Walking Old Towns in Zagreb, Split, Zadar
Croatia’s old towns are compact and best covered on foot. The routes below can all be walked without a guide, and guided walks exist in the larger cities. Prices are in euros, and opening hours change with the season, so check them before you set out.
Zagreb Upper Town
Start at the foot of the 66 m funicular, which costs EUR 0.66 each way and runs every 10 minutes from 06:30 to 22:00. At the top, the Lotrščak Tower stands over the old walls, and a cannon is reportedly fired from it at noon, which is worth checking. Continue to St Mark’s Church, whose tiled roof shows the coats of arms, then the Stone Gate, and walk down through the Dolac market to Ban Jelačić Square. A Zagreb ZET day ticket costs EUR 3.98, and a 60-minute ticket is EUR 0.93. See the infozagreb.hr funicular page .
Split: palace to Marjan
Walk through the Peristyle, along the Cardo and out through the Bronze Gate to the Riva promenade. From there, climb the Varoš stairs to the Marjan forest park and its First Belvedere (Prva vidilica) for views over Split, Brač and Šolta. The palace streets are free at all hours. Wear a shirt and covered footwear in town, because on-the-spot fines apply in Split and Dubrovnik for walking around in swimwear.
Zadar peninsula
The loop runs along the Venetian walls to the Roman Forum and the round church of St Donatus, which dates to the 9th century, then ends at the Sea Organ. Waves push air through 35 pipes under the waterfront steps, and Nikola Bašić’s Greeting to the Sun lies alongside. Both are free.
Rovinj
The old town sits on a former island, and the lanes lead up to the church of St Euphemia. The tower is about 60 m high, and a climb costs about EUR 3 to EUR 5, according to guides that differ. The church is a place of worship, so dress respectfully.
Dubrovnik: Stradun and the Walls
Enter by Pile Gate and walk the length of Stradun, also called Placa, past Onofrio’s Large Fountain, the Franciscan monastery with its pharmacy dating to 1317, Orlando’s Column and Sponza Palace. The Walls circuit is 1,940 m, costs about EUR 40 for adults and includes Fort Lovrijenac. Start at opening or in late afternoon to avoid the midday cruise-ship crowds. Wheeled bags are discouraged on the cobbles.
The Jesuit Stairs and other film locations feature on Game of Thrones walks, which cost roughly EUR 25 to EUR 38 per person, with prices that vary by operator. Local licensed guides run these walks. See the City Walls FAQ .
Tips for all routes
Wear shoes with grip, because the polished limestone paving can be slippery. Carry water in summer and start early, since the sun is hard on open squares. The bura can make high viewpoints unpleasant, so check meteo.hr . Guided walks are listed on GetYourGuide .
Read more: sightseeing in Croatia and the 2-day itinerary .