Pile Gate Tours

Pile Gate which includes heritage elements as well as a small group of people
Pile Gate which includes heritage architecture and chateau or palace


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 Historically, both gates were reached by crossing over a long wooden drawbridge which has been replaced by a stone bridge.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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Villa Dragic
Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik
Hotel Supetar Cavtat

Browse tours and tickets to explore Pile Gate

Tours & day trips

See all 296 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 93 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 60 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 24 activities

Wildlife & nature

See all 12 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Pile Gate

Hotel Excelsior

Hotel Excelsior

5 out of 5
Frana Supila 12, Dubrovnik
Hotel Excelsior
Rixos Premium Dubrovnik

Rixos Premium Dubrovnik

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

Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik

5 out of 5
Pera Cingrije 7, Dubrovnik
Hotel Bellevue Dubrovnik
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
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

Near Pile Gate in Dubrovnik, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as boating and sailing. For those seeking recreational options, there are tennis courts available, a perfect spot for a quick game. Additionally, you can find lovely swimming spots nearby, ideal for a refreshing dip. A short walk around the area allows you to soak in the stunning scenery and vibrant atmosphere of this historic location.

Shopping

Experience shopping at Dubrovnik Shopping Minčeta and Mercante, both just 1 mile from Pile Gate, offering a family-friendly atmosphere. For fresh produce and local goods, visit the Gruz Open Market, also 1 mile away. If you're up for a drive, explore more options outside the city!

Recreation

Gradac Park is a tranquil recreation area only 0.2 miles from Pile Gate, offering serene walking paths, lush greenery, and wellness vibes. Enjoy leisurely strolls or find a quiet spot to relax and recharge amidst the beauty of nature.

Nightlife

Experience the enchanting atmosphere at Marin Držić Theatre, located only 0.2 miles from Pile Gate. Enjoy captivating performances that blend culture and romance, perfect for family outings or a night out with friends. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local arts scene and let the entertainment sweep you away.

Find the best attractions near Pile Gate

When visiting Pile Gate in Dubrovnik, you can explore a blend of cultural and scenic attractions. Popular spots include the historic fortifications, the beautiful Banje Beach, and the serene Lapad Beach. Don't miss the stunning Sponza Palace, which showcases the city's rich history. Whether you're seeking relaxation by the sea or immersing yourself in local culture, Pile Gate offers a memorable experience for every traveler.

  • Gruz Harbor: Just 2 miles from Pile Gate, Gruz Harbor offers stunning seaside scenery and a vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy the lively waterfront, local seafood restaurants, and the chance to see boats coming and going, giving you a taste of local life.
  • Lapad Beach: Located 2 miles away, Lapad Beach is a perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming. With its soft sand and gentle waves, it's an ideal place to relax and soak up the sun while enjoying the beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea.
  • Banje Beach: Only half a mile from Pile Gate, Banje Beach is known for its nudist-friendly vibe. Experience a unique beach atmosphere where you can enjoy sunbathing and swimming in a beautiful setting with stunning views of Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

Best time to go to Pile Gate

The best time to visit Pile Gate is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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 SunnyAverageAverage
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 LowModerately Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Pile Gate

Visiting Pile Gate in Dubrovnik is budget-friendly, as entry is free and nearby attractions like Gruz Harbor, Lapad Beach, and Banje Beach also cost nothing. To save on accommodations, consider traveling from December to February when hotel prices drop. Booking about a month in advance can yield the best rates, but last-minute deals are available on platforms like Expedia. Use Expedia's filters to find affordable and eco-friendly lodging, and consider package deals for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and rewards for future stays.

  • 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 December to February, 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: Booking a hotel around Pile Gate about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Pile Gate hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.