Are you a die-hard Game of Thrones fan planning a trip? Look no further than Dubrovnik, Croatia! This stunning city served as the primary filming location for King’s Landing, bringing the world of Westeros to life. This guide will provide A Complete Guide To Westeros, focusing on Dubrovnik and its surrounding areas, allowing you to experience the magic of Game of Thrones firsthand.
When I first arrived in Dubrovnik, it felt like stepping directly into the show. It’s no wonder HBO chose this city as the heart of the Game of Thrones universe.
This complete guide to Westeros focuses on Dubrovnik, providing everything you need to know to explore Game of Thrones filming locations. We’ll cover specific locations, the scenes filmed there, their real-life names, and how to find them. We’ll also discuss the best Game of Thrones tours available in Dubrovnik and whether they’re worth your investment. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of Game of Thrones!
Game of Thrones Film Locations in Dubrovnik (with Map)
Below is an in-depth look at the Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik. To help you navigate, here’s a Google map with all the locations marked. Be sure to save it for your trip!
Fort Lovrijenac (Red Keep)
- Real-life name: Fort Lovrijenac
- Show location: Red Keep in King’s Landing
- Notable Episodes: Season 2 Episode 1 (“The North Remembers”), Season 3 Episode 1 (“Valar Dohaeris”), Season 3 Episode 5 (“Kissed by Fire”)
Fort Lovrijenac, towering over West Harbor just outside the city walls, is one of Dubrovnik’s most iconic landmarks. In Game of Thrones, it frequently served as the interior of the Red Keep.
Key scenes filmed at Fort Lovrijenac include King Joffrey’s name day celebrations in Season 2 Episode 1. The memorable “Power is Power” scene between Cersei and Littlefinger (Season 3 Episode 5), and scenes featuring the giant map of Westeros were also filmed here.
It’s worth noting that while Fort Lovrijenac was often used for interior shots of the Red Keep, the exterior location of the Red Keep varied throughout the series due to CGI enhancements.
Consider joining a Game of Thrones tour for more insights and behind-the-scenes information. While a GoT tour will almost certainly visit Fort Lovrijenac, the entrance fee (around 15 euros) may not be included. The Dubrovnik City Pass (approximately 35 euros) is a great alternative, offering entry to Fort Lovrijenac, the City Walls, and other attractions.
Dubrovnik City Walls (General King’s Landing Shots)
- Real-life name: Dubrovnik City Walls
- Show location: King’s Landing
- Episodes: Various episodes, including Season 2, Episode 8 (“The Prince of Winterfell”) and Season 5 Episode 3 (“High Sparrow”)
Walking the Old Town Walls is a must when visiting Dubrovnik. These walls not only offer incredible 360º views of the city but also feature several Game of Thrones filming locations.
The Dubrovnik City Walls were used for establishing shots of King’s Landing throughout the series. Iconic scenes, like Tyrion and Varys planning the defense of King’s Landing on Fort Bokar in Season 2 Episode 8, were filmed here.
Fort Bokar is best viewed from Fort Lovrijenac, where the scene was filmed. The water in front of Fort Bokar is Blackwater Bay.
Minčeta Tower (The House of the Undying)
- Real-life name: Minčeta Tower
- Show location: House of the Undying (Exterior)
- Episodes: Season 2 Episode 10 (“Valar Morghulis”)
Located on the City Walls, Minčeta Tower represented the House of the Undying in Game of Thrones. The scene where Daenerys searches for her stolen dragons in Season 2 Episode 10 was filmed here. She circles the tower while Ser Jorah follows, until she enters the temple.
In reality, Minčeta Tower is the highest point of Croatia’s defense system with a rich history. The climb to the top can be challenging, but it’s well worth the effort.
Pile & Ploče Gates (Outskirts of Red Keep)
- Real-life name: Pile & Ploče Gates
- Show location: Outskirts of Red Keep
- Episodes: Season 2 Episode 6 (“The Old Gods and the New”), Season 3 Episode 10 (“Mhysa”)
Dubrovnik Old Town is accessible through three gates: Pile, Ploče, and Buza. The Pile and Ploče Gates are the most prominently featured.
Pile Gate, on the west side of Old Town, is the most commonly used entrance. The area just inside the gate is featured in Season 2 Episode 6 when Cersei, Sansa, Joffrey, Tyrion, and others are attacked by commoners upon returning to the Red Keep. It also appears in Season 3 Episode 10 when Jamie and Brienne of Tarth return to King’s Landing.
Ploče Gate, on the other side of Old Town, is featured in Season 5 Episode 10, when Cersei returns to the Red Keep after her Walk of Shame.
Jesuit Staircase (Walk of Shame Stairs)
- Real-life name: Jesuit Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola
- Show location: Sept of Baelor Stairs
- Episodes: Season 5 Episode 10 (“Mother’s Mercy”)
The Jesuit Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola is a popular spot, particularly the staircase in front of the church.
These stairs, within Dubrovnik Old Town, are where Queen Cersei begins her Walk of Shame in the Season 5 finale. In the show, the stairs are in front of the Sept of Baelor, which was added using CGI.
Local businesses have capitalized on the stairs’ popularity, with bars offering Game of Thrones-themed cocktails like “the walk of shame mojito.”
Rector’s Palace (Spice King’s Home)
- Real-life name: Rector’s Palace
- Show location: The Home of the Spice King (Qarth)
- Episodes: Season 2 Episode 6 (“The Old Gods and the New”)
Located near the Jesuit Staircase, Rector’s Palace features stunning Gothic and Renaissance architecture. This 15th-century palace is now a Cultural History Museum.
In Season 2 Episode 6, Dany visits the home of the Spice King to ask for ships. The Spice King stands on a beautiful staircase as he speaks to Dany. This scene was filmed inside Rector’s Palace!
West Harbor (Blackwater Bay)
- Real-life name: West Harbor / Pile Bay
- Show location: Blackwater Bay, Waterfront outside Red Keep
- Episodes: Season 2 Episode 1 (“The North Remembers”), Season 2 Episode 6 (“The Old Gods and the New”), Season 3 Episode 1 (“Valar Dohaeris”), Season 6 Episode 1 (“The Red Woman”), Season 8 Episode 6 (“The Iron Throne”)
West Harbor (also called Pile Bay), located between Dubrovnik Old Town and Fort Lovrijenac, is a stunning bay with crystal-clear water. It served as Blackwater Bay in the show.
The West Harbor was featured in several prominent scenes, including Princess Myrcella leaving King’s Landing for Dorne and the Stark children saying goodbye in the series finale.
This location is very popular and a common starting point for Game of Thrones tours.
Gradac Park (King’s Landing Gardens)
- Real-life name: Gradac Park
- Show location: Wedding of King Joffrey and Margaery Tyrell
- Episodes: Season 4 Episode 2 (“The Lion and the Rose”)
Gradac Park, behind Fort Lovrijenac, was used to film almost all of Season 4 Episode 2, the “Purple Wedding” episode where King Joffrey dies.
Gradac Park offers stunning views of Dubrovnik, especially in the early morning.
Lokrum Island (Qarth Gardens)
- Real-life name: Lokrum Island
- Show location: Qarth Gardens
- Episodes: Season 2 Episode 5 (“The Ghost of Harrenhal”)
Lokrum Island, a 10-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik, is a must-visit, regardless of your interest in the show.
In Season 2 Episode 5, Dany attends a party in the gardens of Qarth, which were filmed on Lokrum Island.
Lokrum Island also houses a real-life version of the Iron Throne inside a small Game of Thrones Visitor Center.
BONUS: Trsteno Arboretum (Tyrell Gardens)
- Real-life name: Trsteno Arboretum
- Show location: Gardens of King’s Landing where Tyrells hang out
- Episodes: Season 3 Episode 2 (“Dark Wings, Dark Words”), Game of Thrones Season 3 Episode 4 (“And Now His Watch Is Ended”), Season 3 Episode 10 (“Mhysa”)
Trsteno Arboretum, is located less than 30 minutes outside of Dubrovnik and is a great stop on the way to Split.
The gardens are heavily featured in Season 3, where the Tyrell family arrives in King’s Landing. The scenes with Lady Olenna, Margaery Tyrell, and Sansa having lunch in the gardens were all filmed here.
Game of Thrones Dubrovnik Tours
Should you go on a Game of Thrones tour in Dubrovnik?
You’ll find many Game of Thrones walking tours in Dubrovnik, one of the city’s most popular activities. Given the list of locations above, you might wonder if a tour is necessary.
I highly recommend taking a tour!
A Game of Thrones walking tour can add a whole new element to your experience. Local guides can share incredible stories about the filming process and provide behind-the-scenes knowledge, fun facts, and personal anecdotes not found in guidebooks.
Tour Option 1: 2-Hour Game of Thrones Dubrovnik Walking Tour
This 2-hour tour is an excellent choice for a quick overview of Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik.
The tour starts outside the city gates and includes Fort Lovrijenac (Red Keep), Pile Gate (entrance to King’s Landing), and the Jesuit Staircase (Walk of Shame stairs).
Tour Option 2: Dubrovnik 3-Hour Walking Tour + Lokrum Island
This 3-hour tour visits famous locations like the Jesuit Staircase (Walk of Shame Stairs), West Harbor (Blackwater Bay), Fort Lovrijenac (the Red Keep), Pile Gate (entrance to King’s Landing), and Lokrum Island.
Tour Option 3: Ultimate 7-Hour Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Tour
This 7-hour tour includes a 2-hour walking tour, a trip to Lokrum, Trsteno Arboretum, and the abandoned Hotel Belvedere, where Oberyn Martell met his end against the Mountain.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Dubrovnik offers an immersive experience for Game of Thrones fans. A Game of Thrones tour, led by local experts, provides behind-the-scenes anecdotes and insider knowledge, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of Dubrovnik’s role in the series. I hope this complete guide to Westeros helped you understand all there is to see in the magical city that stood in as King’s Landing!
