For Game of Thrones fans, there really is no destination that compares to Croatia. The HBO blockbuster series catapulted many locations to fame when Game of Thrones first aired on our screens, and it’s not hard to see why! Read on as we take you through the key filming locations in Croatia & how to visit them all on your next visit!
Table of contentsGame of Thrones Filming Locations in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is arguably the most famous Game of Thrones filming destination. It’s your one stop shop for everything Game of Thrones related, being the filming location for the impressive and wondrous capital city of Westeros, Kings Landing. Dubrovnik’s ancient Old Town walls are home to many Game of Thrones scenes, and today the town has Game of Thrones fever, hosting walking tours, themed restaurants, the original Iron Throne and a host of GoT memorabilia.
Trsteno Arboretum, Dubrovnik
Whilst not technically inside Dubrovnik City, Trsteno Arboretum is located a mere 20 minutes drive from Dubrovnik Old Town and was used as the filming location for the King’s Landing palace gardens. Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, this lush location is first seen in season three when Sansa Stark reveals her secrets about King Joffrey. The impressive gardens and even better view make for a day trip fit for a King or Queen.
Minceta Tower, Dubrovnik
As the highest point in Dubrovnik City, a visit to Minceta Tower will reward you with impressive views over the sea and the Old Town. Views aside, this looming tower serves as the House of Undying in season two of Game of Thrones, where Daenerys attempts to get her dragons back.
Lovrijenac Fortress, Dubrovnik
This 16th Century Fortress is well known to Game of Thrones fans as the Red Keep. Numerous scenes were shot at this location, namely the tournament held in King Joffrey’s name in season two. Visit this impressive destination in real life and take in its 12 metre thick Fortress walls. Whilst the Fortress was used as the setting for mythical battles in Game of Thrones, historically it also played a pivotal role in the defence of Dubrovnik.
Lokrum Island, Dubrovnik
This lush island located just off the Dubrovnik coast was the stand-in location for the city of Qarth in season two. The botanical gardens and authentic former Benedictine Monastery feature heavily in the garden party scenes making them well worth a visit. Inside the Visitors Centre on Lokrum Island is a small exhibition dedicated to Game of Thrones where you’ll have the opportunity to sit on the original Iron Throne - a must for true Game of Thrones fans!
Bokar Fortress, Dubrovnik
This oceanside fortress is first seen in season two when Tyrion and Lord Varys are looking out to sea, planning the defence of King's Landing. The Bokar Fortress also forms the backdrop of the pivotal scene in season 8 when Daenerys decides to burn King's Landing to the ground. Game of Thrones fans will recognise the Bokar Fortress whilst walking along Dubrovnik’s City Walls.
Pile Gate, Dubrovnik
Pile Gate is the main entrance to Dubrovnik City, and as one of only two entrances to the city, it sees most of the foot traffic entering the Old Town. Pile Gate was used for many scenes throughout the early Game of Thrones seasons, however the most famous scene takes place in season two when King Joffrey is attacked and orders his guards to “kill them all”. In season two we also see Pile Gate as the setting for when Jamie Lannister returns to King's Landing in search of his sister.
St Dominika Street, Dubrovnik
Set just behind the famous monastery, St Dominika Street is a quaint cobblestone street that depicts the market in many Game of Thrones scenes. This street is most famous as the location of Cersei’s infamous walk, just after the ‘Walk of Shame’ down the striking Jesuit Staircase.
Hotel Belvedere, Dubrovnik
Hotel Belvedere was destroyed during the Croatian War of Independence, meaning it hasn’t been in operation for over 30 years. Located just outside of Dubrovnik, this abandoned hotel was used as the setting for the battle between The Red Viper and the Mountain in the fourth season. In the Game of Thrones scene the arena was adorned with noble crests, however when you visit, you’ll notice that local football fans have taken over the interior decorating!
The Jesuit Staircase, Dubrovnik
Located near Gundulic Square in the centre of Dubrovnik Old Town is a regal and impressive staircase. Perhaps one of the most famous Game of Thrones scenes, the Jesuit Staircase was used as the filming location for Cersei’s Walk of Shame in season five. Head to the staircase and walk the very same steps, with clothes on, of course!
Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Split
The impressive Dicoletian’s Palace is the most prominent filming location in Split. This ancient palace is the backdrop for many scenes of Game of Thrones, and combined with the nearby Klis Fortress, a trip to Split is well worth it for Game of Thrones fans. Split is well known as the gateway to the Dalmatian Islands, making it a perfect starting point on an island hopping adventure.
Klis Fortress, Split
12 kilometres from Split lies the town of Klis, with its imposing Fortress located above the town. Better known to Game of Thrones fans as the filming location for the City of Mereen, the impressive surroundings of the Fortress will transport you back to ancient times. This fictional city was introduced in season four, and is most memorable as the location where Daenerys frees the slaves from the city.
Diocletian’s Palace, Split
The impressive Diocletian’s Palace was built in the 4th century AD by Roman Emperor Diocletian. Inside the palace walls you’ll find shops, galleries, bars, restaurants, and below, you’ll find the palace basements, the most prominent filming location for Game of Thrones in Split. In season four, the palace basements are used as the setting for where Daenerys keeps her dragons. Ancient alleyways and cobblestone streets within the palace walls were also used as filming locations for the hit series. If that’s not enough, inside the palace you will also find a Game of Thrones museum, with replica equipment, props used in filming and insider knowledge on GoT.
Žrnovnica, Split
Žrnovnica is a small village located just outside of Split.This lush location was used as the filming location in season four during Missandei’s bathing scene. The nearby quarry was also used as the setting for the battle scene in which Daenerys and the Unsullied descend on Mereen.
Map of Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Croatia
With much of the Game of Thrones filming locations concentrated in Split and Dubrovnik, it’s relatively easy to visit them all. Use our handy map to plan your ultimate Game of Thrones Croatian vacation!
How to Visit Game of Thrones Filming Locations
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, taking in filming locations will be high on your list when visiting Croatia! Check out your options for visiting Game of Thrones filming locations when heading to the Pearl of the Adriatic!
Plan An Itinerary
Use our map below to plan your very own itinerary, visiting the filming locations of your favourite scenes. We recommend 2 - 3 days in Dubrovnik to take it all in without rushing, and at least 1 day in Split. Split and Dubrovnik are well connected via low cost bus and ferry services, allowing you to visit both destinations within the space of a few days.
Join a Game of Thrones Walking Tour Dubrovnik
A Game of Thrones Walking Tour is the best way to make sure you visit the most prominent locations in Dubrovnik! These walking tours last approximately 2 hours and include a headset allowing you to hear all of the juicy facts from your guide. Many of the Game of Thrones Walking Tour guides were porters, extras or stand-ins during the filming of Game of Thrones in Dubrovnik, meaning they often have personal stories and insights into the actors and locations scattered throughout the city.
Book a Croatia Cruise
A Croatia Cruise is the most hassle-free and cost effective way to experience the best of Game of Thrones. Explorer Cruises are the perfect mix of socialising, exploring and relaxing on a small ship cruise, and for Game of Thrones fans, the Split to Dubrovnik or Dubronvik to Split routes would be our tour pick. Occasionally we also run a Game of Thrones cruise. These cruises offer an optional Game of Thrones Walking Tour in Dubrovnik, and a Split Walking Tour in Split. There is also time to visit the island of Lokrum, located just off the coast of Dubrovnik and the town of Klis, located just outside of Split, during your cruise.
Rent a Yacht
If you’re looking for a flexible sailing holiday where you can plan an itinerary and visit all of your favourite spots in Croatia, a Private Yacht Tour could be a great option! These skippered sailing holidays are one of the best ways to explore Croatia at your leisure, visiting as many Game of Thrones locations as you like!
Sample Game of Thrones Itinerary
The below sample itinerary follows an Explorer Cruise, travelling on the Split to Dubrovnik route. The host of optional extras available throughout the week will allow you to do as much, or as little Game of Thrones exploring as you like!
Game of Thrones FAQ’s
Many locations in Dubrovnik and Split were used as the setting for Game of Thrones. The most prominent filming location in Croatia is Dubrovnik, which was used extensively in the HBO blockbuster as the capital city of Westeros, King’s Landing.
The original Iron Throne was gifted by HBO to the city of Dubrovnik, and today you can find it inside the Visitors Centre on Lokrum Island. Iron Throne replicas can be found in Dubrovnik Old Town and inside Diocletian’s Palace in Split.
You are able to sit on the original Iron Throne which is located on Lokrum Island, a short ferry ride away from the city of Dubrovnik.
Game of Thrones was shot extensively in Dubrovnik, with some scenes also being filmed in the seaside city of Split. Less prominent filming locations in Croatia are the town of Klis and Lokrum Island.
