Zagreb in Ink and Coffee: A Feminist Café Chronicle

Zagreb in Ink and Coffee: A Feminist Café Chronicle

By Tales & Spirits of Old Zagreb

Free cancellation available

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Features

Free cancellation available
3h
Mobile voucher
Instant confirmation
Multiple languages

Overview

What sets this tour apart is its unique blend of history, literature, and culture seen through the eyes of Croatia’s pioneering female journalist, Marija Jurić Zagorka. Unlike typical city tours, this experience brings Zagreb’s streets and cafés to life with stories of courage, feminism, and creativity — all narrated by a guide costumed as Zagorka herself. You’ll explore iconic outdoor locations tied to her life and work, discover hidden gems of the city’s café culture, and gain fresh perspectives on Zagreb’s social history. Perfect for literature lovers, history buffs, and anyone curious about the vibrant role of women in shaping a city’s identity.

Activity location

King Tomislav Square
- Trg Kralja Tomislava,
- 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

Meeting/Redemption Point

Trg Kralja Tomislava 1
- 1 Trg Kralja Tomislava
- 10000, Zagreb, Grad Zagreb, Croatia

Check availability

Zagreb in Ink and Coffee: A Feminist Café Chronicle

3h
English

Travellers

Languages available

Starting time

Price details

RM 172.38 x 1 AdultRM 172.38

Total

What's included, what's not

Small group experience for personalized attention and engaging discussions
Storytelling about Zagorka’s life, work, and the city’s culture in the 19th and early 20th centuries
Recommendations for further exploration
Guided walking tour through Zagreb’s Lower Town with a costumed guide
Enjoy a guided tasting of traditional Croatian liqueurs in an atmospheric local distillery. Reservation required; more details provided upon booking.
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Optional and appreciated

Know before you book

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

King Tomislav Square

Our journey begins at this iconic square, dominated by the grand statue of King Tomislav, Croatia’s first king. This bustling gateway to Zagreb’s Lower Town sets the scene for the tour — a place where history meets everyday city life, and where Zagorka’s story begins to unfold.

Strossmayer Square

A charming green oasis in the city, Strossmayer Square is named after the famous bishop and patron of Croatian culture, Josip Juraj Strossmayer. His residence was a cultural hub even in Zagorka’s time, a place where artists, writers, and thinkers mingled — the perfect backdrop to discuss Zagreb’s vibrant intellectual scene.

Zrinjevac

Standing outside the historic Kavana Zagreb near Zrinjevac Park, we explore its significance as a center of literary and social life. Though we remain outdoors, this café’s legacy as a meeting place for writers and revolutionaries, including Zagorka’s circle, comes alive through stories shared on the spot.

Masarykova ulica

Named after the first president of Czechoslovakia, Masarykova Street is a bustling artery of the Lower Town. Here, the rhythm of daily Zagreb life pulses through shops, theatres, and cafés — the very environment that inspired Zagorka’s vivid portrayals of urban society.

Gundulićeva ulica

At the site of the former editorial office of Obzor newspaper — where Marija Jurić Zagorka worked as a journalist — we reflect on her pioneering role in Croatian media and the power of the press in shaping social change. The stories told here resonate with the spirit of a woman who used her pen to challenge norms.

Varšavska ulica

Varšavska Street marks the transition from the hustle of the Lower Town to the quieter residential quarters. This area reflects the social contrasts of Zagreb in Zagorka’s era — a backdrop for many stories of ordinary people, their struggles, and aspirations. It was here that the headquarters of Ženski list were located, founded and edited by Marija Jurić Zagorka from 1925 to 1938. Through this pioneering publication, Zagorka gave voice to women’s issues, education, and rights in a time when such topics were rarely discussed publicly.

Ilica

Café Corso was a beloved institution, known for its elegant atmosphere and as a rendezvous for the city’s progressive thinkers. Located at the corner of Ilica and Gundulićeva Street, it was a place where ideas flowed as freely as coffee. Marija Jurić Zagorka was among its frequent guests, joining writers and journalists in spirited conversation. Here, we delve into the café culture that brewed not only beverages, but bold visions of change, equality, and expression.

Ban Josip Jelacic Square

Near the former site of Velika Kavana (Grand Café), we pause in quiet reflection on the stories and lives that once filled this legendary place. Though the café itself no longer stands, its spirit lingers here — a reminder of Zagreb’s rich cultural past and the voices that shaped it. This spot offers a poignant finale to our journey through the city, seen through the eyes of its first female journalist, honoring the timeless power of storytelling, resilience, and community.

Radiceva

Optional Finale: Liqueur Tasting at House of Spirits As an optional conclusion to the tour, guests are invited to enjoy a guided liqueur tasting at House of Spirits, a boutique distillery near the city center. In the spirit of Zagreb’s café culture and Zagorka’s richly woven stories, this tasting offers a sensory experience of traditional Croatian liqueurs — from herbal to fruit-infused blends. It’s a relaxed, flavorful way to toast to strong women, bold words, and a city full of character.

Location

Activity location

King Tomislav Square
- Trg Kralja Tomislava,
- 10000, Zagreb, Croatia

Meeting/Redemption Point

Trg Kralja Tomislava 1
- 1 Trg Kralja Tomislava
- 10000, Zagreb, Grad Zagreb, Croatia

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