Game of Thrones Croatia Trip: Locations, Itinerary, & More!

Are you a Game of Thrones planing a trip to Croatia and wondering where to see the top filming locations?

In addition to Iceland and Northern Ireland, Croatia has served as the backdrop for some of the most iconic scenes in the acclaimed HBO series. From the ancient city walls of Dubrovnik to the underground basements of Split and beyond, there are tons of incredible sights scattered around Croatia that were featured in Game of Thrones!

In this guide, I break down everything you need to know about planning a Game of Thrones Croatia trip, including the top film locations and how exactly to visit them. I’ll also provide a breakdown of which episodes to watch before your trip and what scenes to focus on!

So, if you’re ready to transport yourself to the world of Westeros and plan your ultimate Game of Thrones Croatia trip, you’re in the right place!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link or book through an affiliate program, I receive a small commission at no cost to you!

A Complete Guide to Planning a Game of Thrones Croatia trip: Film Locations, Episode Breakdown, Tour Options, & more

Game of Thrones Croatia Itinerary & Map

In order to help you plan your ultimate Game of Thrones trip to Croatia, I’ve put together the below map and itinerary that has all locations mentioned in this blog post!

Here is a recommended itinerary for the Ultimate Game of Thrones Croatia trip!!

Day 1: Arrive in Split + explore Diocletian’s Palace
Day 2: Day trip to Šibenik
Day 3: Free day in Split
Day 4: Day trip to Klis Fortress, Trogir, and Kastel Gomilica
Day 5: Drive to Dubrovnik + Trsteno Arboretum on the way
Day 6: Game of Thrones Tour + Lokrum Island
Day 7: Dubrovnik City Walls + Free afternoon

As you can see on the map, most of the film locations are in or near Dubrovnik, with a few in and around Split, and one in Šibenik!

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Game of Thrones filmed in Croatia?

Yes! HBO filmed Game of Thrones in Croatia starting with Season 2, primarily for the King’s Landing and Qarth scenes. They continued filming throughout various places in Croatia all the way through Season 8!

Is Split better than Dubrovnik?

If you’re interested in Game of Thrones filming locations only, I recommend visiting Dubrovnik over Split. The most iconic scenes were filmed in Dubrovnik, and when you visit, you will feel like you’ve been transported into King’s Landing. However, if you have time, I highly recommend visiting both Split and Dubrovnik!

Is a Game of Thrones tour worth it?

This blog post lists out the major Game of Thrones film locations throughout Croatia, so you technically could visit them all on your own. However, I do recommend doing a Game of Thrones tour, especially in Dubrovnik. Learning how the show impacted Dubrovnik (both good and bad) from a local’s persecptive was awesome! The tour guides also have behind the scenes knowledge and personal anecdotes to share.

Can you sit on the Iron throne in Croatia?

Yes!! There is a Game of Thrones Visitor Center on the island of Lokrum right off the shores of Dubrovnik. One of the real iron thrones was donated to Dubrovnik after the show ended, and that throne is now in the Visitor Center! You can sit on it and grab a picture.

Game of Thrones Film Locations In Dubrovnik

When you arrive in Dubrovnik, you will quickly see why HBO chose this incredible city for King’s Landing. It is the ultimate medieval town, especially with its intimidating walls around the city.

Dubrovnik stood in for King’s Landing various times throughout Seasons 2 through 8. Below, I’ll provide an overview of the top Game of Thrones film locations you can see in Dubrovnik!

For more information on this iconic city, make sure to check out my blog post on How to Spend 2 Days in Dubrovnik!

Fort Lovrijenac = The Red Keep

Unfortunately, the Red Keep is not a real castle and was CGI-ed on screen in various spots around the city. However, you can visit Fort Lovrijenac while in Dubrovnik, which is as close as you will get to the real deal!

Fort Lovrijenac is right outside the City Walls and was used for several scenes throughout the series as a stand-in for the Red Keep. My favorite scene filmed here was when Cersei and Littlefinger discuss what “Power” means. In addition, King Joffrey’s name day in the Season 2 opener is entirely in the Fort!

The Fort also offers incredible views of Old Town Dubrovnik and the West Harbor, which brings us to our next section!

West Harbor = Blackwater Bay

Right next to Fort Lovrijenac is the beautiful Dubrovnik West Harbor, also called Pile Bay. As seen in the photo above, the West Harbor sits between the Fort and Old Town and has sparkling blue water you will absolutely want to swim in! In fact, several Dubrovnik kayak companies run tours out of this area!

In the Game of Thrones universe, the West Harbor was used several times throughout the series, most notably as Blackwater Bay!! It’s where Myrcella left (and returned) from Dorne, where Sansa and Shae watched ships sailing by, and where the Stark siblings said goodbye to each other in the series finale!

Jesuit Stairs = Walk of Shame Stairs

Probably the most iconic Game of Thrones film location in all of Dubrovnik is the “Walk of Shame” stairs!! You know, the ones where Cersei has to strip naked and walk through the street of King’s Landing in the Season 5 finale..

Funny enough, these stairs are actually located in front of a CHURCH – more specifically, the Jesuit Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola! The church and iconic stairs are located in the heart of Old Town Dubrovnik within the City Walls.

If you decide to book a Game of Thrones tour while in Dubrovnik, you will certainly visit this iconic spot. We loved learning more about how they filmed this scene and what it was like for the locals on our tour!

For a complete list of Game of Thrones film locations you can see in Dubrovnik, make sure to check out my very detailed Game of Thrones Dubrovnik Guide!

Game of Thrones Film Locations In & Near Split

While Dubrovnik is definitely the most popular place to visit for a Game of Thrones Croatia trip, the town of Split has several film locations to check out as well! Plus, it’s a great place to add to your Croatia itinerary regardless.

Diocletian’s Palace = Meereen Throne Room & Dragon Basement

Luckily, the number one place to visit in Split is also a Game of Thrones film location! Diocletian’s Palace, an ancient Roman palace built in the 3rd century, is the heart and soul of Split.

You can easily visit the spot in Split without a tour. We told the docent we were there to see Game of Thrones spots, and he pointed us in the right direction! However, there are several tour options available in Split if you are interested.

The main area of the Palace that was used for filming is the basement! The basement halls were featured in several episodes of Season 4 and 5, standing in as the city of Meereen! The most recognizable scenes are when Dany locks up her dragons and when Ser Barristan Selmy dies.

Klis Fortress = Outside of Meereen

Just 8 miles outside of Split, you will find another iconic Game of Thrones film location: Klis Fortress. This fortress stood in as the exterior walls of Meereen in the show.

Remember the scene where Dany catapults slave collars into the crowd of Meereen slaves and slave masters? That scene was filmed at Klis Fortress!

Klis makes a great addition to any Game of Thrones Croatia trip, especially if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination. Klis dates back to the 7th century and offers stunning views of the Dalmatian coast! Luckily, it’s just a quick drive outside the city.

Klis Fortress outside of Split, Croatia, Game of Thrones Film Location

Kastel Gomilica and Trogir = Braavos and Qarth

If you’re heading outside of Split in search of Game of Thrones film locations, you should also make your way to Kastel Gomilica and the town of Trogir.

Kastel Gomilic is just 15 minutes away from Split and is a beautiful, seaside town. It stood in briefly as the town of Braavos, when Arya sells her famous oysters, clams, and cockles down by the docks. In addition, the scene where Arya gets rid of her personal belongings outside of the House of Black and White was filmed here!

And just 15 minutes further down the road, the town of Trogir should also be added to your Game of Thrones Croatia itinerary. Not only is this town absolutely stunning, but it was used for several Qarth scenes in the series.

Most scenes revolved around the Monastery of St. Dominic located in the heart of the city. For example, the episode where Dany’s dragons get stolen from her apartment.

Game of Thrones Film Locations in Šibenik

Split and Dubrovnik are by far the most popular places to visit in Croatia for Game of Thrones lovers. However, most people don’t realize the town of Šibenik was also used in the series!

Located just one hour away from Split, Šibenik is a gorgeous, historic town on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. It’s basically the younger cousin of Split and Dubrovnik, but just as beautiful!

Šibenik stood in as the city of Braavos in Season 5 of the series, following Arya’s storyline with the House of Black and White. Unfortunately, most of the House of Black and White scenes were filmed on a sound stage. However, the beautiful Cathedral of St. James, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was used as the location of the Iron Bank in Season 5.

You’ll certainly recognize the medieval architecture and winding streets from the show if you visit Šibenik!

Šibenik, Croatia, Game of Thrones Film Location

Game of Thrones Episodes to Watch Before Visiting Croatia

Now that we’ve covered all the different Game of Thrones film locations in Croatia, let’s talk about which episodes those locations are featured in!

If you don’t have time to re-watch the ENTIRE series before your trip to Croatia, don’t worry! I’ve put together a list of the main episodes to watch before going on a Game of Thrones Croatia trip.

As you know, most Game of Thrones episodes jump around different storylines, so it’s rare to find an episode that is only in Croatia. However, the below list covers episodes that have iconic Croatia scenes you won’t want to miss before visiting!

Season Two

Season 2 Episode 1: King Joffrey’s Name Day, filmed at Fort Lovrijenac in Dubrovnik.

Season 2 Episode 5: Tyrion and Bronn walk around King’s Landing, filmed in Dubrovnik Old Town. Dany and Jorah attend a welcome party in the Qarth gardens, filmed on Lokrum Island in Dubrovnik.

Season 2 Episode 6: Princess Myrcella leaves Kings Landing, filmed in Pile Bay/West Harbor in Dubrovnik. Joffrey and Sansa are attacked in the streets, filmed at Pile Gate in Dubrovnik. Dany visits the Spice King, filmed inside Rector’s Palace in Dubrovnik.

Season 2 Episode 8: Tyrion and Varys plan the defense of King’s Landing and look out over Blackwater Bay, filmed at Fort Bokar along the Dubrovnik City Walls.

Season 2 Episode 10: Dany visits the House of the Undying, filmed at Minčeta Tower along the City Walls in Dubrovnik.

Season Three

Season 3 Episode 1: Bronn and Tyrion walk around Fort Lovrijenac in Dubrovnik. Sansa and Shae watch the ships at Dubrovnik West Harbor.

Season 3 Episode 5: Cersei and Baelish talk in the Red Keep, filmed at Fort Lovrijenac in Dubrovnik.

Season 3 Episode 10: Sansa and Tyrion walk through Tyrell Gardens, filmed at Trsteno Arboretum outside of Dubrovnik. Brienne and Jamie arrive back in King’s Landing, filmed at Pile Gate in Dubrovnik.

Season Four

Season 4 Episode 2: The Purple Wedding (Joffrey’s death) filmed at Gradac Park in Dubrovnik.

Season 4 Episode: Dany and company arrive outside Meereen, filmed at Klis Fortress outside of Split.

Season 4 Episode 4: The slaves of Meereen revolt in Diocletian’s’ Palace in Split.

Season 4 Episode 10: Dany locks up her dragons in the basement of Diocletian’s Palace in Split.

Season Five

Season 5 Episode 1: Tywin Lannister’s funeral filmed in Dubrovnik Old Town. Arya arrives in Braavos, filmed in Šibenik.

Season 5 Episode 3: Tommen and Cersei walk the City Walls of Dubrovnik.

Season 5 Episode 4: Faith Militant roams the streets of Dubrovnik. Ser Barrister Selmy is killed by the Sons of the Harpy, filmed in Diocletian’s Palace in Split.

Season 5 Episode 9: Mace Tyrell arrives at the Iron Bank of Braavos, filmed in Šibenik.

Season 5 Episode 10: Cersei’s Walk of Shame through Jesuit Staircase, Old Margarite street, St. Dominik street and Ploce gate, all filmed in Dubrovnik.

Season Six

Season 6 Episode 1: Myrcella’s body returns to King Landing, Cersei waits for her at Pile Bay in Dubrovnik West Harbor.

Season 6 Episode 10: Cersei blows up the Sept of Baelor (lots of views of Dubrovnik Old Town)

Season Eight

Season 8 Episode 5: Daenerys burns King’s Landing (CGI on top of Old Town Dubrovnik)

Season 8 Episode 6: The Stark children say goodbye to each other at Dubrovnik West Harbor

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are tons of Game of Thrones scattered through the incredible country of Croatia. If you are planning a specific Game of Thrones Croatia trip, I recommend spending most of your time in Dubrovnik and Split, with a few day trips outside the city centers.

From walking along the walls of King’s Landing to wandering the gardens of Qarth, a Game of Thrones Croatia trip will transport you straight into this iconic HBO show!

Don’t forget to pin this post for future planning!