The iconic walls of Dubrovnik were built between 14th and 15th centuries to protect the old town from invaders and enemies. Today, these very walls are a symbol of Dubrovnik, and a stark reminder of the tumultuous historical and political past that the city has experienced. A visit to Dubrovnik without walking around the city walls is incomplete.

If you prefer to go as part of a guided tour, there are plenty of operators offering walking tours of the old town and city walls. However, if you prefer to do a self-guided walk, it’s easy to do so and is highly recommended. At a leisurely pace, the walk takes around two hours to complete. Out of the three entrances to the walls, Pile Gate is the most preferred one. You can download the audio tour for the walk on your mobile phone and get a better understanding of the different structures and sites that you’ll walk by. You also get a peek into the way residents of the walled city live and used to live—the cobbled alleyways and the orange tiled roofs make for a stunning photograph. This walk is a completely different way of seeing Dubrovnik and comes highly recommended. The best time to go is either before noon or after 3 pm to avoid the cruise ship passengers and the strong sun. Admission fee is 16 USD.