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Complete Dubrovnik Travel Guide: Game of Thrones Filming Locations Deep Dive
Dubrovnik, Croatia — known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” — is one of the most important filming locations for Game of Thrones: the show’s King’s Landing was filmed here. Walking through the streets of this old city with its terracotta rooftops and yellow stone walls, you’ll repeatedly stumble upon familiar scenes, as if Cersei Lannister might round the corner at any moment.
1. Why Visit Dubrovnik?
- World Heritage Old City: Dubrovnik’s Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety
- Game of Thrones pilgrimage: Dozens of filming locations — unmissable for fans
- Squid Game Season 2 filming location: Netflix’s 2025 hit drama also filmed here
- Adriatic scenery: Cerulean sea against terracotta old city — a paradise for photographers
- Safety: Croatia is an EU member; security is relatively good by European standards
2. Old City Must-Visit Attractions
City Walls
Dubrovnik’s city walls are 1,940 meters long and encircle the entire old city — the most completely preserved medieval fortifications in Europe. From the walls you can look down over the entire old city and the Adriatic Sea; it’s the experience you cannot miss in Dubrovnik:
| Section | Specialty |
|---|---|
| North section | Views of Fortress of St. Lawrence |
| East section | Best panoramic old city views — most iconic photo angle |
| South section | Best sea views; views of Fort Minčeta |
Recommended to climb the walls at dawn for soft light and fewer visitors. Tickets approximately €35; book in advance through Klook to skip the queue.
Sponza Palace
This Renaissance-style palace is now an archive preserving Dubrovnik’s historical documents. Its distinctive colonnaded design made it the filming location for many indoor scenes in Game of Thrones.
Fortress of St. Lawrence (Fort Lovrijenac)
Located on a small peninsula outside the city walls; an additional ticket is required to enter. This is a key filming location for exterior scenes of King’s Landing in Game of Thrones.
3. Game of Thrones Filming Location Tour
Dubrovnik’s connection to Game of Thrones runs deep. Here are the main filming locations:
| Series Scene | Actual Location | How to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| King’s Landing Gate (Pile Gate) | Pile Gate | Old city entrance — free |
| Sept of Baelor | Franciscan Monastery exterior wall | View from outside — free |
| Daenerys at the docks | Dubrovnik Harbor | View from boat tour |
| King’s Landing streets | Main street Stradun | Experience while walking |
| Qarth | Fort of St. Lawrence | Ticket required |
| Post-Red Wedding escape | Sponza Palace | Interior visit |
Recommended: join the official Game of Thrones filming location walking tour led by a licensed guide who tells behind-the-scenes stories and plot context — a deeper experience.
4. Dubrovnik Pass (City Pass)
Dubrovnik’s city pass includes tickets to multiple attractions and transport:
| Pass Type | Validity | Included | Price (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 1 day | City walls + museums + transport | 35 |
| Advanced | 3 days | City walls + museums + transport + nearby attractions | 75 |
| Advanced+ | 3 days | Advanced + ferry tickets to nearby islands | 120 |
5. Island-Hopping from Dubrovnik
The Dalmatian coast around Dubrovnik has many beautiful islands worth exploring:
Lokrum Island
Only 600 meters from the old city; approximately 15 minutes by ferry. The island features:
- Ancient Benedictine monastery ruins
- Royal peacocks (dozens of peacocks roam freely on the island)
- Naturist beach and rocky shores
- One of the Game of Thrones filming locations
Elaphiti Islands
An archipelago of multiple small islands, ideal for a day of island-hopping:
- Koločep: The smallest island — quietest, perfect for escaping crowds
- Lopud: Has a beautiful sandy beach
- Šipan: The largest island with olive groves and ancient villages
6. Transport Guide
Getting to Dubrovnik
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Flight | Dubrovnik Airport (DBV); direct routes from major European cities |
| Long-distance bus | From Zagreb (approximately 8 hours), Split (approximately 5 hours) |
| Ferry | From Split, Venice (seasonal) |
Airport Transfers
Dubrovnik Airport is approximately 22 km from the old city:
- Airport bus: approximately 35 HRK; approximately 40 minutes to the old city
- Taxi: approximately €40–50
- Pre-booking private airport transfer is recommended for transparent pricing and to avoid being overcharged.
7. Best Time to Visit
| Season | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| May–June | Peak season begins; warm weather, relatively fewer visitors |
| July–August | High season; hottest weather, most visitors, highest hotel prices |
| September–October | Autumn; pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, sea still warm — recommended |
| November–April | Off-season; some restaurants and attractions closed, but a distinctive atmosphere for old city walks |
8. Practical Tips
- City wall duration: Allow 2.5–3 hours; the old city is small but photography takes time
- Avoid midday: Adriatic sun is intense; resting in an old city café at noon is wiser than walking
- Luggage: Cobblestone paths make wheeled luggage difficult; travel light into the city; leave large bags at your hotel or in storage
- Swimming: Dubrovnik’s coastline is ideal for swimming; recommended rocky beach near Buža Bar
- Mobile data: Buy a European eSIM; Croatia uses the Euro and EU roaming is friendly
9. Budget Reference (5 Days)
| Item | Cost (EUR/person) |
|---|---|
| Flights | 200–400 |
| Accommodation (4 nights, outside old city) | 200–400 |
| City walls + pass | 35–75 |
| Activities (island-hopping, walking tour) | 50–100 |
| Food & drink | 100–200 |
| Total | 585–1,175 |
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