Walking The Dubrovnik City Walls – A Traveler’s Guide 2026

Wondering if walking the Dubrovnik city walls is worth it? You’ve come to the right place!

The short answer is, yes, the walls are absolutely worth your time.  However, you’re here because you want to know more than that so we’re going to dig deeper into why you should visit the Dubrovnik city walls.

This was probably one of our favorite activities when we visited Dubrovnik. We loved exploring the streets of Old Town but walking the walls brought our enjoyment of the city to a whole new level.

In this guide, we’re going to share all the important details that you probably have questions about. This  includes ticket pricing, where the entrances are located and the best time to visit, in our opinion (Hint: It’s not first thing in the morning when the walls open!).

Soon you’ll be on your way to planning your visit to the city walls!

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9 Tips for Walking the Dubrovnik City Walls

Sitting on the southern tip of Croatia, Dubrovnik is one of the best-preserved medieval walled cities out there.

Old Town Dubrovnik is easily the main highlight, and, not surprisingly, the walls surrounding it have become an attraction all on their own and definitely something you don’t want to miss.

The walls offer a bird’s-eye view of the streets of Old Town which is great for people-watching. In addition, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the area surrounding Old Town including Lokrum, Old Town harbor and Fort Lovrijenac.

Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, photography or just being outside enjoying the views, walking the walls is a great experience for anyone.

There are some helpful things you might want to know beforehand so let’s start with our top tips for visiting the walls.

1. Bring Sun Protection (There’s Very Little Shade!)

There is very little shade along the wall walk which means you’ll be fully exposed to the sun most of the time.

We highly recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and even a hat with you to help protect you from the sun’s strong rays.

You can find some relief at the two cafes on the wall, but seating is limited so it’s best not to rely on them for relief.

2. Accessibility Is Limited (Be Prepared for Stairs)

Walking the Dubrovnik city walls is an amazing experience, but it’s probably not suitable for everyone.

The route includes many steep staircases so it’s not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs.

Combined with the heat, it can be physically demanding for pretty much anyone.

3. Wear Proper Shoes (It Can Get Slippery)

There are many sets of stairs along the walkway and it can be uneven in some spots. Wearing a good pair of shoes will allow you to navigate the walk with a bit more ease.

This is especially important if you’re visiting in the off-season when there’s a higher chance for rain. The walkway is made of limestone which tends to get slippery when wet.

4. Bring Water (It Gets Very Hot)

It gets very hot on the walls, especially in the summer. We highly recommend bringing some water with you. You can stop at one of the cafes along the way for something to drink, but they tend to get crowded during peak hours, so it’s best to bring your own, just in case.

5. Go Early or Late in the Day

The Dubrovnik City Walls can get extremely crowded, especially during peak summer months. Visiting early in the morning or closer to sunset helps you avoid the biggest tour groups and cruise ship crowds.

You’ll also have a more enjoyable experience with better views and fewer people in your photos.

6. Buy a Dubrovnik Pass

If you plan to visit other attractions around the city, we recommend purchasing a Dubrovnik Pass. It includes entry to the walls along with several other attractions. It also entitles you to discounts at many shops and restaurants as well.

7. Walk in One Direction

Once you start walking the city walls, you’ll need to follow the route in one direction, so there’s no turning back. With limited exits along the route, it’s important to plan ahead and be ready for the full walk.

8. Use the Restroom Before You Go

Restroom options are limited along the city walls and since the route is one-way, there won’t be many opportunities to use them. Using one beforehand will save you valuable time, especially since there can be long waits during peak hours.

9. Bring Some Cash

It’s a good idea to bring a small amount of cash when visiting the city walls. If you need to use a restroom along the way, there’s typically a small fee, so having cash on hand is helpful.

Best Time to Visit the Dubrovnik City Walls

We’re going to go against the usual advice here.

Many guides recommend visiting the walls right when they open to avoid crowds. While that can work, we actually prefer going in the late afternoon, and here’s why.

Cruise ship passengers and walking tours typically start arriving around 9 am, so even if you enter when the walls open, it’s unlikely you’ll avoid crowds for long.

If crowds don’t bother you, an early visit is still a great option. But if you’re hoping for a quieter experience, the late afternoon is often a better choice.

We started our walk around 3:00 pm and found it to be the perfect time.

By then, many of the tours had started to wind down, so we were able to explore at a relaxed pace and take photos without feeling rushed or crowded. The lighting was also great for pictures, and we were even able to grab seats at the cafe without waiting.

It was still really hot, but honestly, it was really hot at 9am too.

If you’re looking for more information about the best time to visit Croatia, check out some of our other guides:

Dubrovnik City Walls Entrances & How to Start Your Walk

There are three entrances to the city walls: the Pile Gate entrance, the Ploče Gate entrance and the St. John’s Fortress entrance. You can enter or exit at any of them. The trick is finding them because they’re not very obvious.

Pile Gate Entrance

The first is located just inside Pile Gate. Once you enter Old Town through the gate, you’ll find yourself at the beginning of Stradun, the main street that runs through the center of Old Town.

If you’re looking down Stradun, to your right is Onofrio’s Fountain. Directly across from the fountain is a steep staircase to the left of the Church of the Holy Savior. This staircase is the entrance to the walls.

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Ploče Gate Entrance

After entering Old Town through Ploče Gate, continue walking along the Fort Revelin walls, eventually crossing a small bridge.

Continue along until you reach the small Gothic Church of St. Luke. There’s a stone archway right next to the church. Once you pass under the arch, you’ll find the ticket booth for the walls.

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St. John’s Fortress Entrance

The last entrance can be found by making your way to Old Town harbor. Once there, you can follow the signs to the Maritime Museum. The entrance to the walls is located next to the museum.

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Which One to Choose

The wall entrance located nearest to Pile Gate tends to be the busiest.

This is because many visitors enter Old Town through this gate, as it leads directly onto Stradun, the main street. As a result, this area tends to get very crowded.

If you encounter a large crowd on the day of your visit, we suggest entering through one of the other entrances.

What to Expect on the Dubrovnik City Walls

If you’ve never walked the city walls before, there are some things you should be aware of before heading out. Here’s a quick look at what to expect once you get there.

Direction

To help prevent crowding, visitors are required to walk the city walls in a counter-clockwise direction.

Since some parts of the walkway are narrow, this system keeps foot traffic moving smoothly and helps create a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

Be sure to follow the directional signage when you enter.

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Distance

The Dubrovnik city walls stretch about 1,940 meters (1.2 miles) around Old Town, which is pretty impressive, especially when you see them from a distance.

If you’re arriving from the airport, you’ll approach from above Old Town, so there’s a good chance you’ll spot the walls before you even get there. It’s a really memorable first view.

If you have time, it’s worth stopping at one of the viewpoints along the way for a quick photo. From there, you can usually get a great panoramic shot of the city and the full stretch of the walls.

As striking as they are from a distance, walking them up close gives you a much better appreciation for the level of craftsmanship and the ongoing effort it takes to maintain them today.

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The Walk

Walking the Dubrovnik City Walls is an incredible experience, but it’s definitely more of a workout than people expect.

The route is just over a mile long and includes quite a few uneven stone walkways along the way. Additionally, there are many sections that include narrow and steep steps which make it even more challenging.

That said, you can take it at your own pace and stop whenever you want. There are plenty of spots along the way to pause, catch your breath, and take in the views.

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How Long it Takes

We knew walking the city walls was a must-do activity when we visited Dubrovnik so we made sure to allow plenty of time to fully enjoy the experience.

In total, we spent about 2.5 hours wandering the walls and exploring all the nooks and crannies of this amazing historical landmark.

This allowed for plenty of time to walk at a leisurely pace, take plenty of photos, and to stop and enjoy a drink at the cafe.

We suggest allowing yourself at least 1.5-2 hours to walk the walls in its entirety. If you’re visiting during peak hours, from 10am to 2pm, allow yourself additional time to account for the crowds.

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Available Facilities

If you’re worried that there aren’t any facilities on the wall, never fear! You can find restrooms at a few places along the wall.

As mentioned already, there are a couple of cafes as well which offer high top tables and incredible views in every direction. These are great places to stop for a bit of shade and to enjoy a drink or some ice cream. 

Keep in mind that the seating at the cafes is very limited so if you’re visiting during a peak time, you may need to wait a bit for a table.

Tickets, Hours & Practical Info

Ticket Options

There are three ways to get tickets for the city walls: purchasing from the ticket office, buying a Dubrovnik Pass, or signing up for a tour. Let’s take a look at each one so you can figure out which one makes the most sense for you.

Purchase Tickets Directly From the Ticket Office

The most obvious way to get city wall tickets is directly from the ticket office. You can do this either in advance through their website or in-person at one of the ticket offices located near each entrance.

Here are the current admission prices for the walls if purchased directly from the ticket office:

Where to Buy Tickets

You can purchase tickets for the walls in advance online through the City Walls Dubrovnik website here.

If you prefer to purchase them in-person, you can do this at any of the ticket offices which are located near each entrance.

Buy a Dubrovnik Pass

Whether you’re spending one or multiple days in Dubrovnik, we highly suggest purchasing a Dubrovnik Pass. The pass is offered in a 1-day, 3-day or 7-day version.

Current pricing for the Dubrovnik Pass
Valid March 1, 2026 through November 30, 2026

As you can see, for the same price as a single city walls ticket, the Dubrovnik Pass not only includes admission to the walls, but it also allows access to other popular attractions including:

• Ethnographic Museum
• Archeological Exhibitions
• The Pulitika Studio
• Bukovac House
• Museum of Modern Art Dubrovnik
• House of Marin Držić
• Cultural History Museum, Rector’s Palace
• Dulčić Masle Pulitika Gallery
• Dubrovnik Natural History Museum
• Friars Minor Franciscan Monastery Museum
• Maritime Museum

In addition, you’re entitled to free use of the public buses for the length of your ticket along with discounts for various things including dining, shopping, and entry to other nearby attractions. If you’d like to purchase a Dubrovnik Pass, you can do that here.

Certain discounts are only available with the purchase of specific passes so be sure to consult the Dubrovnik Pass website for the most up-to-date information here.

Like a standard admission ticket, entrance with the Dubrovnik Pass does not include a guide.

Sign Up for a City Walls Tour

If you’d like something more than a self-guided tour, you may want to consider booking a tour that includes not only your entrance ticket but a guide as well. We really like this one.

Keep in mind that not all city wall tours include your entrance ticket. Be sure to review the inclusions prior to purchasing the tour.

Ticket Inclusions and Exclusions

Here’s some information regarding what is and is not included with a standard ticket or Dubrovnik Pass purchase.

What is Included With a Ticket?

The admission price gives you a one-time entry and full access to the walls as well as admission to Fort Lovrijenac.

What is Not Included With a Ticket?

Standard tickets do not include a guide. However, you can contact the Dubrovnik Tourist Guides Association if you would like to arrange for this separately or you can book a tour.

Is There a Time Restriction For Your Ticket?

Your ticket is only valid for the day you purchase it. However, it’s not for a specific time so you can enter at any time that’s convenient for you.

There also isn’t a time limit once you enter the walls so you can wander until your heart’s content.

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Hours Of Operation

While many businesses in Dubrovnik close during the off-season, the walls are actually open year-round.

This means you’ll be able to visit regardless of the season. The one exception to this is Christmas Day, the only day of the year that it closes.

Hours will vary depending on the time of year so be sure to check prior to planning your visit especially if your time in the city is limited. 

Please note that you will need to exit the walls by the closing hours noted. You will not be allowed to stay beyond these times.

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A Brief History Of The Walls

The city walls were built primarily for defensive purposes against intruders.

Construction began in the 13th century and updates to strengthen and expand them continued through the 17th century. 

As you see them today, they include not only the walls themselves but also an impressive list of supplemental structures including:

• Sixteen towers
• Three fortresses
• Six bastions
• Two corner fortifications
• Three bulwarks with turrets
• Three moats
• Two flank fortresses
• A breakwater
• Two drawbridges

In 1952, the Society of Friends of Dubrovnik Antiquities, a non-profit organization, was founded in the hopes to bring awareness to the public of the need to preserve the walls and other monuments that are important to Dubrovnik’s cultural heritage.

Prior to the society’s formation, many monuments were falling into disrepair and in danger of being destroyed. 

Over the years, they’ve been able to restore the walls and other monuments close to their original state. They were able to do so by using proceeds earned through entrance fees, membership fees and donations. 

In 1979, the Old Town, including its well-preserved walls, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

However, it was once again in danger of being destroyed due to armed conflict in the early 1990s. Because of this, in 1991, UNESCO added it to their List Of World Heritage in Danger.

After extensive restoration efforts, the Old Town and its walls were eventually removed from the endangered list in 1998. 

FAQs

We’ve provided the most important information to help you plan your visit to the city walls but we know that there are always more questions to be answered. Here are the answers to some specific questions about the city walls.

Is it worth walking the city walls in Dubrovnik?

It’s definitely worth walking the city walls. It allows you to see the Old Town and surrounding area from a different perspective.

How long does it take to walk the walls of Dubrovnik?

You should allow at least 1.5-2 hours to walk the walls, possibly more, if you’re visiting during peak hours. This will allow you plenty of time for picture-taking and taking in the sights.

Can I walk the walls of Dubrovnik for free?

As amazing as that would be, unfortunately, you cannot walk the walls for free. However, the money is put to good use. All proceeds from ticket sales go towards operating expenses as well as maintaining and preserving the walls. 

Our Final Take: Walking the Dubrovnik City Walls

I can honestly say that we enjoyed every minute of walking the Dubrovnik city walls. The views alone were worth the time commitment and heat exposure. 

You don’t need to be a history buff or a photographer to enjoy this activity. Although, I have to say, the pictures I took from the top of the walls were some of my favorites of the entire trip. No matter which direction you look, it’s a postcard worthy shot.

If you can only choose one activity in Dubrovnik, walk the city walls. It’s something you’ll always remember!

In the mean time, if you have any questions about the city walls, feel free to reach out to us.

Talk soon!

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