Some of the world’s most beautiful cities are surrounded by centuries old walls, built as protection from invading forces. These fortified structures help to create fairy tale cities that are punctuated by gates and guard towers. Although their original purpose no longer relevant, some of these walls and guard towers still stand today.

Many of the world’s best-known walled cities are in Europe, but it’s not the only continent where you can find magical places built within protective walls. With a location from nearly every continent, these are 10 of the best walled cities you can visit.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

You might recognize this Adriatic city from “Game of Thrones.” The Croatian city of Dubrovnik is surrounded by more than 6,000 feet of 13th-century walls punctuated by iconic fortresses.

Dubrovnik is one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in the world, and the city’s walls offer some of the most beautiful views in Croatia. You’ll want to give yourself at least an hour or two if you choose to walk Dubrovnik’s walls and snap those postcard perfect photos. The city walls feature sixteen towers, three fortresses, and six bastions, among other fortified features. Tickets include entry to Lovrjenac fortress, and they cost about $33. Plan for long ticket purchase lines onsite during peak summer travel times.

Quebec City, Canada

Quebec’s capital is the only walled city north of Mexico on the North American continent. Built between 1608 and 1871, the city’s stone walls include four gates, three towers, and the Citadelle of Québec, which was once the most significant British fortress on the continent.

Once inside Quebec City’s walls, you’ll find sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River, the 17th-century Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral, and Château Frontenac, one of the most photographed hotels in the world. Parks Canada gives 120-minute guided tours of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tallinn, Estonia

The capital of Estonia’s 13th-century walls were once one of the strongest in Northern Europe. More than half of the walls remain intact, including 26 towers, two full city gates, and two partial city gates.

For an epic view of Old Town Tallinn, walk the section of the wall that connects the Nunne, Sauna, and Kuldjala towers. It costs a few euros to walk this stretch, but it’s a bargain for these priceless views. Alternatively, save yourself the euros and stop at the Patkuli viewing platform.

Samarkand, Uzbekistan

First welcoming settlers in 1,500 B.C., Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, and was an essential stop on the Silk Route. The city was once captured by Alexander the Great and later destroyed by Genghis Khan. Samarkand is a city that’s been rebuilt and feels much newer than it is.

Samarkand is best known for its Islamic architecture that’s punctuated with bright turquoise domes and glistening mosques. Although Russia destroyed much of the city’s 11th-century walls and gates in the 1800s, there are still fragments that remain.

Taroudant, Morocco

Taroudant is a historic city in southwestern Morocco that bears a striking resemblance to Marrakech. However, there are a few key differences. Taroudant is smaller than Marrakech and it’s also set almost entirely within nearly 5 miles of fortified walls.

The golden ramparts were built during the Saadian dynasty to keep out 16th century Spanish and Portuguese invaders, which makes them among the oldest in Morocco. Today, Taroudant is a market town known for its leather and wool products. You can’t walk atop the walls, but you can walk along them.

Jaisalmer, India

Jaisalmer Fort’s yellow sandstone walls tower above the Rajasthan desert, seemingly taking on a deep golden hue as the sun sets. Jaisalmer is one of the oldest forts in Rajasthan, an Indian state dotted with forts. Its location was once a stop on crucial trading routes like the Silk Road.

Today, you’ll find several temples, a luxurious palace, and sprawling mansions made from the area’s signature yellow sandstone within the city walls. These streets have inspired novels and movies, and an estimated quarter of the Jaisalmer population still lives within the fort’s walls.

Toledo, Spain

Toledo’s walls were built by the ancient Romans and later modified by the Arabs who would come to rule this area.

Sitting on a hill above the Tagus River, the charming city reflects its Jewish, Christian, and Muslim past. Reaching the city requires about an hour-long drive or a 30-minute train ride from Madrid, making it a great option for a day trip. You’ll want to wear comfortable shoes and give yourself plenty of time to meander Toledo’s narrow, winding streets.

Cartagena, Colombia

A colorful Colombian city of more than a million people, Cartagena sits along the glistening blue water of the Caribbean Sea. Its historic center is surrounded by nearly 7 miles of walls and more than a dozen fortresses.

Cartagena’s 400-years old walls took about 200n years to construct, but they rank amongst the best-preserved city walls in the Americas. Look closely and you’ll notice subtle differences in sections of the walls. You’ll see its walls were built over time.

Xi’an, China

At an age of about 3,000 years old, Xi’an is the oldest city in China, and its 644-year-old walls are some of the best preserved in the country. The walls were built during the Ming Dynasty, along with a moat and a network of drawbridges. Watch towers and gates—and have been refurbished several times since then.

Today, visitors can walk, bike, or rent an electric golf cart to explore Xian’s 9 miles of walls. Expect to spend about four hours if you choose to walk the entire walkway at the top of the walls. The South Gate is the most elaborate and offers bike rental.

Rhodes, Greece

The historic center of this Greek island town is surrounded by 16th-century walls built in the shape of a crescent. Within the walls you’ll find Byzantine and Gothic churches, medieval mosques and fountains.

One of the most interesting ways to experience the city walls is to take a stroll on top of them. Tickets are a bargain at around $2, and you can buy them at the Grandmaster’s Palace. The old town is also known for its nightlife.