Game of Thrones Shooting Locations Guided Walking Tour

Review of the Game of Thrones Shooting Locations Guided Walking Tour

If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones or simply interested in exploring Dubrovnik through its cinematic lens, this tour offers a compelling way to see the city’s most famous filming spots. It’s a thoughtfully organized experience that combines walking through Dubrovnik’s historic streets with visits to legendary locations from Westeros. For those who love stories behind the scenes and want a little adventure, this tour manages to marry both beautifully.

What really makes this experience shine are two key elements: the knowledgeable guides who bring the series’ filming stories to life, and the stunning vistas you get at each stop—especially from the fortresses and boat rides. That said, some travelers might find the duration varies, so if you’re pressed for time or less mobile, it’s worth considering the length and physical requirements.

A potential consideration is the optional ferry trip to Lokrum Island, which depends on weather conditions and might be canceled if the sea isn’t cooperating. Yet, even without that, you’ll still get a good dose of Game of Thrones scenery and history in Dubrovnik’s Old Town. This tour is best suited for fans, history enthusiasts, and travelers who enjoy a blend of storytelling and sightseeing in a compact, affordable package.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Expert guides provide behind-the-scenes insights and local knowledge.
• Two-in-one experience: walking tour plus optional boat ride to Lokrum Island.
• Affordable price point offers good value for exploring famous series locations.
• Accessible highlights include iconic spots like the Walk of Shame and Blackwater Bay.
• Potential weather dependency for the boat trip might affect your plan.
• Great for fans and history lovers, but less suitable for those with mobility issues.

Detailed Review of the Experience

Introduction to the Tour and Its Appeal

This guided tour offers a well-rounded peek into the filming locations that made Dubrovnik famous as King’s Landing. For fans of Game of Thrones, it’s a chance to stand exactly where characters once did and to soak in the real-world beauty that provided the series’ backdrop. For history lovers, the tour also weaves in Dubrovnik’s resilience through earthquakes and its architectural marvels, giving a more rounded perspective on the city beyond the series.

As a travel writer, I appreciate how the tour balances pop culture with local context. The guides, who are licensed and often highly knowledgeable, don’t just point out locations—they share stories that make each place come alive. From the ancient walls to the narrow streets, you’ll find that this experience isn’t just about photo ops but about understanding Dubrovnik’s role both as a filming location and a living city.

One of the first things we love is the value: at just $24 per person, it offers a substantial glimpse into series landmarks without the hefty price tag of bespoke or private tours. However, the actual duration can range from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the pace and options you choose, so planning your day around it is advisable.

A small caveat: while the tour is a fantastic experience for most, it isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments due to the uneven, sometimes narrow streets of Old Town and the boat ride. That’s worth keeping in mind when booking, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends who may need extra assistance.

A Step-by-Step Look at the Itinerary

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Starting Point: Nautika Restaurant

The tour begins with a convenient meeting point right outside Nautika, a well-known Dubrovnik restaurant with excellent views. This location sets a relaxed tone and allows for easy access for most travelers.

Fort Lovrijenac and the Views

From the outset, you’ll visit Fort Lovrijenac, an imposing fortress perched above the sea. This spot is not only visually dramatic but also offers sweeping views of Dubrovnik’s walls and the sea—perfect for imagining scenes from Game of Thrones. Guides love sharing the history of the fortress, which has served both as a film set and a symbol of Dubrovnik’s resilience.

Blackwater Bay at Pile Bay

Walking down to Pile Bay, the tiny port area featured as Blackwater Bay in the series. You’ll get a sense of the coastal charm that makes Dubrovnik so photogenic. It’s a place where many visitors imagine the ships and battles that occurred on those calm waters, and the views are often described as postcard-perfect.

Exploring Old Town’s Landmarks

The tour then weaves through Dubrovnik’s Old Town, highlighting noteworthy sites like:

• Onofrio Fountain: A central gathering spot, seen in seasons 2 and 3.
• Stradun Street: The marble-paved main thoroughfare, where many scenes are shot.
• Orlando’s Column and Church of St. Blaise: Important landmarks that also serve as filming locations.

The guides often share secret stories and production secrets, making these historic sites feel alive and relevant to fans and history buffs alike.

The Walk of Shame and Religious Sites

One of the most iconic moments, the Walk of Shame, takes place on the Jesuit Stairs and the nearby church of St. Ignatius. Guides animate this scene with detailed descriptions, giving visitors a vivid picture of what the cast endured and how Dubrovnik’s landscape played a starring role.

Old Port and Lokrum Island

After wandering the streets, the tour shifts to the Old Port, where you’ll take a short ferry ride (weather permitting) to Lokrum Island. This island was used as Qarth, the city of mystical commerce. The boat ride offers beautiful views and a chance to relax after the walking portion.

On Lokrum, you’ll see filming locations, explore the lush nature, and even sit on the HBO Iron Throne—a fun photo opportunity that’s consistently praised by travelers. Many reviewers mention that the guides’ passion makes the visit to Lokrum memorable, and the natural beauty provides a peaceful contrast to the bustling city.

Wrap-up and Additional Options

The tour concludes either back in Old Town or on Lokrum, depending on the weather and your preferences. If the ferry is canceled due to bad weather, the guide still ensures you leave with plenty of Game of Thrones memories and photo opportunities, particularly the Iron Throne replica.

The Quality of Guides and Behind-the-Scenes Stories

Throughout the experience, guides shine with their enthusiasm and knowledge. Reviewers consistently mention how engaging and friendly guides are, with one noting, “Our guide Petra was very knowledgeable and gave us a local’s insight,” and another appreciating how the guide shared behind-the-scenes production stories. The stories help fans make sense of the filming locations’ significance, turning sightseeing into storytelling.

Photos and Authentic Experiences

One of the biggest highlights is the chance to sit on the Iron Throne, which many travelers find both amusing and memorable. It embodies the tour’s balance of fun and authenticity, making it a favorite for social media photos and lasting memories.

Duration and Value

At around 2 hours on average, the tour offers plenty of sights without feeling rushed. The price—$24—seems fair given the inclusion of a licensed guide, access to major filming sites, and the optional Lokrum Island visit.

If you choose to add the ferry to Lokrum, it costs a bit extra ($30 for the ferry, with tickets included if you opt for that option). The optional visit adds a layer of tranquility and beauty that many travelers appreciate, but it’s nice to know that the main walking tour itself provides substantial value.

Accessibility and Practicalities

While the tour is generally well-organized, it’s important to note that it isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments due to the narrow, uneven streets of Old Town and the boat ride. Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and cash are recommended, as some entrance fees and souvenirs might require cash.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for Game of Thrones fans looking to connect the series with real-world Dubrovnik. It also suits travelers interested in architecture, city history, and scenic coastal views. The storytelling element makes it engaging for both first-time visitors and seasoned Dubrovnik explorers.

Those seeking a leisurely, budget-friendly activity that combines iconic filming locations with cultural insights will find this tour rewarding. However, if you have mobility issues or prefer a very long, in-depth tour, you might want to explore other options.

The Sum Up

This guided walking tour offers a fantastic blend of Game of Thrones magic and Dubrovnik’s historic charm. The guides’ passion and knowledge make each stop come alive, and the scenic vistas, especially from Fort Lovrijenac and Lokrum Island, create memorable photo moments.

The tour’s affordability makes it accessible for most travelers, and the inclusion of Lokrum Island adds a peaceful escape from the busy city streets. Even on days when the ferry ride isn’t possible, the tour still delivers plenty of iconic sights and stories.

If you’re a Game of Thrones enthusiast, a history lover, or simply someone who enjoys exploring a city with a story, this tour offers excellent value and fun. It’s a well-rounded way to see Dubrovnik through a lens that combines popular culture, history, and natural beauty.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children who enjoy walking and have no mobility issues will probably enjoy the experience, especially the photo on the Iron Throne and scenic views. However, the tour isn’t designed specifically for kids, and the walking on uneven streets might be tiring for very young children.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the pace, weather, and optional activities like the Lokrum Island visit.

What is included in the price?
The price covers a licensed guide, a guided walk of Old Town, backstage stories, photo opportunities on the Iron Throne, guiding at Lokrum Island (if you choose), and ferry tickets to Lokrum (if selected).

Are entrance fees to attractions included?
No, the entrance fee to St. Lawrence Fort is 15 euros and is paid on-site. The ferry tickets to Lokrum are included if you select that option, costing 30 euros.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, and cash are recommended. The tour involves walking on pebble streets that can be narrow and slippery.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If bad weather cancels the ferry, the tour ends in Old Town, but you can still take a memorable photo on the Iron Throne replica and enjoy the city’s scenery.

This tour offers a rich, enjoyable way to see Dubrovnik’s most iconic Game of Thrones spots, complemented by the city’s history and stunning views. Whether you’re a series fan or a lover of coastal towns, it’s a tour that’s likely to leave you with plenty of memorable images—and stories to tell.

You can check availability for your dates here: