Free self-guided walk · Dubrovnik

Through the old town from the Pile Gate to the old port

A free self-guided walk from the Pile Gate along the Stradun, past the Rector's Palace and the cathedral to the old port, with a climb to the Jesuit Steps.

Distance
1.1 km
Walking time
15 min
Allow
About 2 hours with stops
Stops
7

Open the route in Google MapsDubrovnik city guide

About this walk

Dubrovnik's old town is enclosed by its medieval walls and closed to traffic. This walk enters by the western Pile Gate, follows the polished main street to the eastern end and finishes at the old harbour.

The walk on top of the walls is separate and needs a ticket; this route stays at street level.

  • Terrain: The Stradun is flat, smooth stone and slippery when wet. Side streets are stepped and steep, including the Jesuit Steps.
  • Best time: Early morning, before cruise passengers arrive, or in the evening.

Route map

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Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. Pile Gate

    The main gate on the west side, with a statue of St Blaise, the city's patron, over the arch.

  2. Onofrio's Fountain

    A large domed fountain just inside the gate, part of the 15th-century water supply.

  3. Stradun

    The limestone main street, worn smooth over centuries.

  4. Luža Square

    The square at the end of the Stradun, with the clock tower, Orlando's Column and the Church of St Blaise.

  5. Rector's Palace

    The Gothic-Renaissance palace where the head of the republic lived during his term.

  6. Jesuit Stairs

    Baroque steps climbing to the Jesuit church, modelled on Rome's Spanish Steps.

  7. Old port

    Finish at the small harbour by the eastern walls, where boats leave for Lokrum island.

Tips

  • The Dubrovnik Pass covers the walls and several museums.
  • Carry water: the walls and lanes have little shade.
  • Buses to the old town stop just outside the Pile Gate.

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Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-10-28. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.