Dubrovnik City Walls Guide

To fully experience Dubrovnik, a walk along the famous City walls is an absolute must.

The almost 2 km long walls offer absolutely stunning views and fantastic photo opportunities. Trust us, the ticket price is more than worth the incredible experience! Why not to see the walls from see on this sea-kayak trip!

Why you need to walk along Dubrovnik City walls? First of all, walking along these massive walls that surrounds the entire Old Town is something you can rarely experience.

Plus, you'll see the city from completely different perspective and sneak into hidden streets and squares. Not to mention, you'll have a unique opportunity to capture stunning photos of the Old Town and Lokrum island.

👉 We've picked the best Dubrovnik activities for you!

A stunning view from the City walls to the city roofs and the island of Lokrum

This webpage contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Entrances to Dubrovnik City walls

Main entrance (Pile Gate)

Once you step onto Stradun from Pile Gate, you'll find main entrance to your left-handside, just opposite the Great Onofrio's Fountain. You'll notice a steep climb of stairs going up. The ticket office can be found to the right-handside.

Entrance near St Luke's Fortress (Ploce Gate)

A short walk from Ploce Gate (eastern entrance to the Old Town) towards Stradun will bring you to this entrance. Use this gate as starting point during peak summer months to avoid long lines.

Entrance next to St John's Fortress

This entrance is situated by St John's Fortress in Old Town harbour. Follow the sigh to get to the Maritime Museum as the entrance is situated next to it. This is the best entrance to enter the walls if the city is packed.

There are usually no lines there at all. This entrance allows you to avoid the crowds from cruise ships.

👍 Popular summer activities in Dubrovnik: 

• Sea-kayaking trips
• Sailing & boat trips
• Sunset cruises
• Ziplining
  
  

Main entrance to Dubrovnik City walls (near Pile Gate)

Walking the city walls - full circle

Starting from Pile Gate entrance, first you'll need to conquer steep stairs going up. Once you climb, you should continue walking toward the sea until you reach Fort Bokar at the city's southwestern corner.

Walking the sea-facing section of the walls, you'll pass a couple of bars and souvenir stores, before arriving at St John's Fortress. 

Along the way you'll enjoy stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, boats passing by and Lokrum island. You'll continue your walk the City walls looping around Old Harbour.

You'll reach St Luke's Tower and continue to walk towards northern section of the walls. From here you can enjoy amazing scenery - city roofs, churches and sights.

Once you reach rounded Minceta Fortress, you'll be at the highest point of the Old Town. This massive fort was completed in 1464 to designs by Juraj Dalmatinac. From the top of Minceta, you'll have opportunity to snap some amazing photos of the city. From here it's mainly downhill until you reach the starting point of your walk.

A helpful hint...

If you cannot complete the whole circle around the walls, you can do a part of it and exit halfway. Also note that the price is the same at each entrance, and the one ticket allows you to complete the walk. However, avoid exiting at one of the entrances, as you cannot get back once you leave the City walls with the same ticket.

A view of Stradun from Dubrovnik City walls

4 best City walls tours (recommended)

Exploring Dubrovnik City walls on your own is great, but going with a tour guide is a completely different experience. Exploring with expert guides will give you a personalised insight into the city's history and legends.

There are many various city walls tours to choose from. Here are the one that travellers love the most.

1. Combo tour (Old Town and City walls)

• Badge of excellence
• Free cancellation
• Reserve now and pay later
• Mobile ticket

This 3.5 hour guided tour is a great way to get introduced to Dubrovnik. First you'll take a walking tour of the Old Town seeing the highlights, such as the Rector's Palace, Sponza and Stradun. Next, you'll walk along the walls to learn more about Dubrovnik's rich history and enjoy the scenic views of the rooftop and the Adriatic.

Tour review: Superb in every way! The guides, Branko for the old town and Davor for the Walls were outstanding and deserve the highest praise. We must come back to Dubrovnik!

2. Early morning (or sunset) City walls tour

• Badge of excellence
• Free cancellation
• Mobile ticket

Escape the crowds and explore Dubrovnik's City walls on this guided tour. Choose from early morning and sunset options. Join the small group and follow your guide around the walls, stopping regularly to enjoy stunning views of the city. The guides are friendly and informative!

Tour review: Fabulous tour, early session was well worth it as it can get crowded after 10.am so we got to walk and view at a nice pace and take it all in. Fantastic guide who gave so much information about this incredible place. Absolutely recommended.

3. Dubrovnik’s City walls and wars historic walking tour

• Badge of excellence
• Free cancellation
• Reserve now and pay later
• Mobile ticket

This unique historic tour is an opportunity to learn how the fortifications protected the prosperous city of Dubrovnik from its enemies. One of the most popular walking tours!

Tour review: Fantastic guide who provided a comprehensive history of the area, in an engaging, authentic and humbling manner. Would definitely recommend to friends and family.

4. Game of Thrones and City walls (private tour)

• Free cancellation
• Reserve now and pay later
• Mobile ticket
• Pickup offered

This 3-hour guided tour is for Game of Thrones fans. In the company of your guide, you'll stroll the streets of Old Town and hear stories about the filming of the show. You'll visit Lovrijenac Fortress, Pile Gate and other filming locations, then you'll walk along the City walls to see more locations that were used in the show. Pick-up from your hotel is included in the price!

Tour review: Our tour guide Andreja was amazing! She was extremely knowledgeable and did an incredible job blending everything GOT with history of the city. The private tour was perfect for us as we got to navigate easily around the big tours and went at our own speed and got to ask lots of questions. We saw every filming location of kings landing (and more that they filmed in Dubrovnik ). Highly recommend to anyone!

Sea section of Dubrovnik City walls

Dubrovnik City walls ticket info

Dubrovnik City walls tickets cost €35 per person and include one-time access to the walls. The admission ticket includes entry to the City walls, the Lovrijenac Fortress and Western Outer Walls. Your ticket is valid for entry at any time from opening to last admission time.

Useful tip! To avoid overpaying, buy your tickets at the entry gates (credit card or cash), or purchase them online. You want to avoid buying tickets from online 3rd party platforms. 3rd parties add a 25%-40% commission while actually adding extra steps to get the ticket.

2024 Dubrovnik City walls ticket prices

• March - October: Adult ticket price is €35, while child (under 18) ticket costs €15 
  
• November - February: Adult ticket price is €15, while child ticket costs is €5. Note that every child must be accompanied by an adult.

Ticket for the City walls tour is also valid for sightseeing of Fortress Lovrijenac. Do not miss the opportunity to visit this fortress which offers a magnificent views of the Old Town. Get to the fortress by climbing the stairs located by the bus stop next to Pile Gate (western entrance to the Old Town).

The ticket for Lovrijenac, the detached fortress rising on the 37 meters high rock in Pile bay, is possible to buy separately. The ticket price is €15. 

See more fun things to do in Dubrovnik (we picked for you!)

Buying Dubrovnik Pass (covers entry to the walls)

Alternatively, you can purchase Dubrovnik Pass which includes entrance to the City walls and several other museums and sights in Dubrovnik as well as free buses and a range of discounts in souvenirs shops, restaurants and travel agencies.

Dubrovnik Pass may be a good choice if you plan to use public transport in Dubrovnik or visit other sights. The easiest way to buy your Dubrovnik Pass is online.

Dubrovnik City walls seen from Pile Gate

Best time to visit Dubrovnik City walls

We recommend that you go either morning or late afternoon, to avoid large crowds and heat and sun during the day. Definitely, don't go mid-day!

Depending on the time of year that you visit the opening times vary:

• January & February: 10am - 3pm
• March: 9am - 3pm
• April & May: 9am - 6:30pm
• June & July: 8am – 7:30pm
• August to September 15:  8am - 7pm
• September 15 to October 3: 9am - 6pm
• November & December: 9am - 3pm

Minceta Fortress - the highest point of the Old Town

Top tips for walking Dubrovnik City walls

• Walk early in the morning or late afternoon: Plan to walk either early (8-9am) or late (5-7pm) to avoid the midday heat. Note that you'll be walking in the sun all way around the walls. If you want to enjoy amazing sunsets, walk in the late afternoon.
  
  
• Bring water, hat & sunblock: Make sure to bring a bottle of water with you for refreshment, as well as a hat, sunglasses and sunblock as you will be exposed to direct sun while walking the walls.
  
  
• Be prepared for a 2km walk: The walk around the walls is 2 kilometers and there are a good amount of steps upwards and downwards. Plus, some stones you'll be walking can be slippy, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. If 2km is too much for you, you can end your walk half-way (there are 3 entry/exit points to the walls). Note that this walk can be challenging for anyone with limited mobility!
  
  
• Check the cruise ship schedule: Schedule your walk along the walls on the days when there are no cruise ships in Dubrovnik.
  
  

Climbing Dubrovnik City walls in a unique experience

What visitors say:

• A must-see and must-do in Dubrovnik. No other place like it. Walk can be heavy going as a lot of steps/steep access points but there are 3 exit points around the 2km route. Some cafes along the way which are very welcome on a hot day. Amazing views.
  
  
• Fabulous walk around the walls with the best views. Weather was perfect for us in April- warm and sunny. Walls tickets also have us access to the fort which also have excellent views back over the walls and city. Our children were 12, 10 and 7 and all enjoyed the experience.
  
  
• The best thing you can do when you go to Dubrovnik. It was the highlight of my trip. Best advice to go in the evening when its cooler. Plenty of restaurants and drink stations to cool down and rest if needed. Everyone should do the tour if visiting Dubrovnik. Take your time and soak in the views - allow yourself 2 hours to enjoy the most of what this attraction has to offer.

You'll love these unique activities:

• Sea-Kayaking Tour along City Walls & Lokrum - An amazing experience on the sea. View the city walls from the sea-side (impressive), then paddle along Lokrum all way to Betina cave where you'll have a break for swimming and well-deserved snack! Continue towards the Old Town! 
  
  
• Sunset Sip and Sail Dubrovnik Cruise - Watch the sunset light up the Dubrovnik skyline from aboard your own boat. You'll sail alongside the walls of the Old Town before making your way out to Lokrum Island, where you'll get the chance to stop for a quick swim before returning to port.
  
  
• ATV Dubrovnik Safari Tour - The perfect way to see the Old Town, the sea, and the magnificent natural landscape—this tour helps you speed up your sightseeing. The guide takes you to the great panoramic spot above Dubrovnik!
  
  
• Dubrovnik Food and Drink Walking Tour - Skip the tourist traps and discover a taste of authentic Dubrovnik on a walking tour of the city’s food and drink spots. Visit 4 family-run restaurants to sample specialties including seafood and wine, and benefit from the small-group size for a more intimate experience.
  
  
• Zipline Experience in Dubrovnik - Enjoy spectacular views of Dubrovnik, the City walls and the Adriatic Sea while you ride ziplines from Mount Srdj. Wide choice of departure times lets you plan your day!
  
  

View of city's street from the City walls

Staying in Old Town

The historic Old Town is a unique experience, as you are staying surrounded the City walls, beautiful palaces, charming squares and only a short walk from main Dubrovnik sights. It's important to note that this area is more expensive than other parts of the city.

Take into consideration that Old Town is mostly crowded during the summer but still you can find hotels and apartments situated away from crowds, away from Stradun where you'll enjoy a peaceful holiday.

Here are our top picks for staying in the Old Town:

• St Joseph's
• Prijeko Palace
• Mascheroni Luxury Rooms
• Superior Room Gabriela
• Central W Rooms
• 7oaks Noble House

More info you may like:

Dubrovnik Pass Info

Dubrovnik Cable Car Ride

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

Getting from Rome to Croatia

Getting Around Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik in One Day