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21 Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Filming Locations + Map

21 Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Filming Locations + Map

Olly Gaspar

By Olly Gaspar, full-time traveler for 6 years. I visit every place I write about & share real tips, photos, & advice from my trips.

The ultimate travel guide for GoT fans to find all of the Dubrovnik Game of Thrones filming locations in the fictional city of King’s Landing.

While all true GoT fans know Dubrovnik as King’s Landing, the truth is that many scenes throughout Westeros were filmed in this city, including Qarth and some famous locations like Blackwater Bay, and the Red Keep.

On my trip to Dubrovnik, I went on the walking tours and did some separate research with a mission to discover all of the iconic Game of Thrones scenes filmed in the city. This includes 20 iconic scenes, plus one hilarious behind-the-scenes location, as well as tips for picking the best GoT walking tour AND a useful map if you want to explore King’s Landing by yourself!

Warning: This Dubrovnik Game of Thrones guide contains spoilers and references from specific scenes throughout the series!

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Want the DIY option? Use my easy-to-follow digital map showing all of the filming locations in Dubrovnik. Click and load the map directly onto your Google Maps app and explore from your smartphone.

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21+ Locations

By far, the best way to see the iconic Game of Thrones locations in Dubrovnik is to take an hour-long tour on foot with a local guide.

There are dozens of options to choose from, but I highly recommend this GoT walking tour over the other options.

After a fair bit of research, this one-hour tour stood out to me. It's the best bang for buck and all of the guides are Dubrovnik locals living in the city when the filming was taking place.

In fact, my guide even worked as a "sherpa", carrying cinema equipment up the steep stone staircases during production. He had some interesting insights and behind-the-scenes information that I promised I wouldn't mention on my blog ;).

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About Dubrovnik as "Kings Landing"

Are you wondering why David Benioff and D. B. Weiss from HBO chose Dubrovnik as the setting for King's Landing (the southern capital of Westeros)?

Well, it's hard to argue that Dubrovnik is the perfect representation of George R. R. Martin's King's Landing. This beautiful 13th-century city on the southern Dalmatian coast of Croatia is known for its iconic city walls, beautiful architecture, and stunning crystal-clear waters.

Croatians call it the Pearl of the Adriatic Sea and the city has a rich and inspiring history as it was an independent merchant republic for over 700 years. As a result, the Old Town of Dubrovnik is an officially recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Game of thrones walking tour in dubrovnik

However, in reality, Dubrovnik did not make its debut in any Game of Thrones scenes until season two. The original King's Landing scenes were filmed in Malta. However, the directors moved the production to Dubrovnik after season one due to lower costs, which has been a huge blessing for Dubrovnik's tourism industry!

King's Landing scenes in Dubrovnik include:

  • King's Landing Harbor
  • The Red Keep
  • Littlefinger's Brothel
  • Steps of the Great Sept of Baelor (Walk of Shame)
  • King's Landing Markets
  • King's Landing Gardens

Read on to find out where HBO filmed these scenes in the city of Dubrovnik and how to find them yourself!

King's landing in game of thrones
Dubrovnik as King's Landing / HBO
Dubrovnik old city
Old City Dubrovnik

Map of Dubrovnik GoT Filming Locations

Looking to do a self-guided Game of Thrones tour in Dubrovnik? Below is an overview map.

For an easier option, you can also purchase my digital map and download all the pins with descriptions straight to your phone.

So, without further ado, let's get into this Dubrovnik Game of Thrones travel guide. If you're a Game of Thrones fan looking for fun things to do in Dubrovnik, you'll undoubtedly be interested in discovering the iconic filming locations in and around the city. Here are the spots that made an appearance on the world's best fantasy TV series.

Most of the filming locations are within walking distance of the Old Town, meaning you could easily spend a whole day wandering around King's Landing.

Map showing the filming locations of game of thrones in dubrovnik, croatia

1. Old Town Entrance: The Pile Gate

Location: Western entrance to the Old City
Famous scene: S2 E6– ‘The Old Gods and the New’ - Riot of King's Landing

The Pile Gate is the main entrance to Dubrovnik's Old City, with the majority of foot traffic entering through this side. You'll find it following a short bridge between Bokar and the Lovrijenac Fortress.

HBO used all four corners of the Pile Gate for a number of scenes in both Season 2 and 3. However, the most famous scene is from Season 2 Episode 6 which depicts the riot and enjoyable moment when a citizen throws manure at Joffrey's face, after which he shrieks his famous line:

Pile gate entrance to dubrovnik
The Pile Gate Entrance

"Kill, him, kill them all!" - perhaps a subtle reference to Aerys II, the Mad King's final words– "Burn them all".

Pile Gate is also the filming location of the scene where Jamie Lannister returns to King's Landing after being freed by his sister (Season 3, Episode 10 'Mhysa').

Game of thrones pile gate massacre location in dubrovnik
Game of Thrones Pile Gate Riot Scene / HBO

2. City Walls Hostel - Ok, Not Really A GOT Filming Location But...

Here's the bonus location you might want to check out.

The word is, everybody's favorite Game of Thrones actor, Peter Dinklage (who plays Tyrion Lannister), lives up to his character's reputation.

The story goes that after a long day of filming, Dinklage decided to have a drink in one of the old city bars, where he met some drunk Aussie backpackers. After apparently finding it amusing that they had mistaken him for Jason Acuña (Wee Man in Jackass), he decided to join them on a drunken night on the town.

Apparently, Dinklage followed the backpackers back to their hostel and passed out on the common area couch, where the reception staff found him the next morning.

Safe to say, the tiny City Walls Hostel is now one of the most famous in the city. There's even a plaque above the lounge where he slept that reads:

Tyrion Lannister slept here - WELCOME TO KING'S LANDING

Game of thrones dubrovnik 1

3. Pile Harbor (Pile Bay)

Location: Small beach between Pile Gate at Fort Lovrijenac
Famous scene: S2 E6– ‘The Old Gods and the New’ - Myrcella Departs for Dorne

Pile Harbor was a useful filming location in Dubrovnik for HBO, as it is located just outside of the medieval walled city. This meant that there was no need to close down the city to film. However, they did need to pay out the many kayaking tours that depart here.

Due to this ease of access, and its natural beauty, the Game of Thrones directors featured Pile Harbor several times in scenes where boats departed from King's Landing. Many refer to it as "King's Landing Harbor".

Pile harbor in dubrovnik
Pile Harbor in Dubrovnik

One of the most famous scenes filmed at Pile Harbor was again in Season 2, Episode 6 - The Old Gods and the New, when the Lannisters wish Princess Myrcella farewell as she departs for Dorne, and again in Season 6, Episode 1 - The Red Woman when Cersei Lannister waits for her to return.

Game of thrones screengrab from blackwater bay in dubrovnik
Game of Thrones boat scene filmed at Pile Harbor / HBO

4. West Pier Dubrovnik - Blackwater Bay

Location: Middle of Pile Harbor (above)
Famous scene: S2 E9– ‘Blackwater' - Battle of Blackwater Bay

This little pier in the middle of Pile Harbor Dubrovnik appears several times in the Game of Thrones series. The most famous scene of course was in Season 2 Episode 9 'Blackwater' where the area was used to film The Battle of Blackwater Bay.

West pier in dubrovnik, croatia

Another iconic scene on the pier itself is in Season 3 Episode 1 - 'Valar Dohaeris', where you see Shae observe Sansa whilst talking to Littlefinger about an escape plan.

Game of thrones scene filmed in dubrovnik
West Pier GoT filming location in Dubrovnik - Notice the CGI of Red Keep / HBO

5. Dubrovnik West Harbor - Blackwater Bay

Location: To the right (facing the sea) of West Pier
Famous scene: S2 E1– ‘The North Remembers' - Massacre in King's Landing

As I'm sure you see, many Game of Thrones scenes were filmed in this area of Dubrovnik. If you look to the right of the West Pier, you'll see a beautiful stone staircase with iconic sea-facing doors.

West harbor in dubrovnik, croatia

The directors featured this location in Game of Thrones Season 2 Episode 1 - 'The North Remembers' during the famous scene depicting the Gold Cloaks setting out across King's Landing to murder all of Robert Baratheon's bastard children.

Game of thrones screenshot of west harbor filming location
Close-up of the Bastard Massacre scene filmed at West Harbor / HBO

6. Fort Lovrijenac - The Red Keep

Location: On the cliffside headland beside West Harbor
Famous scene: Many scenes depicting The Red Keep

Fort Lovrijenac or Lovrijenac Fortress is a historic fort just beside Dubrovnik's West Harbor. It has earned international renown before the GoT series for being the location of the Shakespeares Hamlet play, and the Croatian leg of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series.

Travel Tip: The entrance fee to Fort Lovrijenac is 13 euros. Usually, the entrance fee is included in the Game of Thrones Walking Tour. If you've already purchased a Dubrovnik Card or City Walls ticket, then you can get a discount on the Walking Tour above by selecting the "without Fortress Ticket" option.

Fort lovrijenac in dubrovnik
Fort Lovrijenac beside Pile Harbor and Bokar Fortress (location 7)

The Fort was used to depict the iconic Red Keep and is first shown early on in Season 2 Episode 1 'The North Remembers', where King Joffrey abuses his new fool on his name day, which was filmed on the upper walls.

King joffrey game of thrones scene
King Joffrey's Name Day Scene filmed in Dubrovnik's Lovrijenac Fortress / HBO

Other memorable Game of Thrones scenes were also filmed inside the Fort Walls.

Perhaps the most iconic scene is where Cersei intimidates Littlefinger after he threatens her with knowledge of her incestual relationship by saying "Knowledge is Power". Of course, the directors are eager to illustrate Cersei's dominance with her famous rebuttal "Power is Power".

Game of thrones scene in lovrijenac fortress, dubrovnik, croatia
"Power is Power" / HBO

Budget Travel Tip: This means you won't need to double up on the admission fee to the Lovrijenac Fort which is covered by your Dubrovnik Card.

Game of thrones screenshot filmed in dubrovnik, croatia
Lord Baelish in Fort Lovrijenac / HBO
Fort lovrijenac in dubrovnik, croatia
Real shot of Fort Lovrijenac in Dubrovnik

7. Bokar Fortress

Location: Southern end of the city walls
Famous scene: S2 E8 - The Prince of Winterfell - Tyrion discusses battle with Varys

The iconic stone fortress on the southern end of Old City Dubrovnik's city walls is known as Bokar Fortress. Visitors can climb this fortress if they purchase a Dubrovnik Pass or a City Walls Ticket.

Fort bokar in pile harbor dubrovnik, game of thrones filming location

This Dubrovnik Game of Thrones filming location was featured in Season 2 Episode 8 - The Prince of Winterfell where Tyrion Lannister and Lord Varys overlook the Narrow Sea as they discuss the defense of the city against Stannis Baratheon's incoming armada.

If you look closely at this scene, you'll notice a CGI version of Fort Lovrijenac in the background (pictured below).

Game of thrones screenshot from fort bokar filming location in dubrovnik
Scene filmed at Bokar Fortress / HBO

8. Dubrovnik City Walls

Location: Dubrovnik Old City Walls
Famous scene: S3 E1 - Valar Dohaeris

Fort Bokar and the Dubrovnik City Walls are two locations that you'll likely miss if you solely opt for a Game of Thrones walking tour with a local guide. Therefore, I recommend visiting this attraction early in the morning (before the crowds) on a separate day.

Dubrovnik city walls

Dubrovnik's City Walls date back to the Middle Ages and are one of the most impressive fortification systems in the world.

As a result, HBO featured Dubrovnik's famous city walls in many memorable scenes in the Game of Thrones TV series, including in Season 3, Season 5, and Season 6.

The most notable scene is in Season 3 Episode 1 - Valar Dohaeris, which shows Tyrion, Podrick, and Bronn walking along the walls as workers repair the walls after the famous Battle of Blackwater.

Dubrovnik city walls scene of king's landing, game of thrones
Dubrovnik's City Walls depicted as King's Landing / HBO

9. Gradac Park - The Purple Wedding

Location: Large seaside park beside Fort Lovrijenac
Famous scene: S4 E2 - The Lion and the Rose - The Purple Wedding Feast

Gradac Park is a nature reserve located immediately west of Fort Lovrijenac. Here, you'll find scenic forest trails and a secret beach that is great for swimming.

View of dubrovnik's coastline from gradac park

Gradac Park was also the famous filming location of The Purple Wedding during Season 4 Episode 2 - The Lion and the Rose. This is perhaps the most satisfying Dubrovnik scene in the Game of Thrones series, where King Joffrey finally met his demise.

You might also remember this park from Season 4 Episode 3 'Breaker of Chains' when Sansa finally escapes from the city now that Joffrey is dead.

Travel Tip: If you walk through a small trail at the end of the parking lot at Gradac Park towards Fort Lovrijenac, you'll find a secret viewpoint which is a great spot to hang out and enjoy the view (pictured above).

Purple wedding scene in game of thrones
Purple Wedding Scene / HBO

Don't Miss: Climbing Srd Mountain in Dubrovnik


10. Menčeta Tower (Mineeta Tower) - The House of Undying

Location: Northeast corner of the Old City Walls
Famous scene: S2 E10 - 'Valar Morghulis'

The Minčeta Tower is the highest point of Dubrovnik's City Walls fortification system. Again, travelers can climb this tower by accessing the City Walls.

Minčeta tower on dubrovnik old city walls

Do you remember the famous quote "Where are my dragons?!"– The Minčeta Tower made an appearance in Game of Thrones during Season 2 as the location for the House of the Undying.

This scene showed Daenerys Targaryen, Kovarro, and Ser Jorah Mormont finally reaching the House of Undying and trying to circle it in a desperate attempt to recover her stolen dragons.

Game of thrones where are my dragons scene
Danaerys standing at the Minčeta Tower in Dubrovnik / HBO

11. Rector's Palace - City of Qarth

Location: Within the Dubrovnik Old City - east side
Famous scene: S2 E6 - 'The Old Gods and the New'

The Rector's Palace is an elegant Gothic-Renaissance palace from the 14th century. Today, the city uses it as a museum and is a popular tourist attraction in Dubrovnik.

The Rector's Palace is also featured in a famous Dubrovnik Game of Thrones scene where Daenerys (Emila Clarke) visits the Spice King's mansion in the city of Qarth. Daenerys' goal was to obtain ships to help her army cross the Narrow Sea.

Game of thrones scene filmed in rector's palace dubrovnik
Dubrovnik Game of Thrones scene filmed in Rector's Palace / HBO
Rector's palace dubrovnik
Outside Rector's Palace

12. Dubrovnik Ethnographic Museum (Rupe Granary)

Location: Within the Dubrovnik Old City - southern end
Famous scene: Several episodes depicting Littlefinger's Brothel (Season 4)

This beautiful stone building at the top of a steep staircase was once an old granary dating back to the 16th Century. Today, it serves as a museum where you can observe interesting folk costumes and textile works.

Exterior of the ethnographic museum in dubrovnik old city, croatia
The exterior of the Ethnographic Museum in Dubrovnik

For Game of Thrones fans, this Dubrovnik filming location was used to depict Petyr Baelish's brothel exterior.

Game of thrones screenshot, filmed in dubrovnik
Ethnographic Museum filmed as Littlefinger's Brothel / HBO

13. The Jesuit Staircase (Shame Stairs Dubrovnik)

Location: Center of Dubrovnik's Old City near Gundulic Square
Famous scene: S5 E10 - 'Mother's Mercy' - Walk of Atonement (Walk of Shame)

Located in the center of Dubrovnik's Old City is the Jesuit Staircase. These beautiful stairs lead to Uz Jezuite Street, where you will find the Jesuit Church of St. Ignatius and two famous Dubrovnik colleges.

Jesuit stairs in dubrovnik old city

This location was used as The Steps of the Great Sept of Baelor. If you look closely, you'll see some magic CGI placing the Red Keep above the steps.

The Jesuit Staircase is the Dubrovnik Game of Thrones filming spot for perhaps one of the most iconic scenes in the series, Cersei's Walk of Shame. This is the scene where Cersei was forced to walk naked through the streets while everybody yells "Shame".

Game of thrones screengrab of the walk of shame
Walk of Shame filmed on the Jesuit Stairs / HBO

Additionally, these Dubrovnik stairs were used in the Game of Thrones for the second time in Season 5 Episode 1 'The Was to Come', which features crowds gathering for Tywin Lannister.

2 Fun Facts About the GoT Walk of Shame filming location: Due to the central location, HBO paid a lot of money to shut down local businesses for the filming of the Walk of Shame. This included local restaurants, apartments, AirBnB's, bars, and souvenir shops. Additionally, Dubrovnik locals lay the claim that their city is the official King's Landing due to the Latin college inscription visible in the scene.

14. Poljana Ruđera Boškovića Street (Beside the Shame Stairs)

Location: Poljana Ruđera Boškovića Street beside the Jesuit Staircase
Famous scene: S2 E6 - 'The Old Gods and the New'

If you climb the Jesuit Stairs and turn left, you'll find a narrow street with a curved roof called Poljana Ruđera Boškovića Street.

This Game of Thrones filming location was used in a brief scene again, in Season 2 Episode 6 'The Old Gods and the New', when Sansa runs away during the fierce riot.

Old street in dubrovnik, croatia

15. Dominican Monastery Steps

Location: Monastery on the northeast side of the Old City near the Ploče Gate
Famous scene: S2 E5 - 'The Ghost of Harrenhal'

The Dominican Monastery in Dubrovnik is a 14th-century church that now houses important paintings, artifacts, and rich historical artifacts.

St dominic monastery steps in dubrovnik
St. Dominic Monastery Steps, Dubrovnik

If you wander to the base of the circular steps, you might recognize them from Season 2 Episode 5 'The Ghost of Harrenhal', where Bronn and Tyrion Lannister walk past a fiery protest speech against King Joffrey.

Remember the quote "...and we're surprised when the fruit of their incest is rotten?"

Game of thrones scene filmed at st dominic monastery in dubrovnik
Game of Thrones protest speech scene filmed at St. Dominic Monastery / HBO

16. St Dominika Street

Location: Street in front of the Dominican Monastery - Old City near the Ploče Gate
Famous scene: S5 E10 - 'Mother's Mercy' - Cersei's Walk of Atonement

St Dominika Street (St Dominic Street) is a picturesque, cobblestone street beside the famous monastery.

Many Dubrovnik Game of Thrones scenes were filmed here, usually depicting the market. However, it's also featured in a cut between the Dubrovnik West Harbor during the massacre of Robert Baratheon's bastards in Season 2 Episode 1– ‘The North Remembers'.

The Game of Thrones directors also chose St Dominika Street as a Dubrovnik filming location during Cersei's infamous walk shortly after the Jesuit Staircase.

Sorry to get your hopes down but... You can't "do" the Walk of Shame in Dubrovnik yourself. Not only would you be arrested for public indecency, but Cersei's Penance Walk involves several cuts and apparent teleportations across Dubrovnik's Old City, making it impossible to imitate in real life.

St dominic street in dubrovnik, croatia

17. Ploče Gate Old Town Entrance - Red Keep Gate

Location: Old City Dubrovnik's eastern entrance
Famous scene: S5 E10 - 'Mother's Mercy' - Cersei's Walk of Atonement

At the end (or beginning) of St Dominic Street, you'll find the eastern entrance to Dubrovnik's Old City.

This large castle-style gate features several times as a Dubrovnik the Game of Thrones filming location, namely during Cersei's Walk of Shame as the entrance to the Red Keep.

And, the Ploçe gate also appears earlier during Season 2 Episode 5 'The Ghost of Harrenhal' when Tyrion and Lancel Lannister talk from inside a carriage.

Ploce gate in dubrovnik

18. Lokrum Island - Qarth

Location: Lokrum Island - 500 meters opposite Dubrovnik
Famous scene: S2 E5 - 'Ghost of Harrenhal' - Daenerys in Qarth Party Scene

The next Game of Thrones filming location isn't within Dubrovnik, but is just off the coast and is accessible via a kayaking tour or boat taxi.

Lokrum island in croatia
Lokrum Island in Spring

The Game of Thrones directors used the island of Lokrum as stand-in scenes to depict Qarth. Scenes of Daenerys attending a garden party and is welcomed by the disturbing Warlocks of Qarth leader.

Game of thrones scene filmed on lokrum island
Mother of Dragons on Lokrum Island / HBO

These Qarth garden scenes are filmed in the Lokrum island Botanical Gardens and the former Benedictine monastery there.

Lokrum Island Game of Thrones Tour: Did you know that you can book a separate GoT tour of Lokrum Island? This includes many of the Game of Thrones filming sites in Dubrovnik, as well as some on the island (with transport and free time to enjoy the island).

Lokrum island botanical gardens
Lokrum Island Botanical Gardens

19. Trsteno Arboretum - Red Keep's Gardens

Location: 30 minutes drive northwest of Dubrovnik
Famous scene: S3 E2 - 'Dark Wings, Dark Words' - Red Keep Gardens

The Trsteno Arboretum is another Game of Thrones filming location which is located just a short 30-minute drive from Dubrovnik. You can reach this impressive Arboretum by bus or Uber from Dubrovnik.

This location was used several times during the Game of Thrones series and usually is the setting for the Red Keep Gardens in King's Landing. You'll immediately recognize these beautiful gardens with amazing ocean views.

The most famous scene is during Season 3 Episode 2 - 'Dark Wings, Dark Words', when Sansa discusses Margaery and Joffrey's wedding with Lady Olenna Tyrell.

Game of thrones scene filmed at trsteno arboretum near dubrovnik
Trsteno Arboretum appears in Game of Thrones / HBO

20. Hotel Belvedere

Location: 20-minute walk southeast of Ploče Gate
Famous scene: S4 E10 - 'The Mountain & The Viper' - Battle between Oberyn and the Mountain

Hotel Belvedere is a spooky, abandoned hotel just south of Dubrovnik's old town. Although this huge hotel boasted 18 floors with 223 units, it has been out of use since it was destroyed by Serbian forces in 1991 during the Croatian War of Independence.

However, due to its rundown and isolated nature on the Adriatic Coast, the Game of Thrones production team found it to be a perfect filming location in Dubrovnik.

This was the setting for the famous Game of Thrones battle between Prince Oberyn Martell (the Red Viper) and Ser Gregor Clegane (the Mountain).

Game of thrones scene filmed at hotel belvedere in dubrovnik, croatia
Mountain vs Red Viper at Hotel Belvedere / HBO

Although the gates are closed, you can peer into the famous atrium via a set of stairs leading from the hotel driveway.

Fun fact: During shooting, Hotel Belvedere was decorated with the crest of House Baratheon. But, locals soon replaced this with the emblem from the Split football club, Hajduk.

21. Stradun Dubrovnik

Location: main street of Dubrovnik Old City
Famous scene: S5 E10 - 'Mother's Mercy' - Cercei's Walk of Shame

The final Dubrovnik Game of Thrones filming location is the famous Dubrovnik Stradun.

This is the main street of Dubrovnik Old City and begins at the Pile Gate near Onofrio's Fountain, Church of St. Salvation, and the Franciscan Church and Monastery and finishes at the Sponza Palace.

This street is very scenic and seems like it would be the perfect Dubrovnik location to film many Game of Thrones scenes. However, being the main street, it would cost the production team a lot of money to shut down all of the restaurants, cafes, and bars each time.

In saying that, the team did so for the expensive but iconic Walk of Shame scene during Season 5 Episode 10 - 'Mother's Mercy'.

Did you know? The Game of Thrones isn't the only famous production set in Dubrovnik. The city (and Dubrovnik Stradun) was also the set for Canto Bight in the Star Wars Episode VII movie.

Fountain in dubrovnik, croatia

Bonus Scene - The Iron Throne in Dubrovnik

No, not the real one.

However, if you want to round up your Game of Thrones bucket list experience in Dubrovnik, then a good way to do so is to snap a photo sitting on one of the many Iron Throne replicas scattered around the city.

Usually, you have to pay for this privilege. However, if you book the Game of Thrones walking tour in Dubrovnik I went on, your guide will take you there for free after the tour.

If you're doing a DIY walking tour following this travel guide, then you can pay 5 euros for a snap at Dubrovnik City Shop - IRON THRONE (on Google Maps).

Girl on the replica iron throne in dubrovnik

My Take on Game of Thrones Tourism in Dubrovnik

It's really fascinating to see just how much of an impact this TV series has had on the city of Dubrovnik. Around every second corner in the Old City, you'll spot Game of Thrones souvenir stalls, Iron Throne replicas, and guided walking tours.

Locals absolutely love the exposure it's given the city, and an entire industry has developed around seeing the fictional King's Landing.

However, don't forget to experience some of the real Dubrovnik as well. I guarantee its stories are just as interesting as the fictional city's (although maybe not quite as brutal).

Travel Tip: The Game of Thrones tour of Dubrovnik is purely focused on the production of the TV show and doesn't go into any detail about the history of Dubrovnik. For this reason, I recommend an old city walking tour as well so you can get some real insights into its fascinating history.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik Between Game of Thrones Tours

With a population of only around 42,000, Dubrovnik isn't a large city. However, it does attract over 1.5 million tourists every year. As a result, you can expect many great places to stay in Dubrovnik, including resorts, hotels, and hostels for every budget.

From my experience, the best area to stay is in or close to the Old Town (Stari Grad, or Walled City). This is where you'll find most of the attractions and highlights. However, we also found that staying just outside the city, or in one of the beautiful cliffside resorts and hotels is cheaper if you want to save money.

Below are my favorite accommodation picks for the city of Dubrovnik, Croatia.

  • Bota Palace - Located in the center of the Old Town and a 3-minute walk from Buza Beach. This Bed and Breakfast offers beautifully decorated rooms, wifi, a kitchen, fridge, oven, and a la carte breakfast. A great pick for couples wanting to explore the city within the walls.
  • Hostel Petra Marina - With direct access to the local bus stop right outside, this hostel is just 200 meters away from the port and the perfect place to stay for backpackers wanting to explore Dubrovnik.
  • Rixos Premium Dubrovnik - A luxury choice for those wanting to relax in ultimate style. Modern-styled rooms with sea views and only a 2-minute walk to the beach. It offers a 2-story spa with features a Turkish bath and indoor pool.
Dubrovnik old town

Tips for Doing a DIY Self-Guided GoT Tour in Dubrovnik

And, that's a wrap for this detailed travel guide to the famous Dubrovnik Game of Thrones scenes and filming locations!

Before you head out on a guided tour, here are some quick tips that will make your experience a whole lot more enjoyable.

  • Bring a water bottle - Dubrovnik can get very hot in the summer months. I always use a Grayl water purifying bottle to get clean drinking water from any tap in the world!
  • Wear comfortable shoes - you'll be doing a lot of walking up and down steep staircases if you follow this self-guided Game of Thrones Dubrovnik tour.
  • Remember your Dubrovnik Card - although a little pricey, I'd say it's well worth paying 250 Kuna to gain access to the City Walls. However, you'll also get access to Fort Lovrijenac (the Red Keep), 6 museums, and 2 galleries, as well as free public transport on buses.
  • A local Game of Thrones walking tour is worth it - while you can visit all the locations on your own, I really enjoyed the GoT guided tour and learned a whole lot about the behind-the-scenes aspects from my tour guide.

Was Dubrovnik Used in House of the Dragon?

As a Game of Thrones fan, you might be curious if Dubrovnik reprised its role as King's Landing in the new series "House of the Dragon." While Dubrovnik's stunning architecture and historic charm made it an ideal filming location for the original series, the producers of "House of the Dragon" opted for a different approach.

For "House of the Dragon," the production team decided to explore new locations that offer fresh landscapes and backdrops for the story of the Targaryen dynasty. Instead of Dubrovnik, the production primarily utilized various sites in Spain, Portugal, and the United Kingdom to depict the world of Westeros in this new chapter. This decision allows the series to bring new and unique visuals to fans while maintaining the epic scope and grandeur associated with Game of Thrones.

House of dragon

Alright, I'll admit it. As primarily an adventure travel writer, I'm not usually one to write about film and media tourism. However, I think we can all make an exception for such an iconic TV series as the Game of Thrones, especially when in Dubrovnik (King's Landing)!

Find it useful? Perhaps I should stick to island hopping and trekking? I'd appreciate it if you let me know how I did in the comments below.

Once you've finished your DIY Game of Thrones Tour of Dubrovnik, check out the links below for more travel inspiration and useful guides to the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia! Why not start with this guide to Dubrovnik's best beaches?

Thanks for Reading

I'm Olly Gaspar, adventure traveler from Australia. I’ve spent the last six years traveling the world full-time, sharing my first-hand experiences & photography in over 700 travel guides on We Seek Travel. I visit every destination I write about to bring you unique travel itineraries, epic hiking routes, fun tour ideas, travel & photography gear ideas, & interesting places to stay.

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