Quick Summary
| Season opening | 08:00 daily, April – October |
|---|---|
| Season closing | Between 17:30 and 19:30, depending on month |
| Winter hours (Nov–Mar) | 09:00 – 15:00 |
| Closed | 25 December only |
| Last entry | Shortly before closing — start 90+ min early for the full loop |
| Quietest slots | 08:00 sharp, or from ~2 h before closing |
Prices and hours are taken from the official ticket office (citywallsdubrovnik.hr) and may change — always double-check before your visit.
Dubrovnik City Walls opening hours follow the sun. The monument is open every day of the year except Christmas Day, but the closing time shifts almost monthly — long summer evenings allow walks until 19:30, while in midwinter the gates shut at 15:00. Getting the schedule right matters more here than at most attractions, because the last entry cuts off well before closing and there is no re-entry once you're off the circuit.
Opening hours by season
| Period | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| April – May | 08:00 – 18:30 |
| June – July | 08:00 – 19:30 |
| August | 08:00 – 19:00 |
| September | 08:00 – 18:30 (from mid-month 18:00) |
| October | 08:00 – 17:30 |
| November – March | 09:00 – 15:00 |
| 25 December | Closed |
These times reflect the schedule published by the official operator (citywallsdubrovnik.hr); exact closing times are adjusted each season, so confirm the current month before a sunset-timed visit. Fort Lovrijenac keeps similar seasonal hours.
Last entry: ticket gates stop admitting visitors before the posted closing time, and staff walk the circuit clearing it as closing approaches. For the full 2 km loop, be at an entrance at least 90 minutes before close — earlier if you like to linger over photos.
Timing is everything: when to actually go
The 08:00 start
Being first through the gate is the single best decision available. From 08:00 to about 09:30 you'll share the ramparts with a handful of photographers, the stone is still cool, and the light rakes low across the rooftops. By 10:00 the first excursion groups arrive and the narrow sections start to bottleneck.
The golden-hour finish
The second-best slot is roughly two hours before closing: from ~17:30 in June and July, ~16:00 in October. Cruise passengers are back on board by then, the heat has broken, and the westering sun turns the limestone gold. Photographers: the view from Minčeta Tower toward Lovrijenac is at its best in this window.
The hours to avoid
Between 10:00 and 15:00 in high season, up to three cruise ships can be in port simultaneously. Expect queues at the Pile entrance, single-file shuffling on the sea-facing stretch, and full sun overhead with no shade. If a mid-day visit is unavoidable, enter at Ploče or St John's Fort rather than Pile, carry a litre of water per person, and take the north-side sections slowly.
Seasonal notes
- Spring (Apr–May): the sweet spot — season hours, mild temperatures, gardens on Lokrum in bloom, crowds well below August levels.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): longest hours and biggest crowds. The stone deck can exceed 35 °C at midday; the two edge slots aren't a tip here, they're a necessity.
- Autumn (Sep–Oct): sea still warm, light superb, hours gradually shortening. Late September is many locals' favourite month on the walls.
- Winter (Nov–Mar): 09:00–15:00, ticket down to €15, and you may have whole bastions to yourself. Caveat: in strong bora wind or storms the wall walk can close at short notice for safety — have an indoor backup plan.
How long does the walk take?
Plan on 1.5–2 hours for the complete 1,940 m circuit with photo stops. The route is one-way (anticlockwise) with several long stair climbs, the toughest up to Minčeta Tower. Add 30–45 minutes if you'll also visit Fort Lovrijenac afterwards — it's a separate short climb outside Pile Gate, covered by the same ticket. Check current ticket prices before you plan the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do the Dubrovnik City Walls open?
08:00 daily from April to October, 09:00 from November to March, per the official schedule. Arriving for opening is the best way to beat both crowds and heat.
What time do the walls close?
It varies by month: 19:30 at the June–July peak, 18:30–17:30 in the shoulder months, and 15:00 from November to March. Confirm the current month on the official site before a late visit.
Are the City Walls open every day?
Yes — every day of the year except 25 December. In severe weather (strong bora wind, storms) the walk can close temporarily for safety.
When is the last entry to the City Walls?
Admission stops shortly before closing time, and the circuit is cleared as closing approaches. Start at least 90 minutes before close to complete the full loop.
What is the best time of day to walk the walls?
Right at 08:00 opening, or about two hours before closing. Both slots avoid cruise crowds and midday heat, and offer the best light for photos.
Can you walk the walls at night?
No. The circuit closes in the evening (15:00–19:30 depending on season) and there is no night access for individual visitors.
Ready to walk the walls?
Summer time slots sell out — book your entry in advance and keep your plans flexible with free cancellation on most options.