George. R. R. Martin & HBO you got me! Westeros wanderlust has completely consumed me and I couldn’t be any happier. For years Croatia sat on my bucket list (thanks Beyonce & Jay), but GOT gave me the ultimate push I needed to visit the Pearl of The Adriatic.
While there are many things to do in Dubrovnik, my main goal was to visit as many filming locations in the capital of the Seven Kingdoms without running into Cersei or the Mountain. While you can book tours in advance, you can find a ton of tour vendors at the Pile Gate. To be honest, a tour isn’t necessary, you can stumble upon most of the filming locations, or you can simply print an online guide off of the internet and walk around the city.
So, what should you absolutely see while visiting Westeros?
Here are ‘8 Game of Thrones Filming Locations In Dubrovnik, Croatia’ that you just can’t miss!
Dubrovnik Old Town – King’s Landing
Welcome to the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. Dubrovnik’s Old Town is the main filming location for Game of Throne’s King’s Landing. The cobbled streets and medieval buildings were featured prominently over the course of several seasons and were the perfect location for the series due to the immaculate preservation of the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. There was very little needed CGI effects needed to bring the Lannister stronghold to life.
Fort Lovrijenac / Red Keep
“Aegon built his castle of red rock to remind people of the fire he roasted his enemies in, so whenever King’s Landing looked up they’d see the price of defiance.”
You can’t miss Fort Lovrijenac, it sticks out like the gem that it is. The Fort, which is called “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar”, doubles as The Red Keep in Game of Thrones and serves the home of every former King, now Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, their family and court. There is a cost to enter the fort, but if you have walked the city walls, your ticket will get you into the fort. The climb to the top is steep, but the views are breathtaking.
Bokar Fortress
Best seen in Season 2 of Game of Thrones, Bokar Fortress was prominently featured when Tyrion Lannister and Lord Varys planned the defence of King’s Landing against the invading Stannis Baratheon and his army. The fortress, built in the 15th century to protect the city also overlooks another popular filming locating, the Pile Harbour which saw tons of action, most prominently the Battle of the Blackwater.
Pile Harbour/Blackwater Bay
The setting for so many integral scenes on Game of Thrones, it was a treat to visit this the infamous Blackwater Bay. This is the where the Lannisters bid farewell to Princess Myrcella before she set sail for Dorne, it is also where the massive Battle of The Blackwater took place between Stannis Baratheon and the Lannister forces. We know how that worked out for Stannis. It is a beautiful location and if you wish you can rent a kayak and sail around the bay.
Gradac Park/Purple Wedding
Many of the Game of Thrones locations were super crowded, Gradac Park was far from it. The park, located just outside of the Old City was the site of Season 4’s Purple Wedding between King Joffrey Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell. While the actual wedding was shot in Belfast, the wedding reception was shot in the park. Situated just outside the Old Town, the park is a great spot to escape the throngs of tourists and catch some fresh air.
Minčeta Tower
In her quest to find her stolen dragons, Daenerys Targaryen visits the House of the Undying in Season 2 which is located at the base of the Minčeta Tower. In order to get access to the tower, you will have to get a ticket to walk the city walls. As the tower offers phenomenal panoramic views of the Old Town, be prepared for massive crowds.
Jesuit Steps / Walk Of Shame
Inarguably the #1 filming location in the Old Town, the steps of the Great Sept of Baelor in King’s Landing and the path leading up to it is a must-visit. It was here in Season 5 of Game of Thrones where Cercei Lannister took her walk of shame. It is also the location of Lord Tywin’s funeral procession. I will tell you, you will encounter hundreds of people walking and screaming “shame, shame, shame” while snapping photos. I joined in on the fun, I must admit!
Lokrum Island / Qarth
The island of Lokrum is located a short ferry boat ride away from Dubrovnik, 8 minutes at most. The island which is roaming with wild rabbits and peacocks is beautiful and is another great way to escape the crowds of Dubrovnik. Lokrum served as the city of Qarth which Daenerys Targaryen visits in Season Two. The Botanical Gardens and the old Benedictine monastery were the main spots used for filming. As a bonus, you can find a Game of Thrones media centre and a replica Iron Throne on the island.
Dubrovnik’s Old Town is teaming with Game of Throne filming locations but I tried to choose the most interesting and the most recognizable locations. There are tons of spots around the city that are used for general scene/market shots like St. Dominic Street, the Stadun, the Pile Gate, the Rector’s Palace, and even the city walls. If you asked me, the entire city is one big Game of Thrones set and if you are a fan of the show, it is the perfect place to visit to get your Game of Thrones fix!
So, what are you waiting on?! Has the Westeros wanderlust set in as yet?
LET’S KEEP IN TOUCH!
