Game of Thrones in Croatia 2026: Filming Sites (Vis Not Included)

Game of Thrones captured global audiences with its intricate narrative and stunning visual landscapes. Croatia served as a primary filming location for many iconic scenes, particularly those set in King's Landing and various Free Cities.

Clarifying Game of Thrones Locations in Croatia

It is important to note that while Vis, Croatia, is a highly regarded island destination known for its clear waters, historic towns, and role in the movie Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, it was not utilized as a filming location for HBO's Game of Thrones series. Travelers often confuse Vis with other popular Croatian destinations that did feature in the show due to Croatia's overall prominence in the series.

Fans looking to experience the world of Westeros in Croatia should focus on the mainland cities and specific historical sites that brought the Seven Kingdoms to life. The primary cities where filming took place include Dubrovnik, Split, Sibenik, Trogir, and locations around Klis Fortress and Krka National Park.

Dubrovnik: King's Landing and the Iron Throne

Dubrovnik is arguably the most recognizable Game of Thrones location in Croatia, serving as the primary stand-in for King's Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. The city's medieval walls, Baroque architecture, and location on the Adriatic Sea provided an ideal backdrop for political intrigue and dramatic battles. Many crucial scenes were filmed within and around Dubrovnik's Old Town.

Key Filming Locations in Dubrovnik:

• Fort Lovrijenac (The Red Keep): This impressive fortress, situated on a 37-meter-high rock outside the western wall of Dubrovnik, served as the Red Keep. Scenes such as King Joffrey's Name Day tournament and various discussions about strategies were filmed here. Entrance fees are approximately €20 for adults, often included with a Dubrovnik City Walls ticket. Operating hours are generally 08:00 to 18:30 during peak season.

• St. Dominic Street (Market Scenes, Gold Cloaks): This street within the Old Town appeared frequently as a bustling market area. It also featured during the Gold Cloaks' purge of Robert Baratheon's bastards.

• The Jesuit Staircase (Walk of Shame): Located behind the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola, these grand Baroque steps were the starting point for Cersei Lannister's infamous walk of penance. The steps lead up to Gundulić Square.

• Pile Gate (Blackwater Bay, City Gates): As the main entrance to Dubrovnik's Old Town, Pile Gate was used for various scenes depicting the city's gates and the surrounding area, including scenes representing Blackwater Bay. Boats often depart from this area for tours around the city walls.

• City Walls (Various King's Landing Exteriors): The extensive 2-kilometer-long city walls offered numerous vantage points and sections used for wide shots of King's Landing and specific scenes. Walking the full walls takes approximately 2-3 hours. A ticket costs around €35.

• Rector's Palace (Spice King's Palace, Qarth): Although primarily King's Landing, Dubrovnik also provided locations for other cities. The Rector's Palace courtyard was used for scenes set in Qarth, where Daenerys Targaryen seeks aid from the Spice King.

• Trsteno Arboretum (King's Landing Gardens): Located about 20 kilometers north of Dubrovnik, this arboretum's gardens served as the lavish gardens of King's Landing, frequently seen with characters like Sansa Stark, Margaery Tyrell, and Olenna Tyrell. Entry is approximately €10. It is open daily from 07:00 to 19:00 in summer months.

Split: Meereen and Daenerys' Journey

Split, Croatia's second-largest city, played a significant role in Daenerys Targaryen's storyline, particularly for scenes set in the slave cities of Slaver's Bay, such as Meereen. Its Roman ruins and ancient underground passages provided a distinctive atmosphere.

Key Filming Locations in Split:

• Diocletian's Palace (Meereen Streets, Daenerys' Throne Room): The sprawling 4th-century Roman palace forms the heart of Split's Old Town. Its basements were used for Daenerys' throne room and where she kept her dragons. The narrow, atmospheric streets and underground passages served as the labyrinthine streets of Meereen where the Sons of the Harpy operated. Access to the basements costs approximately €7-€10. The palace itself is a living city, always accessible.

• Klis Fortress (Meereen Exteriors): Perched high on a rocky outcrop about 15 kilometers northeast of Split, Klis Fortress was used for numerous exterior shots of Meereen, including the iconic scene where Daenerys crucifies the masters. The views from the fortress offer a panoramic vista of Split and the surrounding area. Admission is around €10. The fortress is open from 09:00 to 19:00 daily during summer.

• Žrnovnica Quarry (Missandei's Bathing Scene): Located near Split, this former quarry was transformed into a landscape for the Unsullied army camp. It was also the site for Missandei's bathing scene. This location is less accessible to the average tourist but can be part of specialized tours.

Sibenik: Braavos and the Iron Bank

Sibenik, a smaller city further north along the coast, provided the architectural backdrop for Braavos, the city of the Free Cities known for its powerful Iron Bank and the House of Black and White.

Key Filming Locations in Sibenik:

• St. James Cathedral (Iron Bank Exterior): This UNESCO World Heritage site, with its distinctive stone construction, served as the exterior of the formidable Iron Bank of Braavos. While the interior was not used for filming, the exterior is instantly recognizable. Entry to the cathedral is approximately €5.

• The Streets of Sibenik (Braavos): The narrow, winding stone streets of Sibenik's Old Town were used for various scenes depicting the city of Braavos, where Arya Stark spent a significant portion of her journey. The authentic feel of the city was key to establishing Braavos's atmosphere.

Other Notable Croatian Game of Thrones Locations

Croatia's diverse landscapes offered several other locations that featured in the series.

• Trogir (Qarth and Trading Harbor): The historic island town of Trogir, another UNESCO World Heritage site, was used for some scenes set in Qarth. Specifically, the Monastery of St. Dominic's cloister and St. Lawrence Cathedral served as backdrops for various market and garden scenes.

• Krka National Park (Riverlands Scenery): While not heavily featured, the stunning waterfalls and lush greenery of Krka National Park provided some establishing shots and background scenery for the Riverlands, particularly in season four. The park has an entrance fee ranging from €10-€30 depending on the season.

• Kaštel Gomilica (Braavos, Fishing Village): Near Split, this small fishing village with its historic castle was used for some Braavosi scenes, particularly those involving Arya Stark. The view of the castle and the bay offered a fitting setting for a Free City.

Planning Your Game of Thrones Tour in Croatia

Navigating Croatia's Game of Thrones locations requires some planning, especially if you intend to visit multiple cities.

Transportation

• Intercity Buses: Croatia has an extensive bus network connecting major cities like Dubrovnik, Split, and Sibenik. Travel times vary; Dubrovnik to Split takes approximately 4-5 hours, and Split to Sibenik is about 1-1.5 hours.
• Rental Car: Renting a car offers flexibility, particularly for visiting locations outside city centers like Trsteno Arboretum or Klis Fortress. Prices start around €30-€50 per day for a compact car.
• Ferries: While not directly relevant for GoT sites, ferries are crucial for island hopping (if extending your trip beyond GoT focus). These do not connect directly to GoT sites but are good for general travel in Croatia.

Guided Tours vs. Self-Exploration

Many companies offer dedicated Game of Thrones walking tours in Dubrovnik and Split. These tours typically last 2-3 hours and are led by guides who often have insider stories from the set. Most travelers overestimate the knowledge gained from purely self-guided tours; a good local guide provides context and details not easily found otherwise. Expect to pay €45-€70 for a high-quality guided tour.

Self-exploration is feasible, especially in Dubrovnik's Old Town, using online guides or maps. However, a local guide often enhances the experience with production anecdotes and scene comparisons.

Accommodation Tips

• Dubrovnik: Staying within or just outside the Old Town provides easy access to most GoT sites. Expect higher prices, especially during peak season (June-August). Booking 3-6 months in advance is advisable. A 3-star hotel within 1 km of the Old Town can range from €150-€300 per night.
• Split: Accommodations near Diocletian's Palace are convenient for the city's GoT locations. Prices are generally more moderate than in Dubrovnik, with 3-star options starting around €100-€200.
• Sibenik: Offers a more relaxed atmosphere and generally lower accommodation costs, with hotels and apartments available for €70-€150 per night within the Old Town.

Local Insider Tips

1. Visit Off-Peak: To avoid crowds and higher prices, consider visiting in late spring (April-May) or early autumn (September-October). The weather remains pleasant, and locations are less congested. 2. Combine with City Walls Ticket: In Dubrovnik, the entrance ticket for the City Walls often includes entry to Fort Lovrijenac, offering a cost-effective way to see both key locations. 3. Hydrate: Croatian summers are hot. Carry water, wear sunscreen, and a hat, especially when walking the City Walls or exploring Klis Fortress. 4. Early Morning/Late Afternoon: For photography and to experience sites with fewer people, visit popular spots like the Jesuit Staircase or Diocletian's Palace early in the morning (before 09:00) or late in the afternoon (after 17:00). 5. Local Cuisine: After a day of exploring, sample local Croatian dishes such as peka (slow-cooked meat or seafood), fresh seafood, and local wines. Restaurants in the Old Towns can be touristy; venture a street or two away for more authentic and value-for-money options. For example, in Split, Konoba Fetivi (rating 4.5★) offers traditional dishes at reasonable prices, about 10 minutes walk from Diocletian's Palace.

By focusing on these actual Game of Thrones filming locations, travelers can fully immerse themselves in the world of Westeros while experiencing the historical and natural beauty of mainland Croatia. Ignoring the misconception about Vis being a GoT location allows for a more accurate and fulfilling travel plan focused on the show's true backdrops.