Walk the Dubrovnik Walls for a Scenic Stroll Through Croatia’s Past

Discover coastal views and history as you walk the Dubrovnik walls

One of the most iconic experiences in Dubrovnik – especially for travelers drawn to sweeping views and a dose of history – is walking the city walls. It’s not just a scenic stroll; it’s a walk through centuries of defense, resilience, and architectural wonder. We chose to walk the Dubrovnik walls first thing in the morning on a summer day, and it turned out to be the perfect way to start our day.

Why Walk the Dubrovnik Walls?

Stretching 1,940 meters (about 1.2 miles) around Old Town, the Dubrovnik city walls offer some of the best views of the city. But they’re more than just a postcard-perfect backdrop.

These imposing fortifications date back to the 13th century and were continually reinforced to protect Dubrovnik from invaders. Thanks in part to these walls and their strategically placed forts, the city managed to maintain its independence for centuries.

Today, the walls are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the top attractions in Croatia. To walk the Dubrovnik Walls – a site so well-preserved and steeped in history – feels almost surreal. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the city’s past, beauty, and coastal charm.

What to Know Before You Walk the Dubrovnik Walls

• Length & Difficulty: Approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles). It’s a manageable walk, but there are stairs (comfortable shoes are a must).
• Time Needed: 1–2 hours. We took about 90 minutes, including a leisurely stop for iced coffee with a view.
• Cost: Entry is included with the Dubrovnik Pass. The 1-day pass costs €40 (as of 2025) and includes one entry to the walls, several museum entrances, and public bus access. We bought the 7-day pass (€60 as of 2025), which was well worth it since we used the buses daily. Read more about our experience using the Dubrovnik Pass here.
• Entrance Points: While there are technically three entrance points (Pile Gate, Ploče Gate, and Fort St. John), the St. John entrance is often closed or only used as an exit. We originally tried to start there but found it closed, so we entered at Ploče Gate, which worked out perfectly for an early, quiet start.
• Hours: The Dubrovnik Walls open at 8:00am year-round, but closing time varies depending on the season. Be sure to check the hours if you plan to visit late in the day.
• Best Time to Go: Early morning or just before closing. Avoid midday when the sun and crowds are at their peak.
• What to bring: There is little shade along the walls, so bring water and wear sun protection, especially if you’re visiting in the summer months.

Our Experience Walking the Dubrovnik Walls

Entering the Walls

We visited Croatia in late July, and let’s just say, it was hot. We became experts in local swimming spots mostly because we were always looking for a way to cool off (though it definitely helped that the water is stunning).

To beat the heat, we planned to walk the Dubrovnik Walls first thing in the morning, right when they opened at 8:00 a.m.

Since we were staying in Old Town, we didn’t have far to go – just a short five-minute walk from our apartment to our starting point at Ploče Gate. After a quick wait in a short line, we began our counter-clockwise walk around the Dubrovnik Walls.

Exploring the Walls

The route opened with early views of the old harbor (we’d see it again at the end), then curved north along the outer edge of the city.

On one side, we could see – and hear – the bustle of modern Dubrovnik, with cars zipping along the main road.

On the other, rows of red rooftops stretched out across Old Town, bathed in soft morning light.

We continued walking until we reached the imposing Minčeta Tower, the highest point on the walls.

There’s a narrow staircase here where you can climb for a postcard-worthy view through a small stone window.

Even early in the morning, there was a short line to reach the top of the tower – mostly due to the tight space for people going up and down. It was worth the brief wait, and honestly another good reason to visit early.

As we rounded the northwest corner, we passed the entry near Pile Gate, where the path got a little busier as more visitors joined the walk – but it was still manageable.

A bit further along, we arrived at Bokar Fort, one of the more photogenic sections of the wall. From here, the views open up to Fort Lovrijenac (Saint Lawrence Fortress), perched dramatically across the inlet. It’s one of the best vantage points for seeing the layered defense system that once protected the city from naval attacks.

From there, the wall turns along the southern edge of the city, where the stone rises higher above the sea. The climb gets a little steeper here, but so do the rewards – with open coastal views and glimpses of cliffside swimming spots far below.

A Relaxing Coffee Break

Soon after turning along the southern side of the walls, we came upon Caffe on the Wall, and decided to stop. It was only around 9:00 am, but the sun was already strong, and the idea of a cold drink was too tempting to pass up.

We found a shaded spot beneath grapevines, ordered a few iced coffees, and enjoyed the views and people-watching from our perch on the wall.

There’s something wonderfully surreal about sipping coffee atop a centuries-old fortification while overlooking one of Europe’s most iconic cities.

After about 20 to 30 minutes of relaxing and recharging, we continued our walk around the rest of the walls.

Enjoying Beautiful Views of the Adriatic

As we left Caffe on the Wall, we entered what was arguably the most scenic stretch of the walk. From high above Old Town, we had sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea, with Lokrum Island in the distance and clusters of kayakers paddling along the rocky coast below us.

But even with all that sea-and-sky beauty, we found ourselves just as often turning inward – toward the rooftops and narrow alleys of Old Town.

Walking the Dubrovnik walls gives you a unique vantage point. The city feels stitched together from above, like a map coming to life beneath your feet.

Oh, and did we mention the cats? We spotted several enjoying shady nooks along the wall – including one lounging in a particularly cozy spot like it owned the place (which, to be fair, it probably does).

We took our time, stopping often for photos and just to take it all in – wind and all.

Eventually, we rounded the final bend by St. John’s Fort and followed the walls along the harbor, circling back to our starting point at Ploče Gate.

Our loop around the city walls had come full circle – and all before 10am, leaving us the rest of the day to explore Dubrovnik.

Is Walking the Walls Difficult?

Based on our experience, we think the Dubrovnik Walls walk is easy, particularly if you don’t have mobility issues. The full loop is about 2 kilometers (just over a mile). There are a fair number of stairs and some inclined areas. It’s accessible for most travelers in reasonably good shape.

We’d categorize a walk around the city walls as beginner level soft adventure. The walking isn’t difficult, but it still is walking – and that takes some energy, especially under the summer sun.

We spent about 90 minutes total on the walk, including our coffee break. It’s a wonderful partial-day experience. On the day we visited the walls, we finished up at the walls by 10am, headed to Lapad for an afternoon of beach hopping, and still made it back to Old Town for late-afternoon relaxation and an evening dinner and stroll.

Final Thoughts: Walk the Dubrovnik Walls for Views, History, and a Dash of Adventure

For us, this experience felt like a perfect blend of what we love most about travel: a touch of movement, incredible views, and a deep sense of place. We’ve hiked cliffs and canyons, swum through coves and cenotes – but walking the Dubrovnik walls offered something different. It wasn’t physically demanding, but it carried that same sense of discovery and quiet awe.

To walk the Dubrovnik walls is to move through history – above it, beside it, within it. Every step offered a new angle, a new view, or a quiet detail to notice. It was the kind of soft adventure that invites you to slow down, look closer, and feel just a little more connected to the story of a place.

If you’re like us – drawn to experiences that combine natural beauty, cultural texture, and a bit of movement – this is one you’ll want to make time for. We finished the walk feeling inspired, grounded, and grateful we started our day this way.

🏖️Headed to Dubrovnik? Check out our collection of posts on Croatia here.