Like many people, Croatia had been on the top of my bucket list for quite some time. It's become an increasingly popular tourist destination in recent years due to its picturesque medieval towns, rich cultural heritage, beautiful national parks. Of course, it also served as the backdrop for many iconic locations on Game of Thrones. The beauty of Croatia naturally makes for a very Instagrammable destination and there are countless spots in Dubrovnik and beyond - so I thought I'd list just a few for those of you planning to visit...
1. Lokrum Benedictine Monastery (The Iron Throne, The City of Quarth and the Red Keep)
Lokrum Island and The Lokrum Benedictine Monastery were famously used in many Game of Thrones scenes as Kings Landing, the Red Keep and as the City of Quarth in which we saw Khaleesi first meet the Spice King. You may also recognise it from various marketplace scenes and lemon cakes certainly spring to mind. Lokrum Monastery is also home to the Iron Throne (well, a replica of) as part of a small, free exhibit about the series, where you can take plenty of photos.
Game of Thrones aside, Lokrum Island was fascinating to me for a number of reasons. The monastery has an eeriness about it and it is written that the monks that inhabited the island fled from fear of a curse; pro-claiming "Whosoever claims Lokrum for his own personal pleasure shall be damned!". Since then, no one has dared tempt the curse, and it is strictly prohibited to stay overnight. As such, Lokrum Island closes at 8pm daily, and it is forbidden to remain on the island after closing time.
Besides the curse and regardless of whether you're a fan of Game of Thrones, Lokrum Island should absolutely be the top of your list when visiting Dubrovnik and there is plenty to see. It is a truly beautiful island where you can swim in hidden lagoons, sun bathe on the beaches or rocks, enjoy picturesque walking trails, or simply indulge at one of several restaurants boasting stunning views of the gardens and oceans. Look out also for the many peacocks, tortoises, exotic birds and bats that inhabit the island.
Before planning your trip, take note that Lokrum Island is only open to visitors from April to November and be aware of the closing time of the island - which is usually 8pm. Sea taxis and boats will depart from Dubrovnik at 10am each day, and the last boat leaves Dubrovnik port at 5pm so plan accordingly.
2. Jesuit Staircase to St. Ignatius Church (The Shame Steps from Game of Thrones)
The Shame Steps (Jesuit Staircase to St. Ignatius Church) - If you don't go to the 'Shame Steps' in Dubrovnik, did you even really go? Made famous by Cersei's harrowing Walk of Atonement, perhaps one of the most memorable scenes in all of
Game of Thrones show history, the Shame Steps from
Game of Thrones (the correct name for them being the Jesuit Staircase to St. Ignatius Church) can be found in the very heart of Dubrovnik Old Town.
Of course, the staircase is free to visit, but be aware they are constantly busy and in constant use as one of the main side streets of the Old Town. If you're hoping to get a snap without ruining your shot, I'd highly recommend going as early in the day as possible or be prepared to wait around a good while.
Naturally, it's well worth exploring the Old Town of Dubrovnik. It's a beautiful town with plenty of shops and incredible places to eat. If you are a Game of Thrones fan, it really does feel like you are walking through the streets of Kings Landing and you can certainly pick up a GOT souvenir in plenty of places.
3. Dubrovnik Old City Walls
Dubrovnik Old City Walls - Naturally the City Walls were heavily featured in Game of Thrones as Dubrovnik was the main filming location for King's Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms.
If the temperature isn't too high, I'd absolutely recommend taking a walk along the City Walls that surround the Old City. Unfortunately, in recent years the ticket price to do so has risen quite substantially (it used to be around 10 euros and is now around 35 euros), but some dedicated fans or travellers may find it's worth the price for the views and access to the Minčeta Tower (below, and another famous Game of Thrones filming spot). The walk takes around an hour and a half to two hours and offers unmatched views of the Dalmatian Coast and a complete bird’s eye view of the city and the Lovrijenac Fortress.
You might assume that they'd have added copious amounts of CGI for the show, but actually very little was added to alter the view. If you get a chance to visit the walls yourself, it's most certainly worth it.
4. Minčeta Tower
Built in the 1460s and located along the Dubrovnik City Walls, the Minčeta Tower offers stunning views of the city as the highest point in Dubrovnik. It is also often regarded as the symbol of the town. A caution to visitors though - the 750 steep winding steps to the top of the tower are a challenge for even the fittest, able-bodied tourist and sadly it is not accessible to disabled visitors. It was definitely a struggle in the beaming Croatian sun. However, when you get to the top and see the views of the old town of Dubrovnik and look out to the Adriatic Sea, you might decide that the climb was worth it after-all.
As well as being an excellent Instagram photo opportunity, the tower is also put to work in Game of Thrones as the base of Minčeta Tower was used as the exterior of House of Undying in the town of Qarth where Daenerys searches for her stolen dragons in Season 2, and again in Season 8 with Jon Snow.
5. Dubrovnik West Harbour (Blackwater Bay and Kings Landing)
One of the most popular photo spots in Dubrovnik is the West Harbour. Not only for it's stunning, historic backdrop and combined ocean views, but because it also serves as
Blackwater Bay and multiple exterior shots of Kings Landing throughout
Game of Thrones.
The small pier makes for the perfect Instagram spot as sits between the two medieval fortresses (Lovrijenac and Bokar) surrounded by crystal clear sea waters. You can also enjoy the views from the small cafe, or you can rent a kayak or small boat if you wish to get a closer look at the fortresses off-shore.
(Game of Thrones Dubrovnik Fort Bokar Picture: HBO)
Well, that's it for another blog post. I hope you find this handy when seeking Game of Thrones filming locations in Dubrovnik - but also to help you explore the beautiful areas in Croatia as a whole. It really was the most stunning countries I've ever been fortunate enough to visit and we had a truly incredible trip; the perfect combination of sightseeing, relaxation, history, culture - and nerding out over filming locations. The perfect trip.
Be sure to check out more of my travel posts and adventures, and remember - "It is a big and beautiful world. Most of us live and die in the same corner where we were born and never get to see any of it. I don't want to be most of us." – Oberyn Martell, Game of Thrones.
Until next time fellow adventurers,
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