feel their stories come alive in the very streets they once haunted. From ancient fountains to noble palaces, the tour blends theatrical storytelling with historical depth, making it ideal for curious minds, culture lovers, and travelers seeking more than just a checklist of sights. Optional tasting at House of Spirits offers a charming way to close your evening—if you dare.

1. 1

   Mandusevac Fountain

   15 min

   According to legend, a weary soldier and a kind girl named Manda gave Zagreb its name. This centuries-old spring reminds us how stories, not just stones, shape cities.

2. 2

   Cathedral of Zagreb

   15 min

   Towering over Kaptol, the Cathedral is both a spiritual and historical symbol. You’ll hear of life on the Bishop’s Court, Ottoman invasions, restorations, and the power this sacred place held over the city’s fate.

3. 3

   Dolac Market

   15 min

   Zagreb’s bustling open-air market is where fresh produce and lively chatter fill the air, but beneath it lies a deeper rhythm of tradition, community, and power.

4. 4

   Krvavi Most

   15 min

   No blood today, no bridge either, but the street named "Bloody Bridge" still holds plenty of old drama. Once the scene of fierce clashes between Kaptol clergy and Gradec citizens, this narrow street still whispers of rivalries long buried.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   15 min

   The only surviving gate into medieval Gradec. A fire, a painting, and a miracle transformed this archway into a sanctuary. Locals still stop to light candles and murmur wishes into the bricks.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   15 min

   One of the oldest pharmacies in Zagreb and a place tied to the city’s darker chapters: herbal lore, folk medicine, and whispered tales of witches.

7. 7

   St. Mark's Church

   15 min

   With its colourful tiled roof, St. Mark’s is more than a photo spot. Learn about the city’s political heart, secret meetings, and the women who watched history unfold from the shadows.

8. 8

   Lotrscak Tower

   15 min

   Each day at noon, this tower fires a cannon. But what else echoes through its stone? Hear about the ghosts said to roam here, and how sound was once used to unite a city. Note: If you’d like to experience the famous cannon shot, make sure to book the morning tour.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   10 min

   This elegant palace once echoed with secrets of Zagreb's nobility. At Zrinski Palace, you’ll hear tales of aristocratic scandals, forbidden romances, and the unspoken rules of high society that often clashed with passion.

10. 10

    Croatian History Museum (Hrvatski Povijesni Muzej)

    10 min

    The Vojković-Oršić-Kulmer-Rauch Palace (today: Croatian History Museum) tells the story of a nobleman who rose through society by marrying well — a true tale that later inspired the famous Witch of Grič novels. Power, ambition, and fiction intertwine behind its grand façade.

11. 11

    Stop 11

    10 min

    Here was the city’s first public theatre with a real stage and balcony boxes. It was here that Zagreb’s cultural identity took its bow, in front of candlelight and curious eyes.

12. 12

    Stop 12

    15 min

    The oldest tavern still operating in Zagreb, a cozy nook that has seen poets, rebels, and everyday people gather under its creaky beams for over a century.

13. 13

    Radiceva

    15 min

    The tour concludes in this charming street close to the city center, making it easy to continue exploring. Optionally, visit the nearby House of Spirits for a tasting experience that lingers on the tongue — just like our stories.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• The funicular is closed for renovation until March 2026.
• If you’d like to experience the famous Grič cannon firing, make sure to book the morning tour.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.