12 'Game of Thrones' Filming Locations to Visit IRL

From King’s Landing to Winterfell, take a tour of Westeros in real life. Visit a few of the key filming locations for the epic series that turns these real locales into a sweeping fantasy landscape.

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Welcome to King's Landing!

King’s Landing, or as it’s known in real life, Dubrovnik, a Croatian city nested on the shore of the Adriatic Sea. Durbovnik’s stone walls, dramatic cliffs and amazing views make it the perfect seat for the king(s) of Westeros.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Duncan Muggoch, line producer for scenes shot in Spain and Croatia, says it is sometimes hard to film around tourists in Dubrovnik. Sherpas were used to help the production crew haul equipment through the narrow and often steep streets to specific locations throughout the city. Fans will see Croatia in the first few episodes of the fifth season. A soup kitchen scene with Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) visiting High Sparrow (Jonathan Pryce) was filmed in Dubrovnik.

The Alcazar, Seville, Spain

In Seville, the upper levels of the Alcazar are home to the royal family, but the palatial estate’s lush gardens are transformed into the Water Gardens of Dorne in the Game of Thrones’ fourth and fifth seasons. The Alcazar’s staircases are so narrow that the production crew had to use cranes to transport equipment up to a few of the palace’s balconies. More than 8,000 visitors converge on the Alcazar each day, making it one of the most-visited attractions in Seville.

Plaza de Toros, Osuna, Spain

Located in southern Spain, the Plaza de Toros is an old bullring and national monument that was transformed into a gladiator arena for a scene in the fifth season of Game of Thrones. Producers picked the popular attraction because the arena’s stone structure is similar to those found in Croatia, another place where scenes were filmed for the medieval-era drama.

Magheramorne Quarry, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

While 1 crew was shooting scenes in Spain and Croatia, a second production crew filmed scenes at the quarry in Magheramorne, which is located on the shores of Loch Larne. This small town of 75 residents was transformed into a fishing village called Hardhome. In previous Game of Thrones episodes, the location was also used to film scenes of Castle Black (first season) and the Battle of Blackwater (second season).

Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s Mourne Mountains provided the scenery for Dany’s entrance into the Dothraki holy land. Of course, the Dothraki fighting horse statues are missing, so you’ll just have to imagine the iconic gate when you visit these breathtaking mountains.

Doune Castle, Scotland

The Lord's Tower and East Wall of Doune Castle in Scotland should look familiar to Game of Thrones fans. Poor little Bran fell (was pushed) out one of its windows in the first season, when he saw something he shouldn’t have. Originally built in the 13th century, Doune Castle features a nature walk through the grounds for visitors.

The Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland

The Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland have played a major role in the Game of Thrones story, serving as the setting for the Kingsroad. But the area that surrounds the Dark Hedges should be a must-see for any fan, since it has been used to film Winterfell, Castle Black and the Stark family war encampment.

Downhill Beach and Mussenden Temple, Northern Ireland

If you happen to be rooting for Stannis Baratheon, Downhill Beach and Mussenden Temple in Northern Ireland are your spots. Serving as the backdrop for Dragonstone Castle and Blackwater Bay, Downhill Beach was where Melisandre burned the old gods, issuing a new religion for Stannis’ followers.

Essaouira, Morocco

This historic bastion in Essaouira, Morocco, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also happens to have played the part of Astapor, the slave-trading city where Daenerys freed the Unsullied, including everyone’s favorite: Grey Worm.

Ouarzazate, Morocco

Ouarzazate, a town in Morocco, is famous for the Atlas Film Corporation Studios, open to tourists for tours of the many sets left from movies like Babel and Kingdom of Heaven. Sets at this Morrocco studio stood in for the Free City of Pentos, and also served as the venue for Dany and Khal Drogo’s memorable wedding.

Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, Iceland

At the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon in Iceland, the Vatnajokull Ice Cap — Europe’s largest ice cap — serves as the ideal setting for the Land Beyond the Wall. Just look out for White Walkers!

Skaftafell National Park, Iceland

Skaftafell National Park in Iceland was the setting of Jon Snow and Ygritte’s love story, from Jon Snow and Qhorin Halfhand’s sneak attack on the Wildlings to the near beheading of our favorite red-head. The park is open year round for GoT devotees or visitors just looking for a glacier hike.

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12 'Game of Thrones' Filming Locations to Visit IRL

Related To:

Shop This Look

Welcome to King's Landing!

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Alcazar, Seville, Spain

Plaza de Toros, Osuna, Spain

Magheramorne Quarry, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland

Doune Castle, Scotland

The Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland

Downhill Beach and Mussenden Temple, Northern Ireland

Essaouira, Morocco

Ouarzazate, Morocco

Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon, Iceland

Skaftafell National Park, Iceland