Dubrovnik, Croatia, is the real-world setting for most of the Game of Thrones exterior scenes in King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. The Old Town delivers the iconic shots in a small, walkable area, Pile gate (Blackwater Bay), the City Walls with Minčeta Tower (House of the Undying), and Fort Lovrijenac (the Red Keep), with the Jesuit Staircase as the unmistakable backdrop for Cersei’s "Walk of Shame".
In this guide we show you the fastest way to see the best Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik without wasting time backtracking. Most stops are reachable on foot from the Old Town entrances (Pile and Ploče Gates), and you can choose between a self-guided Dubrovnik Game of Thrones walking tour (map + best order) or a guided tour if you want scene breakdowns and exact filming angles.
Expect a route split into three logical parts (Old Town + Lovrijenac, City Walls viewpoints, and Lokrum Island for Qarth and the Iron Throne photo point), plus quick notes at every stop: what scene it’s tied to, where to stand, and what’s free to see versus what typically requires a ticket.
Key Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik
If you only have a few hours, these are the Dubrovnik spots that most clearly match what you see on screen. They’re also the easiest to combine into a single route (Old Town + walls/fort), with optional add-ons like Lokrum and Trsteno.
Fort Lovrijenac (the Red Keep)
Perched on a rock just outside the western wall, Fort Lovrijenac is the fortress most closely associated with King’s Landing’s power scenes. It’s used for Red Keep sequences, including the tourney held for King Joffrey’s name day, and it also appears in coastal shots tied to Blackwater Bay.
- Why it’s a must: the most "Red Keep" looking location in Dubrovnik.
- Best angle: ramparts and sea-facing viewpoints.
Jesuit Staircase (Cersei’s Walk of Shame)
These stairs in the Old Town are instantly recognizable from Season 5. This is where the Walk of Shame sequence begins and where most visitors recreate the "shame" moment for photos.
- Why it’s a must: the clearest one-to-one match with a signature scene.
- Tip: visit early to avoid crowds on the steps.
City Walls & Minčeta Tower
The City Walls deliver the classic "King’s Landing" skyline and sea views from above, while Minčeta Tower is tied to Daenerys’ storyline: its base was used as the exterior for the House of the Undying in Qarth.
- Why it’s a must: the best panoramic shots over rooftops and the Adriatic.
- Scene note: Minčeta = House of the Undying exterior (Qarth).
Pile Bay & West Pier (Blackwater Bay)
Just outside Pile gate, the small bay and waterfront paths are used for Blackwater Bay-style shots. It’s also associated with the scene where Myrcella is sent off to Dorne (the shoreline and water-level views are the giveaway).
- Why it’s a must: the "waterline" perspective you see in several coastal scenes.
- Best angle: look back toward the walls and Lovrijenac from the bay.
St Dominika Street (market + City Watch scenes)
This street appears dressed as King’s Landing with stalls and crowds. It’s used for market sequences and moments involving the City Watch (Gold Cloaks), making it a great “walk-through-the-scene” stop.
- Why it’s a must: easy to reach, and it feels like a lived-in King’s Landing street on screen.
- Tip: it’s a narrow street, photos work best when it’s quieter.
Lokrum Island (Qarth + Iron Throne photo spot)
A short boat ride from the Old Town, Lokrum stands in for parts of Qarth and is famous among fans for the GoT exhibition and the Iron Throne photo point on the island.
- Why it’s a must: it’s the easiest Dubrovnik-area add-on that feels different from the Old Town.
- Plan for: extra time for the boat and exploring the island.
Trsteno Arboretum (Red Keep gardens)
About 18 km north of Dubrovnik, Trsteno Arboretum is the greenery-and-stone backdrop for King’s Landing’s garden scenes, the place where alliances are tested and secrets are traded away from the court. It’s one of the best Dubrovnik-area add-ons if you want a very different setting from the Old Town.
- Why it’s a must: the most recognizable "garden" filming location near Dubrovnik.
- Plan for: transport time (bus/taxi/car) plus at least 60-90 minutes on site.
Gradac Park (Purple Wedding feast setting)
Just outside the Old Town, Gradac Park is linked to the Purple Wedding celebration footage, an easy stop to add if you want to tick off one more famous moment without leaving the city area.
- Why it’s a must: quick detour, strong fan-recognition scene.
- Best angle: lookouts toward Lovrijenac and the Old Town.
Tips for visiting (tours, passes, timing, and photos)
A little planning makes Dubrovnik’s Game of Thrones locations much easier to enjoy. Use the tips below to avoid wasted time, reduce queues, and get better photos, especially in peak season.
Tours: when a guide is worth it
Dubrovnik has dedicated Game of Thrones walking tours that focus on exact filming angles, scene context, and behind-the-scenes trivia. They’re most useful if you want a tight route, screenshots, and the “stand here, face this way” guidance.
- Look for: Old Town + Lovrijenac stops, and an optional Lokrum add-on (often marketed with the Iron Throne photo point).
- Check before booking: whether entry tickets (Walls/Lovrijenac/Lokrum) are included or paid separately.
Dubrovnik Pass: the easiest "bundle" for major sights
If you plan to walk the City Walls anyway, the Dubrovnik Pass can be a convenient choice because it includes city-wall entry and public transport, plus a group of museums and galleries.
- Key detail for fans: the official walls operator states that a City Walls ticket also allows entry to Fort Lovrijenac (the reverse is not true, Lovrijenac-only visitors pay extra to enter the walls).
- Good to know: the City Walls ticket is single-entry (no re-entry once you exit the walls route).
Best time: fewer crowds, better photos
For the best balance of open attractions, pleasant weather, and shorter lines, aim for the shoulder season: April-May or September-October. These months are widely recommended for seeing Dubrovnik without the peak-summer crush.
- Daily timing that works: start early for Old Town lanes and the Jesuit Stairs; do the walls when you can handle sun and heat.
- If you’re visiting in summer: prioritize morning or late afternoon and carry water.
Iconic photo spots
These are the photo locations most visitors actually want, and they’re easy to add to any route.
- Jesuit Stairs: the classic Walk of Shame angle from the lower steps looking up.
- Pile Gate: the main Old Town entrance shot as you approach the gate bridge.
- City Walls sea views: coastal stretches where you can frame the Adriatic with fortifications in the foreground.
- Lovrijenac viewpoints: shots back toward the Old Town and walls from the fort terraces.
If you want the "hit every highlight" option, a Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Tour with an optional Lokrum Island visit is the easiest way to connect the locations to the scenes without backtracking. The best tours cover the Old Town highlights (Pile area, Fort Lovrijenac/Red Keep viewpoints, and the Jesuit Stairs for the Walk of Shame) and then continue to Lokrum for Qarth and the Iron Throne photo stop, ideal if you’re short on time or want the exact filming angles and context.
Best for first-timers, fans who want scene context, and anyone who doesn’t want to plan a route. You’ll cover Old Town filming spots + Fort Lovrijenac area + Jesuit Stairs and optional Lokrum at the end.
Dubrovnik Game of Thrones Tour & Optional Lokrum Island Visit
Explore Dubrovnik’s Old Town through the lens of Game of Thrones on a focused walking tour that follows the show’s most recognizable “King’s Landing” locations.
You’ll cover key landmarks from Pile Gate to Fort Lovrijenac (St. Lawrence Fortress), with your guide pointing out the exact spots used on screen and helping you connect scenes to real places without wasting time navigating.
Along the way, hear behind-the-scenes stories from the production and learn how Dubrovnik was transformed for filming.
Self-guided Dubrovnik Game of Thrones walking tour (map + 3-part route)
This route is designed to minimize backtracking and help you group filming locations by what’s closest together. Start at Pile Gate, then choose how "deep" you want to go: a quick Old Town loop (Part 1), add the paid panoramic viewpoints (Part 2), and finish with a short boat trip to Lokrum (Part 3).
| Part | What you cover | Time | Paid entry? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Old Town highlights + Fort Lovrijenac area + Walk of Shame stairs | 2-3 hours | Mostly free (Lovrijenac is ticketed if you enter) |
| Part 2 | City Walls viewpoints (including Minčeta + Bokar angles) | 1.5-2.5 hours | Yes (City Walls ticket) |
| Part 3 | Lokrum Island (Qarth + GoT exhibition / Iron Throne photo spot) | 2-4 hours | Yes (boat + island entry) |
Before you start
- Save pins: add the stops below to your phone map (Pile Gate, Lovrijenac, Jesuit Stairs, Ploče Gate, City Walls entrances, Old Port for Lokrum).
- Go early: the Old Town is dramatically quieter in the morning, especially around the Jesuit Stairs.
- Know what’s ticketed: the City Walls are paid and the official operator states a City Walls ticket also allows entry to Fort Lovrijenac (check their current terms).
Quick route overview (best order)
- Part 1: Old Town + Fort Lovrijenac (start at Pile Gate)
- Part 2: City Walls highlights (enter the walls when it suits your energy/heat)
- Part 3: Lokrum Island (boat from the Old City Harbour)
Part 1: Old Town + Fort Lovrijenac (Red Keep)
This is the core "King’s Landing" walk you can do even on a tight schedule. It strings together the most recognizable street-level locations, then adds Fort Lovrijenac if you want the classic fortress views.
Step-by-step walking order
- Pile Gate (start here)
- Pile Bay & West Pier (Blackwater Bay angles)
- Fort Lovrijenac area (best fortress viewpoints; enter if you have a ticket)
- Old Town lanes toward Stradun (quick screen-spotting as you walk)
- St Dominika Street (market/City Watch scenes)
- Jesuit Stairs (Walk of Shame)
- Finish near the eastern side (Ploče area) or loop back via Stradun
What to prioritize if you’re short on time
- Must-do: Pile Gate, Jesuit Stairs, and at least one Lovrijenac viewpoint.
- Best "this is 100% GoT" moment: Jesuit Stairs photos early in the day.
- Best "King’s Landing" feel: walking between the gates/lanes inside the Old Town rather than chasing every single pinpoint.
Part 2: City Walls highlights (Minčeta, Bokar, viewpoints)
The City Walls are where Dubrovnik looks most like the wide establishing shots of King’s Landing. If you only pay for one "viewpoint" experience, this is usually it, just plan it around sun/heat and don’t rush it.
Best wall sections for GoT angles
- Minčeta Tower area: the most dramatic "top of the city" feel; linked to the House of the Undying exterior shots.
- Bokar Fortress section: standout coastal angles and a great line of sight back toward Lovrijenac.
- Sea-facing stretches: the classic rooftops-to-Adriatic panorama.
How to make the walls easier
- Go earlier: better light, fewer people, less heat.
- Carry water: you’re exposed to sun for long stretches.
- Photo tip: pause where you can frame fortifications + open sea in one shot (it reads "King’s Landing" immediately).
If you want more detail on tickets, entrances, and what to expect, see our Dubrovnik City Walls guide.
Part 3: Lokrum Island (Qarth + GoT exhibition / Iron Throne photo spot)
Lokrum is the easiest "different setting" add-on: a short boat hop from the Old Town that’s associated with Qarth and is popular for the GoT exhibition and Iron Throne photo stop. It’s also a great break from the Old Town crowds when the city is busy.
Getting there (simple plan)
- Departures: boats leave from the Old City Harbour in the tourist season; the Tourist Board notes departures can be frequent and the ride is short, but service doesn’t operate in winter and can stop in bad weather.
- Tickets: the Tourist Board notes tickets can be purchased at the Lokrum Reserve sales point (near the port area) before boarding.
- Time planning: allow extra time for queues and return trips in peak months.
What to do on Lokrum (GoT + essentials)
- GoT stop: exhibition / Iron Throne photo point (availability can vary by season).
- Easy loop: arrive, head to the GoT point first, then explore the island paths and viewpoints.
- More details: see our Lokrum Island day-trip guide.
Download the official Dubrovnik Tourist Board GoT map (PDF)
For a quick, authoritative overview of the main filming spots, use the Tourist Board’s official PDF map. It’s ideal as a phone reference while you walk.
Download the official Game of Thrones map (PDF)
Scene-to-location cheat sheet
Use this as a fast "what am I looking at?" reference while you walk. For the official overview, keep the Dubrovnik Tourist Board map (PDF) saved on your phone.
| On screen | Where to go in Dubrovnik | Route | Entry | Quick tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walk of Shame | Jesuit Steps area by St Ignatius Church | Part 1 | Free | Go early for a clean shot looking up the steps. |
| Red Keep (key fortress scenes) | Fort Lovrijenac (St Lawrence Fortress) near Dubrovnik City Walls and Pile gate | Part 1 | Ticket | Best viewpoints are from the sea-facing ramparts. |
| Joffrey’s name day tourney | Fort Lovrijenac (Red Keep setting) | Part 1 | Ticket | Look for wide terrace perspectives used for "royal watch" angles. |
| Blackwater Bay coastline angles | Pile Bay & West Pier near Pile Gate | Part 1 | Free | Turn back toward the walls for the most recognizable framing. |
| King’s Landing street feel | Stradun and nearby lanes (including St Dominika Street) | Part 1 | Free | Best "scene-like" photos happen when the street is quieter. |
| City Walls establishing views | Dubrovnik City Walls | Part 2 | Ticket | Plan for sun exposure; water and a hat make it easier. |
| House of the Undying exterior | Minčeta Tower area on the City Walls route | Part 2 | Ticket | Pause here for the "highest point" feel over the Old Town. |
| Purple Wedding feast setting | Gradac Park | Part 1 | Free | Easy add-on near the Old Town with great fortress views. |
| Qarth (Dubrovnik-area add-on) | Lokrum Island | Part 3 | Ticket | Do Lokrum after Old Town to keep the day flowing logically. |
| Iron Throne photo stop | GoT exhibition/photo point on Lokrum Island | Part 3 | Ticket | Head there early after arriving to avoid queues. |
| Red Keep gardens | Trsteno Arboretum (outside Dubrovnik) | Add-on | Ticket | Best as a separate half-day trip; plan transport in advance. |
Filming locations in Dubrovnik Old Town (stop-by-stop)
This is the “walk it like King’s Landing” part of the guide. The stops below are ordered to keep you moving in one direction: start at Pile Gate, hug the western edge for the coastal angles and Fort Lovrijenac viewpoints, then cut through the core streets toward the Jesuit Stairs and finish on the eastern side near Ploče Gate and the harbour.
Pile Gate (Old Town west entrance)
Pile gate is the most recognizable "arrival" point for Old Town scenes. On screen, it’s linked to tense crowd moments around the Lannisters after the Myrcella departure storyline. The well known riot scene can be recognised from when the angry crowds tries to kill king Joffrey.
- Where to stand: walk through the main corridor and pause before you exit into the open area, this is where the space reads most “King’s Landing” on camera.
- Best photo: from outside the gate, framing the bridge and entrance.
Gradac Park (Purple Wedding feast setting)
A short walk from Pile, Gradac Park is tied to the Purple Wedding feast footage (wedding reception between Margaery Tyrell and king Joffrey Baratheon). It’s worth it if you want one extra famous scene without leaving the Old Town area.
A red carpet was placed on the ground and the alley was covered by red cloths hanging in the trees. King Joffrey was ultimately poisoned and the Gradac Park is the place where he eventually died. The place sometimes attracts visitors who bring flowers and take selfies, although king Joffrey wasn’t very popular.
- Where to stand: along the paths with views back toward the fort and walls.
- When to go: late morning/afternoon if you want shade and a quieter break.
West Harbor (Pile Bay)
From Pile Gate, walk toward the water for the West Harbor/Pile Bay angles used for Blackwater Bay-style shots and the Myrcella send-off harbour feel. This is one of the quickest "yes, that’s it" filming stops because the walls + sea composition matches the show immediately.
This Pile bay is located right beneath Fort Lovrijenac. Here Sansa and Littlefinger discussed their plans of escaping. The sea Blackwater battle also takes place here along with the massacre of Robert’s bastards.
- Where to stand: near the waterline, then turn around and frame the fort and walls behind you.
- Best photo: coastal shot with Lovrijenac in the background (especially in clear light).
Fort Lovrijenac (Red Keep)
Fort Lovrijenac (St. Lawrence Fortress) is Dubrovnik’s most important GoT location for King’s Landing power scenes. It stands in for the Red Keep and is linked to moments like Joffrey’s name-day tourney sequence. The fortress rests on a 37 m high cliff and also carries the name "Dubrovnik's Gibraltar".
- Best angle: sea-facing terraces and ramparts, these are the viewpoints that feel most "Red Keep".
- Smart workaround: if you’re doing the City Walls, you can still get strong Lovrijenac photos from the walls even if you don’t enter the fort.
- Plan for: steps and uneven stone, wear stable shoes.
Stradun and nearby streets
Stradun is the main spine of the Old Town, and the lanes that connect into it are where Dubrovnik most often "plays" King’s Landing as a living city, busy streets, markets, and street-level tension. Walk slowly and look for spots where the streets narrow and the stone walls rise close on both sides.
The market scenes around the St. Dominik streets are well known. In the vicinity of St. Dominik street you’ll find the magnificent Rectors Palace. The perfect setting for the scenes of the fantasy city Quarth, where Daenerys asks for a ship to take her army over the Narrow Sea.
- Don’t miss: the stretch toward Rector’s Palace and the eastern lanes, plus Ulica od Puča for classic “walk-through-the-scene” vibes.
- Market/City Watch scenes: St Dominika Street is the well-known corridor between the Ploče side and Stradun for GoT street scenes.
- Best photo: stand slightly off-center so you can capture depth down the lane, not just a flat street shot.
Jesuit Stairs (Walk of Shame)
The steps by St Ignatius Church are the unmistakable setting for Cersei’s Walk of Shame. It’s the stop that almost every fan wants, and it’s also the one that gets crowded fastest. This particular scene almost didn’t take place since the church of Dubrovnik almost said no to a nudity display near its sacred chambers.
- Best time: early morning for clean photos and less foot traffic.
- Where to stand: from the lower steps looking upward for the most recognizable angle.
Ploče Gate
Ploče Gate is the eastern entrance to the Old Town and is associated with the final stretch after the Walk of Shame sequence, where the gate and bridge read as a "Red Keep" approach on screen. It also works well as an end point because you can immediately continue toward the harbour and viewpoints on this side.
In the end of season five, Cersei Lannister walks by over the bridge and continues to the Red Keep after suffering the walk of shame.
- Where to go next: walk down toward the Old City Port (useful if you’re continuing to Lokrum later) or head to Porporela for an easy coastal viewpoint.
- Best photo: turn back toward the gate and bridge for a clean architectural frame.
If you’re enjoying the Old Town stops but don’t want to piece everything together yourself, this is the perfect moment to switch to a guided experience. A good Game of Thrones walking tour connects the exact Dubrovnik filming angles to the scenes, keeps the route efficient, and adds the behind-the-scenes context you won’t get from a map alone.
It’s also a practical way to bridge into the next part of the itinerary: the City Walls and their best "King’s Landing" viewpoints.
Game of Thrones Extended Tour with Swords and Props
Experience Dubrovnik through the world of Game of Thrones on a private tour designed for fans who want more than just a standard walk.
You’ll visit headline filming locations such as Lovrijenac Fortress (the Red Keep) with a personal guide and a flexible itinerary, so the pace and focus stay tailored to you rather than a large group.
What makes this tour different is the hands-on element: you can handle props and swords for photos and a more immersive "on set" feel
City Walls locations and viewpoints (Game of Thrones angles)
Minčeta Tower is the House of Undying
The city walls that surround the old town of Dubrovnik are about 2 km and crowned at the highest point by the tower of Minčeta. Back in the days Dubrovnik was the capital of the Republic Ragusa until Napoleon conquered the town. The Minčeta tower was however the main symbol of the town. In Game of thrones, Khaleesi Daenerys here tries to find the entrance to the House of Undying where the dragons are captured.
The Minčeta Tower is used for different scenes and various angles, sometimes adding or removing details and items.
Fort Bokar
Fort Bokar is located next to the City Walls and Pile Gate, this fort is used in many scenes for example when Varys and Tyrion are overlooking the bay in Season 2 Episode 8, "The Prince of Winterfell".
Outside the Old Town: Lokrum and Trsteno (half-day add-ons)
Once you’ve covered the Old Town "King’s Landing" walk, these two add-ons give you the biggest extra payoff. Lokrum Island is the easiest extension (short boat ride, GoT exhibition/Iron Throne photo point), while Trsteno Arboretum is the best "Red Keep gardens" experience if you’re happy to leave the city for a few hours. If you’re tight on time, pick one.
Lokrum Island (Qarth + GoT exhibition / Iron Throne photo spot)
Lokrum is the most popular Dubrovnik add-on for GoT fans because it’s quick to reach and feels completely different from the Old Town. It’s tied to Qarth filming and is best known today for the GoT visitor display and the Iron Throne photo point (availability can vary by season).
- Where boats leave: from the Old City Port area (Lokrum sales point is at Luža by the old port).
- Ticket note: the official 2026 price list lists an adult ticket at €30 and states children up to and including 7 years have free transport/entry.
- Weather note: official notices state boats may not operate in bad weather and updates are shared via their official channels.
If you want the story and the exact filming angles, Lokrum is often included as an optional extension on GoT tours. If you’re going self-guided, the simplest plan is: arrive, go to the GoT display/photo point first, then explore the island trails and viewpoints at your own pace.
Want more background on the island itself? See the Legend of Lokrum Island.
Trsteno Arboretum (Red Keep gardens)
If you want the "garden scenes" vibe, Trsteno is the strongest Dubrovnik-area location. The terraces, stone features, and sea views are why it’s linked to the Red Keep’s gardens on screen, and it’s a great contrast to the crowded Old Town. Don't miss the fountain inside the Arboretum
Trsteno Arboretum is about 18 km north from of Dubrovnik. If you want to organize your own transport check the Dubrovnik Suburban Bus Map.
- Opening hours: official visitor info lists May-October 07:00-19:00 and November-April 08:00-16:00.
- Tickets: the official site lists adult €10 (reduced prices for students/children; some local groups free of charge under stated conditions).
- How long to plan: allow 60-90 minutes on site, plus travel time each way.
- Getting there: easiest by taxi/car; by bus you’ll want a service heading along the coastal road toward the Trsteno area (confirm the stop with the driver).
Full planning details: Trsteno Arboretum guide.
Hotel Belvedere (viewpoint only, optional)
Hotel Belvedere is frequently mentioned in GoT location lists because the complex was used as a filming set (often linked to the Oberyn vs The Mountain fight sequence). Today it’s an abandoned site and access may be restricted. If you do decide to head toward Belvedere, one of the best rewards nearby is Sveti Jakov Beach, a quiet pebble bay with one of Dubrovnik’s best views back toward the Old Town and the city walls.
- Safety first: treat this as a look-from-outside stop only. Do not enter fenced or posted areas, there are safety risks and entry may be prohibited.
- Why consider it: the coastal position delivers dramatic sea views, even if you only pass by for photos from public areas.
Tickets, passes, and practical tips (what to pay for)
Most Dubrovnik GoT stops are free to see from the street, but the “big viewpoint” experiences are ticketed. This section helps you avoid double-paying and choose the best-value option for your plan.
City Walls + Lovrijenac tickets (official)
If you plan to visit both, the official City Walls operator states that a Dubrovnik City Walls ticket can be used to visit Fort Lovrijenac. If you buy a ticket at Lovrijenac and later want to enter the walls, you’ll need to pay extra at the walls entrance.
- Re-entry: the official rules state the walls ticket is valid for one tour and re-entry is not possible.
- Buying in advance: the official FAQ confirms you can purchase tickets through their official webshop (helpful in peak season).
- Practical prep: wear stable shoes and bring water and sun protection, especially if you’re doing the walls in warmer months.
City Walls visitor guide · City Walls official FAQ · Official ticket shop
Dubrovnik Pass: when it makes sense
The Dubrovnik Pass is worth considering when you’re planning more than “just the walls.” The official pass description highlights that it includes City Walls entry plus a selection of museums and galleries and public transportation, which can make it a better deal than buying everything separately.
- Good fit: you’ll do the walls and at least a few museums/galleries, and you’ll use city buses.
- Less useful: you only want one paid attraction (for example, just the walls) and nothing else.
- Plan smart: do the walls early, then stack nearby indoor sights afterward when crowds and heat peak.
Lokrum and Trsteno: transport basics and entry notes
Lokrum Island (Qarth + Iron Throne photo stop)
Lokrum is a straightforward add-on because you can reach it from the Old Town. Plan it after your Old Town walk so you don’t break the flow of the day.
- Departures: boats operate seasonally; allow buffer time for queues and weather changes.
- Tickets: the official 2026 price list shows €30 adult, €10 student, and €5 for children (7-18).
- Pass discount: the official price list notes discounts for DUPASS holders (percentage varies by pass duration).
Lokrum Island guide · Old City Port · Lokrum tickets (official webshop)
Trsteno Arboretum (Red Keep gardens)
Trsteno is best treated as a separate mini-excursion. It’s the most rewarding "outside Dubrovnik" GoT location because it gives you a completely different setting from the Old Town.
- Working hours (official): May-October 07:00-19:00; November-April 08:00-16:00.
- Tickets (official): €10 adults; €7 children/students (with reduced group rates listed).
- Transport: easiest by taxi/car; if using buses check Dubrovnik Suburban Bus timetables and confirm the correct direction/stop with the driver before you board.
Best time to go and crowd strategy
If you want the best balance of weather, open attractions, and manageable crowds, aim for the shoulder season: April-May or September-October. Summer (June-August) is the busiest and most expensive period, so your experience depends heavily on timing and route choices.
| When | What it feels like | Best for | GoT route tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| April-May | Warm days, fewer crowds, easier photos | Self-guided walking, City Walls without peak heat | Do City Walls mid-morning after the Old Town loop |
| June-August | Peak crowds + heat + queues | Early/late sightseeing, beach time, festivals | Start at Pile Gate early; save Lokrum for a midday break |
| September-October | Great weather, crowds easing, calmer evenings | Best all-round trip | Perfect time to add Lokrum Island after the Old Town |
| November-March | Quietest period, cooler, shorter days | Low-crowd Old Town walks, budget stays | Focus on Part 1 (Old Town stops) + viewpoints like the Dubrovnik Cable Car |
Crowd strategy that works (any season)
- Start early: do the Old Town filming spots before the day-trippers arrive (Jesuit Stairs photos are dramatically easier early).
- Walls first or last: for photos and comfort, do the City Walls as early as you can, or late afternoon when it cools down.
- Use Lokrum as a reset: if the Old Town feels packed, take the boat from the Old City Port to Lokrum Island for space, shade, and a different pace.
- Walk smart: hit narrow lanes (St Dominika area) when it’s quiet; use Stradun as your "main corridor" for moving between stops.
Cruise-day tip (simple, high impact)
Dubrovnik runs the Respect the City initiative to manage overtourism, but entrances and key viewpoints can still bottleneck on heavy arrival days.
- Check arrivals: if you want the quietest Old Town walk, look up ship arrivals on the Port of Dubrovnik site and plan your start time accordingly.
- Best move: begin early in the Old Town, then do City Walls when the flow eases (or swap to Lokrum/cable car during peak congestion).
If you’re visiting in peak summer
- Photographer’s schedule: Old Town filming spots early → Lokrum Island midday → City Walls late afternoon.
- Heat-proof your plan: water, hat, and breaks matter most on the walls (you’re exposed for long stretches).
- Don’t drive into the Old Town area: park outside and walk in. See Gruž Port parking or Public garage parking for options.
- Event months: if you’re visiting during Dubrovnik Summer Festival, expect extra evening foot traffic near the Old Town.
For month-by-month conditions (temperatures, rainfall, sea temperature), use Weather in Dubrovnik to pick the right week for your trip.
Game of Thrones in Dubrovnik FAQs
Is Dubrovnik really the main King’s Landing filming location?
Yes. Dubrovnik’s Old Town is the best-known real-world stand-in for King’s Landing exteriors, and the most recognizable spots are concentrated around Pile Gate, the City Walls, the Jesuit Stairs, and Fort Lovrijenac.
How long do I need to see the main Game of Thrones locations?
Plan 2–3 hours for the Old Town highlights, 4–6 hours if you also do the City Walls and/or enter Fort Lovrijenac, and a full day if you add Lokrum Island or Trsteno Arboretum.
Do I need tickets to see the filming locations?
Most filming spots are free because they’re streets, gates, and viewpoints you pass while walking the Old Town. Tickets usually apply to the City Walls, entering Fort Lovrijenac, visiting Lokrum Island (boat + entry), and Trsteno Arboretum.
Does a City Walls ticket include Fort Lovrijenac?
The official City Walls operator states that a City Walls ticket can be used to visit Fort Lovrijenac under their terms. If you buy a ticket at Lovrijenac and later want to enter the walls, you may need to pay extra at the walls entrance. For current conditions, check the City Walls official FAQ.
Is Dubrovnik Pass worth it for Game of Thrones sightseeing?
It can be. The Dubrovnik Pass includes City Walls entry plus a bundle of museums/galleries and public transport, so it makes the most sense if you plan a multi-sight day. If you only want one paid attraction, it may be better to buy that ticket alone.
Where can I see the Iron Throne in Dubrovnik?
The most common place associated with the “Iron Throne photo stop” is Lokrum Island, where a Game of Thrones visitor exhibition/photo point has operated. Availability can vary by season, so treat it as a “check before you go” highlight.
What’s the best time of day for the Walk of Shame stairs?
Go early. The Jesuit Stairs are narrow and get busy fast, so early morning gives you cleaner photos and a calmer experience.
Can I visit Lokrum Island in winter?
Lokrum boat service is seasonal and can pause due to weather, so winter visits may not be possible on some days. If Lokrum is a priority, plan for shoulder season and check official updates before you go (see Lokrum official visitor info).
Is Trsteno Arboretum worth the trip for fans?
Yes if you want the “Red Keep gardens” atmosphere and you’re happy to spend a few hours outside Dubrovnik. Use our Trsteno Arboretum guide to plan timing and transport.