Walking through Dubrovnik's Pile Gate for the first time felt surreal. The limestone streets gleamed like dragon scales under the Adriatic sun, and suddenly I wasn't a tourist anymore – I was walking through the Kings Landing Game of Thrones set. The HBO series turned this Croatian jewel into a global phenomenon, and after three visits (and countless rewatches), I'll show you exactly how to navigate the real-world Westeros capital.
Why Dubrovnik Became Kings Landing from Game of Thrones
When HBO scouts first arrived in 2010, they needed a city that screamed medieval power. Dubrovnik's intact 16th-century walls, Baroque buildings, and seaside cliffs checked every box. But here's what most blogs won't tell you: the production team nearly rejected it because of cruise ship crowds. Thank the Seven they changed their minds!
My personal take: Having visited both Dubrovnik and Malta (the original Kings Landing pilot location), Croatia wins hands down. The city walls make you feel like Tyrion planning defense strategies, while Malta's Mdina feels like a film set – impressive but lacking that lived-in grit George R.R. Martin describes.
The Essential Kings Landing Game of Thrones Locations Checklist
The Battlements and Fortresses
| Location | GOT Scene | Entry Fee | Hours | My Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City Walls (main filming site) | Cersei's walk of atonement setup, Blackwater Bay battles | €35 (includes Lovrijenac) | 8am-7:30pm summer 9am-3pm winter |
Arrive at 7:45am – you'll have the walls to yourself until 10am when tours swarm |
| Fort Lovrijenac (Red Keep exterior) | Joffrey's name day tournament, Tyrion's trial | Included in walls ticket | Same as walls | Climb to the top terrace at golden hour – the light turns the stone fiery red |
| Bokar Fortress | Where Varys and Tyrion plotted | Included in walls ticket | Same as walls | The most overlooked spot! Fewer crowds and best views of Lokrum Island (Qarth) |
Iconic Street Locations
Finding these requires sharp eyes – no giant signs mark the spots:
- Jesuit Staircase: Cersei's naked walk starts here. (Ul. uz Jezuite, free access)
Warning: Slippery when wet! Saw three tourists eat stone here after rain. - Pile Gate Bridge: Where Joffrey got pelted with dung (Free, always open)
Fun fact: The moat below was digitally added – it's actually just bushes - Placa (Stradun) Main market street: Myrcella's departure, riot scenes (Free)
Best time: 6-8am before shop shutters rise and crowds descend
Annoying reality check: That iconic "Littlefinger's brothel" staircase? It's literally an alley behind a seafood restaurant (Konoba Jezuite). You'll smell grilled squid while seeing where Tyrion uncovered secrets.
Surviving Your Kings Landing Game of Thrones Visit
| Challenge | Solution | Cost Saver |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise ship crowds | Follow Dubrovnik Port schedule online – avoid days with 5+ ships | Free |
| Summer heat | Hydration backpack + UV umbrella (laugh until you don't get heatstroke) | €15 umbrella |
| "Authentic" GOT souvenirs | 90% made in China – buy Croatian olive oil instead | Saves €10-€25 per item |
| Overpriced tours | DIY with HBO's app locations map (offline mode essential) | Saves €30-€60 pp |
Last August I watched a tourist pass out near the Red Keep replica throne (a paid photo op). Don't be that person. The stone radiates heat like Dragonfire – carry electrolyte tablets.
Where to Eat Like a King on a Peasant Budget
Forget medieval feasts – modern Dubrovnik has better options than pigeon pie. After accidentally spending €50 on average pasta, I found these gems:
| Restaurant | Real Location | Must-Try Dish | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lady Pipi | Behind St. Ignatius Church | Grilled squid with blitva (chard) | €15-€20 mains |
| Barba | Old Port alley | Octopus burger (yes, really) | €10 street food |
| Lokanda Peskarija | Old Port waterfront | Black risotto (cuttlefish ink) | €16 (massive portion) |
Shockingly, the "medieval tavern" near the Blackwater Bay filming spot serves defrosted chicken fingers. Avoid unless you want diarrhea with your tourism.
Getting There: Beyond King's Landing Game of Thrones Hype
Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) is 20km south. Here are your real transit options:
- Airport shuttle: €9 to main bus station (buy inside terminal!) – then local bus #1A to Old Town (€2)
- Uber: Surprisingly legal and €25-€30 to city gates
- Rental car: Waste of money – Old Town parking costs €10/hour and streets are narrower than King Tommen's spine
Scam alert: Taxis quote €50 at arrivals. Walk toward departures level and you'll find licensed cabs for €35. Better yet – Uber.
Kings Landing Game of Thrones Extended Universe
Dubrovnik isn't the only spot! Day trips unlock more Westeros:
| Nearby Location | GOT Site | Distance from Dubrovnik | Tour Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lokrum Island | Qarth gardens & Iron Throne replica | 15min ferry | €27 roundtrip |
| Trsteno Arboretum | King's Landing palace gardens | 40min drive | €12 entry |
| Split (Klis Fortress) | Meereen | 4hr bus ride | €10 entry |
Honestly? Lokrum is worth it – the throne photo is cheesy but fun. Trsteno is beautiful but not essential. Save Split for a separate trip.
Hotels: Sleeping Inside Kings Landing Game of Thrones
I've tested accommodations from flea-infested hostels to luxury digs. Crucial truth: "Old Town" sounds romantic until you're dragging suitcases over 500-year-old stairs.
- Budget: Fresh Sheets Hostel (€45/night)
Outside walls but clean – 12min walk to Pile Gate - Mid-range: St. Joseph's Boutique (€130/night)
Within walls! Tiny rooms but balcony views worth it - Splurge: Rixos Premium (€400+/night)
Beach resort with direct sea views – used for cast downtime
That "authentic" apartment above the Walk of Shame stairs? The nightly parties will make you feel like Cersei during the Sept explosion. Bring earplugs.
Kings Landing Game of Thrones Burning Questions Answered
Can you sit on the Iron Throne?
Yes – but not in Dubrovnik Old Town! The real HBO replica is on Lokrum Island (€27 ferry includes entry). The Old Town "throne" is a cheap photo prop (€10).
Are guided tours worth it?
Only if you get Dubrovnik Walks guides – others recite Wikipedia. Their "Original GOT Tour" (€25) shows hidden corners even I missed.
When do they film?
House of the Dragon shoots Oct-Mar. I stumbled into S2 filming – security shooed us away faster than Varys' little birds. No public access.
Damage report card:
Tourism wore Dubrovnik harder than the Battle of Blackwater. Locals love the money but hate the crowds – be respectful. Stick to marked paths to avoid damaging historic sites.
Standing where Cersei plotted destruction while eating gelato? Priceless. Just remember – winter isn't coming here. Summer heat is brutal. Pack accordingly, dragon lords.
Leave A Comment