Audio Guide: Game of Thrones Filming Sites Tour (Self Guided), Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik has a habit of looking like it belongs on a movie set. Terracotta rooftops spill down toward the sea, massive stone walls guard the Old Town, and steep cliffs rise above the glittering Adriatic. It’s the sort of scenery that already feels cinematic—so when the creators of the HBO series Game of Thrones went searching for the perfect stand-in for King’s Landing, Dubrovnik practically volunteered. The city’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, wrapped in mighty medieval walls and threaded with narrow limestone streets, turned out to be exactly what the capital of Westeros needed.

Filming began here in the early 2010s, and before long, Dubrovnik became one of the most recognizable real-world locations in the entire series. Many scenes unfold around the historic center, beginning at Pile Gate. This grand entrance to the Old Town doubled as a gateway to King’s Landing. At the same time, the nearby harbor and surrounding streets provided the setting for busy markets, royal arrivals, and the occasional tense encounter.

Now, shift your attention to Fort Lovrijenac, standing boldly on a rocky cliff just outside the city walls. In the series, this fortress became the Red Keep—the seat of royal power overlooking Blackwater Bay. Not far away sits Fort Bokar, another defensive stronghold that helped shape the city's on-screen fortifications.

Inside the Old Town, the drama continues. The elegant Rector’s Palace hosted scenes of courtly intrigue, while the grand Jesuit Staircase became unforgettable as the setting for one of the show’s most talked-about moments. Wander along Saint Dominic Street, and you’ll recognize the bustling market atmosphere used for several scenes, while the Gate of Ploče helped portray another entrance to the fictional capital.

Further highlights include Minceta Tower, which appeared as the mysterious House of the Undying in Qarth, and Dubrovnik West Harbour, instantly recognizable as Blackwater Bay during several memorable moments. Nearby, Gradac Park also appeared in scenes overlooking the city.

All of this unfolds beneath the mighty Walls of Dubrovnik, which frame the entire Old Town and helped create the epic scale audiences associate with King’s Landing.

So, if you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to walk through Westeros—this is your chance. Take this self-guided tour around the streets, gates, and fortresses used in the series, and discover how Dubrovnik’s real history quietly stepped in to play one of television’s most famous fictional cities.