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Bottom line first: Dubrovnik’s old city is the real-life model for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. A full day of walking can tick off 90% of filming locations — but arriving before 7am is the only way to beat the thousand-strong cruise ship tour groups.
Dubrovnik, Croatia is the true home of the Iron Throne. This medieval old city is itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Game of Thrones filmed in over 20 locations here, making it a global pilgrimage destination for fans.
Core Filming Location Checklist
1. Dubrovnik City Walls
- Scene: King’s Landing panoramic views
- Tickets: Adult 200 HRK (approx. €27); +20 HRK for online booking
- Best time: Early morning 7–9am (cruise ship groups start arriving at 9am)
- Duration: Approximately 1.5–2 hours for the full circuit
2. Fort Lovrijenac
- Scene: Red Keep exterior, Cersei’s coronation
- The steps outside the fortress are one of the most iconic scenes in the series
- Tickets: Adult 150 HRK (€30 combo with city walls)
3. Dubrovnik Cathedral Steps
- Scene: King’s Landing commoner district
- Admission: Free (exterior)
- Nearby: Dominican Monastery
4. Stradun (Main Street)
- Scene: King’s Landing streets
- Numerous Game of Thrones prop exhibitions now line this street
5. Lokrum Island
- Scene: Qarth bathing pools, filming location
- Ferry tickets: Round trip 80 HRK (every 30 minutes)
- Recommended visit duration: Half a day
Book the Dubrovnik City Pass through Tiqets — includes city walls + multiple museums.
Dubrovnik City Pass Comparison
| Pass Type | Price | Includes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-day pass | 360 HRK | City walls + 6 museums | In-depth visitors |
| 3-day pass | 450 HRK | City walls + all museums + aquarium | Extended visitors |
| City walls only | 200 HRK | City walls only | Tight itinerary |
2026 Cruise Ship Arrival Schedule (Reference)
| Month | Ships/Day | Arrival Time | Recommended Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| May–September | 2–5 daily | 7–8am | Visit before 2pm or after 5pm |
| April/October | 1–2 daily | 8–9am | Arrive early in the morning |
| November–March | 1–3 per week | Varies | Virtually no crowd pressure |
Core crowd-avoidance tips: The old city has three gates — Pile Gate (southwest), Ploče Gate (southeast), and Minčeta Gate (north). Most tour groups enter through Pile Gate; you can enter from Ploče Gate and walk the route in reverse.
Day Trip Recommendations
| Destination | Distance | Transport | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korčula Island | 1 hour by boat | Ferry | Marco Polo’s alleged birthplace; also a GoT filming location |
| Plitvice & Brijed | 2 hours by car | Tour or self-drive | Lake island + cliff castle; wallpaper-worthy scenery |
| Kotor, Montenegro | 2.5 hours by car | Tour | Medieval fjord city |
Accommodation Guide
- Inside old city: Most expensive but most complete experience (€120–250/night)
- Lapad area: Local residential neighborhood, better value (€70–120/night); pleasant seafront promenade
- Babin Kuk area: Five-star resort zone, ideal for self-driving
Practical Information
- Language: English widely spoken; no communication barriers
- Currency: Croatia adopted the Euro in 2023
- Parking: Parking near the old city is difficult; recommended to stay outside the city or take the bus
- Best season: Early May–early June or September–mid-October (cruise ships present but weather is good)
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