Epic Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Dubrovnik (with Map!)

A wise woman once said, the best way to explore a city is to visit the filming locations of a popular TV series filmed there. 

Am I quoting myself and passing it on as someone else? Maybe.  

Is this advice worth taking? Only if the sigil of House Lannister is a lion…ABSOLUTELY.

I took my own advice and explored King’s Landing, otherwise known as Dubrovnik – a charming southern city on the Dalmatian Coast – from the eyes of an enchanted fan of the popular TV series, Game of Thrones. 

Visiting the Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik was the best way to explore the copper, seaside walled city of King’s Landing. I ticked-off everything on my Game of Thrones bucket list, like pretending I was Queen while I sat among the silver swords of the Iron Throne and visiting the residence of the Spice King in Qarth (Lokrum Island).

This detailed guide covers everything a Game of Thrones fans needs to know when visiting the iconic city of King’s Landing, including a detailed list of the most iconic filming locations (with a downloadable map!), my top picks for guided Game of Thrones tours in Dubrovnik, and where to stay for a memorable themed getaway!

Read on to discover my FAVORITE Game of Thrones character (I already hinted at who it was in the introduction) and discover the EPIC Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik!

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Why Was Dubrovnik Chosen as King’s Landing?

If King’s Landing looked familiar on the hit TV series Game of Thrones, it’s probably because you’ve already walked the charming and iconic streets.

Welcome to Dubrovnik – a picturesque, coastal city dappled with copper roofs, ancient stone buildings and an everlasting wall that gives the city a medieval vibe. 

Kings Landing might look fantasy-like in the TV series but Dubrovnik carries that same “movie magic” without needing to try. 

Game of Thrones began filming in Dubrovnik in season 2, after the first season was filmed in Malta. The producers saw George R.R. Martin’s visions of an ancient walled city come to life in Dubrovnik. With little need for CGI – with exception to a few additions to the Red Keep and other embellishments – Dubrovnik became the perfect place to build Kings Landing!

Is a Game of Thrones Tour in Dubrovnik Worth It?

For my first day in Dubrovnik, I booked a guided Game of Thrones tour which included a visit to Lokrum Island. 

This was one of my absolute favorite walking tours I’ve ever done. My tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable about Game of Thrones and gave us lots of insider tips about the locals’ experience with the filming of this popular TV series.

Fun Fact: The cast of Game of Thrones stayed at Hilton Imperial during filming. This luxurious five-star hotel is perfectly located just outside the Pile Gate, offering easy entry to Old Town. If you’re not planning on booking a room, visit the Hilton Imperial for afternoon tea or a glass of Croatian wine at the bar!

If you’re thinking of booking a Game of Thrones tour in Dubrovnik, I highly recommend booking your tour in advance – this is one of the most popular tours in the city of Dubrovnik. 

I really enjoyed my tour, which included a visit to Lokrum Island – the filming location for garden scenes in Qarth. 

Note: Entry to Fort Lovrijenac and the ferry to Lokrum Island are NOT included in this ticket. I recommend purchasing the Dubrovnik Pass before your tour, which includes entry to Fort Lovrijenac and the City Walls. The ferry ticket to Lokrum can be purchased at Old Town Harbor.

Game of Thrones Filming Locations – Map (Downloadable!)

Here’s my downloadable map of the Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik!

Tips for Visiting Dubrovnik as a Game of Thrones Fan

Best Time of Visit Dubrovnik

The best time to visit Dubrovnik is late September when fewer cruise ships dock at Port Gruž (just outside of Dubrovnik) and the weather cools down. 

A Game of Thrones guided tour is one of the first tours to sell out in the coastal, copper city – you’ll have a better time visiting the filming locations with fewer tourists and cooler weather.

I planned my guided Game of Thrones tour on my first day in Dubrovnik during late September and the weather was 75°C and very sunny. I was hot and sweaty as I gazed upon King’s Landing from Fort Lovrijenac, but my guide told me the weather, which I presumed to be “incredibly hot”, was mild and enjoyable for the locals. 

Late September is the best time to visit Dubrovnik – the ocean is still warm and the weather is enjoyable!

Where to See the Iron Throne in Dubrovnik

You can visit the Iron Throne on Lokrum Island – a fifteen minute ferry from Dubrovnik Old Town port. 

Many guided tours like this one (my favorite guided tour in Dubrovnik!) include an extended tour to Lokrum Island, but you’ll need to purchase your ferry ticket because it is not included in the tour. 

As you explore Lokrum Island, you’ll recognize several filming locations including the garden scenes from Qarth (the Benedictine Monastery). Even if you’re not a Game of Thrones fan, Lokrum Island is a perfect day trip from Dubrovnik!

How to Avoid Dubrovnik Cruise Crowds

Although cruise crowds are inevitable in Dubrovnik, you can plan your trip to the city during slow cruise seasons. Cruise traffic tends to be busiest during Dubrovnik’s peak season, from May to early September, so I recommend visiting in early May or late September.

Additionally, weekends tend to be busier than weekdays. I recommend booking any guided tours of Old Town during a weekday if your itinerary permits!

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

My Recommendations for Game of Thrones Fans

BEST BUDGET

City Walls Hostel

Few hostels can boast about a celebrity crashing on their hostel couch. Game of Thrones fans will be excited to hear that Peter Dinklage’s “method acting” went beyond the streets of King’s Landing and all the way to City Walls Hostel where he crashed after a rowdy night on the town with some Australian travelers.

If you’re a budget traveler and a huge fan of Tyrion Lannister like I am, you’ll want to reserve a bed or a private room at City Walls Hostel. Featuring simple dorm-style rooms and affordable private options, this hostel is perfect for budget travelers.

BEST MID-RANGE

Dubrovnik Old Town Loft Studio

For the perfect view of King’s Landing, this Dubrovnik Old Town Loft Studio is the perfect place for couples or friend groups who are fans of Game of Thrones. 

I loved this full-kitchen studio apartment hidden just inside the City Walls near Buža Gate. With an EPIC view of King’s Landing, you’ll feel like Cersei as she gazed upon the city before its destruction.

BEST LUXURY

Hilton Imperial

The Hilton Imperial is an elegant five-star hotel in Dubrovnik featuring luxury rooms in a beautiful location just outside the Pile Gate, one of the main entries into Dubrovnik Old Town.

This hotel is the location where Game of Thrones actors stayed for the duration of filming in Dubrovnik.

Top Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Dubrovnik

Fort Lovrijenac

The Red Keep

The most iconic Game of Thrones filming location in Dubrovnik is Fort Lovrijenac – the Red Keep. This medieval stone fortress was built in the 11th century to defend Dubrovnik Old Town from the Venetians. 

The fortress only took only three months to complete, a Croatian feat to maintain power over the Venetians, however Fort Lovrijenac has stood formidably on the 37 meter cliff for nearly a thousand years.

Several Game of Thrones scenes were filmed at Fort Lovrijenac including Joffrey’s name day – Season 2 Episode 1 (“The North Remembers”) – and several conversations between Cersei Lannister and Littlefinger. The monumental Fort Lovrijenac in Dubrovnik was also featured in Season 3, Episodes 1 (“Valar Dohaeris”) and 5 (“Kissed by Fire”).

Power is power – a famous quote from Cersei Lannister, the cunning Queen regent, filmed at Fort Lovrijenac. Fort Lovrijenac should be the first place you visit if you don’t plan on booking a guided tour!

Dubrovnik West Pier

Blackwater Bay

Dubrovnik West Pier is more than just a scenic location to watch the sun set over the City Walls and Fort Lovrijenac.

Dubrovnik West Pier, steps away from the Pile Gate, is better known as Blackwater Bay. Several Game of Thrones scenes were filmed at this location, including the conversation between Sansa Stark and Littlefinger in Season 3 Episode 1 (“Valar Dohaeris”).

Blackwater Bay – the Dubrovnik West Pier – was also featured in Season 2 Episode 6 (“The Old Gods and the New”), Season 6 Episode 1 (“The Red Woman”) and Season 8 Episode 6 (“The Iron Throne”).

I’m a terrible liar. You said so yourself. Sansa says as she pleads with Littlefinger to leave King’s Landing. 

Dubrovnik West Pier is a very popular spot for Game of Thrones fans because of this conversation between Sansa and Littlefinger. It is also the perfect spot to watch the sunset with a Croatian beer!

Dubrovnik West Harbor

Where the Gold Cloaks Capture a Baratheon Bastard

In a brutal attempt to fortify his claim to the throne after hearing circulating rumors of his true lineage, King Joffrey orders the City Watch to murder any Baratheon bastards in the Seven Kingdoms.

Dubrovnik West Harbor is featured in one of these scenes, Season 2 Episode 1 (“The North Remembers”), showing the gold cloaks capturing and slaying a Baratheon bastard.

Fun Fact: Casting directors searched far and wide for a child to play the role of Robert’s slayed bastard. Local parents in Dubrovnik didn’t want their children to be brutally slayed for TV. The actors shown in this scene were from Zagreb, the capital of Croatia.

Pile Harbor

Harbor in King’s Landing

If you walk along the bay from Dubrovnik West Pier, you’ll arrive at Beach Bokar, the location where Myrcella is sent away to Dorne in Season 2 Episode 6. This picturesque harbor is also the location of the Battle of Blackwater Bay. 

Fun Fact: In order to film several scenes at Pile Harbor, the film crew had to rent all the kayaks at Beach Bokar – this is not only a Game of Thrones filming location, it is also the place to go for kayak tours in Dubrovnik!

Fort Bokar

A Scenic Conversation Between Tyrion and Varys

Fort Bokar is a beautiful stone fort along the City Walls of Dubrovnik. This fortress was used for several Game of Thrones scenes, with the most notable being the conversation Varys and Tyrion shared about defending King’s Landing in Season 2 Episode 8

Gradac Park

Joffrey’s Wedding (and Death)

Park Gradac is the site where the wedding between King Joffrey and Margaery Tyrell was filmed in Season 4 Episode 2 (“The Lion and the Rose”). This dramatic episode saw both a celebration and a death – King Joffrey was poisoned by Olenna Tyrell after rumor of King Joffrey’s cruelty was shared in a quiet conversation between Sansa, Olenna and Margaery. 

Currently Gradac Park is under renovation and is not accessible by the public. However, you can see this Game of Thrones filming location from Fort Lovrijenac.

Pile Gate

Riot against King Joffrey

Nobody likes a cruel king, especially not the people of Flea Bottom. 

In Season 2 Episode 6, after Myrcella departs for Dorne, King Joffrey and his entourage parade through Flea Bottom back to the Red Keep. As you watch King Joffrey get heckled while various *things* are thrown at his face, you’ll recognize the entrance to Old Town, the Pile Gate. 

The Pile Gate, one of the main entrances to Old Town, is the most accessible Game of Thrones filming location in Dubrovnik.

Minčeta Tower (City Walls)

House of the Undying

I think everyone remembers the moment they first heard Daenerys say, Dracarys!

This memorable scene, an astonishing moment where Daenerys and her dragons are captured by a warlock in the House of the Undying, was filmed partly at the Minčeta Tower in Old Town in Season 2 Episode 10 (“Valar Morghulis”).

Minčeta Tower is accessible via the Dubrovnik City Walls which is included in the Dubrovnik Pass (I recommend the pass if you plan to visit the Game of Thrones locations in Dubrovnik).

Jesuit Staircase

Cersei’s “Shame” Stairs

Shame! Shame! Shame!

Cersei Lannister’s walk of shame through King’s Landing is a memorable scene in Game of Thrones. I was astonished when Cersei repented, giving in to heinous atonement required by the High Sparrow. I was even MORE astonished when she destroyed the Sept of Baelor and everyone inside (a simple, yet brutal way to solve THAT problem). 

The stairs where Cersei begins her walk of shame in Season 5 Episode 10 (“Mother’s Mercy”) are in the heart of Dubrovnik Old Town. The Jesuit Staircase is one of the most visited Game of Thrones locations in Dubrovnik. 

To get tourist-free photos, I recommend visiting the staircase anytime before 8am. Guided tours will ALWAYS stop here at all hours of the day!

Rector’s Palace

Residence of the Spice King (Qarth)

Arguably one of the most beautiful Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik is Rector’s Palace, the ornate residence of the Spice King of Qarth which appears in Season 2 Episode 6.

Showcasing a blend of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, it’s no surprise why they picked the former seat of power of the 14th century Republic of Ragusa as the filming location for scenes from Qarth. 

Rector’s Palace opens at 9am and is included with the Dubrovnik Pass.

St. Dominic Street

A Scenic Street Featured in Cersei’s Walk of Shame

Blink and you’ll miss it. The scenic stairs leading to the Church of St. Dominic were briefly featured in Cersei’s walk of shame. This church is just inside the Ploče Gate.

Ploče Gate

A Scenic Gate Featured in Several Episodes (Cersei’s Walk of Shame, Conversations Between Tyrion and Lancel Lannister)

Ploče Gate, the easternmost entry to Dubrovnik Old Town, was featured in several Game of Thrones scenes. The entryway of Ploče Gate was one of the final locations of Cersei’s walk of shame as she approached the Red Keep (Season 5, Episode 10).

This scenic gate has incredible views of Dubrovnik Old Town harbor!

Ethnographic Museum Rupe

Littlefinger’s Brothel

One of Dubrovnik’s hidden gems is more than just the outward appearance of a King’s Landing brothel appearing in Season 4 Episode 1 (“Two Swords”)

Petyr Baelish, better known as Littlefinger, regularly conducted his on-screen scheming and planning within the walls of the Ethnographic Museum Rupe. This museum, included in the Dubrovnik Pass, features an extensive collection of Dalmatian artifacts.

Ulica Pred Dvorom

A Model for the Game of Thrones Set in Season 8, Episode 5

Even after the bells chimed throughout King’s Landing, signaling Cersei’s surrender, Daenerys vengefully inflicted dragon fire over the streets of King’s Landing. While this battle scene wasn’t filmed in Dubrovnik, one street in Old Town might look familiar: Ulica Pred Dvorom. This wide street in Dubrovnik, with the grey domed roof of Saint Blaise’s Church decorating the sky, became inspiration for the set constructed in Belfast, Ireland.

Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Croatia – Outside Dubrovnik

Lokrum Island

Scenes of Qarth (and the Location of the Iron Throne!)

If you only have enough time for one day trip from Dubrovnik, Lokrum Island is the perfect candidate. 

Located just 15 minutes, by ferry, from the Dubrovnik Old Town harbor, Lokrum Island is a beautiful nature reserve with incredible beaches, monumental fortresses, and Game of Thrones artifacts.

Lokrum Island is home to the Iron Throne and several scenes of “the greatest city that ever was or will be”…Qarth (Season 2 Episode 5, “The Ghost of Harrenhal”).

Beyond the Game of Thrones appeal, there are lots of incredible things to do on the island from beautiful walking trails, scenic swimming coves, and kayaking around the island!

Hotel Belvedere

Battle Between Oberyn and the Mountain

The scenic location where Oberyn Martell fought the Mountain is quite unassuming, but worth visiting.

Located just outside the city of Dubrovnik, the ruins of Hotel Belvedere sit perched on a cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Once a beautiful luxury resort, the hotel was abandoned during the Croatian War of Independence and now stands as a scenic backdrop to one of Game of Thrones’ most intense battles. 

Fans will recognize the terrace where Oberyn battled the Mountain in Season 4 Episode 8 (“The Mountain and the Viper”) – now covered with a bright logo of the Croatian Football Team. 

The hotel is permanently closed but remains a scenic “sanctuary” guarded by cats of Dubrovnik.

Trsteno Arboretum

Sansa Warns Olenna and Margaery Tyrell of the Dangerous King Joffrey

Trsteno Arboretum is located in the seaside town of Trsteno, just under 30 minutes outside of Dubrovnik Old Town.

The site of several Game of Thrones filming locations including many of King’s Landing’s garden scenes, Trsteno Arboretum is a scenic place to picnic and enjoy the sapphire waves of the Adriatic.

Trsteno Seaside Lookout

Jaime Lannister and Ser Bronn Practice Sword Fighting after Jaime Loses his Right Hand

I saved the best for last! 

I visited all the Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik and my FAVORITE location was the Trsteno seaside lookout – the location where Jaime Lannister and Ser Bronn practice dueling in Season 4 Episode 4 (“Oathkeeper”), after Jaime loses his right hand.

Overlooking the mesmerizing waves of the Adriatic Sea, the Trsteno seaside lookout is a beautiful place to watch the sunset and pretend swordfight.

Now that you’ve discovered all the Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik, you’re ready to visit the scenic locations for yourself! Dubrovnik is an incredible city for all travelers, whether or not you’ve seen Game of Thrones! 

P.S. My favorite Game of Thrones character? Tyrion Lannister, of course!

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