Dubrovnik City Walls

The Dubrovnik City Walls are the city’s most iconic landmark - a complete medieval fortification circuit that wraps around the Old Town with sweeping views of terracotta rooftops on one side and the Adriatic Sea and Island Lokrum on the other.

Built and continuously reinforced from the 13th to the 18th century, the walls reflect centuries of engineering, strategy, and resilience. The Old City of Dubrovnik (including its fortifications) has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, and walking the ramparts is the clearest way to understand why.

This guide covers everything you need to plan the walk - what to expect on the route, where to enter, how tickets and the Dubrovnik Pass compare, and how to time your visit for the best light and the smallest crowds.

Dubrovnik City Walls quick overview

The Dubrovnik City Walls are one of the defining sights of the Old Town: a complete stone circuit built and strengthened from the 13th century onward to protect the maritime republic, with major upgrades completed by the 17th century. Today, walking the walls is the best way to understand the city’s layout, defensive design, and breathtaking Adriatic views.

• Length & scale: About 1,940 m (1.94 km) in total, reaching up to 25 m at the highest points.
• How long it takes: Most visitors need 1.5 to 2 hours for the full loop, longer if you stop often for photos.
• Best time to go: Aim for early morning (right at opening) or late afternoon for cooler temperatures, better light, and fewer crowds.
• Tickets (quick summary): In 2025, adult tickets are at €40 and typically include Fort Lovrijenac with a multi-day validity window.
• Know before you walk: Expect lots of stairs, limited shade in summer, and exposed sections in wind, wear good shoes and bring water.

What you’ll see: top highlights and viewpoints

Walking the Dubrovnik City Walls is a complete “around-the-city” viewpoint loop that reveals the Old Town from above: red rooftops and hidden courtyards inside the walls, and open Adriatic panoramas outside them. The circuit is about 1,940 m long and forms part of a larger defensive system of towers, bastions, and fortresses that protected Dubrovnik for centuries.

Expect a constantly changing perspective: one moment you’re looking down on Stradun and bell towers, the next you’re watching boats enter the harbour or scanning the horizon toward Island Lokrum. If you’re a history fan, the walls also help you “read” the Old Town’s layout, why gates sit where they do, how the fortresses cover the approaches, and how the city evolved within its stone perimeter.

The big headline viewpoints

• Minčeta Tower (the highest point): The most famous section of the walls and the place for the widest panorama over Dubrovnik’s rooftops. It’s also where the walls feel most “fortress-like,” with powerful landward defences and a dramatic sense of scale.
• Fort Bokar and the western sea walls: One of the most dramatic stretches for photos, looking out over the Adriatic and across to Fort Lovrijenac. This side is especially striking in the early morning or late afternoon when the light hits the stone and sea at an angle.
• Old Port panoramas (St John’s Fortress side): The harbour-facing section lets you look down on the Old Port and the boats below, with a clear view of how the fortifications protect the entrance.
• South wall (open sea + Lokrum views): The classic “rooftops + sea” Dubrovnik postcard view. On clear days, Lokrum sits beautifully offshore, and this is often the breeziest (and most sun-exposed) part of the walk.

Landmarks you’ll spot from the walls

• Stradun from above: One of the first “wow” moments on the walk is seeing the Old Town’s main street Stradun as a straight, pale limestone ribbon running through the centre.
• Churches, palaces, and towers: From this height you can pick out Gothic and Renaissance elements across the skyline - domes, cloisters, bell towers, and palace roofs, often missed when you’re walking at street level.
• Courtyards and daily life: Between the major viewpoints, look inward: you’ll often see quiet courtyards, gardens, and backstreets that feel worlds away from the crowds on Stradun.
• Harbour defences: On the eastern/Old Port side, the walls make it easy to understand how Dubrovnik controlled access from the sea.

Quick “what to prioritise” if you’re short on time

If you want maximum impact with minimum stopping, aim to (1) spend time at Minčeta for the widest city panorama, (2) slow down on the western sea-facing section for classic fort-and-ocean views, and (3) pause above the Old Port for harbour photos. If you’re carrying a longer itinerary, you can move faster between these points and linger only where the light and crowds feel right.

Extra tip for a better experience

The best views often appear in “quiet gaps” between groups. Let faster walkers pass, then take your photos in the space behind them. You’ll get cleaner shots of rooftops and sea, and you’ll enjoy the walk more without feeling rushed.

How to walk the City walls

The best views of Old Town Dubrovnik are, of course, from the walls themselves - and skipping this walk means missing a big part of what makes the city feel alive. As you circle the ramparts, you’ll spot everyday details behind the stone facades: laundry drying in hidden courtyards, quiet gardens tucked between rooftops, and locals moving through narrow lanes below - small scenes that make the "museum city" feel real.

Recommended direction

Once you’re up on the ramparts, follow the arrow signs and staff instructions. The City Walls are generally managed as a one-way route (most visitors are directed counterclockwise), which helps prevent congestion on narrow sections. Keep your ticket with you at all times, and remember that your entry is for one tour only - if you exit early, you won’t be able to re-enter on the same ticket.

How long it takes (realistic pacing)

The full circuit is about 1.94 km. Most people take 1.5 to 2 hours at a comfortable pace with photo stops. If you like to linger at viewpoints or stop for a drink, plan closer to 2 to 2.5 hours, especially in peak season when there can be slow-moving clusters at the best panoramas.

Route breakdown: what you see in each segment

The exact order of highlights depends on which entrance you use, but this is the typical flow if you start at the Pile Gate entrance (the most common starting point):

• Pile gate to Fort Bokar (sea-facing start): You’ll quickly reach sea views and the dramatic outer wall section, with classic photo angles over the Adriatic and toward Fort Lovrijenac.
• South wall (open sea + Lokrum views): A long, scenic stretch with some of the best “rooftops + sea” panoramas. This is also one of the most sun-exposed sections in summer.
• Old Port / St John area: Overlooks the harbour and boats below, with great views into the Old Town’s eastern end. This is where the St John’s Fortress entrance connects.
• North/land side to Minčeta Tower: The final quarter feels more “fortress-like” and culminates at Minčeta, the highest point and one of the best 360° viewpoints.

If you start at Ploče Gate or St John’s Fortress, you’ll join the same one-way circuit and reach these segments in a different order. The safest approach is simple: choose the entrance with the shortest queue, then follow the arrows and enjoy the full loop without rushing.

Best photo spots on the City Walls

The Dubrovnik City Walls are essentially a moving panorama platform, but a few spots consistently deliver the “signature” shots: sweeping rooftop grids, dramatic sea cliffs, and classic fortress angles. For the cleanest photos and the most comfortable walk, aim for early morning or late afternoon light, and let fast groups pass so you can shoot in the quieter gaps.

1) Minčeta Tower: the widest Old Town panorama

Minčeta is the highest and most famous viewpoint on the walls. This is where you get the most complete “rooftops-for-days” photo looking across the Old Town, plus a strong sense of how the walls wrap around the city.

• Best shot: Wide rooftop panorama with church domes and the city grid below.
• Tip: Wait 30-60 seconds for a clear window, this is one of the busiest corners.

2) Western sea-facing ramparts near Fort Bokar: classic fort + Adriatic views

The western side is where the walls feel most dramatic: sheer drops to the sea, deep blues, and strong angles toward the fortifications guarding the Pile Bay approach.

• Best shot: Sea wall perspective with the fortifications stepping along the cliff edge.
• Best light: Late afternoon often gives warmer stone tones and better contrast on the water.

3) Pile Bay / West Harbour look-down: the “cliff edge” moment

As you pass the western section, look for vantage points down toward Pile Bay (West Harbour). The height difference here creates some of the most dramatic “walls above the sea” photos.

• Best shot: Looking down toward the bay and rocky shoreline beneath the walls.
• Tip: Use a slightly wider lens (or 0.5x on phones) to capture the drop and curvature of the walls.

4) South wall: rooftops + open sea + Lokrum in one frame

The south-facing stretch is the postcard zone: rooftops inside the walls, open Adriatic outside, and often clear views toward Lokrum. It’s also one of the most sun-exposed parts of the route.

• Best shot: Rooftops foreground + deep blue sea background (try a slightly elevated corner for layered depth).
• Tip: Midday sun can be harsh, late afternoon usually photographs better.

5) Old Port side: harbour panoramas and “city meets sea” photos

Above the Old Port, the walls give you a strong sense of Dubrovnik as a maritime city, boats below, fortifications controlling the entrance, and compact streets spilling toward the harbour.

• Best shot: Harbour basin view with boats and the fortified waterfront.
• Tip: If cruise crowds are heavy, pause and shoot after groups move on, this side often clears in waves.

6) Stradun-from-above moments: clean geometry shots

Several points on the loop reveal Stradun (Placa) as a bright limestone ribbon through the centre of the Old Town. These angles make great “structure” photos - lines, symmetry, and rooftops framing the street.

• Best shot: Straight-on or slightly diagonal view down Stradun for depth and leading lines.
• Tip: Look inward frequently, some of the best compositions are inside-the-walls views, not the sea side.

Quick tips for better photos (and a better walk)

• Go early or late: Softer light, fewer people, cooler temperatures.
• Don’t rush the hotspots: Minčeta, the western sea wall, and Old Port viewpoints are where the standout shots happen.
• Create “clean frames”: Step aside, let a cluster pass, then shoot in the gap.
• Protect your phone/camera: The stone can be slippery after rain; use a wrist strap if you have one.

Combine the City Walls with Fort Lovrijenac

Don’t stop at the ramparts. Your Dubrovnik City Walls ticket also allows entry to Fort Lovrijenac (St Lawrence Fortress), the dramatic cliff-top fortress facing the western walls and one of the best viewpoints in the city. It’s an easy add-on because it’s just outside the Old Town near Pile Gate, and the views back toward the walls are spectacular. Read more in our guide to Fort Lovrijenac.

• Good to know: A City Walls ticket lets you visit Fort Lovrijenac, but if you buy a ticket at Lovrijenac first and then want to visit the City Walls, you’ll need to pay extra at the walls entrance.
• Plan your timing: Some ticket options are described as valid over multiple days by third-party visitor guides, which can be useful for splitting the Walls and Lovrijenac into separate visits. Because rules can change, check the validity and “one visit per site” conditions at purchase.

Best order to visit (2 easy options)

Option 1: Walls first, Lovrijenac after (same day). Start the walls early (cooler, fewer crowds), then walk back toward Pile gate and visit Lovrijenac as your “grand finale” viewpoint.

Option 2: Split across two visits (if your ticket conditions allow). Walk the walls in the morning or late afternoon for the best light, then do Lovrijenac on another day when you want a shorter, focused visit.

What to expect at Fort Lovrijenac

Lovrijenac sits high above the sea on a rocky outcrop, with terraces that look back toward the western walls and across the Adriatic. Be ready for a climb: it’s reached by a long staircase (around 300 steps), so wear the same grippy shoes you’d choose for the walls and avoid midday heat in summer.

Guided tours and best-value options

You can walk the Dubrovnik City Walls independently, but a good guide adds context you simply won’t get from signs alone: how the fortifications evolved, why the towers sit where they do, and which viewpoints matter most. Tours can also help with timing (early entry or sunset light), and combo itineraries are a practical way to cover more of Dubrovnik in one day.

Which tour style is best for you?

• Old Town + City Walls (best first-timers): Ideal if you want an orientation of Dubrovnik’s main landmarks before (or alongside) the wall walk. Great value if you only have one day in the Old Town.
• Cable Car + Old Town + Walls (best “big day” itinerary): A strong choice if you want the Mount Srđ viewpoint, a guided Old Town walk, and the walls in one organised plan.
• Early-bird or sunset walls tour (best photos + fewer crowds): Perfect if you want better light, a cooler walk in summer, and less congestion on narrow sections.
• Private walls tour (best for families and small groups): If you prefer to move at your own pace, stop for photos, and ask lots of questions, private tours can feel worth it.

Good to know before booking

• Check what’s included: Some tours include the City Walls entrance fee, while others don’t. Always confirm whether tickets are included (or if you need to buy separately).
• Morning tours are usually easier: In hot months, earlier starts can be significantly more comfortable, with fewer crowds and better visibility.
• Combo tours simplify logistics: If your plan also includes Mount Srđ or an Old Town overview, bundles can be more efficient than buying multiple experiences separately.

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Where are the entrances to Dubrovnik City Walls

Got your Dubrovnik Pass and sunscreen? Great - now, where to begin? Finding the Dubrovnik City Walls entrances is straightforward, and you can start from any of the official entry points. The main entrance is just past Pile Gate on Stradun, close to the Church of the Holy Savior - it’s the easiest to find, and the busiest in peak season.

There are three official entrances in total:

• Pile Gate (main entrance): On Stradun by the Inner Pile Gate, beside the Church of the Holy Savior. This is the most popular entry point and the one most likely to have a queue.
• Ploče Gate (eastern entrance): Near St Luke’s Tower on the east side of the Old Town. It’s often a good alternative if the Pile entrance is crowded.
• St John’s Fortress (Old Port entrance): By the Old City Port, near the Maritime Museum. This entrance can be noticeably quieter at busy times.

Pro tip: pick your start based on crowds

If it’s your first walk, starting at Pile Gate is the simplest because it’s right on Stradun. But if the Old Town is packed (especially when cruise visitors arrive), consider heading to the St John’s Fortress entrance near the Old Port - it’s often calmer, with shorter lines, and you still get the same full circuit with excellent views from the very beginning.

City Walls Tickets

Ready to explore the Dubrovnik City Walls? You’ll need a ticket, and getting one is straightforward: buy it at the entrance gates or in advance via the official webshop.

Ticket prices (planning guide): The adult City Walls ticket is around €40 in the main season, with children aged 7-18 priced at around €15. Children under 7 are free. If you’re a student, discounted entry is available at the ticket office when you present a valid student card (accepted examples include Croatian Student Card X-ica, ISIC, and the European Youth Card).

What your ticket includes: A ticket purchased for the Dubrovnik City Walls also allows you to visit Fort Lovrijenac.

Important rule: The official code of conduct states the ticket is valid for one tour and re-entry is not possible. Use the toilet, refill your water bottle, and commit to the loop before you go up.

Validity windows: Some travel guides describe the Walls/Lovrijenac ticket as valid over multiple days (often reported as 72 hours) to let you split visits. Because this can vary by ticket type and policy updates, confirm the current validity rules when you buy.

Pro tip: Skip third-party “skip-the-line” resellers unless you’re specifically paying for a guided experience. Independent resellers can add significant markups, while buying direct at the gates or the official webshop is the simplest way to avoid unnecessary fees.

Tickets, prices and what’s included

Last checked: 1 January 2026. Ticket prices and rules can change seasonally, so confirm current details via the official ticket shop before you go.

The Dubrovnik City Walls are managed by the Society of Friends of Dubrovnik Antiquities (DPDS). You can buy tickets at the entrances or in advance via the official webshop.

Standard ticket: what you get

• City Walls + Fort Lovrijenac: A ticket purchased for the Dubrovnik City Walls also allows you to visit Fort Lovrijenac (per the official FAQ).
• One tour only: The official rules state the ticket is valid for one tour of the walls and re-entry is not possible, so plan your route and breaks before you go up.
• Keep your ticket: Hold onto your ticket until you finish the visit in case staff ask to see it.

Typical prices to expect

• Adults: The standard adult ticket is around €40 in the main season.
• Children (7-18) and students: Listed at around €15, with children under 7 free (see discounts below).
• Validity window: Some sources describe the combined ticket as valid for 72 hours (useful if you want to split the Walls and Lovrijenac across different days). Confirm the current validity window and conditions at purchase.

Discount tickets: children, students and accessibility support

• Children: The official FAQ states children under 7 do not pay; children aged 7-18 use the children ticket.
• Students: Student discounts require a valid student card (accepted examples may include ISIC and other recognised student cards).
• Visitors with disabilities: A special discount may be available with a valid disability card, but access can be challenging due to stairs and the historic layout.

Buy online vs at the gate

If you want to pre-buy, the official webshop is the safest option. Be cautious with third-party “skip-the-line” resellers: they can cost significantly more than buying official/on-site for the same entry.

If you’re planning to visit the City Walls and other attractions in Dubrovnik, the Dubrovnik Pass is often the easiest way to save money and time: it typically bundles City Walls entry with admission to key museums and galleries and includes public bus transport while the pass is active, so you can skip buying separate tickets and build a simple “walls + museums + buses” itinerary around one purchase.

Dubrovnik Pass vs single ticket

If you’re deciding between a single Dubrovnik City Walls ticket and the Dubrovnik Pass, the best choice depends on how much sightseeing you plan to do beyond the walls. The pass is designed for visitors who want a simple bundle: City Walls entry plus admission to a set of Dubrovnik museums and galleries (often including highlights such as the Rector’s Palace), with public transport benefits while it’s active. If you’re building a wider Old Town itinerary, you’ll also find more ideas in our guide to Dubrovnik attractions.

Last checked: 1 January 2026. Pass prices and inclusions can change, so treat the figures below as a planning guide and confirm before purchase. For a more detailed breakdown and tips, see the Dubrovnik Pass guide.

• 1-day Dubrovnik Pass (24h): Listed at €40. Valid for 24 hours from activation and typically includes City Walls plus free entry to a museum/gallery bundle, and a 24-hour public bus ticket once activated on a bus.
• 3-day Dubrovnik Pass (72h): Listed at €50. Valid for 72 hours from activation, typically includes City Walls plus the museum/gallery bundle (often including one additional museum in Cavtat), and usually offers 6 city-bus rides.
• 7-day Dubrovnik Pass (168h): Listed at €60. Valid for 168 hours from activation, typically includes City Walls plus the museum/gallery bundle (often including one additional museum in Cavtat), and usually offers 10 city-bus rides.

Choose the Dubrovnik Pass if: you want the walls and at least one or two included museums/galleries, you’ll use local buses (for Lapad, Gruž, Babin Kuk, etc.), or you prefer one QR code instead of multiple tickets.

Choose a single City Walls ticket if: the walls are your only paid attraction, you’re not using buses, and you’re focusing on free viewpoints and outdoor sights.

Opening hours and best time to visit

Last checked: 1 January 2026. Opening hours change by season. For today’s exact hours, check the official City Walls page before you go.

The Dubrovnik City Walls are open year-round, with seasonal hours. The official site displays the current working hours (in winter, commonly shown as 9:00am-3:00pm). Note that the official rules define the end of working hours as the last entry time, if hours are “until 18:00”, the last entry is also 18:00, so arrive earlier to have enough time for the full loop.

The Walls are typically open every day except 25 December. Always confirm current hours and any special closures before your visit.

Best time of day to avoid crowds

• Go at opening: The first hour is usually the quietest and coolest, especially in late spring and summer when there’s little shade on the route.
• Or go late afternoon: You’ll often get better light for photos and fewer tour groups, but make sure you start early enough to finish before the last entry time.

Best months for weather and crowd balance

For the most comfortable walk, April-May and September-October are often the sweet spots: warm enough for clear views, but typically less intense than mid-summer heat. In July and August, plan for sun exposure and bring water - timing your visit early or late makes a big difference.

History and construction of the Dubrovnik City Walls

Dubrovnik’s fortifications didn’t appear overnight. Long before the Old Town became the unified city you see today, the earliest defences included wooden barriers protecting the rocky shoreline settlement. As Dubrovnik grew, it expanded to connect two medieval communities that once faced each other across a shallow channel. That channel was gradually filled in to create today’s Stradun, and the city’s defences evolved into a continuous stone circuit.

By the 13th century, the walls had taken on their recognisable outline and were repeatedly strengthened in response to new threats and new weapons. Key institutions also became part of the defensive system - including the Dominican Monastery complex, which was designed to fit directly into the city walls as part of the overall defence strategy.

Two major fortresses were intentionally built as detached guardians: Fort Lovrijenac on the west (protecting the sea and land approaches near Pile), and Fort Revelin on the east (defending the Ploče Gate approach). Together, they created powerful cross-coverage beyond the main wall line.

Dubrovnik City Walls facts (by the numbers)

• Length: approximately 1,940 m in a continuous loop around the Old Town.
• Maximum height: up to around 25 m in the tallest sections.
• Thickness: the landward walls are the thickest, commonly described as around 4-6 m in places (built to resist artillery).
• Defensive system: the walls are more than a single rampart - they include the main wall plus 16 towers, 3 fortresses, 6 bastions, corner fortifications, bulwarks with rows of turrets, moats, drawbridges, and the harbour breakwater.

How the walls were built (and the local legends)

Much of the stone used for the fortifications is associated with a limestone quarry at Dubac, near the village of Brgat on the far side of the hill. Stories about the original construction materials are part of Dubrovnik’s living folklore too: one widely repeated tradition says the mortar mix included natural binders such as seaweed and crushed shells, combined with sand brought from further north.

Another popular legend reflects just how seriously the city took its defences: during periods of heightened threat, visitors entering the city were said to have been required to bring a stone as a “contribution” to strengthening the fortifications. Whether myth or memory, it captures the core idea - the walls were a community priority for centuries.

Fortresses that completed the defensive system

Fort Revelin anchors the eastern approach and remains one of Dubrovnik’s most distinctive fortifications. Today it also has a second life as one of the city’s best-known nightlife venues: Culture Club Revelin.

On the western side, Fort Lovrijenac rises dramatically from a cliff above the sea. It’s famous not only for its strategic position (thick seaward walls, thinner city-facing walls), but also for its cultural role today. During the Dubrovnik Summer Festival, Lovrijenac becomes an open-air stage, and above its entrance you can still see the Latin motto: “Non bene pro toto libertas venditur auro” - a reminder that freedom was Dubrovnik’s defining obsession.

St John’s Fortress: museums and the Old Port story

The wall walk also connects to Dubrovnik’s maritime heritage. The Maritime Museum is housed within the Fortress of St John, and the same complex also contains the Dubrovnik Sea Aquarium - an easy add-on if you’re exploring the Old Port side of the fortifications.

A surprising detail on the northern wall: Dubrovnik’s Jewish heritage

On the northern section, look closely and you may spot something unexpected: Jewish gravestones embedded into parts of the fortification. Local accounts explain that, during periods when building stone was scarce, authorities reused available material to reinforce the defences. If you want to explore this part of the city’s story further, Dubrovnik is also home to the historic Dubrovnik Synagogue, often described as the world’s oldest active Sephardic synagogue and one of the oldest still in use in Europe.

And if all of this feels familiar, there’s a modern reason: Dubrovnik’s fortifications also became globally famous as a filming location for Game of Thrones, where parts of the Old Town and its walls stood in for King’s Landing. Walking the ramparts today isn’t just a history lesson in stone and strategy - it’s also a chance to recognise real-world backdrops that millions of viewers associate with the series, with sweeping viewpoints that make it easy to see why Dubrovnik was chosen for the role.

Practical tips: what to wear and bring

The City Walls are an easy walk for most travellers, but they’re still a 2 km loop with plenty of stairs, uneven stone underfoot, and long exposed stretches with little shade. A few small choices (shoes, water, timing) can make the difference between "iconic highlight" and "why did we do this at noon?"

• Wear proper shoes: Choose comfortable walking shoes or supportive sandals with good grip. Avoid flip-flops and slippery soles, especially if the stone is wet.
• Bring water (more than you think): In warm months, the stone reflects heat and shade is limited. Carry a refillable bottle and top up before you enter.
• Sun protection is essential: Pack sunscreen, a hat/cap, and sunglasses. If you burn easily, consider a light long-sleeve layer.
• Go light: A small day bag is ideal. You’ll be climbing stairs and navigating narrow sections, so avoid bulky backpacks when possible.
• Plan for short breaks: There are a couple of spots where you can pause for a drink or snack, but prices are typically higher than street level, bringing a small snack can help if you’re walking slowly.
• If rain is possible: The polished limestone can become extremely slippery. Wear shoes with grip, walk carefully on smooth sections, and consider postponing to a drier time of day if conditions are bad.
• Best comfort strategy: Walk at opening time or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and better light, then take your time at the main viewpoints.

Accessibility, kids and safety

The City Walls walk is one of Dubrovnik’s best experiences, but it isn’t barrier-free. The route includes frequent stairs, narrow passages, and long exposed stretches with very little shade in summer. If anyone in your group has limited mobility, plan a shorter Old Town route at street level and choose viewpoints that don’t require climbing the ramparts.

Accessibility and limited mobility

• Not wheelchair accessible: The City Walls involve many staircases and uneven historic surfaces. The official City Walls FAQ notes that these heritage sites are difficult to access for people with disabilities.
• Discount support: The official FAQ also notes that a special discount may be available for visitors with a valid disability card, but access challenges still apply.
• If you need an easier alternative: Stick to flatter Old Town areas (especially around Stradun) and choose scenic viewpoints outside the walls for similar panoramas without the stairs.

Visiting with kids (and strollers)

• Strollers aren’t practical on the walls: The route includes multiple stair sections and narrow points, so strollers/pushchairs are generally not suitable on the ramparts.
• Best for kids who can walk confidently: School-age children often enjoy the “castle walk” feel, but younger kids may tire quickly—plan extra time and short breaks.
• Bring a carrier for babies/toddlers: If you’re visiting with infants or toddlers, a baby carrier is the easiest option.
• Timing matters: Go early or late in the day to avoid heat stress, especially in July and August.

Safety tips for a better walk

• Watch your footing: The stone can be polished and slippery after rain, wear shoes with good grip and take stair sections slowly.
• Heat and sun protection: Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat in warm months; there’s limited shade on many sections of the route.
• Take your time on narrow spots: Let faster walkers pass, use handrails where available, and avoid stopping suddenly at choke points.
• Plan breaks before you enter: Entry is typically for one continuous visit, so use the toilet, fill your water bottle, and set expectations with kids before going up.

Facilities on the route

The City Walls walk is mostly exposed stone ramparts, so facilities are limited compared with street level in the Old Town. That said, you’ll usually find a few convenient refreshment stops along the loop, plus limited toilet access on the route, useful to know because entry is typically one continuous visit (no re-entry if you exit early).

Cafés and refreshment stops (drinks, ice cream, quick snacks)

Most visitors take at least one short break. You’ll typically find a handful of small cafés/bars on the walls selling coffee, cold drinks, water, juices, ice cream, and light snacks, often with shaded tables and great views. Prices are usually higher than in the Old Town below, so it’s best to treat these as “pit-stop” stops rather than full meals. For more options once you’re back at street level, see our guide to bars and clubs in Dubrovnik.

• Quick tip: In summer, plan your water strategy before you go up, then use wall cafés mainly for a cold drink break.
• Expect queues at peak hours: The café/viewpoint corners can back up when cruise crowds are high, if it looks busy, keep walking and stop at the next one.

Toilets and water

Toilet access on the walls is limited, but there are facilities near the main entrances and usually at least one toilet point on the route. Because you may be a long way from the next toilet once you’re on the loop, it’s smart to use facilities and fill water bottles before you enter.

• Refill before you start: A classic pre-walls stop is Big Onofrio’s Fountain near Pile Gate, handy for topping up a bottle in hot weather.
• Bring enough water: Shade is limited on many sections, and the stone reflects heat in summer, carry more than you think you’ll need.

Shade and resting points

Shade is limited on large parts of the circuit, especially on the sea-facing sections. The best “rest” moments usually happen at café terraces and wider corners where you can step aside without blocking others. If you’re visiting in July or August, choose an early-morning or late-afternoon start and pace yourself, your experience will be significantly more comfortable.

Rules and common questions before you go

Before you start the walk, it helps to know a few official rules and practical “gotchas” that catch people out (especially around last entry, re-entry, and pets). The Society of Friends of Dubrovnik Antiquities (DPDS) publishes an official FAQ and code of conduct for the City Walls.

• No reservation needed: You don’t need to book a time slot to visit; you can simply arrive during working hours (official FAQ).
• You can buy tickets in advance: If you prefer to pre-buy, you can purchase via the official webshop and show the ticket on your phone or print it (official FAQ).
• Last entry = closing time: The official FAQ explains that the end of working hours means the last entry time. If hours say “until 18:00”, the last entry is also 18:00 - so arrive early enough to complete the full loop.
• One tour only (no re-entry): The official code of conduct states your ticket is valid for one tour and re-entry is not possible. Use the toilet, refill water, and decide your plan before going up.
• Keep your ticket until the end: You’re required to keep the ticket during the visit and show it if staff request it (official code of conduct).
• Pets: Pets are allowed. Dogs must be on a leash, and larger breeds must wear a muzzle (official FAQ/code of conduct). For comfort (yours and everyone else’s), avoid peak heat hours and crowded time windows.
• Children: Children must be supervised by an adult (official code of conduct). Plan extra time and choose a cooler start time in summer.
• Safety on the walls: The official code of conduct prohibits jumping/climbing/leaning from the walls and taking photos from the edge. Wear grippy footwear and take stairs slowly.
• Photography: Personal photos are allowed, but commercial filming/photography requires prior approval (official FAQ/code of conduct).
• Prohibited items and behaviour: Weapons, explosives, flammable materials, littering, and damaging the walls are prohibited (official code of conduct).

Tip: If you’re visiting in summer, the “rules that matter most” for your comfort are: start early/late, bring water, wear good shoes, and don’t plan to exit and re-enter.

Address & contact details

Street: Old Town Dubrovnik
Postcode: 20000
City: Dubrovnik

Website: Dubrovnik City Walls

FAQ: Dubrovnik City Walls

How much do the Dubrovnik City Walls cost?

Prices can change seasonally, but in recent seasons the standard adult ticket is commonly listed at around €40, with reduced tickets often listed at around €15 for children aged 7–18 and students (ID required). The most reliable way to verify the current price and conditions is the official ticket shop.

Do I need to book a time slot in advance?

No - according to the official FAQ, you don’t need a reservation or time slot. You can simply arrive during working hours and enter with a ticket (purchased at the entrance or in advance online).

How long does it take to walk the City Walls?

Most visitors take 1.5 to 2 hours for the full loop at a comfortable pace. If you stop often for photos (or take a café break), plan closer to 2 to 2.5 hours.

What’s the best time to visit?

The best strategy is to start right at opening time or late afternoon. These windows are usually cooler (important in summer), less crowded, and better for photos. Midday can be hot and busy, with limited shade on the route.

What time is the last entry?

The official FAQ notes that the end of working hours is also the last entry time. If the walls are open “until 18:00”, you must enter by 18:00—so arrive earlier to have enough time to complete the loop.

Are the City Walls open every day?

The walls are generally open year-round with seasonal hours. The official FAQ notes they are typically open every day except 25 December. Always check the current working hours before you go, especially in winter and on public holidays.

Where are the entrances?

There are three official entrances: the main entrance near Pile Gate on Stradun, an eastern entrance near Ploče Gate (St Luke’s area), and an entrance by St John’s Fortress near the Old Port/Maritime Museum area. If the main entrance is busy, the Old Port entrance often has shorter lines.

Can I re-enter if I leave the walls?

Typically no. The official rules state the ticket is valid for one tour and re-entry is not possible. Use the toilet, refill water, and set your plan before you go up.

Does the City Walls ticket include Fort Lovrijenac?

Yes. The official FAQ confirms that a ticket purchased for the Dubrovnik City Walls also allows you to visit Fort Lovrijenac. If you buy a ticket at Lovrijenac first and then want to visit the City Walls, the official FAQ notes you’ll need to pay extra at the walls entrance.

Is the Dubrovnik Pass worth it?

If you’re doing the walls plus a couple of museums (or using local buses), the Dubrovnik Pass is often better value and simpler than buying separate tickets. It typically includes City Walls entry plus a museum/gallery bundle and transport benefits while active. See our practical guide here: Dubrovnik Pass guide.

Is it suitable for kids and strollers?

Kids who can walk confidently usually enjoy the “castle walls” experience, but the route includes many stairs and narrow sections. Strollers are generally not practical on the ramparts - if you’re visiting with babies or toddlers, a carrier is the easiest option. In hot months, plan an early or late start.

Are pets allowed on the City Walls?

Yes. The official FAQ allows pets, and they must be on a leash. For your dog’s comfort, avoid peak heat hours and bring water, especially in summer.