Grič Tunnel: Zagreb’s Underground Shortcut (and Event Space)

Grič Tunnel (Tunel Grič) is one of those Zagreb places that doesn’t sound exciting until you do it — then you realize it’s a perfectly Zagreb kind of attraction: practical, slightly strange, and unexpectedly atmospheric.

It’s a pedestrian tunnel beneath the historic Grič/Upper Town area. Built during World War II as a shelter, it later fell into disuse and was renovated and reopened to the public in 2016.

• A rain or heat escape: it’s a comfortable “reset” when weather turns.
• A shortcut that actually saves effort: it links streets you’d otherwise connect via stairs and slopes.
• A “bonus attraction” that pairs easily with Upper Town highlights and viewpoint walks.
• An event venue: when there’s an exhibition or pop-up, it becomes a real plan, not just a pass-through.

The tunnel is accessible from multiple points. Visit Zagreb lists entrances at Mesnička Street, Radićeva 19, Art Park (two entrances), and Ilica — which makes it easy to use whichever side of the center you’re on.

• Mesnička entrance: perfect if you’re already on the Upper Town / Strossmayer Promenade side.
• Ilica entrance: easiest from the city-center shopping street.
• Radićeva 19 entrance: convenient if you’re coming from the Stone Gate / Kaptol direction.
• Art Park entrances: handy when you’re near Tomićeva and want a quick cut-through.

1. Start: Ban Jelačić Square → walk toward Ilica.
2. Enter the tunnel from Ilica → walk through to Mesnička.
3. Walk up to Strossmayer Promenade for a viewpoint pause.
4. Continue to St. Mark’s Square → Stone Gate → back down to the center.

• Treat it as a “bonus layer” of the city, not a headline attraction.
• If you’re claustrophobic, skip it — it’s not worth the discomfort.
• If it’s hot outside, use the tunnel as the mid-day reset between walks.
• If it’s quiet, notice the scale and the “city infrastructure” feel; if it’s busy, treat it like a quick pass-through.