Walking the Dubrovnik City Walls | Guide, Tips & Photos
A complete guide to walking the Dubrovnik city walls. See the best of Dubrovnik from above and get ready for some epic photo opportunities! You’ll even spot some iconic Game of Thrones filming locations along the way.
Dubrovnik has undoubtedly earned its title as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” with its dramatic mountains, jewel-blue sea, and endless red-tiled rooftops. This beautifully preserved medieval city won my heart the moment I walked through Pile Gate and onto the sun-drenched Stradun, the promenade that runs through the center of the historic Old Town.
My time in Croatia left me with more memorable views and experiences than I expected, but one of my favorite things to do was walking the Dubrovnik city walls.
If you want to ensure the best experience possible, this post is for you! I'll take you through everything you need to know for a successful visit—what to expect, when to go, how to get tickets, Game of Thrones filming locations to look out for, and more.
The Stradun - promenade running down the center of historic Old Town
Is Walking the Dubrovnik City Walls Worth It?
100% YES! The city walls are an iconic symbol of Dubrovnik and have been wonderfully preserved, allowing visitors to experience the Old Town from above.
This was one of my favorite activities in Dubrovnik. So much so, I did it a second time on a return visit. There’s a reason it’s consistently ranked as the #1 thing to do in Dubrovnik. The walls offer a completely different perspective of the city.
The price tag may be steep (more on that below), but where else can you walk the entire perimeter of an ancient town while taking in the Adriatic Sea, a panorama of red- and orange-hued rooftops, quiet streets, bell towers, and picturesque squares?
Along the way, you’ll discover some of the best photo spots in Dubrovnik and see why this is such a memorable experience. From a photography perspective, the photos you’ll get are worth the ticket price alone.
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll also spot many of the show’s Dubrovnik filming locations from the city walls. I’ll point them out in the photos below so you can look out for them when you visit in person.
Consider joining a Game of Thrones walking tour to make sure you don’t miss any of the filming locations.
I did this 2-hour Game of Thrones tour in Dubrovnik in May and loved it! The guide was fantastic and shared plenty of behind-the-scenes scoop about the filming and cast, along with interesting facts about Dubrovnik and some fascinating bits of local history.
Pile Bay
Pile Bay is one of the most recognizable Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik. The dramatic backdrop was used for the Blackwater Bay battle scenes. The stone walkway in the bottom-left corner is where Sansa and Shae stood, watching the ships sail by, dreaming of where they were headed. The beach in the middle is where we watched Myrcella’s departure and return.
Best Time to Walk the Dubrovnik City Walls
Going first thing in the morning is a MUST! Dubrovnik is a popular cruise-ship stop, and the Old Town can get packed with visitors by early afternoon.
The lighting is also much better for photography in the morning and evening vs the harsh afternoon sun.
Check the opening times before you go and arrive at least 10 minutes early. The hours for the Dubrovnik city walls vary by month, so it’s best to double-check the current schedule online.
How Long Does It Take?
The walls stretch for about a mile and take roughly 1.5–2 hours to walk, depending on how often you stop to admire the views and take photos.
What to Bring / What to Wear for Walking the Walls
Water
Sunscreen
Hat
Comfortable shoes - this is a pretty easy circuit, so sandals and such are fine. I just wouldn't wear wedges, heels, etc., since there are steps and cobblestones involved.
Camera
Sunglasses
There is very little shade and it can feel quite hot since you're surrounded by stone, so plan accordingly.
How to Get Tickets for Walking the Dubrovnik City Walls
Tickets to walk the Dubrovnik city walls are €40 and include admission to Lovrijenac Fortress, the Western Outer Wall, and the Collection of Coins of the Republic of Ragusa.
The Dubrovnik Pass is also €40 and includes public transportation, as well as admission to a number of museums, galleries, and other attractions around the city—including the city walls. The pass is valid for 24 hours once activated.
Since the prices are the same, opting for the Dubrovnik Pass is a no-brainer if you plan to visit any of the other attractions covered by the pass.
Book your Dubrovnik Pass online so you can download the QR code to your phone. You’ll use it to enter the attractions covered by the pass, including the city walls.
If you’re joining a Game of Thrones walking tour, it’s best to do it on the same day as your Dubrovnik city walls walk. Both your city walls ticket and the Dubrovnik Pass include admission to Lovrijenac Fortress, which is likely to be part of your Game of Thrones tour since it’s one of the show’s major filming locations.
If you visit Lovrijenac Fortress separately, admission is €15.
You can buy tickets in person, but I don’t recommend it since the Dubrovnik Pass is the better value. The ticket office is on your right as soon as you enter the Stradun through Pile Gate. The main entrance to the Dubrovnik city walls is just to the left of the ticket office and is easy to spot, with an employee at the bottom of the stairs scanning tickets.
Enough with the boring details! Now let’s take a look at just how breathtaking these views are and get a little taste of Dubrovnik for yourself.
Photos and Game of Thrones Filming Locations from the Dubrovnik City Walls
Bell Tower of the Dominican Monastery
Lovrijenac Fortress in the distance
Lovrijenac Fortress (left) and Pile Bay below
Lovrijenac Fortress is one of the most iconic Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik and was used for countless scenes throughout the series. It’s best known as the Red Keep. Some of the most memorable scenes filmed here include Joffrey’s name day tournament and the tense moment when Cersei demonstrates to Petyr Baelish that she can have him killed with the snap of her fingers.
Pile Bay, another Game of Thrones filming location mentioned above, sits just below the fortress. The two are close enough that you can easily visit both while exploring this part of Dubrovnik.
Entrance to the Old Port
Old Port
Lokrum Island was used as a filming location for Qarth in Game of Thrones. The production crew loved the island so much that they decided to pay a little tribute to it. Since Lokrum is known for its freely roaming peacocks, the birds were incorporated into the Qarth set design as a nod to the island.
There are a few cafés and bars along the route where you can stop for a coffee or cold drink. I recommend Caffe on the Wall (St. Petar), where you can take a break and enjoy prime views of the Old Town and Adriatic Sea.
The earlier you come, the better your chance of snagging a table with an epic view.
In Summary
I hope you enjoyed this visual journey along the Dubrovnik city walls! While the tickets may be a little pricey, the experience is absolutely worth it. You’ll walk away with some incredible photos, unforgettable views, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Complete your trip and book your Dubrovnik tours
Dubrovnik has plenty of wonderful activities and tours to enjoy beyond the city walls. I highly recommend a kayak tour, especially at sunset when the views are incredible. A walking tour or two is also a great way to learn more about the city and make sure you don’t miss the important sights.
The Hidden Gems of Dubrovnik private tour is especially worthwhile if you want to see a different side of the city.
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Walking the Dubrovnik City Walls | Guide, Tips & Photos
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Come back after your trip and share your favorite viewpoints and tips for walking the Dubrovnik city walls in the comments below! I’d love to hear about your experience.
