Should You Walk the City Walls of Dubrovnik? Answer: Most Definitely!
- Amy Leggett
- Jun 15
- 5 min read
Updated: 17 hours ago
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They say that Dubrovnik is the "Pearl of the Adriatic". If that is true, then its city walls are the diamond-studded frame. Majestic, medieval, and mind-blowingly scenic, these ancient fortifications are more than just a backdrop for Instagram...they are a full-blown experience!
Walking the fortified city walls that surround the old town of Dubrovnik is seriously the most iconic experience to do while visiting this amazing city. When my daughters and I decided to see what the hype was about, we chose to do it at midday (not the wisest decision as you will see in this blog...learn from our mistake!). We first took a walking tour of Old Town so that we would know what we were looking down at (that was actually a good idea!). You should know that entry to the wall is not included in most city tours so it is something that you will need to plan to do on your own. Our tour guide gave us the insider tip to buy a Dubrovnik Pass for 40 Euros which includes entrance to walk the city wall as well as entrance to many other attractions in Dubrovnik. Click here for more information on the Dubrovnik Pass. Here is a link to walking tours of Dubrovnik and City Walls group tours to make your planning easier!
The Dubrovnik city walls date back to the 10th century and completely surround the old town. You'll climb ancient stone steps, pass through shadowy archways, and gaze out over the shimmering Adriatic Sea. You will get a bird's eye view of the city, gaze on the red-roofed houses, walk up fortress turrets, and may come across the occasional stray cat sunbathing on the wall ledges. The breathtaking photos you will get from this perspective are well worth the 40 Euros, the steep staircase climb and the hoards of tourists. It is a must do if you are physically capable (unfortunately, there are no other options for getting to the top of the walls than climbing a bagillion stairs!).
Insider Tips for Visiting the City Walls of Dubrovnik:
Here are some tips that you should know to make your city wall experience as incredible as it can be:
Get There Early or Later in the Day: The walls get very crowded as they are the top tourist attraction in Dubrovnik. To avoid the crowds it is best to get there right at 8:00 am when they open (before the many cruise ships drop off even more tourists to wander the town) OR wait until later in the afternoon after all the cruise ship tourists have returned to their boat. The walls are open until 7:30 or 8:30 pm depending on the time of year. A late afternoon visit could provide that "Golden Hour" lighting for your Instagramable photos.
Avoid Our Mistake Because It Gets Hot: Another reason to go earlier in the morning or later in the day is to avoid the high heat of midday. Learn from our mistake! We went at noon right after our walking tour. BAD IDEA! The limestone that the walls are built of reflect all that midday sun making for a VERY toasty experience. INSIDER TIP: Even if you walk the walls at the peak of the day, it is important to wear sunscreen because the sun gets intense up there!
Where to Enter the Wall: There are three entrances to the wall. The Pile Gate (which is the main entrance to old town), by St. John's Fortress, and the Ploče Gate. If the Pile Gate is too crowded when you arrive to walk the wall, try entering at one of the other entrances to avoid the line.
How to Walk the Wall: Walking the wall is one-way, counter-clockwise around the Old Town. If you try to go against the flow, you will be asked to leave. If the heat or the climbs get to intense for you, you can get exit at any of the entrances noted above (although I wouldn't recommend it...you don't want to miss any views!). INSIDER TIP: Keep your ticket handy because you will need to show it at each entry point. Also note, if you choose to exit the wall early, you will not be readmitted with your same ticket. Another reason to try and power through if you can.
Stay Hydrated: Bring a bottle of water with you because, again, it does get super hot. There are a few spots to purchase a drink or a snack along the wall, but I am sure the prices are a bit elevated. You may also want to bring along a hat or visor as there is little to no shade up on the wall.
Know Your Limits: Head's up that walking the wall is strenuous. There are a lot of steps to get up to the top of the wall as well as numerous steps along the way. It is a 2 kilometer stretch to walk the whole wall. There are lots of flat places to recover along the way, but when there is an uphill or a staircase it can challenge the knees and the lungs...be prepared. If you have a bum knee or can't handle the climb, it may be best to just enjoy the pics snapped by the rest of your group while you enjoy a cool beverage at a nice café.
How Long Do You Need to Walk the Wall: Walking the whole wall takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how often you stop to admire the views and take photos.
Here are some of the amazing photos you can snag when you walk the city walls.
Yes, You Should Definitely Walk the City Walls in Dubrovnik!
A lot of times the over-hyped tourist attractions are just that...over-hyped. This is not one of those times. Walking the city walls in Dubrovnik is a once in a lifetime experience if you find yourself in this stunning part of the world. It is an amazing journey with breath-taking view after breath-taking view at every turn. While you are gazing out at the turquoise blue waters of the Adriatic, or over the old town of a city with so much history, you will know that you are somewhere special.
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