Walk in the footsteps of kings—and past the clichés.

Yes, Game of Thrones filmed in Croatia. But no, you don’t need to carry a plastic sword or follow a tour guide in costume to appreciate its magic. For the cultured traveller, the real joy lies in peeling back the screen to discover the living, breathing heritage beneath the fantasy. These aren’t just filming locations—they’re timeless, tangible places with stories that long outdate dragons.

Dubrovnik: The Real King’s Landing

Dubrovnik’s Old Town didn’t need CGI to become a star. Its marble lanes, honey-hued ramparts, and stately domes have captivated empires, poets, and now filmmakers. As King’s Landing, it was the capital of a fictional realm. In truth, it has been a republic of power, elegance, and fierce independence for centuries. Walk the city walls at golden hour, where the Adriatic glimmers below and the rooftops blush in fading sun. But don’t stop at the familiar. Explore the Rector’s Palace, a Renaissance marvel that once governed the city’s fate. Step into the stillness of Franciscan cloisters or attend a classical concert beneath centuries-old vaults. Dubrovnik is no set—it’s a stage of its own, with culture as its script.

Lokrum: The Island of Myths

Just a 15-minute boat ride from Dubrovnik lies Lokrum, a lush, car-free island where nature and history intertwine. In the series, it was Qarth—a city of splendor and secrets. In reality, it has been home to Benedictine monks, Habsburg royalty, and legends of curses that still intrigue locals. Wander through its botanical gardens, discover the crumbling remains of a 12th-century monastery, and climb to Fort Royal for sweeping views over the coast. Swim in its Dead Sea-like saltwater lake, surrounded by cypress and pine. While fans may flock here for a selfie on the Iron Throne replica, the real reward is the serenity that settles in once the last boat leaves.

Split: Thrones Meets Empire

Few places blur the lines between past and present like Split. At its heart lies Diocletian’s Palace—a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the catacombs of Meereen. But this is no museum. Here, life pulses through ancient stone. Boutique shops tuck into Roman arches, cafes spill into courtyards where emperors once strolled, and cellars beneath the palace lead you into an atmospheric maze of tunnels. Don’t just retrace Daenerys’ steps—discover how centuries of rule, rebellion, and reinvention have shaped this coastal city. Visit the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, once Diocletian’s mausoleum, now a place of worship that encapsulates Split’s layered spirit.

Klis Fortress: A View Worth the Ascent

Towering above Split, Klis Fortress is a place of windswept beauty and battle-worn stone. It stood in for Meereen’s commanding skyline, but its real past is no less epic. For over 2,000 years, it guarded the gateway between the coast and the interior, withstanding sieges by Romans, Ottomans, and medieval kings. Hike up its timeworn steps, and you’ll be rewarded not only with cinematic panoramas of Split and the Adriatic, but with a profound sense of history. On quiet mornings, the only sounds are the rustle of olive trees and the cry of a kestrel circling the cliffs—far from fantasy, and richer for it.