Dubrovnik Ancient City Walls – Everything You Need To Know

Literally everyone that goes to Dubrovnik walks, or at least looks at, the historic city walls that surround the Old Town. But when we went I couldn’t find ONE source that had all the information I was looking for. So here is my attempt to provide useful info and tips to make the most of your experience walking the wall.

Facts About The Walls – They were built between the 12th and 17th centuries to protect the city from invasions. The walls stretch 1.2 miles (2 km) around Old Town. The entire Old Town with its walls were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, highlighting its cultural and historical importance. They reach heights of up to 82 ft. (25m). There are several fortresses along the wall including Minceta Tower, Bokar Fortress, and Fort Lawrence.

Where To Access The Walls – The main entrance and ticket booth is next to the Pile Gate, on the west side of Old Town. There are also entrances at St. Luca Fortress and St. John’s Fortress (just south of the port on the east).

Which Way Around? – You can only walk the walls in a counterclockwise direction. You can probably backtrack a little bit, but at each of the three entrances you will be forced to go counterclockwise again. This is because the passageways are very narrow in some places.

Buying Tickets and Cost – Tickets can be purchased at Pile Gate entrance or online via Payment can be made in cash (Croatian Kuna only) or any credit card type. During Mar. 1-Oct. 31, access to the walls costs 35 Euros for adults, 15 Euros for children ages 7-18, and free for children under 7. During Jan. 1-Feb. 29 and Nov. 1-Dec. 31 it is roughly half that price. Students get a discounted price with a valid Student Card (Intl Student Card or European Youth Card). Tickets are valid for 72 hours. Access to the Lovrjenac Fortress costs an additional$. If you buy the Dubrovnik City Pass, the City Walls are included. No reservation is needed.

What Are The Hours? – The wall is open every day of the year except on Christmas Day, December 25. The hours change based on the time of year. In Summer (April 1 -October 31) they open at 8am, and close between 5pm and 7pm, depending on the time of year. Check wallsofdurovnik.com for exact times. In Winter (November 1 – March 31) they open at 9am and close at 3pm. “Closing time” refers to the last time you can gain entry.

Refreshments – There are a few places along the wall to have some refreshments, and a couple of them where you can sit at little tables and enjoy the view.

Bathrooms – We saw at least 2 bathrooms along the way.

Accessibility – There are many steps and no elevators. Several websites say there are 1080 steps, but that is only if you count all the steps in each of the 3 entrances. I would estimate that if you went up via the Pile Gate entrance there are a total of 400 steps. The Ploce entrance has the least number of steps. Either way you will encounter steps as you go around the circumference of Old Town. There is no elevator, and it is not wheelchair accessible.

Museum – Near the port side of the Old Town walls is a Maritime Museum. You will come across it as you make your way around. This museum costs extra unless you have the Dubrovnik City Pass. An individual ticket is about 10 Euros.

Best Time To Visit – Year-round. Early morning or late afternoon are ideal for fewer crowds and softer light for photography.

What To Wear – Wear comfortable shows as the path is uneven and steep in places, and there are many stairs. The walls are very hot in the summertime, and there is little shade. So dress lightly and bring a hat or shade umbrella.

Are Pets Allowed? – Yes, but they must be on a leash.

Photography – If photographing or filming for commercial purposes, it is necessary to request special approval from the Society of Friends of Dubrovnik Antiquities. In case you just want to get on the wall for specific photos, here are some highlights and where they are. Immediately after ascending from the Pile Gate entrance, and going counterclockwise, you see a view of Fort Lovnienak across Blackwater Bay and Bokar Beach. Facing Old Town you get a view down the entire Stradun (Main Street) and an aerial view of the Onofrio drinking fountain. The city harbor is visible next between the St. John’s Entrance and the Tower of Saint Domenic on the east portion of the wall. On the northwest corner you have Minçeta Tower, from which you have a great view of the entire Old Town with the Adriatic Sea in the background.

Enjoy!