Dubrovnik: Game of Thrones Tour & Optional Lokrum Island

Dubrovnik’s medieval streets do a convincing double turn as King’s Landing, and this tour shows you where the show’s scenes took shape. You’ll climb to Fort Lovrijenac, look across the bay used for Blackwater Bay, and finish the Old Town walk at the Jesuit Steps, home of the famous Walk of Shame.

I like the mix of filming locations and real city history, which gives the walk value even if you are not a devoted fan. I also like the option to continue to Lokrum Island, where Qarth was filmed and the official HBO Iron Throne offers a memorable photo stop.

The main consideration is extra cost: the $28 starting price does not cover Fort Lovrijenac’s €15 entrance fee, and the Lokrum ferry is included only with selected options. The island can also turn a short guided walk into a much longer outing.

• Blackwater Bay begins at Pile Bay: See the harbor and shoreline that helped Dubrovnik play a part in the Battle of Blackwater.
• Fort Lovrijenac adds the big view: The fortress is a filming stop and a striking vantage point over the Old Town and Adriatic.
• The Walk of Shame ends at the Jesuit Steps: This is the tour’s most recognizable scene-recreation stop.
• The guide connects fiction with the city: Expect filming stories alongside details about Dubrovnik’s earthquake, architecture and landmarks.
• Lokrum is optional, not a quick add-on: The ferry takes about 10 minutes, but you may want to stay for swimming, walking and a meal.
• Budget for the extras: Fort entry costs €15 unless covered by a valid Dubrovnik Pass, and ferry tickets depend on the option you book.

Start at Pile Bay and climb to Fort Lovrijenac

Meet at the entrance to Nautika Restaurant, at Brsalje ul. 3. The walk begins near Pile Bay, a stretch of coast that fans will recognize as Blackwater Bay. It is a smart first stop: the setting gives you an immediate sense of how Dubrovnik’s real walls and harbor became part of the show’s visual world.

From there, the route climbs to Fort Lovrijenac, a medieval defensive structure perched above the water. The fortress is one of the tour’s most rewarding stops even if you have never watched an episode. Its position offers broad views over the Old Town and the Adriatic, and it helps explain why Dubrovnik’s topography worked so well on screen.

There is a practical catch: entry to the fort is not included in the base price. The stated fee is €15, or free with a valid Dubrovnik Pass. If you already plan to visit other paid sights, check whether the pass makes sense for your trip. One traveler also noted that a Dubrovnik Walls Pass can cover entry to the fort, so confirm the current terms before buying.

The climb and the city’s many steps call for comfortable shoes. This tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and some of the Old Town’s pebble streets can be narrow or slippery.

Follow the filming trail through the Old Town

After the fort, the walk continues toward Pile Gate and into Dubrovnik’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. This is where the tour earns its keep for people who want more than a checklist of screen locations. Your guide connects the production details to the city itself, including the damage caused by the 1667 earthquake and the Renaissance architecture you see along the way.

The route passes Large Onofrio’s Fountain, then follows Stradun, the Old Town’s main street. You’ll also pass Orlando’s Column, the Church of St. Blaise, Rector’s Palace and the Cathedral. These are sightseeing stops rather than long interior visits, so expect to take in the exteriors and hear context as you walk, not to spend time exploring each building inside.

The show gives the guide a useful way to draw you into the city’s layout. A good explanation of where a scene was filmed can help you notice how a street, staircase or harbor looks from a particular angle. Guides such as Katarina, Petra and Indira have been praised for combining those production details with local history, humor and questions that keep the group involved. Some have also shared first-hand connections to filming, including work as an extra or links to people involved in the production.

The walk’s pace and group size can vary. Some tours have been small and conversational, while others may be larger. If you prefer a chance to ask questions and take photos without feeling rushed, a smaller group is a plus, but it is not something you can count on unless the booking details say so.

Revisit the Walk of Shame at the Jesuit Steps

The Jesuit Steps are the route’s most theatrical moment. You’ll stop here for the scene associated with Cersei’s Walk of Shame, with time to look around and take photos. Fans get the clear visual connection they came for; everyone else gets a handsome staircase and a memorable corner of the Old Town.

This is also a good point to notice the difference between the show’s version of King’s Landing and the real city beneath it. Dubrovnik is not a film set built for visitors. It is a living historic center, and the tour works best when you treat the screen references as a way into its streets rather than the whole story.

From the steps, the route heads toward the Old Port. The harbor makes a natural transition from the close-packed lanes of the Old Town to the optional island trip. If you choose the walking tour only, this is where the experience wraps up before returning to Brsalje ul. 3.

Decide if Lokrum deserves the extra time

Lokrum is the optional extension, reached by a ferry ride of about 10 minutes from the Old Town Port. The island served as a filming location for Qarth, and the tour includes a visit when you choose the relevant option. You can walk through gardens, explore the nature reserve, enjoy sea views, swim, or stop for food at the island’s café facilities.

The official HBO Iron Throne is a major draw for fans and a good photo opportunity. The throne is on Lokrum, but access can be affected by circumstances: the tour information notes that if bad weather or other incidents stop the ferry, the outing ends in the Old Town, where a replica is available for photos. One visitor also found the throne unavailable on a holiday, so it is wise not to make the photo your only reason for choosing the island option.

Do not mistake the ferry ride for the full Lokrum experience. The guided tour lasts about two to three hours, but the island can easily take up much more of your day if you stay to walk, swim and relax. A visitor who went on to the fort there found the path long and steep in places, so wear proper shoes if you plan to explore beyond the immediate landing area.

Ferry costs need a close look before booking. The ferry is included with selected options, while the activity details also list a €30 ferry ticket as not included when it is not part of your selection. Check the exact package and what it covers rather than assuming the island visit is bundled into the $28 starting price. Ferry queues can be long, so booking the boat ticket ahead or buying it in person before the departure rush may save time.

What the price buys, and what it does not

At $28 per person, the base tour is a reasonable way to see several major Old Town sights with a guide who can connect the locations to the show. You are paying for a licensed local guide, a guided Old Town walk and behind-the-scenes stories, not entry to every attraction. The fort fee is the clearest extra expense, and Lokrum adds another cost unless you select a package that includes the ferry.

I find the value strongest if you care about the show but also want help making sense of Dubrovnik’s architecture and history. A self-guided walk can take you to the same streets, but it will not give you the same production anecdotes, scene comparisons or local perspective. On the other hand, if you already know the city well and are only after a quick photo, the guided walk may cover more ground and history than you need.

The tour’s 4.9 rating across 676 reviews reflects a consistent strength: guides are the heart of the experience. Names that come up often include Katarina, also called Kat, along with Petra, Indira, Dubravka and Ivan. The praise centers on their clear explanations, warmth, humor and ability to make the tour interactive. One useful detail from the feedback: some guides bring images of scenes to compare with the places in front of you. If that visual aid matters to you, you can ask whether your guide uses one.

Plan for sun, steps and a flexible finish

Dubrovnik’s stone streets and exposed viewpoints make sun protection worth carrying. Bring comfortable clothes, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, along with cash for expenses that are not covered. The cobbled and pebble surfaces can be slippery, so shoes with a steady sole are more useful than dress shoes or flimsy sandals.

The Old Town can also feel crowded and hot, especially when cruise ships are in port. An early start may help, though available start times depend on the date. One visitor who took the tour in September wished it began earlier to avoid the heat and crowds, while still recommending the experience. Check the current start times and choose the coolest practical slot for your plans.

If you select Lokrum, bring what you need for a longer stop, particularly if swimming or walking is on your list. The island is not just a photo backdrop; it offers enough to occupy several hours. If you have limited time in Dubrovnik, the Old Town-only tour is the simpler choice. If you have room in your day, the island adds a change of pace after the city lanes.

The tour is offered in English and Croatian. It has free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are helpful if your plans are still shifting, but the key decision remains whether you want the island and its extra time and expense.

Should you book this Dubrovnik tour?

Book it if you want a guided introduction to Dubrovnik that pairs Game of Thrones locations with real city history. The route gives you Blackwater Bay, Fort Lovrijenac, Stradun and the Jesuit Steps, while a strong guide can make the filming stories feel specific rather than scripted. Fans will get the most from the scene references, but the history and views give the walk appeal beyond the show.

Choose the Lokrum option if you want a half-day or longer outing and like the idea of combining the Iron Throne photo with gardens, sea views and time by the water. Skip it if your schedule is tight, the ferry is not included in your selected package, or you would rather spend the day inside Dubrovnik’s walls. Either way, budget for Fort Lovrijenac and wear shoes made for steps and stone.

FAQ

How long does the tour take?

The guided experience is listed as two to three hours. Choosing Lokrum adds the ferry ride and time on the island, which can extend the outing by several hours if you stay to walk, swim or eat.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the entrance of Nautika Restaurant at Brsalje ul. 3. The tour finishes at Brsalje ul. 3.

Is Fort Lovrijenac included in the price?

No. Entry costs €15, or is free with a valid Dubrovnik Pass. The tour price covers the guide and guided Old Town walk, not the fort ticket.

Is the Lokrum ferry included?

Only with selected options. The activity details list ferry tickets as an extra when they are not included in the option you choose, so check your package before booking.

What happens if the ferry cannot run?

If bad weather or another incident stops the ferry, the tour ends in the Old Town. You can still take a photo with an Iron Throne replica there.

Can I visit Lokrum without choosing the island option?

The Lokrum visit is optional and scheduled at the end of the tour. Choose the option that includes it if you want the guided island visit and ferry tickets.

What should I bring?

Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen and cash. Comfortable footwear is especially useful on the Old Town’s narrow, sometimes slippery streets.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments, and the route includes steps and uneven streets.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide speaks English or Croatian.