The Game of Thrones series ended in 2019, but its impact remains strong today. Whether you've rewatched the shows multiple times or are a casual enjoyer of the franchise, there's something magical about immersing yourself further into Westeros and Essos. Make fantasy become reality by traveling to the popular Game of Thrones filming locations. From Northern Ireland to Malta, we've gathered spots you should visit.
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Where Was Game of Thrones Filmed?
Game of Thrones was filmed in multiple countries worldwide, creating the perfect fantasy setting for this epic series. A variety of scenes were filmed in:
Read on for handy checklists of the top spots in each country and tips on making the most of your trip.
Northern Ireland
Visit Dunluce Castle, the house of the Greyjoys. Photo by Dawid Kalisinski Photography from iStock
Northern Ireland was a top Game of Thrones filming location for scenes in the North, Winterfell, and the Iron Islands. Many indoor scenes were shot at the Titanic Studios in Belfast, but production also took advantage of Ireland's beautiful, lush, green landscapes, seascapes, and more. Whether you want to be a part of the Stark legacy and visit the iconic Winterfell or bring out your Targaryen side at Dragonstone, Ireland has you covered. Use the checklist below to plan your trip.
Northern Ireland Game of Thrones Checklist
✅Castle Ward: Winterfell (Season 1)
✅Dunluce Castle: Seat of House Greyjoy, Castle Pyke
✅The Dark Hedges: The King's Road
✅Ballintoy Harbour: Lordsport Harbour
✅Cushendun Caves: Where Melisandre gave birth to the shadow creature
✅Downhill Beach: Dragonstone
✅Tollymore Forest Park: Where the Starks find the direwolves
Northern Ireland Travel Tips
- Be prepared for rain: Northern Ireland is known for frequent rain. Bring a waterproof jacket or poncho and waterproof shoes for exploring.
- Rent a car: Renting a car is a great way to get around and see more locations on that checklist. Be prepared to drive on the left-hand side of the road.
- Check out the studio tour: Set aside around 3 hours to do the studio tour in Branbridge.
Croatia
King's Landing awaits in Dubrovnik, Croatia, Photo by stocklapse from iStock
Want to visit King's Landing? Croatia should be at the top of your Game of Thrones bucket list. Although Malta and Spain were also used for King's Landing, Croatia remains one of the top filming locations. Dubrovnik's medieval walls and narrow streets helped the city come to life in the show. Fort Lovrijenac served as the Red Keep, the seat of power in the Seven Kingdoms. Other areas of Croatia, like Split, were also used to portray Essos.
Croatia Game of Thrones Checklist
✅Fort Lovrijenac: The Red Keep
✅Pile Gate: Entrance to King's Landing
✅The Jesuit staircase: Cersei's Walk of Shame
✅Gradac Park: The Purple Wedding
✅Lokrum Island: City of Qarth
✅Klis Fortress (near Split): Meereen's city walls
✅Diocletian's Palace (Split): Daenerys' throne room in Meereen
Croatia Travel Tips:
- Consider the shoulder seasons: Spring and Fall are great for avoiding crowds and getting lower prices.
- Respect local customs: Cover your shoulders and thighs if you're branching out from the checklist and visiting churches or religious sites.
- Learn some Croatian: While English is generally well understood, learning a few simple phrases can help you build better local connections.
Related Read: Croatia Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know
Spain
House Martell awaits in Seville, Spain, Photo by brytta from iStock
Spain was chosen as a King's Landing location for later seasons and various backdrops for key moments in the show. While many areas in Spain, like Córdoba and Guadalajara, were used in the show, Seville is a key filming location for scenes set in Dorne. The Alcázar of Seville stands out with its beautiful gardens, which are used to depict the House Martell of Dorne. The baths of Doña María de Padilla, underground rainwater tanks in the Alcázar, were also used in Season 5, when Ellaria Sand meets the Sand Snakes, to plot the death of Myrcella Lannister.
Spain Game of Thrones Checklist
✅Alcázar of Seville: The Water Gardens of Dorne, and the Sand Snakes plot
✅Castillo de Zafra: Tower of Joy
✅Itzurun Beach: Dragonstone Beach
✅Roman Bridge of Córdoba: Long Bridge of Volantis
✅Bardenas Reales: The Dothraki Sea
✅Almodóvar del Río Castle: Highgarden and Casterly Rock
✅Girona: King's Landing and Braavos
Spain Travel Tips:
- Prepare to eat late: Many restaurants serve dinner closer to 8-9 PM and onwards.
- Know tipping etiquette: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. You can round up the bill for casual meals, while tipping around 5-10% for more sit-down restaurants.
- Do regional research: Every region of Spain is different, and customs and even language may vary. For example, Catalonia is known for its Catalan language.
Iceland
Visit the Thingvellir National Park to feel like The Hound, Photo by Michael Ver Sprill from iStock
Iceland's dramatic landscapes, from glaciers to unique geological formations, made it the perfect setting for scenes representing life beyond the wall. The Grjótagjá Cave was used to film Jon Snow and Ygritte's love scene. The Thingvellir National Park is a notable filming spot, where scenes like Arya and The Hound's trek or the Hound vs. Brienne of Tarth's fight were filmed. The park is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it worth a visit.
Iceland Game of Thrones Checklist
✅Thingvellir National Park: The Hound vs. Brienne of Tarth's sword fight
✅Dimmuborgir: Mance Rayder's army camp
✅Grjótagjá Cave: Jon Snow and Ygritte's love scene
✅Vatnajökull Glacier: North of the Wall sequences
✅Skógafoss Waterfall: Romantic scene between Daenerys and Jon Snow
✅Reynisfjara Beach: Eastwatch-by-the-Sea
Iceland Travel Tips:
- Bring a swimsuit: You'll want to enjoy the many hot springs and geothermal pools Iceland offers, including its popular Blue Lagoon. Make sure to always shower before entering a hot spring.
- Respect the natural world: Stick to marked trails and don't vandalize the moss or other aspects of nature.
- Consider an eyemask: The season from late May to August sees extended periods of daylight, with some days seeing close to 24 hours of light. Bring an eyemask to ensure you get enough sleep.
Morocco
Discover Yunkai come to life, by exploring Aït Benhaddou, Photo by Dario Endara from iStock
Morocco was a key filming spot for Game of Thrones. In particular, the coastal city of Essaouira was used to represent Astapor, where Daenerys gets her Unsullied army. Aït Benhaddou was used to portray Yunkai, a city in Slavers' Bay. Finally, Ouarzazate is also home to the Atlas Studios, where Game of Thrones scenes and other blockbusters like Gladiator were filmed.
Morocco Game of Thrones Checklist
✅Essaouira: Astapor
✅Aït Benhaddou: The city of Yunkai
✅Ouarzazate: Pentos
Morocco Travel Tips:
- Dress modestly: Modest dress is recommended to respect local customs. You should be particularly mindful of this when visiting religious sites.
- Be wary of unsolicited guides: Hire only official, recommended guides, and do not follow strangers offering to guide you. They may be scams or charge you later.
- Enjoy the local cuisine: Morocco is known for its delicious food, like local tagines and Moroccan mint tea, which symbolizes hospitality and is poured from a height into glasses.
Related Read: Morocco Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know
Malta
Enjoy the quiet setting of the Red Keep's garden, Photo by PabloMendo from iStock
Malta was the original King's Landing. The city of Mdina was used for scenes filmed in Season 1, and other scenes were also filmed in the country. The Azure Window, a natural rock arch on Malta's Sister Island, Gozo, was used for Daenerys and Drogo's wedding, but note that the Arch collapsed in 2017 due to heavy storms. You can still visit places like Fort Manoel, where Ned Star's execution was filmed, on open days, to get a taste of the show's drama.
Malta Game of Thrones Checklist
✅Mdina: The original King's Landing
✅Azure Window (now collapsed): Daenerys and Drogo's wedding
✅San Anton Palace: The Red Keep's garden and exterior
✅St. Dominic's Priory, Rabat: Red Keep Courtyard
✅Fort St Angelo: The Red Keep's prison cells
✅Fort Manoel: The Great Sept of Baelor, used for Ned Stark's execution
Malta Travel Tips:
- Consider water shoes: Bring water shoes to protect your feet from cuts from stones and coral.
- Know tipping etiquette: a 10% tip for good service is usually reasonable, and having cash on hand to tip is generally helpful.
- Consider taxis or car rental: Malta's bus service can be slow and unreliable, so consider renting a vehicle.
Your adventure awaits! Travel to the locations of King's Landing, Winterfell, and more, and experience a trip like no other.
FAQ
Where was Cersei's Walk of Shame filmed?
Cersei's Walk of Shame was primarily filmed in the Jesuit Staircase in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Where was Winterfell Castle filmed?
Winterfell was filmed primarily at Castle Ward in Northern Ireland, although the pilot episode was filmed at Doune Castle in Scotland.
Where is King's Landing in real life?
The primary filming location for King's Landing is in Dubrovnik, Croatia. However, the first season was filmed in Malta, and some final seasons use spots in Spain.
