Dubrovnik Guide: City Walls, Stradun and Lokrum
Dubrovnik sits on the Adriatic coast behind a ring of medieval stone walls enclosing its Old Town. This guide brings together the essentials of this UNESCO-listed city: the walk along the walls, Stradun's polished limestone pavement, the Rector's Palace and Onofrio's Fountain, a forested walk on Lokrum Island, the cable car up Srđ hill, and the quieter neighboring town of Cavtat.
## Why Is the Walk Along Dubrovnik's City Walls So Special?
Dubrovnik's stone walls encircle the entire Old Town, and walking their full loop gives you an elevated view over terracotta rooftops, narrow lanes, and the Adriatic beyond. There are three official entrances: Pile Gate, the main one; Ploče Gate to the east; and St John's Fortress by the Old Port. Along the way you pass fortified points such as Minčeta Tower, Bokar, and Revelin, each offering a different angle on the town and the open sea. The walk covers a loop of roughly two kilometers with almost no shade, so an early morning or late afternoon start is the usual way to avoid both the heat and the crowds. The ticket also covers entry to several of the towers, and just outside the walls, Lovrijenac Fortress is visible perched on its own rocky outcrop.
## Stradun, the Rector's Palace and Onofrio's Fountain
Stradun, also known as Placa, is the polished limestone main street running the length of the Old Town, lined with baroque façades rebuilt after the 1667 earthquake. At its Pile Gate end stands Onofrio's Fountain, a large 15th-century domed fountain that was originally part of the city's historic water supply system. A short distance along Stradun sits the Rector's Palace, once the seat of government for the Republic of Ragusa; the building blends Gothic and Renaissance elements and today houses the Cultural History Museum. Nearby, along the same square, you can also visit the cathedral and Sponza Palace.
## Lokrum Island and Taking the Cable Car to Srđ Hill
Lokrum is a small, forested island reached by a short ferry ride from the Old Port. It offers walking trails, a botanical garden, the ruins of a former Benedictine monastery, and a shallow saltwater lake known locally as the 'Dead Sea.' No overnight stays are allowed on the island, so a visit needs to be planned as a day trip. Rising just behind the city, Srđ hill is reached by cable car, and the summit offers a combined view of the Old Town's walls, rooftops, and the open sea below. At the top stands the Napoleonic-era Imperial Fortress, and the spot is especially popular around sunset.
## Cavtat and Practical Visiting Information
Cavtat is a quiet coastal town south of Dubrovnik, reachable by boat or bus. It is known for its palm-lined waterfront and the family mausoleum designed by sculptor Ivan Meštrović, and it makes an easy day trip for anyone looking for a calmer pace than the Old Town. A few practical notes help with planning: the Old Town is closed to vehicle traffic and its polished stone streets call for flat, comfortable shoes; midday in summer can get quite crowded; and the city walls ticket is typically separate from admission to museums and palaces. Since the Old Town remains a residential area, keeping noise down in its narrow lanes and courtyards is part of respecting local life.
FAQ
Which gates lead into the Dubrovnik city walls?
The city walls have three official entry points: Pile Gate, the main entrance; Ploče Gate to the east; and St John's Fortress (Tvrđava Sv. Ivana), which faces the Old Port. Most visitors begin their walk at Pile Gate since it opens directly onto Stradun and is where the main ticket booth is located. Whichever gate you choose, the walk moves in one direction around the full loop, so you end up close to your starting point once you complete the circuit — which is why an early morning start is the usual advice for avoiding the busiest crowds.
How much time should I set aside for a visit to Lokrum Island?
Lokrum is a small, forested island reached by a roughly fifteen-minute ferry ride from the Old Port, and most visitors spend half a day there. The island offers walking trails, a botanical garden, the ruins of a former Benedictine monastery, and a shallow saltwater lake known as the 'Dead Sea,' where a swim is possible. Overnight stays are not permitted on the island, so it is worth checking the last ferry departure in advance. Going over in the morning and returning to Dubrovnik by early afternoon makes it easy to pair the island trip with a walk along the city walls on the same day.