It is the year 2026. and you’re in King’s Landing. The main character is you, in your own adventure. You’re searching for HBO Game of Thrones filming locations, and you’re in luck.
Dubrovnik, Croatia, is your destination and one of the seven cities where the series was filmed. Here’s what you can look forward to on the most popular Dubrovnik tour.
Table of contents
Which Dubrovnik Game of Thrones filming locations in the Old Town should I visit?
The short answer is: all of them! Dubrovnik is small, so it is easy to search for locations (most of them) on foot. Producers wanted to display more exterior images of the seaside city encircled by the city walls, which is one of the reasons Dubrovnik was selected to represent King's Landing.
You will find many iconic spots where scenes were filmed in Old Town. For example, the Jesuit staircase and Stradun stood in for parts of King’s Landing. Dubrovnik’s city walls and Rector’s Palace doubled as royal settings for the Lannister and Tyrell storylines.
Rector's Palace doubled as the city of Qarth
Where in Old Town were key Game of Thrones scenes filmed?
Key scenes were filmed on Stradun, at Rector’s Palace, and near Pile Gate. Pile Gate is a great place to start your tour since it was the main entrance to the TV show. Who remembers Jamie Lannister's return to King’s Landing? Rector’s Palace, or should we say the city of Qarth, is where Daenerys met the Spice King.
Stradun was used for crowd scenes and parades. One of the most memorable moments, Cersei’s walk of shame, was filmed at the Jesuit Staircase. They are located below the Church of St. Ignatius. You won’t want to miss it.
Jesuit staircase where Cersei had a walk of shame
How can I join a Game of Thrones guided tour in Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik has many companies offering Game of Thrones tours. You can choose from short walks to full guided experiences. Be sure to pick a reliable operator and check reviews before booking. Some tours also mix in the history of the Dubrovnik Republic with Game of Thrones facts.
Game of Thrones tour is the most popular one
What’s included on a guided Dubrovnik Game of Thrones tour?
Guided tours take you to filming locations in the Old Town and include a stop at the city wall to see the Red Keep and Lovrijenac Fortress.
They also cover sites outside the Old Town, like the Trsteno Arboretum (Tyrell High Gardens), Lokrum Island (City of Qarth), the Belvedere Atrium (trial by combat), and Gradac Park (Purple Wedding backdrop).
Should I choose a self-guided tour or a guided tour?
Guided tours offer expert stories and streamlined access to top filming locations. Most filming locations are easy to find, but some are not. Because of that, joining a guided tour is a better resource. An educated guide will have amazing backstories, and you can learn series trivia.
Self-guided tours are a better option for independent travellers. Many visitors enjoy searching for spots with a map in hand. Some are even recommending putting on your earphones while listening to the series' music. It sounds fun.
Dominikan Monastery stairs
What can I see at Fort Lovrijenac?
Fort Lovrijenac was used as the Red Keep exterior in many scenes, serving as the Lannisters’ main stronghold in King’s Landing. Scenes with Cersei and Littlefinger were filmed here, and the fort has dramatic views over Blackwater Bay.
The great tournament for King Joffrey’s naming day in season 2 was also filmed at this spot. It’s a fantastic place to take photos of the city walls and the sea.
Is Lokrum Island worth visiting for filming locations?
Lokrum Island is a 15-minute boat ride from the Dubrovnik ferry. It features the botanical gardens, which serve as rocky coves that stood in for Qarth and the House of the Undying, where Daenerys had visions.
It is on Lokrum Island, home to a replica of the Iron Throne, where you can sit and take photos like a king or queen. So, if you are a fan, you will not miss that opportunity.
The Benedictine Monastery of St. Mary on LokrumWhat are other filming locations outside Old Town?
The Trsteno Arboretum
The Trsteno Arboretum, which served as Tyrell High Gardens, is the oldest garden monument in Croatia. It’s about 20 minutes by bus from Dubrovnik. In the series, it served as the setting for secret meetings and for Olenna Tyrell and Varys’s discussions about Margaery’s marriage to Joffrey.
The Arboretum has over 300 species of exotic and ornamental trees and plants, and the sea pavilion offers a beautiful view.
Trsteno arboretum - Tyrell High GardensThe Belvedere Atrium
Atrium is actually in the Hotel Belvedere, just outside Dubrovnik's Old Town. It was there that the backdrop for the fight in Game of Thrones' fourth season between Prince Oberyn and The Mountain was. Today, the hotel is mostly ruined and abandoned.
The Belverede AtriumWhere are the best photo spots for fans?
Pile Harbour and Ploče Gate offer great views of the Old Town and the Red Keep stand-ins. These spots let you see the same cinematic angles used in close-ups and wide shots in the series.
For panoramic photos of Dubrovnik, visit the higher parts of the city wall. Minčeta Tower and the terraces near Ploče Gate are perfect for capturing sweeping views of the King’s Landing replicas.
Pile Harbour as the Blackwater Bay
Conclusion
The Game of Thrones tour is the most popular in Dubrovnik, as the TV show has made the city even more famous. You can pick a group, private, or self-guided tour, depending on your preference. If you go on your own, remember to buy tickets to enter the Old Town.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking for about 2-3 hours. Local guides will share lots of interesting stories. After finishing a tour, you will have great photos to show when you get home.
And if you want to bring some Game of Thrones memorabilia, you might want to visit an official Game of Thrones souvenir shop.
