Dubrovnik: Epic Game of Thrones Tour + Lokrum & Saver Option

Dubrovnik makes a remarkably convincing King’s Landing. On this tour, you walk from the West Harbour to the Jesuit Stairs, matching real stone streets and fortress walls with scenes from Game of Thrones. I especially like the mix of filming stories and Dubrovnik history, plus the chance to compare screen images with the places in front of you.

I also like the choice of three routes. The 90-minute Super Saver keeps costs low, while the Signature adds Fort Lovrijenac and the Lokrum option adds Qarth, the Iron Throne, and time to swim or walk. The catch is that the advertised $25 price does not cover the fort or island tickets, and the fort requires about 180 steps.

Key points at a glance

• See the Jesuit Stairs: This is the setting for Cersei’s Walk of Shame, one of the tour’s most recognizable stops.
• Choose your level of spending: The Super Saver has no added entrance fees, while the other options add Fort Lovrijenac and, for Lokrum, the ferry and island admission.
• Meet at the purple balloon: The group gathers outside the Dubrovnik Tourist Board by the Pile bus stop, an easy spot to reach from town, the cruise ports, and local buses.
• Expect strong local guides: Davor, Bogdan, Alex, Ivo, Darko, Doris, and others are praised for mixing show facts, humor, and Croatian history.
• Make Lokrum a half-day add-on: The island is more than a filming stop. You can stay after the guided portion for swimming, walking, lunch, and the official Iron Throne photo.
• Plan for stairs and weather: Lovrijenac involves roughly 180 steps, and strong winds can sometimes prevent the boat from reaching Lokrum.

Why Dubrovnik works so well as King’s Landing

The appeal here is not just a collection of photo stops. Dubrovnik’s old walls, steep lanes, harbor views, and stone stairways already have the hard-edged medieval look the show needed. You get to see how familiar locations were used, then look up and find that the real city is often more dramatic than the television set.

The tour begins at the Dubrovnik Tourist Board beside the Pile bus stop. Look for the guide holding a purple balloon. This is a useful meeting point because city buses from Lapad, Babin Kuk, and Gruž stop at Pile, and taxis or Uber can drop you there.

From the start, expect the guide to move between two stories: the fictional battles and power struggles of King’s Landing, and the real past of Dubrovnik. Guides such as Bogdan, Davor, Alex, and Ivo have been singled out for their humor and their ability to explain both sides without turning the walk into a lecture.

That balance matters. If you have watched every episode, you get production details, cast stories, and scene comparisons. If you have never watched the show, the tour still gives you a useful first look at the old city and its major landmarks. One guide even won over a first-time viewer enough to inspire a complete binge watch afterward.

The 90-minute Super Saver route

The Super Saver is the sensible choice if you want the main filming locations without extra ticket costs. In about an hour and a half, you walk through several central parts of Dubrovnik and hear about Cersei’s Walk of Shame, Blackwater Bay, the King’s Landing riots, the House of the Undying, and the Battle of King’s Landing.

The route includes Dubrovnik’s West Harbour, where the water and fortress walls create one of the city’s best views. On screen, this area helped play Blackwater Bay. In person, it gives you a clear sense of why the producers chose Dubrovnik: the harbor is compact, enclosed, and framed by heavy stone defenses.

You then pass toward Pile Gate, the historic entrance to the old city. This is a practical stop as well as a filming location. It helps you understand how Dubrovnik’s walls controlled access to the city and how the show used the gate, streets, and walls to suggest a much larger capital.

Stradun, the old city’s main street, brings you into the heart of Dubrovnik. The broad stone-paved route is easy to follow, but the surrounding lanes quickly become steep and narrow. Your guide points out how the production used real streets while adding digital effects to expand the city on screen.

The Jesuit Stairs are the big moment for many fans. Their sweeping steps were used for Cersei’s Walk of Shame. The location is easy to recognize from the show, but it is also a striking piece of Dubrovnik architecture even if you are not a fan. Take your time here for photos, but be ready for crowds and polished stone underfoot.

This shorter tour is also the best option if you have a tight cruise schedule or want to leave time for the city walls. It gives you the core experience without asking you to commit to a longer island visit.

Fort Lovrijenac and the Red Keep

The Signature Tour lasts about two hours and adds Fort Lovrijenac, the setting used for the Red Keep. This is the right choice if the fortress itself matters to you, not only the Game of Thrones connection.

The fort sits outside the western edge of the old city, above the sea. From its terraces, you get scenic views back toward Dubrovnik’s walls and across the water. The setting helps explain the show’s visual language: the fortress feels isolated, defensive, and powerful, with the city below it.

Inside, the guide connects the real fort with the Red Keep, plots, battles, and the Purple Wedding. You are not just looking at a backdrop. You are standing in a building that has its own military story, then seeing how television transformed it into the center of royal power.

There is one practical issue. Entry costs €15 unless you hold a valid City Wall ticket or Dubrovnik Pass, in which case the fee is waived. Children under seven also enter free. The tour price does not include this admission, so check what you already plan to visit before choosing the Signature route.

The climb is significant, with about 180 steps. I would not choose this option for anyone with serious back or mobility problems. The general activity information also says it is not suitable for wheelchair users, even though the Super Saver description presents that shorter route as accessible. If accessibility affects your decision, confirm the current route directly before booking.

Lokrum Island, Qarth, and the Iron Throne

The three-hour Lokrum option adds the island reached by a ferry from Dubrovnik’s Old Port. The boat ride takes about 15 minutes, and services run every 30 to 60 minutes. The ferry and island admission cost €30 for adults and €5 for children aged 5 to 17, separate from the tour price. A three-day or seven-day Dubrovnik Pass may reduce that cost.

Lokrum played Qarth, giving the tour a different mood after the stone streets and fortifications of the old city. At the Benedictine Monastery and the Bay of Portoč, the setting becomes quieter and greener, with open views and walking paths replacing the tight lanes of King’s Landing.

The official Iron Throne is the main fan extra. You can sit on it for a photo, something available only on the Lokrum option. It is a small but memorable finish for anyone who has followed the series.

The guided portion ends on the island, and you can stay there afterward. Use the extra time for a swim, a walk, lunch, or a quiet break. The island also has a saltwater lagoon often called the Dead Sea, and peacocks wander freely around the grounds. These details make Lokrum worthwhile even if your interest in the show is limited.

I would not choose Lokrum simply to collect one more filming location. The added cost is substantial compared with the $25 starting price, and the island makes most sense if you want several hours away from the old city. If you are already planning to visit Lokrum independently, the shorter tour may be better value.

Lokrum is available from April through the end of October. Boat service can also be affected by weather. Strong winds have prevented some departures, so keep your plans flexible and do not build a tight connection around the ferry.

What the guides add to the walk

The guide can make or break a location tour, and this experience has a strong record here. Davor is praised for his humor and personal stories, Bogdan for blending history with quizzes and screen comparisons, and Alex for an energetic, friendly approach. Ivo, Darko, Doris, Luca, and other guides are also noted for explaining the show clearly while keeping the group moving.

A useful feature is the use of printed images from the series. The guide can hold up a scene while you stand in the real location, making it easier to spot which walls, steps, or harbor angles appeared on screen. The production used computer effects extensively, so the comparison helps you understand what is real and what was added later.

The tone seems informal rather than academic. Expect jokes, sarcasm, questions, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes about filming. That works well for fans, but the guides also bring in the history of Dubrovnik, Croatia, and the wider Balkan region. You get more from the tour if you ask questions instead of treating it as a simple photo walk.

The guides also share practical local advice. Alex, for example, has offered restaurant suggestions, while other guides have added personal touches such as handmade keychains or small souvenirs. Those details are not guaranteed, but they show the friendly, local character that many people value here.

Price, time, and what you really pay

The advertised starting price is $25 per person, which applies to the 1.5-hour Super Saver route. At that price, you see the central filming sites and receive a licensed guide without paying extra admission fees.

The Signature route adds €15 for Fort Lovrijenac unless you already have a City Wall ticket or Dubrovnik Pass. The Lokrum route adds both the fort fee and the €30 adult island ticket, though pass discounts may apply. The total can therefore be much higher than the headline price.

I see the Super Saver as good value for a short introduction. The Signature option is worthwhile if you want the Red Keep and the fort’s views. The Lokrum option is best understood as a combined city tour and island outing, not simply a longer Game of Thrones walk.

You also need to count the time realistically. The Super Saver lasts about 90 minutes. The Signature takes roughly two hours, with the fort climb. The Lokrum choice takes about three hours for the guided experience, then you can remain on the island as long as the ferry schedule allows.

There is no hotel or cruise-port pickup, and food and drinks are not included. That is not a major drawback in Dubrovnik, where you can find places to eat in or near the old city, but bring water for the walking route, especially in hot weather.

Getting there from town or a cruise ship

The Pile meeting point is easy to reach. City buses 4 and 6 come from Lapad and Babin Kuk, while buses 1A and 1B serve Gruž. Tell a taxi or Uber driver to take you to the Pile bus stop.

If you arrive by cruise ship, larger ships usually dock at Gruž. Shuttle buses, taxis, and buses 1A or 1B take about 15 to 20 minutes to reach Pile. Smaller ships may dock near the Old Port, about a 10-minute walk from the meeting point.

Driving is less convenient. Since 2025, roads around the old city have restricted access to vehicles without special permission. The closest suggested parking is the Best in Parking garage, with the turnoff just before the red traffic light at the start of the restricted zone.

Arrive early enough to find the purple balloon without rushing. The old city can be crowded, and the Pile area is a transport hub.

Who should choose each option?

Choose the Super Saver if you have limited time, want to keep the cost down, or mainly care about the famous central locations. It is also the most practical route for a cruise day, provided your ship schedule allows enough margin.

Choose the Signature Tour if Fort Lovrijenac is a priority. You get the Red Keep, the Purple Wedding location, and fine views from the fortress, but you must be comfortable with the climb and the possible €15 entry fee.

Choose Lokrum if you want the complete package and can spare most of a day. The island’s swimming, paths, monastery, lagoon, and peacocks give the outing value beyond Game of Thrones. Just budget for the ferry and admission, and avoid relying on the boat in poor weather.

Fans who remember the show well will get the most screen-specific fun. Still, you do not need to be a fan to enjoy the route. The old city, fortress views, and island setting carry the experience for themselves.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start, and you can reserve now and pay later. The tours are offered in English and German. Pets are not allowed.

Should you book this Dubrovnik Game of Thrones tour?

Yes, if you want a lively introduction to Dubrovnik with a clear Game of Thrones angle. The strongest reason to book is the guide quality: names such as Davor, Bogdan, Alex, and Ivo are associated with good humor, screen knowledge, and useful local context.

I would book the Super Saver for a first visit on a budget, the Signature for the best balance of filming locations and fortress views, and Lokrum only if you genuinely want time on the island. The main caution is price clarity. Add the fort and ferry fees before comparing options, and plan around the steps, season, and weather.

FAQ

Where does the tour meet?

Meet outside the Dubrovnik Tourist Board at Brsalje 5, next to the Pile bus stop. Look for someone holding a purple balloon.

How long does the tour last?

The choices last about 90 minutes, two hours, or three hours. The Lokrum option includes the ferry trip and guided time on the island.

What Game of Thrones locations are included?

All options include locations connected with Cersei’s Walk of Shame, Blackwater Bay, the King’s Landing riots, the House of the Undying, and the Battle of King’s Landing. The Signature and Lokrum options add the Red Keep and Purple Wedding. Lokrum also adds Qarth and the official Iron Throne.

Is Fort Lovrijenac included in the price?

The Signature and Lokrum options include the visit, but the €15 entrance fee is extra. It is free with a valid City Wall ticket or Dubrovnik Pass, and children under seven enter free.

How much does Lokrum cost?

The Lokrum ticket, including round-trip ferry service and admission, costs €30 for adults and €5 for children aged 5 to 17. Discounts are available with a three-day or seven-day Dubrovnik Pass.

Can I stay on Lokrum after the guided tour?

Yes. After the guided portion, you can remain on the island to swim, walk, have lunch, or relax.

Is the Lokrum option available all year?

No. The Lokrum option is available from April through the end of October.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility limitations?

The fort route includes about 180 steps, and the activity information says the tour is not suitable for people with back problems, mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. The Super Saver is described as accessible, but confirm the current arrangements before booking if accessibility is important to you.