Walking the Middle Ages City Fortress in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Taking a stroll along 14th century fortifications of the largest and most complete gated city in Europe? In Dubrovnik, it's called "Thursday."

My friend Nicole arrived yesterday to explore Croatia with us for the last weeks of our trip! We geared up in athletic clothes for a day of hiking stone staircases on the city walls.

It's a pro move to match your sneakers to the red tile roofs of Dubrovnik's old town.

Entrance to the city walls is 100 kunas a person (~$20) I wasn't sure if it was going to be worth it but you do get an impressive view of the fortress as well as a behind-the-scenes look at people's backyards.

Rocky ocean on one side and a deep moat on the other, the fortress held up against sieges over centuries.

We were inside the gates for the 12:00 bells (check out the short video on my Instagram).

There used to be 120 cannons defending the 6 foot-thick limestone walls.

Even in "off-season," the narrow gate paths get crowded with tour groups and cruise ship visitors.

Pretty pink flowers bloom on top of the older rooftops.

I'm developing an obsession with the tiny, organized Croatian kitchen gardens. This one is behind the monastery.

It took us about an hour to walk the entire perimeter and check out every guard tower. There are a handful of snack bars and souvenir shops along the way if you get hungry. My favorite painter from Gruda has a boutique by the exit near Pile gate. A lovely way to see the old city!