Post overview: Top Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Dubrovnik
My husband and I recently spent two weeks in Dubrovnik, booking our trip months in advance without realizing how small the city was. As such, we had more than enough time to explore every square inch of this fascinating place and found all of the best Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik.
Dubrovnik served as the main filming location for King’s Landing, and you can’t walk three steps without running into groups of various Game of Thrones tours while visiting.
I think hiring a local tour guide is a great way to see all the best Game of Thrones Dubrovnik filming locations. However, I think you can also do a self-guided Game of Thrones tour in Dubrovnik. That’s where I come in, allow me to share our findings of the best filming locations for Game of Thrones in Dubrovnik.
You might enjoy reading: 20 EPIC Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia (And No, It’s Not Just Game of Thrones Stuff)
Tips for visiting the Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik (ahem, King’s Landing)
An organized tour is worthwhile
One of the best things about seeing all of the actual Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik is getting a tour from a local guide. Some of the guides acted as extras in the show and offer interesting background information during the tour. You’ll learn much more from a pro, which is why I highly recommend signing up for a tour if your budget allows. Most tours run about $25 per person.
Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Pile Gate
Pile Gate serves as one of the two entrances into the walled city of Dubrovnik. Chances are high that you will be entering through this gate when visiting the city, so let’s mention the epic Game of Thrones scenes filmed in Dubrovnik at this locale first.
Pile Gate was used several times during seasons 2 and 3, but the most famous scene from this spot is “The Riot” where King Joffrey is attacked by an irate mob and orders his guards to kill everyone.
This is also the Game of Thrones filming location in Dubrovnik where Jaime Lannister returns to King’s Landing alongside Brienne of Tarth, not long after he lost his hand while escaping captivity.
Game of Thrones Dubrovnik: In sum, the Pile Gate was used as King’s Landing in the following episodes.
- Season 2, Episode 6 – The Old Gods And The New: King Joffrey walks past an angry mob of starving peasants and orders his (outnumbered) guards to “kill them all” after someone throws a cow pie at his face.
- Season 3, Episode 10 – Mhysa: Jaime Lannister returns to King’s Landing in search of Cersei after escaping captivity.
Interesting Fact: King’s Landing in the first season was originally filmed in Malta, not Dubrovnik. However, the city of Malta was displeased with the filming crew and did not allow them to return to film future seasons.
Dubrovnik West Harbor (Blackwater Bay)
The scenic West Harbor is portrayed as Blackwater Bay in the Game of Thrones scenes filmed in Dubrovnik. Blackwater Bay is where many pivotal moments occur, such as when the Lannisters part with Myrcella and when Lord Baelish (Littlefinger) tempts Sansa with a chance of escape.
Another notable Game of Thrones scene filmed at Dubrovnik’s West Harbor is the killing of Baratheon’s bastard children, which occurs in the little cliff-side abodes to the right of the bay.
Game of Thrones Dubrovnik: The West Harbor was portrayed as Blackwater Bay in the following episodes.
- Season 2, Episode 1 – The North Remembers: King Joffrey orders a massacre of Robert Baratheon’s bastard children, which the Gold Cloaks carryout at Blackwater Bay.
- Season 2, Episode 6 – The Old Gods And The New: The Lannisters part with Myrcella who is bound for Dorne, as a heartbroken Cersei watches on from Blackwater Bay.
- Season 3, Episode 1 – Valar Dohaeris: Littlefinger approaches Sansa with the prospect of escaping King’s Landing, as Shae cautiously watches on.
- Season 6, Episode 1 – The Red Woman: Cersei anxiously awaits the return of Myrcella only to discover that her daughter has died.
Top Game of Thrones filming spots in Dubrovnik: The City Walls (Admission Required)
The City Walls of Dubrovnik are a sight to behold. Built between the 12th–17th centuries, these walls have successfully held off invaders and serve as a great source of pride for locals. When visiting Dubrovnik for the first time, walking the city walls is non-negotiable.
You’ll get a unique perspective of the colorful old town while also getting a chance to explore some famous Game of Throne scenes filmed in Dubrovnik.
Here’s the spots you can’t miss on the wall.
Minčeta Tower (The House of Undying)
Game of Thrones Dubrovnik: Minceta Tower is used as the House of the Undying in Season 2, Episode 10 when Daenerys frantically searches for the entrance in hopes of finding her stolen dragons.
Fort Bokar
For Bokar makes several appearances in the show, making it one of the most popular Game of Thrones Dubrovnik filming locations. It’s the spot where Tyrion and Lord Varys discuss the war in Season 2, Episode 8.
Jesuit Staircase (Walk of Shame)
Serving at the Steps of the Great Sept of Baelor in King’s Landing, the Jesuit Staircase is home to (arguably) the most popular Game of Thrones scene shot in Dubrovnik — Cersei’s Walk of Shame.
But that’s not the only time these stairs are showcased. Here’s a quick roundup of all the times this popular Game of Thrones Dubrovnik location shows up.
- Season 5, Episode 1: Cersei arrives for the funeral of her father, Tywin Lannister, walking past mournful crowds.
- Season 5, Episode 3: Cersei arrives for the wedding of her son Tommen and Margaery Tyrell.
- Season 5, Episode 4: Tommen demands to see the High Sparrow but is prevented from doing so.
- Season 5, Episode 10: Cersei’s infamous atonement scene where she embarks on the Walk of Shame.
Dubrovnik’s Old Town
In the last season of Game of Thrones we see King’s Landing burned to the ground by a vengeful Daenerys. These Game of Thrones Dubrovnik shots were mostly filmed within the Old Town, as panicking residents attempted to flee King’s Landing while the dragon flew overhead.
Rector’s Palace (Palace of the Spice King, Qarth)
Rector’s Palace makes an appearance as the palace of the Spice King when Daenerys requests ships for her passage to Westeros. Her request is denied because the Spice King claims the investment would be too risky, so she returns empty handed.
Game of Thrones Dubrovnik: Rector’s Palace is used as the palace of the Spice King in Season 2, Episode 6.
Ethnographic Museum (Littlefinger’s brothel)
The Ethnographic Museum in Dubrovnik was originally used as a granary before being converted into a museum. However, avid Game of Thrones fans will notice this as the Dubrovnik Game of Thrones filming location for Littlefinger’s brothel.
Game of Thrones Dubrovnik: The Ethnographic Museums was portrayed as Littlefinger’s brothel in the following episodes.
- Season 4, Episode 1: Tyrion meets with Oberyn who seeks to avenge the death of his sister and her children.
- Season 5, Episode 3: Brother Lancel humiliates the High Septon by forcing him to strip down and walk outside the brothel he secretly visited.
Lovrijenac Fort (The Red Keep)
In terms of popular Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik, Lovrijenac Fort is hard to beat. Featured predominately as The Red Keep, this impenetrable bastion should look familiar to GoT fans.
Located within King’s Landing, The Red Keep served as the residence of the King of the Andals and the First Men, home to the Iron Throne. This locale was featured heavily in Game of Thrones during notable scenes.
Game of Thrones Dubrovnik: Lovrijenac Fort served at The Red Keep in the following episodes.
- Season 2, Episode 1: King Joffrey hosts his name day tournament at the Red Keep. Cersei asks Littlefinger to find Arya Stark and presses him on his relationship with Catelyn, to which he shoots back “knowledge is power.” The reference to her relationship with Jaime enrages Cersei and she tasks her guards will slitting Littlefinger’s throat before dropping the order at the last second and stating, “power is power.”
- Season 3, Episode 5: Cersei seeks Littlefinger’s help in ridding King’s Landing of the Tyrells.
Power is power.
Cersei
Gradac Park (The Purple Wedding)
Ask any Game of Thrones fan about the most pivotal episodes in Game of Thrones and the Purple Wedding is sure to come up. Luckily, you can visiting this iconic Game of Thrones filming location in Dubrovnik, which is found close to Lovrijenac Fort (excuse me, the Red Keep).
Game of Thrones Dubrovnik: Gradac Park served as the venue of The Purple Wedding in Season 4, Episode 2. King Joffrey marries Margaery Tyrell but was poisoned during the wedding feast. Both Sansa and Tyrion are immediately accused, but it is later discovered that the murder was orchestrated by Lady Olenna Tyrell and Littlefinger.
St. Dominic Street & Ploče Gate
The monastery steps on Saint Dominic Street are located within the old town of Dubrovnik. Located close to the Ploce Gate, these steps served as the backdrop for a protest speech against King Joffrey in Season 2, Episode 5. Both Saint Dominic Street and Ploce Gate are also featured as part of the route for the Walk of Shame in Season 5, Episode 6.
SRD Hill
SRD Hill is an often overlooked Game of Thrones Dubrovnik filming spot but it shouldn’t be missed. SRD Hill offers the best panoramic views of Dubrovnik, which is why it’s featured in Game of Thrones as a portion of the King’s Road.
Game of Thrones scenes filmed in Dubrovnik on Lokrum Island
Visiting Lokrum Island was the highlight of my two weeks in Dubrovnik and I can’t recommend it enough. A short 20-minute ferry ride will take you directly to the island, which is ripe for exploration.
If you’re visiting strictly for the Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik, you’ll want to head to the monastery. The monastery on the island was used to film the Qarth garden party scenes in Game of Thrones. It’s best presented in Season 2, Episode 5 when Daenerys agrees to attend a lavish party for a chance to mingle with the city’s leaders.
When you’re done exploring the monastery make a beeline for the actual Iron Throne (the one used in the show!). The film crew for Game of Thrones gifted the Iron Throne to the city of Dubrovnik and they chose to display it on Lokrum Island.
Where is the original Iron Throne from Game of Thrones located?
The original Iron Throne from Game of Thrones is displayed inside the Benedictine Monastery on Lokrum Island. The Iron Throne was gifted to the city of Dubrovnik from the HBO filming team and visitors has take a photo with the actual Iron Throne for free!
Top Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Dubrovnik (Post Overview)
In sum, here’s a quick roundup of the top Game of Thrones Dubrovnik filming locations.
- Pile Gate
- Dubrovnik West Harbor (Blackwater Bay)
- The West Pier
- Minčeta Tower (The House of Undying)
- Dubrovnik City Walls
- Fort Bokar
- Jesuit Staircase
- Rector’s Palace (Palace of the Spice King, Qarth)
- Ethnographic Museum (Littlefinger’s brothel)
- Lovrijenac Fort (The Red Keep)
- Gradac Park (The Purple Wedding)
- Saint Dominic Street
- Ploče Gate
- SRD Hill
- Lokrum Island
Great job