Game of Thrones is one of the (physically) largest TV productions in history. And its fan base borders on hysterical is wildly enthusiastic. Although Dubrovnik was already one of the top destinations in the Mediterranean, more than 250,000 tourists have flocked to the city solely because it serves as the set for multiple GOT locations.
Or because they’re stalking Jon Snow. Hey, we’re not judging.
[photo courtesy of Forbes.com / HBO]
Obviously, whether you’re going to Europe on your own, or with Brand g as part of our 2018 Pearls of the Adriatic cruise (which begins with two nights in Dubrovnik), it’s pretty clear that Dubrovnik is a city you don’t want to miss.
So, why did GOT choose Dubrovnik for some of its locations? Simple – Dubrovnik’s magical walled city. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s considered one of the finest ancient cities in existence today – so perfectly medieval that it looks like a set. The 13th century stone walls and alleyways of the “Old Town” have served as the GOT locations for the Stairs to the Great Sept of Baelor, the House of the Undying, and most particularly, King’s Landing.
No cars are allowed inside the walled city, so needless to say, there are no tour buses, but you can take a two- or three-hour walking tour of the GOT set locations with several different tour companies, including:
Go Be
Viator (tour consolidator that offers tours from various companies)
(We regret to report that a meet ‘n sleep with Jon Snow is not included)
[Game of Thrones – courtesy of HBO]
But it’s not just Dubrovnik that has starred in GOT. Other nearby Croatian locales include:
- Lokrum Island – used as the location for the garden party in the city of Qarth. About 15 minutes away from Dubrovnik’s harbor, it’s easily accessible by taxi-boat.
- Split – locales in Split have served as the City of Meereen, the Slave Rebellion, etc. Split can’t really be done as a day trip (well, it can, but it’s a VERY long day), but if you make a side trip to Split, you can take a combo tour of GOT locations in the two cities:
[Game of Thrones – courtesy of HBO]
Of course, you don’t have to know what “Winter is Coming” means to want to tour Dubrovnik. There are enough non-GOT sights to easily fill several days, including:
- The City Walls – one of the greatest fortification systems of the Middle Ages (they were never breached).
- Pile Gate – The impressive main entrance to Old Town.
- Onofrio Fountain – You can’t miss this massive 15th century fountain when entering the city through the Pile Gate.
- The Sponza Palace – Gothic and elegant, it’s home to the Dubrovnik Archives.
- Fort Lovrijenac – Set outside the walled city on a huge jut of land, it’s the focal point of many Dubrovnik photos. Now used as a site for Dubrovnik’s Summer Festival and the city’s annual performances of Hamlet.
- Cable Car– take the cable car to the top of Hill Srd for stunning views of the walled city and the sea.
(Many of these are, of course, included in the touring we’ll do while in Dubrovnik, if you’re joining us for the Adriatic cruise.)
So, whether you’re wanting to relive the Red Wedding – okay, now we’re judging – or just see one of the Med’s most charming and picturesque cities, put Dubrovnik on your bucket list, and a picture of Jaime Lannister under your travel pillow.
