Game of Thrones in Dubrovnik: Visit the Iconic Filming Sites

When we first Googled Dubrovnik, we instantly noticed how many Game of Thrones tours were on offer, and it’s no wonder why. As big fans of the show, we were so excited to see the real-life filming locations that brought King’s Landing to life. You can join a guided tour or, like us, explore the sites on your own and relive the scenes step by step. Read on to discover where Game of Thrones was filmed in Dubrovnik and how you can waddle through Westeros yourself.

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11 Iconic Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Dubrovnik

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#1: Jesuit Stairs: Cersei’s Iconic Walk of Shame

The Jesuit Stairs are the most famous Game of Thrones filming spot in Dubrovnik. As a fan, you would instantly recognize it as the place where Cersei Lannister took her unforgettable “walk of shame” scene. Standing there, it’s easy to picture the tension and emotion of that moment. Today, these Baroque steps are often filled with Game of Thrones tours, each recreating the scene for eager fans. Fun fact: Nobody knows exactly how much HBO paid the nearby restaurants to close during filming, but local whispers suggest it was a substantial sum.

#2: The West Harbor (Dubrovnik’s Pile Bay): Arya’s Farewell Scene

The West Harbor, also known as Pile Bay, is one of the most recognizable Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik. Many memorable scenes were filmed here, including the one where Myrcella sails off to Dorne and, later, Arya Stark’s emotional farewell as she sets out on her voyage to explore what lies west of Westeros. We visited in May, just before peak season, and were pleasantly surprised to find the spot calm and almost empty. Standing by the water with Fort Lovrijenac towering above, it felt surreal to imagine the cast filming right where we stood.

#3: The King’s Landing Streets: The Hunt for Baratheon’s Bastards

On the path leading to Fort Lovrijenac, you’ll find one of the darker filming spots from Game of Thrones. This narrow street was used in the chilling scene where the King’s Guard hunted down and killed King Robert Baratheon’s bastards in Season 2. Standing there, it’s easy to picture the chaos and fear that unfolded on screen, yet today, the same alley feels peaceful, with stone walls echoing centuries of history rather than screams from Westeros.

#4: Fort Lovrijenac: The Real Red Keep of King’s Landing

Perched dramatically above the Adriatic Sea and right next to Dubrovnik’s Old Port, Fort Lovrijenac is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and for Game of Thrones fans, it’s instantly recognizable as the Red Keep. While the first season’s scenes were filmed in Malta, the rest of the show brought King’s Landing to life right here in Dubrovnik. Waddling through the fortress walls feels surreal, knowing you’re standing where epic moments unfolded.

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#5: Pile Gate: The Scene of King Joffrey’s Riot

Right before you exit Dubrovnik’s Old Town through Pile Gate, you’ll find one of the most famous Game of Thrones filming spots. This gate leads toward the West Harbor and the path up to Fort Lovrijenac, both central locations in the series. Fans will instantly recognize this spot from the unforgettable riot scene, where an angry crowd attacks King Joffrey. During filming, the production team even had to close the gate for 20 minutes, with curious tourists shouting outside, mirroring the chaos of the scene itself.

#6: The Walls of Dubrovnik: Walk the Real-Life Defenses of King’s Landing

The ancient city walls of Dubrovnik are another recognizable Game of Thrones filming locations. Appearing throughout multiple seasons as the mighty defenses of King’s Landing. From here, you can imagine Cersei looking out over Blackwater Bay or the battles that once raged below. You can waddle along the walls daily, but we recommend doing it early in the morning or just before sunset when the light is softer and the crowds are fewer. That’s when we explored them too, and it was pure cinematic magic.

#7: Minčeta Tower: The House of the Undying

Among the many towers along Dubrovnik’s city walls, the filming crew made great use of one in particular, the striking Minčeta Tower. You will instantly recognize it as the House of the Undying, where Daenerys Targaryen searches for the entrance to rescue her imprisoned dragons. The tower’s distinctive round shape and stone walls made it perfect for the mysterious and dramatic scenes in Qarth. It appears several times in the series, captured from different angles to bring the fantasy world of Game of Thrones to life right here in Dubrovnik.

#8: Fort Bokar: The Battle-Scarred Walls of King’s Landing

Fort Bokar, one of Dubrovnik’s most impressive coastal fortresses, was used many times throughout the Game of Thrones series from different angles. It served as a backdrop for key moments defending King’s Landing, perfectly capturing the power and drama of Westeros. One of my favorite scenes filmed here is from the eighth season, during the intense fifth episode “The Bells.” It’s the moment when Daenerys, sitting on Drogon, makes the fateful decision to burn the city to the ground ignoring the ringing bells of surrender. Standing here, it’s easy to picture that unforgettable scene unfolding before your eyes.

#9: St. Dominika Street: The Heart of King’s Landing’s Markets

Behind the Ploče Gate, St. Dominika Street is one of Dubrovnik’s most famous Game of Thrones filming spots. This narrow, cobbled lane became the bustling streets of King’s Landing, where many of the market scenes were brought to life. It’s here that the Gold Cloaks hunt down one of King Robert’s illegitimate sons, and where Tyrion and Bronn witness an angry protest in season two. The street also played a key role in one of the show’s most unforgettable moments, Cersei Lannister’s walk of penance. Wandering down this historic street, you can almost hear the echo of the crowd shouting “Shame!”

#10: The Rector’s Palace: Home of the Spice King in Qarth

The elegant Rector’s Palace in Dubrovnik, once the seat of the city’s rulers, became the residence of the Spice King of Qarth in Game of Thrones. Fans will remember the scene from season two, when Daenerys Targaryen visits the palace to ask the Spice King for ships to carry her army across the Narrow Sea, only to have her request denied. The palace’s graceful arches and grand interiors made it the perfect stand-in for Qarth’s opulent atmosphere, blending Dubrovnik’s real history with the fantasy world of Westeros.

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#11: Lokrum Island: Step Into Qarth and Sit on the Iron Throne

Just a short boat ride from Dubrovnik’s Old Port, Lokrum Island is another favorite filming spot for the Game of Thrones crew. Many scenes set in the exotic city of Qarth were filmed here, using the island’s lush gardens and historic monastery as a backdrop. For true fans, there’s one more reason to visit, the original Iron Throne from the series is located right on the island. You can actually sit on it and take photos, just as we did. It’s the perfect way to crown your Dubrovnik adventure with a touch of Westeros magic. 

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The Game of Thrones Spots We Missed

Out of all the filming locations around Dubrovnik, there were only three we didn’t manage to visit and one of them, Hotel Belvedere, isn’t even accessible to the public. The hotel, now closed and awaiting renovation, served as the dramatic setting for the epic duel between Oberyn Martell and The Mountain in season four. While you can’t waddle inside, you can still admire its striking clifftop position from a distance along the coastal path. As for the other two spots, they’ll stay on our list for next time, a perfect reason to return and complete our Game of Thrones journey in Dubrovnik.

When waddling around Dubrovnik, it’s impossible not to feel the Game of Thrones magic in every corner. Every alley, stairway, and fortress wall seems to whisper memories of King’s Landing. Just a little outside the Old Town, you can explore Gradac Park, where several key scenes, including King Joffrey’s infamous wedding feast, were filmed. Nearby, the abandoned Hotel Belvedere and the lush Trsteno Arboretum add even more depth to the real-world Westeros experience. Whether you decide to join a guided tour or simply waddle around on your own, each spot will bring you closer to the world of dragons, thrones, and unforgettable stories. We hope this guide helps you uncover every Game of Thrones location, and maybe even inspires your own royal adventure through Dubrovnik.

Pack your bag and get ready to waddle King’s Landing!

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