Finding out where Game of Thrones was filmed has become a bit of a personal quest, especially since I set foot in Croatia. Exploring the Game of Thrones sites in Croatia is more than a sightseeing trip: it’s a journey that blurs the line between reality and fiction. Every stone, view, and fortress seems to whisper scenes from the show.

Strolling through Dubrovnik, Split, or Šibenik, you suddenly find yourself in the world of Game of Thrones—King’s Landing, Meereen, or Braavos come to life before your eyes. Whether you’re climbing the famous Game of Thrones staircase in Dubrovnik (yes, the Walk of Shame one) or wandering medieval alleys where Arya Stark once walked, one feeling remains constant: pure wonder.

I’ll admit it—sometimes, my nerdy side takes over when I travel. And if there’s one thing that excites me even more than a medieval castle perched on a cliff, it’s knowing that place served as the backdrop to one of the most epic TV series ever. Of course, I’m talking about Game of Thrones.

If, like me, you love getting lost in ancient alleys, wandering walls steeped in centuries of history, and gazing at storybook-like landscapes, prepare yourself: these Game of Thrones filming locations in Croatia will not only make you relive the series but will truly move you—set against a land made to be cinematic.

This article contains affiliate links. Many images are from the HBO television series Game of Thrones.

Game of Thrones Sites in Croatia

Dubrovnik’s Old Town as King’s Landing

Let’s start with the obvious. Visiting Dubrovnik to see Game of Thrones sites is a must for any fan. But even if you’ve never watched the show, this city will leave you speechless. Its Old Town is a harmonious blend of white stone, mighty walls, and fairytale-like sea views.

One of the most iconic scenes shot in Dubrovnik (and trust me, you’ll recognize it immediately) involves a long, public walk (no spoilers!). Walking those very streets, knowing what was filmed there, sends chills down your spine.

Dubrovnik was the primary setting for the capital of the Seven Kingdoms from Season 2 through Season 5. As you walk along the city walls, you’ll swear you can glimpse a knight of the Kingsguard, courtly intrigue, or an impending duel just around the corner.

The Jesuit Staircase in Dubrovnik: The Famous Walk of Shame

Among the Game of Thrones filming locations in Croatia, one of the most iconic is the Jesuit Staircase in Dubrovnik, the setting of the infamous Walk of Shame. Even without spoilers, that scene is one of the most unforgettable in the entire series.

In the show, it’s the entrance to the Great Sept of Baelor. In real life, it’s a Baroque masterpiece leading into one of the city’s most beautiful squares. It’s now a pilgrimage site for fans asking where was Game of Thrones filmed, and seeing it up close is surreal—like stepping into a scene etched into our collective memory.

Google it and you’ll find hundreds of photos… but trust me, nothing compares to seeing it in person.

Rector’s Palace, Dubrovnik: Home of the Spice King of Qarth

One of the most memorable scenes of Season 2: when Daenerys Targaryen asks the Spice King of Qarth for ships to cross the Narrow Sea, was filmed at the exterior of Dubrovnik’s Rector’s Palace.

Trsteno Arboretum: The Gardens of King’s Landing

About twenty minutes from Dubrovnik, hidden in the hills overlooking the Adriatic Sea, lies the dreamy Trsteno Arboretum—one of the oldest botanical gardens in Croatia. This lush spot served as the royal gardens of King’s Landing, where some of the show’s most subtle and politically charged conversations unfolded.

Remember the scene where Sansa Stark, Margaery Tyrell, and Lady Olenna (the Queen of Thorns) dine under a blooming pergola? The soft breeze, the scent of Mediterranean plants, the distant sound of waves… as they discuss dangerous plans over lunch.

Walking through the sculpted hedges, admiring ivy-covered statues, and gazing out over the sea makes you feel like you’re part of that world. Trsteno Arboretum is among the most beautiful Game of Thrones sites in Croatia, where nature and storytelling meet to create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Hotel Belvedere and the most Epic Duel

One of the most unique and intriguing Game of Thrones locations in Croatia is the abandoned Hotel Belvedere, just outside Dubrovnik. It was the site of one of the series’ most brutal and unforgettable scenes: the duel between Ser Gregor Clegane (the Mountain) and Oberyn Martell ( The Red Viper) during Tyrion’s trial by combat.

Although you can’t enter the building, it’s easily visible from outside. Built in the 1980s and severely damaged during the Croatian War of Independence, the Belvedere retains a mysterious, decaying aura—perfect for fans hunting for hidden Game of Thrones gems.

Knowing this is where Game of Thrones was filmed makes every view more thrilling. Even in its desolation, the place still tells a powerful story.

Minčeta Tower: The House of the Undying

One of the most iconic Game of Thrones sites in Croatia is Dubrovnik’s Minčeta Tower. This round, fortified bastion is the highest point of the city’s walls, built with six-meter-thick defenses against land attacks. Today, it offers sweeping views of Dubrovnik’s Old Town—but for fans, it holds even more meaning: it’s where Daenerys searches for her dragons in Qarth in a now-legendary scene.

Originally built in 1319, the Minčeta Tower took its current shape thanks to architects Michelozzo and Juraj Dalmatinac in the 15th century. Beyond its fascinating history, it’s one of the most striking Game of Thrones filming locations to visit. Climbing to the top after walking the city walls is an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking out where Game of Thrones was filmed in Croatia.

Split and Diocletian’s Palace: Braavos

Continuing your Game of Thrones tour through Croatia brings you to the stunning city of Split, where Roman history and TV fantasy blend seamlessly. The centerpiece here is Diocletian’s Palace, a 4th-century architectural marvel that became the mystical city of Braavos in the show.

Among these ancient stones, one of the saga’s most beloved characters begins a journey toward a new identity, stepping into the House of Black and White.

Split is one of those places where the line between fiction and reality completely blurs. You’re surrounded by tourists, lazy cats, and local shops… but in your mind, you’re deep in the Free City of Braavos. An incredible feeling, and proof of how Croatia’s Game of Thrones filming locations captured fans’ imaginations across the world.

Klis Fortress: The Walls of Meereen

Just a few kilometers from Split, perched atop a hill, the Klis Fortress offers one of the most breathtaking views in all of Dalmatia. This ancient stronghold was transformed in the series into the city of Meereen, in one of the most pivotal arcs of Daenerys Targaryen’s story.

The Game of Thrones production team made brilliant use of Klis Fortress: its medieval towers and ramparts are perfect for bringing a fantasy world to life. And that view… oh, that view!

Šibenik, between Braavos and Meereen

Šibenik, with its white stone cathedral and maze of narrow alleys, appears in only one season of the series—but it does so in grand style. Šibenik played a prominent role among the Game of Thrones filming locations in Croatia. Wandering through its old town, it’s easy to feel transported to Braavos, the mysterious city where Arya Stark begins her new journey among the Faceless Men. The stunning Cathedral of St. James was used to represent both the House of Black and White and the Iron Bank.

At the Mandroc port, Arya arrives in the Free City for the first time. But that’s not all: the imposing St. John’s Fortress was the set for one of the fighting pits of Meereen, where Daenerys is reluctantly forced to attend the brutal spectacles.

From St. Michael’s Fortress, surrounded by ancient walls and panoramic views, you can gaze over Šibenik from above—as if you were looking out across Braavos from its rooftops.

If you’re searching for where Braavos is in real life or exploring the Game of Thrones locations in Croatia, Šibenik is an unmissable stop.

The Secret Tour Behind Dubrovnik’s Walls

If, like me, you love hidden details, fun facts, and behind-the-scenes secrets, I highly recommend a special experience: the Game of Thrones tour in Dubrovnik. It’s not your average guided tour. It’s a journey within the journey, with passionate guides who show you scenes, stories, and places you might not recognize on your own—and they’ll even share some fascinating production insights!

Visiting Croatia in the footsteps of Game of Thrones was one of the most exciting journeys of my life. Not just for the beauty of the places, but for the way fantasy blends into reality. As you walk through the walls, beneath the battlements, or along the island paths, you get the feeling that something magical just happened… or is about to happen.

If you’re a fan of the series, this is an adventure you simply can’t miss. And even if you’re not, I still recommend going. Because, as often happens when we travel, magic is everywhere. You just have to know how to see it.

Want to explore even more? Check out this guide to the Game of Thrones filming locations in Malta

Go on traveling!

Lety goes on