As Game of Thrones fans, we had so much fun exploring Dubrovnik while finding all the iconic Game of Thrones filming locations, from the Red Keep to the Walk of Shame stairs, as well as other not-so-easily recognizable spots.
And while Dubrovnik is impressive by itself, the fact that the series was filmed there made it even more thrilling to explore.
We had a great time, and with this post, we’d like to help you have a fantastic experience as well!
Why Dubrovnik was the perfect setting for King’s Landing
The picturesque old town of Dubrovnik, with its historic walls, gates, and majestic forts, provided the ideal backdrop for King’s Landing, the fictional capital of the Seven Kingdoms.
The city’s architecture, medieval charm, and stunning coastal views seamlessly brought to life the essence of King’s Landing. It truly was a perfect match!
How to see the Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik
You can see many GOT filming locations already by walking from location to location when finding the best things to do in Dubrovnik.
Most of the locations are within the Old City Walls, so it’s all easily done on foot.
However, some of the filming locations are inside paid city attractions, like Fort Lovrijenac and City Walls. That’s why you should buy a combo ticket for them or get the best value-for-money deal with the Dubrovnik Pass.
For the same price, it gives you access to 10+ more sites and attractions and extra discounts. Read more in our Full Dubrovnik Pass Review & Guide.
Exploring the different GOT filming locations in Dubrovnik is not hard to do by yourself. But if you don’t want to plan your itinerary and instead want someone else to lead you through the city, all while explaining the filming details and the behind-the-scenes information, then a guided GOT tour of Dubrovnik is your best choice.
Is it worth going on a Dubrovnik Game of Thrones tour?
If you’re a real fan and want to actually learn about the filming locations of Game of Thrones in Dubrovnik and get side-by-side comparisons and insight into the filming and everything that went into it, a tour is a great way to do so.
The great thing is that Dubrovnik’s Game of Thrones tours are led by knowledgeable guides who are passionate about the show and its locations. They will take you to the most iconic filming spots and provide insights and behind-the-scenes stories about the production.
TRAVEL TIP
Want a more private or personalized experience? Book a tour with a private GOT tour guide to take you around just by yourself (or your family/group).
Which Game of Thrones tour is the best?
Regardless of which type of Game of Thrones tour you choose, you can expect to visit the best filming locations in Dubrovnik, including the Pile Gate & Bay, Fort Lovrijenac, and Jesuit Stairs.
These locations have been featured in some of the most memorable scenes from the show, so even if you visit just those, it will allow you to step into the world of Game of Thrones.
However, if you’re skeptical and want the best experience, we have researched and pre-selected the top-rated ones that will not disappoint.
Best Dubrovnik Game of Thrones tours:
Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Dubrovnik
Now that we have covered the main things to know before visiting, it’s time to find all the Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik!
As you navigate the city, use our Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Map to easily find all the filming locations. You can bookmark the map (press the star icon) and view it on your phone’s Google Maps app.
1. Pile Gate – Gateway to King’s Landing
The Pile Gate is the main entrance to the old town of Dubrovnik and served as the gateway to King’s Landing in Game of Thrones.
The Pile Gate has been featured in several pivotal moments in the series. It was the setting for King Joffrey’s return to the Red Keep (and the subsequent attack by an angry mob) after Myrcella was sent away to Dorne.
Walking through the impressive stone archway surrounded by fortified walls, you are immediately transported into the world of Westeros.
The gate offers access to the main street, Stradun, lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
2. Pile Bay – Dubrovnik West Harbour (Blackwater Bay)
Pile Bay, also known as Dubrovnik West Harbour and Blackwater Bay, was part of some of the most iconic scenes in Game of Thrones.
The bay between Fort Bokar and Fort Lovrijenac (Red Keep), just below Pile Gate, was used in many waterfront scenes, like the water entrance to King’s Landing, where Myrcella is sent away.
It’s also the location of the Battle of Blackwater Bay and the iconic scene where Tyrion Lannister masterfully executes the defense of King’s Landing with wildfire.
While one side of Pile Bay was used for the famous waterfront scenes, the other part was where the gold cloaks went into the city to murder all the bastard children of Robert Baratheon. You can see that part where the doors are built into the rock, just below the Red Keep (Fort Lovrijenac).
In addition, the West Harbour (Blackwater Bay) pier was used for the scenes with Sansa and Littlefinger (Petyr Baelish).
Personally, this bay was one of our favorite places to see in Dubrovnik, especially because of the amazing buildings surrounding it – Fort Bokar on one side, Fort Lovrijenac on the other, and the city walls rising high above to protect the city from the water.
3. Fort Bokar
Pile Bay’s Fort Bokar is a mighty fortress that appeared in many Game of Thrones scenes shot in Dubrovnik.
It’s where the City Walls look the most dramatic, as it’s also the most fortified part. As such, it was the perfect location to shoot the scene of Lord Varys and Tyrion looking out towards the sea and strategizing the defense of King’s Landing from Stannis Baratheon.
To get great views of Fort Bokar, you can walk along the shore of Pile Bay. But for the best views, you need to go to Fort Lovrijenac.
Not only that, you can also walk inside Fort Bokar’s different rooms and tunnels, and even right on top of it. For that, you need to visit the Outer Walls (a separate entrance, but included in the City Walls ticket).
Walking inside and on top of Fort Bokar was a highlight of our City Walls and Game of Thrones exploration!
4. Fort Lovrijenac – The Red Keep
One of the best Game of Thrones spots to visit in Dubrovnik is Fort Lovrijenac, not only because it is the Red Keep in Game of Thrones but also because it is historically significant for the city’s defense.
Fort Lovrijenac appeared in many Game of Thrones scenes, like the tournament in Joffrey’s name and most of the inside scenes of the Red Keep.
From Fort Lovrijenac, you get a panoramic view of Pile Bay (West Harbour & Blackwater Bay) and the iconic City Walls (including Fort Bokar). It’s also an ideal vantage point to see how Dubrovnik’s coast was fortified.
5. Gradac Park – Purple Wedding
A short walk from Fort Lovrijenac, you can find Gradac Park, the location of the Purple Wedding, where King Joffrey was killed by poisoning.
It’s a small park that’s quick to visit as there’s really nothing to see. However, the area offers excellent views of Fort Lovrijenac.
We loved it there, as there weren’t many people, and we got some nice unobstructed views of the other side of Fort Lovrijenac – nothing much to do with GOT, but it’s a nice spot to visit nearby.
6. City Walls
The City Walls are an absolute highlight of any Dubrovnik trip, especially for Game of Thrones fans.
The walls of Dubrovnik were the perfect setting for so many iconic scenes for Game of Thrones, from Mountain’s killing of prisoners scene to the aftermath of the Battle of the Blackwater Bay when Stannis Baratheon attempted to conquer King’s Landing and take the Iron Throne.
As you walk the city walls, you get countless breathtaking views of the Old Town (King’s Landing).
If there’s only one attraction you visit in Dubrovnik, it’s got to be the city walls! From there, you can observe a significant number of filming locations. Short on time? Read our One Day in Dubrovnik Itinerary.
7. Minčeta Tower – House of the Undying
Part of the City Walls, the towering Minčeta Tower, was the location of Qarth’s House of the Undying, where Daenerys searched for her dragons.
Minčeta Tower is also one of the best lookout points over the Old Town of Dubrovnik. It’s positioned on the north-western corner of the City Walls and is a mighty fortification.
It’s a must-visit, but be prepared to wait in line to walk the narrow staircase up the tower, as it’s one of the most visited parts of the City Walls. Plus, there’s not much space at the top.
8. Western Outer Walls – Practice Yard
Right under Minčeta Tower is the entrance to the only off-the-beaten-path part of the City Walls, the Western Outer Walls.
The Outer Walls were filming locations of Game of Thrones scenes involving the knight’s practice yard, Red Keep walls, and the iconic scene of Mountain (Gregor Clegane) killing prisoners when Cersei comes to ask him to represent her.
You can walk along the actual walls and grounds where these scenes were filmed.
Entering the Western Walls is also the only way to enter Fort Bokar, as we mentioned earlier (it’s the same part of the walls).
9. Rector’s Palace – Qarth
The remarkable interior of Rector’s Palace was used as The Spice King’s residence in Qarth and the heated meeting between him and Daenerys Targaryen.
It’s easy to see why the Rector’s Palace was used, as it’s quite unique, especially its staircase.
While visiting Rector’s Palace, don’t miss out on the Cultural History Museum housed within (one of Dubrovnik’s best).
Another museum, The Ethnographic Museum, was also used in Game of Thrones scenes as the exterior of Littlefinger’s brothel. Like in the scene when Tyrion Lannister meets Oberyn Martell (Red Viper).
Read more: Best Dubrovnik Museums
10. Jesuit Staircase – Walk of Shame
Located just under the Church of St. Ignatius, the Jesuit Staircase was the scene of Cersei’s Walk of Shame, one of the most iconic parts of Game of Thrones filmed in Dubrovnik.
While the Walk of Shame also passed through other parts of Dubrovnik, the Jesuit Staircase (steps of the Great Sept of Baelor) was the most iconic.
The staircase is also one of the most popular photo spots in Dubrovnik, so get there early in the day to avoid crowds.
Did you know? The steps of the Jesuit Staircase lead down an otherwise busy street of restaurants, cafes, and also homes. So they had to pay all of them not to obstruct the filming and many also acted as extras in the shaming scene.
11. Ploče Gate and St Dominic Street
Two filming locations close to one another are St Dominic Street and Ploče Gate.
It is through Ploče Gate that Cersei returns to the Red Keep after her walk of shame. This gate was another entrance to the Red Keep.
We believe Ploče Gate is the most beautiful entrance to King’s Landing and Dubrovnik’s Old Town!
Going back into the Old Town from Ploče Gate, you pass St Dominic Street and the Dominican Monastery’s stairs, the filming location of the protest against King Joffrey and Lannisters, where they call him a rotten “Fruit of the incest.”.
12. Lokrum Island – Iron Throne
Lokrum Island, a short boat ride from Dubrovnik’s Old Town, served as another filming location for the city of Qarth, like when Daenerys Targaryen attends the garden party.
However, most Game of Thrones fans visit Lokrum Island because it’s where you can sit on the original Iron Throne. We didn’t manage to do it on our last visit (hopefully next time!).
The island is also home to a Benedictine Monastery, beautiful gardens, and free-roaming peacocks. Lokrum likely inspired the directors to include peacocks in the Qarth decorations.
13. Karaka Boat
Remember the boat that Daenerys Targaryen sailed in Game of Thrones Season 6, Episode 10? You can go on a sunset cruise on this exact boat!
You can book the Sunset Cruise or join the Game of Thrones Combo Tour, which includes the GOT Walking Tour of the Old Town and the sunset cruise aboard Karaka (Daenerys’ ship).
14. Locations outside the city: Trsteno Arboretum, Hotel Belvedere
In our opinion, the only Game of Thrones filming location that’s worth visiting outside the city is Trsteno Arboretum, which was used as the scenic gardens of King’s Landing (a 30-minute drive north).
The arboretum was also used to film scenes where Sansa discusses the marriage of Margaery to King Joffrey with her grandmother, Lady Olenna Tyrell, and the Cersei and Oberon talk about Myrcella.
To get to Trsteno Arboretum, you can take a bus from Dubrovnik Bus Station in Gruž (12, 15, 35), taxi/Uber, or book one of the tours like the GOT Tour with King’s Landing Garden visit.
Another spot that some fans visit is the “atrium” of the long-abandoned Hotel Belvedere, which was used in the iconic and gruesome Prince Oberyn Martell vs Mountain fight scene.
It’s a 30-minute walk south of the Old Town, but it’s one of the locations that is not really worth a visit. It looked much better and more dramatic in the series. There is not much appeal now.
Unless you absolutely have to check all the Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik off your list. Or if you like exploring abandoned places or also plan to visit the nearby St. Jacobs Beach (Plaža Sveti Jakov).
Travel tips for visiting Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik
- Start your day early to avoid crowds as much as possible
- Buy the Dubrovnik Pass to cover entrance tickets to most attractions
- Follow the filming locations map or book a guided tour to find all of the spots
- Focus on the locations inside the Old Town first
Best time to visit Dubrovnik to explore Game of Thrones filming locations
The best time to visit the Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). The weather is pleasant, and there are fewer crowds than in the peak summer months.
This allows you to enjoy the sites comfortably and take in the essence of King’s Landing without being overwhelmed by tourists.
Where to stay in Dubrovnik
When visiting Dubrovnik for its Game of Thrones filming locations, consider staying near the old town or along the main street for easy access.
Best hotels in Dubrovnik Old Town
Here are our hand-picked top-rated hotels in Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
- Budget: Kingslanding Old Town Hostel – Sweetest Thing Apartment
- Mid-range: Apartment Matić – Villa Four Winds
- Luxury: Villa 5db – Dominus Little Palace
RECOMMENDED: Villa 5db
Situated right in the heart of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, just one street away from the main street of Stradun, Villa 5db offers a luxurious stay in a place that makes you feel like you’re a few centuries back in time.
Even though it’s right in the heart of it all, it remains relatively quiet, ensuring a comfortable stay in a central location. This makes it easy to pop in and out of main attractions, restaurants, and bars.
For more details, also read: Where to Stay in Dubrovnik (Best areas and hotels)
Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to explore the Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik is on foot. Most filming sites are located within the city walls and can be easily accessed by walking.
Dubrovnik served as the filming location for King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms, and other iconic scenes filmed in Dubrovnik’s Old Town and other places in and around the city.
The Walk of Shame scene in Game of Thrones was filmed in Dubrovnik on the Jesuit Staircase and other parts of the Old Town, like Ploče Gate and St. Dominic Street. This iconic scene occurs in Season 5, Episode 10 when Cersei Lannister is forced to walk through the streets of King’s Landing as a form of atonement.
Yes, you can sit on the real Iron Throne on Dubrovnik’s Lokrum Island.
Final thoughts
The great thing about visiting the GOT filming locations in Dubrovnik is that you can see many of them for free. For those located inside paid attractions, getting the Dubrovnik Pass grants you access to them all.
That’s why visiting Dubrovnik because of Game of Thrones doesn’t mean it must be an expensive trip. You can read more about how to save money in our Budget Guide to Dubrovnik. And if you’re short on time, our One Day in Dubrovnik Itinerary is a great resource.
We had an amazing time finding the different Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik, and hopefully, with this guide, we helped you organize a great day out exploring the different sites with ease.
Continue reading
- Dubrovnik Travel Guide (things to do)
- One Day Dubrovnik Itinerary (24 hours trip)
- Best Museums in Dubrovnik
- Free Things To Do in Dubrovnik
- Travel to Dubrovnik on a Budget
- Guide to Dubrovnik Old Town
- Best Beaches in Dubrovnik
- Dubrovnik Pass Review (must-have for saving money)
- Where to stay in Dubrovnik (best areas & hotels)
- Best Dubrovnik Bars & Beach Clubs
- Best Day Trips from Dubrovnik
