“Game of Thrones” is a popular fantasy television series known for its epic storytelling and stunning visuals. The show was filmed in various locations around the world, creating immersive settings for the fictional Seven Kingdoms. Here are some notable filming locations from “Game of Thrones” you can still visit.
Castle Ward in County Down, Northern Ireland
Castle Ward in County Down is the real-life location of Winterfell. This beautiful 18th-century mansion in Northern Ireland is worth touring even without its impressive GOT film history.
Wander the mansion hallways and take in the distinct types of architecture of the building. Learn about its history, and explore the famous historic gardens on the sweeping property.
It’s no wonder this magical and beautiful castle was chosen for the fantasy series. Fun fact: some episodes of Game of Thrones used Doune Castle in Scotland as the initial location for Winterfell Castle.
Keep in Mind:
- Entrance Fees: The entry fee for Castle Ward is 10 Euros per adult and 5 Euros per child.
- Operating Hours: The gardens are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the mansion is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Things to Bring: Pack water, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes.
Ballintoy Harbour, Northern Ireland
Ballintoy Harbor is one of the filming locations for the Game of the Thrones that you can explore today. The seaside cliffs at Ballintoy Harbor are inspirational and brimming with sea critters.
Ballintoy Harbour in Northern Ireland was used in the HBO TV series to depict the Iron Islands.
The rough cliffs and ocean spray make the perfect setting for the home of the Ironborn. These scenic seaside landscapes also make for an idyllic place to picnic, play on the rocks, and discover interesting sea creatures.
Keep in Mind:
- Entrance Fees: Ballintoy Harbour is open to the public and free to visit.
- Operating Hours: Ballintoy Harbour is open 24 hours.
- Things to Bring: Prep your bag with a rain jacket, water, sunscreen, and comfortable (waterproof) walking shoes.
Fort Manoel, Malta
The directors of Game of Thrones used Fort Manoel in Malta to depict a sad scene in King’s Landing. It is here that Ned Stark gets executed, setting things in motion for the rest of the series.
Another Game of Thrones filming location in Malta is in the city of Mdina. In the first season, we see the Mdina Gate as part of King’s Landing.
Keep in Mind:
- Entrance Fees: Fort Manoel and Mdina Gate are free to visit. There is a fee, however, if you want to enter sites like the St. Paul’s Cathedral or Museum.
- Operating Hours: Fort Manoel is open between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Mdina Gate is open to visitors anytime.
- Things to Bring: Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes.
Tollymore Forest Park, Northern Ireland
Tollymore Forest Park in Northern Ireland is one of the incredible Game of Thrones filming locations that you can visit on your next travel adventure. It was in these very trees that the Stark children found their dire wolves in season one.
This magical forest is Northern Ireland’s first state park and a calming place to walk around in nature. While you’re not likely to leave with a pet wolf, you will leave with great photos in the same places your favorite GOT actors once stood.
Keep in Mind:
- Entrance Fees: The fee to enter Tollymore Forest Park is 5 Euros per car.
- Operating Hours: Tollymore Forest Park is open from 10 a.m. to sunset every day of the year.
- Things to Bring: Bring water, a rain jacket, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes.
Bardenas Reales Natural Park, Spain
Bardenas Reales Natural Park in Spain is one of the filming locations for the Game of Thrones TV series. The scenic landscapes were used to create the plains of the Dothraki Sea.
The natural landscape is breathtaking to behold, so be sure to have your camera on hand to snap photos in the same places Daenerys and her followers once rode through.
Keep in Mind:
- Entrance Fees: Most of the Bardenas Reales Natural Park is open to the public and free to visit. There is a sectioned-off area used for military purposes that tourists are not permitted to visit.
- Operating Hours: Bardenas Reales Natural Park is open from 8 a.m. to one hour before sunset every day of the year.
- Things to Bring: Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes.
Itzurun Beach, Spain
Itzurun Beach in the village of Zumaia, Spain, is the filming location for Dragonstone Beach. Itzurun Beach is the place where the dramatic ending of season seven took place.
Walk in the same spots that Daenerys Targaryen did when she returned to her ancestral home to reclaim the throne of Westeros. Then, lay down and lounge in the Spanish sunshine, and take in the epic views.
Keep in Mind:
- Entrance Fees: Itzurun Beach is open to the public and free to visit.
- Operating Hours: This GOT filming location is open 24 hours.
- Things to Bring: Pack water, a hat, sunscreen, a bathing suit, and comfortable walking shoes.
Grjótagjá, Iceland
Grjótagjá may be hard to pronounce, but this spot in Iceland stands out for the steamy scene between Jon Snow and Ygritte.
Grjótagjá is a geothermal spring inside of a cave and worth taking a dip in, even before Kit Harington and Rose Leslie made it noteworthy.
Keep in Mind:
- Entrance Fees: Grjótagjá is open to the public and free to visit.
- Operating Hours: This GOT filming location is open 24 hours.
- Things to Bring: Make sure to bring along a bathing suit, a towel, dry clothes, water, and comfortable walking shoes.
Lokrum, Croatia
Lokrum is an island on the Adriatic Sea just off the coast of Dubrovnik, Croatia. Lokrum is one of the notable Game of Thrones filming locations. The filming crew transformed the turquoise waters and monastery on Lokrum into Quarth.
It is here where Daenerys meets the city’s elite and promises her army freedom. The beautiful island is accessible by ferry from Dubrovnik. Give yourself a day to explore the island and take in the GOT filming locations.
Keep in Mind:
- Entrance Fees: Lokrum is open to the public. Ferries operate to and from Dubrovnik and Lokrum regularly for approximately 13.50 USD.
- Operating Hours: This GOT filming location is open 24 hours.
- Things to Bring: Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes.
The Cushendun Caves, Northern Ireland
The Cushendun Caves in Northern Ireland are recognizable as the place where Lady Melisandre gives birth to the frightening shadow creature in season two. It is one of the GOT filming locations that are fun to explore and breathtaking to behold in person.
The caves are over 400-million years old, and the weather-worn rocks make the surroundings feel magical. Luckily, you won’t find the Red Lady during your explorations.
Keep in Mind:
- Entrance Fees: The Cushendun Caves are open to the public and free to explore.
- Operating Hours: The GOT filming location is open 24 hours.
- Things to Bring: Pack your day bag with water, sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, and comfortable shoes with a good grip.
Essaouira, Morocco
Essaouira is a gorgeous port city on the shores of the Atlantic Coast. The Moroccan town is one of the GOT filming locations that depicts Slaver’s Bay in Astapor.
After exploring the spots that the GOT filming crew frequented, head to the pristine beaches. The water here is perfect for trying out surfing. Or, pretend you’re riding a dragon by parasailing over the same spots Daenerys did in the show.
Keep in Mind:
- Entrance Fees: Essaouira is a city that is free to explore. Be sure to budget for food and souvenirs.
- Operating Hours: Essaouira is open to exploring 24 hours.
- Things to Bring: Bring along water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes with a good grip.
Šibenik, Croatia
Sibenik is a town in Croatia that is one of the GOT filming locations worth visiting. Sibenik is a city on the Adriatic coast. The architecture and historic buildings make this eastern European destination ideal for representing the Free City of Braavos in season five.
The St James Cathedral is a UNESCO world heritage site, so be sure to bring your camera for enviable photos of fantastical sites and real ones.
Keep in Mind:
- Entrance Fees: Sibenik is free to explore. Be sure to have some money for food and souvenirs as you explore.
- Operating Hours: Sibenik is open to travelers anytime.
- Things to Bring: Pack water, a rain jacket, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes with a good grip.
Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain
The Royal Alcázar of Seville is a palace in Seville, Spain, and one of the dreamy Game of Thrones filming locations. The Royal Alcázar is featured in the Game of Thrones series as the Water Palace of Dorne.
The beautiful building dates back to the 14th century and has housed royalty in real-life and the House Martell of Sunspear on the screen. As you wander through the lush gardens, you’ll feel like you’re royalty too.
Keep in Mind:
- Entrance Fees: A general entrance ticket at the Royal Alcázar of Seville is 12.5 Euros per visitor.
- Operating Hours: The Royal Alcázar of Seville is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day of the week.
- Things to Bring: Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes.
Osuna Bullring, Spain
The Osuna Bullring, or Plaza de Toros de Osuna, is recognizable as the Great Pit of Daznak in Slaver’s Bay. The Osuna Bullring was featured in epic scenes of season five of Game of Thrones.
The Osuna Bullring was built in 1904 to move bullfights out of Spain’s city squares. Nowadays, the historic landmark houses a museum that showcases the history and culture of bullfighting.
Keep in Mind:
- Entrance Fees: A visit to see the inside of the Osuna Bullring and the museum is approximately two Euros per person.
- Operating Hours: The Osuna Bullring is only open on weekends. Visit on Friday between 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Things to Bring: Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes.
Castillo Almodovar del Rio, Spain
Castillo Almodovar del Rio is a historic castle in Cordoba, Spain. It’s no surprise that this picturesque location was used as one of the GOT filming locations.
Castillo Almodovar del Rio dates back to the year 740 and is the setting of Highgarden in season seven of the famous HBO series. Explore this historic fortress and take in the views as you follow in the footsteps of your favorite Game of Thrones characters.
Keep in Mind:
- Entrance Fees: The entrance fee for Castillo Almodovar del Rio is 7 Euros per visitor.
- Operating Hours: Castillo Almodovar del Rio is open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on weekends from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Things to Bring: Pack water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is another of the idyllic Game of Thrones filming locations with history, scenic views, and unique artwork. Dubrovnik was used for several filming locations in the HBO series Game of Thrones.
This Croatian town was the setting for Key’s Landing starting in season two.
Minceta Fortress, or Minceta Tower, in Dubrovnik is another location that filming crews for GOT frequented. Minceta Fortress has stunning panoramic views of the entire city sea and was used in the TV series “The House of the Undying.“
Keep in Mind:
- Entrance Fees: Dubrovnik and Minceta Fortress are free to explore. Be sure to have some money for food and souvenirs as you wander around this unique European town.
- Operating Hours: Minceta Fortress is open every day from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Things to Bring: Bring water, a rain jacket, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes.
Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
Thingvellir National Park, or Þingvellir National Park, is the site of several GOT filming locations depicting scenes from the other side of The Wall.
The winter wonderland is a sight to behold in real life. The cold, snowy tundras and glaciers surrounding you will transport you to the land of the White Walkers. Thankfully, you won’t be battling any during your visit.
Keep in Mind:
- Entrance Fees: Thingvellir National Park is approximately 10 USD per adult and free for children under 17.
- Operating Hours: Thingvellir National Park is open anytime.
- Things to Bring: Prep your bag with warm clothes, water, and hiking boots.
Trsteno Arboretum, Croatia
Trsteno Arboretum is another one of the GOT filming locations in beautiful Croatia. The gorgeous arboretum is the oldest one in the world, making it the perfect setting for the palace gardens of King’s Landing.
Trsteno Arboretum was featured in seasons two and three of Game of Thrones and has since been nicknamed by locals as the Tyrell Garden.
Wander through the lush and vibrant gardens in this serene place. The garden oasis has rightfully been brought to travelers’ attention by the makers of the show.
Keep in Mind:
- Entrance Fees: Trsteno Arboretum is approximately 7 USD per adult and 3 USD for children.
- Operating Hours: Trsteno Arboretum is open every day of the week between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- Things to Bring: Make sure to bring along water, sunscreen, bug spray, and comfy walking shoes.
Gaztelugatxe, Spain
Gaztelugatxe is a scenic islet off the coast of Spain that is one of the many breathtaking Game of Thrones filming locations. This seaside destination is the home of House Targaryen on Dragonstone.
Gaztelugatxe is a rocky island with steps leading towards scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The climb up is worth it to feel like a royal reclaiming your home and also for the photos.
Keep in Mind:
- Entrance Fees: Gaztelugatxe is free to visit. Keep in mind that during the high season, there are a maximum number of visitors per day. You’ll need an admission ticket to enter, which can be reserved in advance.
- Operating Hours: Gaztelugatxe is open any time.
- Things to Bring: Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and comfortable shoes with good ankle support.
Fortress Klis, Croatia
Fortress Klis is another one of the GOT filming locations worthy of adding to your travel bucket list. This medieval fortress on the cliffside looks like it is straight out of a storybook and is the perfect setting for the city of Meereen in season four.
Keep in Mind:
- Entrance Fees: Fortress Klis is approximately 9 USD per adult and 2 USD for children.
- Operating Hours: Fortress Klis is open every day between 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.
- Things to Bring: Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and comfortable walking shoes.
Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco
Ait Ben Haddou in Morocco was used to depict Yunkai in the Game of Thrones TV series. Yunkai is one of the cities in Essos that Daenerys visits during her time in Slaver’s Bay.
UNESCO named this historic city a world heritage site, so it comes as no surprise that Game of Thrones found it worthy of their fantasy realm.
Keep in Mind:
- Entrance Fees: Ait Ben Haddou is free to visit.
- Operating Hours: Ait Ben Haddou is open any time.
- Things to Bring: Bring water, a hat, sunscreen, and comfy walking shoes.
Conclusion
With so many places represented fantastically in Game of Thrones, it’s hard to pick just one place to name as the best! But sword to our throats, we think the best Game of Thrones filming location is Northern Ireland.
So many scenes were filmed and inspired by the landscapes of Northern Ireland. Paint Hall Studios, where many scenes were filmed indoors, is also in Northern Ireland.
Ready to start a great adventure to the best Game of Thrones filming locations? Use these top destinations as inspiration for a fantastic adventure!
