Are you a GOT fan? Have you dreamt of visiting Game of Thrones’ filming locations?
After watching GOT, you might be wondering, whether you can find real locations of Games of Thrones or not. The most popular HBO TV series the Game of Thrones’ headquarters is located in Paint Hall studios at Belfast, Nothern Ireland. The main part of the Game of Thrones and the interior sets were created in Northern Ireland. A few locations were from European-African countries.
Let’s take a tour to Game of Thrones kingdoms and more! Shall we start?
1. Where Was Winterfell Castle Filmed?
- A. Bodiam Castle
- B. Dover castle
- C. Bamberg castle
- D. Doune Castle
King’s Landing
Real Place to visit-Dubrovnik, Croatia
King’s Landing doesn’t exist (filmed in the studio). Though a few exterior sites include places of Split, Dubrovnik both located in Croatia. The big dog city was situated in the streets of Dubrovnik.
Best Time to Visit:
April–May or September for cooler weather and lighter crowds.
Travel Tips:
Visit early morning to avoid cruise crowds. City walls tours sell out quickly in summer.
Scenes You’ll Recognize:
• Walk of Shame
• Blackwater Bay scenes
• Red Keep exteriors
The King’s Road
Real Place to visit-The Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland
Can you recall a scene where Arya escaped from King’s Landing and headed towards North in search of John Snow was in “The Dark Hedges”? It took place in Northern Ireland where you see the road of beech trees leading to a Georgian mansion.
Best Time to Visit:
Early morning or golden hour for dramatic lighting and fewer visitors.
Travel Tips:
Park responsibly and follow preservation rules. The road is narrow.
Scenes You’ll Recognize:
• Arya Stark’s escape from King’s Landing
Yunkai
Real Place to visit– Ouarzazate, Morocco
Yunkai is located in Ouarzazate. You would have watched the scene where Dany freed people of Slaver’s Bay. It is a small village from the corner of the Sahara desert.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Ouarzazate is March to May and September to November, when temperatures are comfortable for exploring outdoor filming locations. Summers can be extremely hot, making sightseeing challenging.
Travel Tips
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid desert heat
• Hire a local guide to navigate filming sites efficiently
• Carry water, sun protection, and breathable clothing
• Combine visits with nearby sites like Aït Ben Haddou
Scenes You’ll Recognize
• The slave cities of Yunkai and Astapor
• Daenerys Targaryen’s rise as the Mother of Dragons
• Key moments showcasing Essos’ desert landscapes
Sunspear and the Water Gardens
Real place to visit- Alcázar of Seville
Game of Thrones’ the spear and the Water Gardens was a palace of Seville in Andalusia, Spain.
Best Time to Visit:
March–May or October for mild weather.
Travel Tips:
Book tickets online. Photography is allowed but limited in some areas.
Scenes You’ll Recognize:
• House Martell palace scenes
Astapor
Real place to visit- Morocco
There are fictional cities that were used in GOT for Yunkai and Astapor. It took place in Morocco.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Morocco’s Game of Thrones filming locations is March to May and September to November, when temperatures are pleasant and desert heat is manageable. Summers can be extremely hot, especially in inland regions.
Travel Tips
- Visit early in the day to avoid peak heat, especially at desert locations
• Hire local guides for easier access to filming sites and cultural insights
• Dress modestly and respect local customs when exploring towns and villages
• Carry water, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes
Scenes You’ll Recognize
• Daenerys Targaryen’s journey through Essos
• Slave cities such as Yunkai and Astapor
• Early rise of the Mother of Dragons and her growing army
Dragonstone Beach
Real place to visit – Downhill Strand, Northern Ireland
The long-awaited meeting of the 7th season took place in Downhill Strand, Northern Ireland.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Downhill Strand is late spring through early autumn (May to September), when the weather is milder and the coastline is easier to explore. Clear days offer dramatic views of the Atlantic and Mussenden Temple.
Travel Tips
- Check tide times before visiting, as parts of the beach can become inaccessible
• Strong winds are common, so bring warm layers even in summer
• Park near Mussenden Temple for the best access and viewpoints
• Avoid venturing too close to cliffs during windy conditions
Scenes You’ll Recognize
• Dragonstone beach scenes
• The moment Jon Snow meets Daenerys Targaryen
• Epic coastal shots used to establish Dragonstone’s grandeur
The House of the Undying in Qarth
Real place to visit – Minceta Tower in Dubrovnik, Croatia
It filmed in the same place as King’s Landing. You might have seen this location when Dany was looking for her missing dragon in season 1. It was the Croatian city.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Minčeta Tower is April to June and September to October, when Dubrovnik is less crowded and temperatures are comfortable for climbing the tower. Early mornings offer the best views with fewer visitors.
Travel Tips
- Climb early in the day to avoid heat and crowds
• Wear comfortable shoes, as the steps inside the tower are steep and narrow
• Entry is included with Dubrovnik City Walls tickets
• Carry water, especially during warmer months
Scenes You’ll Recognize
• House of the Undying exterior scenes
• Daenerys Targaryen’s quest for the dragons
• One of the most visually striking backdrops in King’s Landing
Beyond the Wall, Westeros
Real place to visit – Hverfjall volcano, Lake Myvatin, Iceland
In GOT, Beyond the Wall was shot in Iceland including Hverfjall volcano, Lake Myvatin.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Hverfjall Volcano is June to September, when hiking trails are open and weather conditions are safer. Summer also offers extended daylight hours, making it easier to explore the crater and surrounding landscapes.
Travel Tips
- Stay on marked trails to protect the fragile volcanic terrain
• Wear windproof clothing, as the crater rim can be extremely windy
• Bring sturdy hiking boots with good grip for loose volcanic ash
• Avoid hiking during heavy fog or storms, as visibility drops quickly
Scenes You’ll Recognize
• Wildling camps and Beyond-the-Wall landscapes
• Sweeping battle backdrops featuring Jon Snow
• Stark, otherworldly terrain used to depict the frozen North
Jon and Ygritte’s Love Cave
Real place to visit – Grjótagjá, Iceland
That place where Jon and Ygritte spent their evening was actually a lava cave in Grjótagjá, Iceland.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Grjótagjá is late spring to early autumn (May to September), when the cave is more accessible and weather conditions are safer. During winter, snow and ice can make the path slippery and visibility limited.
Travel Tips
- Swimming is strictly prohibited due to sudden temperature spikes caused by geothermal activity
• Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear as the cave floor can be uneven and damp
• Visit during daylight hours, as the cave has limited lighting
• Follow safety signs and local guidelines to protect both visitors and the site
Scenes You’ll Recognize
- Jon Snow and Ygritte’s iconic cave scene
• Moments from Beyond the Wall involving the Free Folk
• One of the most intimate and emotional scenes of the entire series
FAQs
Where was Game of Thrones filmed the most?
Northern Ireland hosted the largest number of filming locations, followed by Croatia, Spain, and Iceland.
Can you visit all Game of Thrones filming locations?
Yes, most locations are open to the public, though some require guided tours or advance bookings.
Are Game of Thrones filming locations free to visit?
Many outdoor locations are free, while castles and heritage sites may charge entry fees.
Do Game of Thrones filming locations still look the same?
Largely yes, though some locations have added visitor infrastructure and tour signage.
Are guided Game of Thrones tours worth it?
Absolutely. Tours provide behind-the-scenes facts, exact scene references, and exclusive access points.
How long does it take to visit multiple filming locations?
A single-country trip can take 3–7 days, while multi-country tours usually require 10–14 days.
Is it better to visit filming locations independently or with tours?
Independent travel offers flexibility, while tours save time and provide deeper context.
Which filming location is best for first-time visitors?
Dubrovnik is the most accessible and visually recognizable for first-time fans.