game of thrones tours

10 Game of Thrones Locations and Tours for Fervent Fans

Explore iconic Game of Thrones locations with Game of Thrones tours and immerse yourself in the epic world of Westeros — dragons, drama, and all!

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If you’re anything like me, you’ve been dreaming of wandering through Westeros since the first time you heard “Winter is Coming.” Well, folks, it’s time to put down that wine glass and pack your bags.

10 Game of Thrones Locations and Tours

Whether you’re on Team Stark or Team Targaryen, or you just want to see where all the magic and mayhem happened, this guide to Game of Thrones locations and tours will have you walking in the footsteps of your favorite characters.

Just try not to get stabbed by a random assassin or accidentally sit on a poisoned chair. Let’s dive in, shall we?

#1. Dubrovnik, Croatia: The Red Keep

Welcome to Dubrovnik, the shimmering jewel of the Adriatic Sea, where treachery is served with a side of medieval charm. From Season 2 onward, this city’s walls and streets became King’s Landing, the backdrop for Joffrey’s tantrums and Cersei’s Walk of Atonement — shame, shame, indeed!

Here’s where Tywin Lannister ruled with an iron fist, and Tyrion Lannister had more witty one-liners than you can shake a Valyrian steel sword at. As Tyrion might quip, “If I had a gold coin for every backstab filmed here, I’d be richer than the Lannisters and have better wine.”

Don’t miss the Jesuit Staircase, Fort Lovrijenac, and Rector’s Palace — perfect spots to plot your own power grab. If you’re lucky, you can stand on the same streets where the Red Wedding plans were made (spoiler alert: it’s not a wedding you want to attend).

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dubrovnik game of thrones locations

#2. Northern Ireland: Winterfell Meets the Kingsroad

Northern Ireland is where the North remembers — and where tourists perfect their brooding game.

Castle Ward proudly moonlights as Winterfell, the Starks’ drafty-but-iconic home, where the kids sharpened swords, exchanged soulful stares, and snuggled their emotional support direwolves. Let’s be honest, nothing says “home sweet home” like a wolf the size of a pony.

For the bold (or slightly unhinged), the Cushendun Caves offer supernatural drama as the birthplace of Melisandre’s infamous “shadow baby.” Explaining that particular scene to your travel companions? Just call it performance art and move on.

Not far away, the Dark Hedges transforms into the Kingsroad, a hauntingly beautiful tunnel of twisted trees that feels like it was designed by someone who moonlights as a horror movie set designer.

This is where Arya Stark, master of disguises (well, sort of), made her daring escape as Westeros’s least convincing boy. With its eerie vibe, it’s the perfect place to imagine a White Walker — or, worse, Joffrey — lurking in the shadows.

As Arya once declared, A girl is Arya Stark of Winterfell, and I’m going home.” So channel your inner Stark, grab your friends, and take a stroll. Bonus points if you manage to look dramatic without tripping over a root.

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game of thrones locations in ireland

#3. Alnwick Castle, England: Winterfell

Alnwick Castle in Northumberland is where the Stark family got their Game of Thrones debut — before everything went downhill, of course.

This is where we saw Bran getting lessons in archery (and, uh, falling off a tower shortly after) and where the Stark kids probably learned how to broodingly stare out into the distance.

The vast grounds and imposing walls of Alnwick Castle scream Winterfell — without the whole “being constantly under threat of death” part. Imagine running through the courtyards, channeling your inner Jon Snow while trying to avoid falling into any suspicious-looking pit of doom.

Alnwick also gave us the scenes where the Stark kids practiced their swordplay and had serious bonding moments, all while ignoring the fact that they were about to face betrayal, dragons, and zombies.

It’s a reminder of Ned Stark’s wise words: “When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives.” If you visit, just don’t expect a direwolf to jump out at you — but hey, a few squirrels could probably stand in.

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game of thrones locations winterfell

#4. Gaztelugatxe, Spain: Dragonstone

Gaztelugatxe, perched dramatically on Spain’s coastline, is where Daenerys Targaryen strutted into Game of Thrones Season 7 like she owned the place — which, let’s be honest, she basically did.

Picture a staircase with so many steps it feels like a medieval gym session, all leading to the top where you can channel your inner queen and declare, I am Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen! Bonus points if you bring along a cape to really sell the moment.

Daenerys didn’t let a few hundred exhausting steps stand in her way, and neither should you. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and the smug satisfaction of conquering the climb.

Just don’t expect any dragons — unless you count the local lizards giving you side-eye as they bask in the sun.

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game of thrones locations in europe

#5. Iceland: Beyond the Wall

If frostbite, White Walkers, and a pinch of existential dread are your idea of a good time, then Iceland is calling your name.

This frosty paradise Beyond the Wall was Jon Snow’s stomping ground for heroic escapades, clueless brooding, and that steamy cave scene with Ygritte — the one where she delivered the classic burn: “You know nothing, Jon Snow.” (Poor guy can’t catch a break.)

Explore Vatnajökull Glacier, Þingvellir National Park, and Kirkjufell Mountain, but tread lightly—staring into the icy abyss might inspire your own Night’s Watch recruitment pitch. “You there! Fancy freezing your face off for the good of Westeros?”

Iceland is also where Jon realized the world is bigger, colder, and a whole lot scarier than he imagined. “The North is a land of ice and fire,” he mused. Well, Jon, that sounds like Iceland nailed the brief. Who knew geography could be so poetic?

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iceland game of thrones locations

#6. Alcázar of Seville, Spain: Dorne

The Alcázar of Seville morphed into the Water Gardens of Dorne, easily the most relaxed spot in Westeros — until Ellaria Sand decided tranquility wasn’t her thing.

The serene pools, intricate tiles, and shady gardens made the perfect backdrop for Prince Doran’s peaceful musings and Oberyn Martell’s… let’s call them lively threats. It’s where Dornish diplomacy met its end and vengeance kicked in wearing fabulous robes.

As you wander the lush grounds, channel Oberyn’s iconic words: “The Lannisters aren’t the only ones who pay their debts.” But here, your only debts will be paid in over-the-top Instagram captions and photos worthy of House Martell’s elegance.

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spain game of thrones locations

#7. Split, Croatia: Mereen’s Dragonpit

Split’s Diocletian’s Palace transformed into Meereen’s underground dragon hangout, where Daenerys Targaryen perfected her blend of fiery speeches and dragon mom vibes.

Whether she was liberating cities with fiery determination, debating Tyrion’s ever-questionable advice, or dramatically parking her dragons like a total boss, the Breaker of Chains mastered the art of keeping things intense.

Her reign was nothing short of legendary, reminding everyone that power is best wielded with purpose — and a touch of flair. Feel the weight of history as you channel her spirit and strike your fiercest dragon-riding pose because commanding respect never goes out of style.

Take a stroll through the gladiator pits where epic battles and unforgettable moments unfolded, and immerse yourself in the grandeur of Daenerys Targaryen’s world.

Just remember: while dragons sadly aren’t included, a sassy attitude and unapologetic confidence are highly recommended to complete the look. Valar Morghulis.

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split game of thrones locations

#8. Mdina, Malta: King’s Landing

Before Dubrovnik became the official stand-in for King’s Landing, Malta’s Mdina had the honor in Season 1.

The city’s ancient streets and imposing Mdina Gate played host to Ned Stark’s first steps into the political minefield of Westeros. This picturesque location set the stage for his arrival in King’s Landing, and it’s easy to imagine him muttering to himself, “What have I gotten into?”

While wandering through Mdina, it’s hard not to feel the weight of the intrigue and danger that would soon unfold. You can almost hear Littlefinger whisper, “Chaos is a ladder,” as you navigate the same labyrinthine streets that once served as the backdrop for the Lannister-Stark power struggle.

It’s a place where beauty hides danger and one wrong move could lead to disaster. Just be careful — chaos may not be as subtle as it seems!

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malta game of thrones locations

#9. Aït Benhaddou, Morocco: Yunkai & Astapor

Aït Benhaddou, the Moroccan desert fortress, served as the iconic Yunkai and Astapor, where Daenerys Targaryen made one of her most memorable declarations: “I am not your savior. I am your queen.”

Let’s face it, when Dany speaks, you listen — especially when she’s commanding armies of Unsullied. The golden-hued, rugged architecture feels like it’s ripped straight from a fantasy novel, and for good reason — it practically is!

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aït Benhaddou is a picturesque blend of history and cinematic magic. The atmosphere here is so stunning that, if dragons were real, they’d definitely stop by for a photoshoot.

So, while we can’t promise you’ll leave with a dragon, you can definitely expect a royal experience worthy of a queen’s conquest.

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morocco game of thrones locations

#10. Castillo de Zafra, Spain: The Tower of Joy

The Tower of Joy in Spain is where one of the most jaw-dropping revelations in Game of Thrones history went down. In Season 6, Jon Snow’s true parentage is uncovered, and it all starts here.

The Castillo de Zafra, a 12th-century castle in the municipality of Campillo de Dueñas, Guadalajara, Spain, holds considerable strategic importance as a virtually impregnable defensive structure.

Perched on a sandstone outcrop at an altitude of 1,400 meters, its commanding position made it a formidable stronghold throughout its history.

While its imposing exterior evokes the grandeur of its past, visits to the castle’s exterior require prior permission from its private owners, preserving its mystique and historical significance.

If you’re into secrets, swords, and the occasional tragic death, this is your ultimate destination. The epic clash between Ned Stark and the Kingsguard at the Tower is a moment you’ll want to replay in your mind (or maybe with a time machine if you’ve got one lying around).

If you’re a fan of brooding, misunderstood heroes like Jon Snow, you’ll appreciate the gravity of this place. And as Jon would remind us, “The North remembers,” so make sure you do, too!

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castillo de zafra game of thrones
Image by Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

So there you have it! These iconic Game of Thrones locations are waiting for you to visit, whether you’re following in the footsteps of Jon Snow or sipping wine with Tyrion Lannister (if only).

Just remember, travel like a Lannister — always with a plan, some gold, and maybe a little bit of cunning.


 

Priya Florence Shah

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