After eight unforgettable seasons, Game of Thrones came to a close in 2019, leaving millions of fans feeling a little lost and not quite ready to say farewell to beloved characters like Arya Stark and Jon Snow.
Fortunately, many of the series’ most iconic locations are real places you can actually visit. From medieval castles and dramatic coastal fortresses to charming historical towns, the backdrops that brought Westeros to life are waiting to be explored.
Step into the footsteps of your favorite characters and watch as the epic story unfolds all around you.
9. Castle of Zafra, Spain
Castle of Zafra
This stunning 12th-century fortress in Guadalajara appeared as the Tower of Joy in Bran Stark’s prophetic vision. In this crucial flashback from Season 6, young Ned Stark battles Ser Arthur Dayne, revealing the true parentage of Jon Snow.
Located about two hours east of Madrid, the Castle of Zafra is somewhat remote. You’ll either need to drive from the nearby village of Hombrados or embark on a scenic but lengthy hike through the countryside.
8. Šibenik, Croatia
Šibenik
While Madrid and Barcelona steal much of the spotlight, Šibenik quietly shined as the perfect stand-in for Braavos during Arya Stark’s journey to become a Faceless Man in Season 5.
Its ancient stone alleyways and the magnificent Cathedral of St. James — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — were transformed into the Iron Bank and other key locations. Walking Šibenik’s narrow lanes feels like stepping into Arya’s world all over again.
7. Essaouira, Morocco
Essaouira
The fortified old town of Essaouira doubled as Astapor, the city where Daenerys Targaryen acquired her army of Unsullied soldiers.
This coastal Moroccan city, with its ancient medina, salty breezes, and timeless stone walls, offered the perfect real-world setting for Daenerys’ growing power. The historic port’s gritty beauty matched the intensity of her journey.
6. Dunluce Castle, Ireland
Dunluce Castle
Perched on Northern Ireland’s rugged cliffs, Dunluce Castle served as the stronghold of House Greyjoy on the Iron Islands.
When Theon Greyjoy returns home from Winterfell, the dramatic ruins of Dunluce provided the haunting backdrop. Although CGI enhanced the castle for the show, the breathtaking landscape alone is worth the visit.
5. Grjótagjá Cave, Iceland
Grjótagjá Cave
One of the most memorable scenes — Jon Snow and Ygritte’s steamy night together — was filmed in Iceland’s Grjótagjá Cave.
Located near Lake Mývatn, this lava cave houses beautiful hot springs, though bathing is no longer permitted. It’s a short hike from Dimmuborgir, and while you can’t recreate the scene exactly, the magic of the setting remains.
4. Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland
Dark Hedges
This eerie, enchanting avenue of beech trees became the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones. Planted in the 18th century by the Stuart family to impress visitors to their Gracehill House, the Dark Hedges offer a tunnel of twisted trunks and arching branches — a place that looks straight out of Westeros even without the special effects.
3. Girona Cathedral, Spain
Girona Cathedral
Spain’s medieval city of Girona served as a major filming location in Season 6.
The stunning Cathedral of Girona provided the grand backdrop for the Great Sept of Baelor, where key moments with Jaime Lannister unfolded. Meanwhile, Arya Stark’s adventures through Braavos were filmed throughout the city’s ancient streets and courtyards.
2. Fort Manoel, Malta
Fort Manoel
Fort Manoel in Malta set the stage for one of the series’ most heartbreaking moments: the execution of Ned Stark.
Standing in for King’s Landing’s Great Sept of Baelor, the 18th-century limestone fort overlooks the Mediterranean and offers a hauntingly beautiful place to remember one of the story’s greatest losses.
1. Old Town Dubrovnik, Croatia
Old Town Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik’s medieval walls and red-roofed buildings became synonymous with King’s Landing starting in Season 2.
From Cersei’s infamous Walk of Shame at St. Ignatius Church to the epic Battle of Blackwater filmed at Fort Lovrijenac, Dubrovnik is a must-visit for any Game of Thrones fan. Guided tours bring the city’s layered history — both real and fictional — vividly to life.