Pile Gate Tours and Activities

Pile Gate featuring heritage elements as well as a small group of people
Pile Gate which includes a castle and heritage architecture


Start your tour of Dubrovnik’s old town by walking through this majestic entrance, once an important defensive structure.

Pile Gate is the main entrance to Dubrovnik’s old town and is situated on its western wall. For many visitors, the portal is their first encounter with the neighborhood’s gorgeous medieval architecture. 

The stone assembly consists of an outer gate constructed in 1537 and an inner gate dating back to 1460. Historically, both gates were reached by crossing over a long wooden drawbridge which has been replaced by a stone bridge. Napoleon famously entered the city through this set of gates in 1806, signaling the beginning of the end of the Dubrovnik Republic. 

As you cross the bridge, look down at the open space where a moat once flowed. Gaze at the statues of St. Blaise, which are found on both the inner and outer gates. The statue resting over the gate’s renaissance arch is one of the city’s oldest icons of its patron saint. The sculpted figure dates back to the construction of the gates. The statue found in the niche of the interior gate was carved by 20th century Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic. 

Pass through the first gate and observe the weights that were once used to raise the drawbridge at night to keep out unwelcome visitors. Observe the commemorative plaque between the inner and outer gates. It records the damage caused during the Siege of Dubrovnik in 1991 and 1992.

Once you are through the gates, you will find yourself by the old town’s pedestrianized main street known as Placa or the Stradun. This attractive thoroughfare is lined with picturesque 17th-century buildings. 

Pile Gate is located at the western entrance of Dubrovnik’s old town, and is a popular drop-off point for buses and taxis.

Plan a trip to see Pile Gate

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Best Lodging Options Near Pile Gate

Rixos Premium Dubrovnik

Rixos Premium Dubrovnik

5 out of 5
Liechtensteinov Put 3, Dubrovnik
Rixos Premium Dubrovnik
Hotel Excelsior

Hotel Excelsior

5 out of 5
Frana Supila 12, Dubrovnik
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Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik

Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik

5 out of 5
Marijana Blažica 2, Dubrovnik
Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik
Hostel Angelina Old town Dubrovnik

Hostel Angelina Old town Dubrovnik

2 out of 5
Buniceva Poljana 2, Dubrovnik
Hostel Angelina Old town Dubrovnik
Hamlet Bed & Breakfast

Hamlet Bed & Breakfast

3.5 out of 5
Palmoticeva 3, Dubrovnik
Hamlet Bed & Breakfast
Rooms Tezoro

Rooms Tezoro

3 out of 5
Široka 4, Dubrovnik, Hrvatska
Rooms Tezoro
Prijeko Palace

Prijeko Palace

4 out of 5
Prijeko 22, Dubrovnik
Prijeko Palace
Eddie´s Sea View Rooms

Eddie´s Sea View Rooms

3 out of 5
U Pilama 7, Dubrovnik
Eddie´s Sea View Rooms
Dubrovnik OldTown Hotel Akademis Gariste

Dubrovnik OldTown Hotel Akademis Gariste

3 out of 5
3 Garište ulica, Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik OldTown Hotel Akademis Gariste
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Pile Gate

Experience the charm of Pile Gate in Dubrovnik by enjoying activities like boating and sailing. Discover guided tours of the historic gate and explore nearby attractions. Take a leisurely walk along the pedestrian promenade, soaking in the stunning views, or delve into the vibrant local culture as you explore Dubrovnik's rich history and picturesque settings.

Shopping

For a great shopping experience near Pile Gate, visit the Gruz Open Market for local goods, only 1.6km away. The Dubrovnik Shopping Minčeta and Mercante, both 1.6km away, offer family-friendly shopping with a vibrant atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, check out larger malls further afield.

Recreation

At Gradac Park, just 322m from Pile Gate, you can immerse yourself in nature with serene walking paths, lush greenery, and tranquil spots for relaxation. Enjoy yoga sessions, meditation, and leisurely picnics while soaking in the peaceful vibe of this charming recreation area.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views at the Dubrovnik Cable Car, located 483m from Pile Gate. This thrilling ride offers a stunning panorama of the city and surrounding islands, making it perfect for families and adventure seekers alike. Enjoy outdoor vibes while ascending to new heights!

Nightlife

The nightlife around Pile Gate is vibrant and diverse. Marin Držić Theatre, located 322m away, offers a cultural experience with a romantic atmosphere, perfect for families and entertainment enthusiasts alike. Enjoy captivating performances that showcase the rich artistic heritage of Dubrovnik.

Find the best attractions near Pile Gate

When visiting Pile Gate in Dubrovnik, immerse yourself in the rich history by exploring the historic fort and nearby churches. Stroll along the charming streets to soak up the local culture, while also enjoying the beautiful beach experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the iconic Pile Gate itself, a perfect starting point for your adventures in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

  • Walls of Dubrovnik: Explore the impressive fortifications that have protected Dubrovnik for centuries. Walking along these ancient walls offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the city's terracotta rooftops, creating a unique blend of history and breathtaking scenery.
  • Stradun: Stroll down Stradun, the main thoroughfare of Dubrovnik, lined with charming shops and cafes. This bustling street is the heart of the city, where you can soak up the vibrant atmosphere and admire the beautiful baroque architecture.
  • Franciscan Monastery: Visit the serene Franciscan Monastery, renowned for its stunning cloister and historic pharmacy. This peaceful sanctuary showcases rich cultural heritage and offers a glimpse into the spiritual life of the city.

Best time to go to Pile Gate

The best time to visit Pile Gate can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Pile Gate falls in August, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Pile Gate falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January46.6°F (8.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowModerately Low
February48.2°F (9.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately Low
March51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageModerately Low
April57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May64.2°F (17.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainSunnyModerately HighAverage
July77.4°F (25.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighModerately High
August78.3°F (25.7°C)Light RainSunnyModerately HighModerately High
September71.4°F (21.9°C)Light RainSunnyAverageModerately High
October63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November57.6°F (14.2°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Pile Gate

When visiting Pile Gate in Dubrovnik, take advantage of free entry and nearby attractions like Lapad Beach and Gruz Harbor. To save on accommodation, consider booking your stay between January and March for lower rates, and aim for a Tuesday check-in. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and filter for eco-friendly hotels. Combining hotel stays with flights can also reduce costs, and look for options that offer free cancellation for added flexibility.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Pile Gate is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Pile Gate are January to March, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are moderately higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Pile Gate is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Pile Gate is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Pile Gate is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, making it easy to find the most affordable accommodations first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type—if you check the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll discover sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Pile Gate hotel reservations with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.