Explore Real-Life Game of Thrones Filming Locations You Can Visit

Where was Game of Thrones filmed, you ask? We’ve got the answers. Dave and I have explored many Game of Thrones filming locations worldwide, and we’ve rounded up the must-see GOT sets that you can visit too! Once a travel destination became part of the Game of Thrones scenery, tourists flocked to see it.

These are the top Game of Thrones locations we’ve visited in real life, updated from our original post that only included Ireland.

Where Was Game of Thrones Filmed?

Contrary to popular belief, Game of Thrones was not filmed in New Zealand. That would be Lord of the Rings, but GoT was filmed in incredible destinations around Europe, Africa, and North America. Filming locations spanned three continents and 10 different countries, with the main locations being Northern Ireland, Iceland, Croatia, and Spain.

Producers chose wisely when selecting Game of Thrones scenery around the world. The backdrop of each episode is as important as the plot. If you love adding an element of entertainment to your travels, you must include these Game of Thrones settings on your bucket list.

Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has the most extensive Game of Thrones scenery to explore. The main studio was in Belfast, and several exterior scenes were shot around the country.

When traveling in Ireland, you can pick up a Game of Thrones filming locations map at one of the tourist information offices downtown Belfast and set out on your own, or take one of the many organized tours.

1. Belfast – Titanic Studios

The magic happened in Belfast at Titanic Studios, where the production offices were located and where most of the studio production team was based.

The Titanic Museum is one of the greatest attractions in Northern Ireland, and while you are there, venture a little further down the road to see the sound stages where most in-studio scenes were shot.

2. Dark Hedges – Kings Road

The first Game of Thrones scenery that gained popularity on social media was The Dark Hedges of Northern Ireland.

Although a short scene, it attracted significant buzz among travelers. This was where Arya Stark was placed on a wagon and sent away to escape from Kings Landing in season 2.

Disguised as a boy, it is on this road where she gazes back at the life she is leaving behind, with the beautiful Dark Hedges hovering ominously overhead.

3. Castle Ward – Westeros

Castle Ward offers the most organized tours of all Game of Thrones filming locations, dedicated to helping you enjoy your day in Westeros.

You can even dress in a fur cape and learn to shoot a bow and arrow, just like Bran did when Jon Snow taught him in the courtyard of Season 1. Spend your day exploring the castle grounds to see other iconic filming locations like the Hanging Tree, The Twins, and more.

4. Ballintoy Harbour – Pyke Harbour

Ballintoy Harbour serves as a significant Game of Thrones setting where Theon first arrived home to the Iron Islands and met his sister. The crew transformed this setting into a bustling harbor filled with boats and dock workers.

It’s not only a beautiful location for the series but also a fantastic place to visit in its own right. You can see our tour of the Game of Thrones Northern Ireland locations right here.

5. Mussenden Temple – Dragonstone Castle

Another extraordinary Game of Thrones setting lies high on a cliff overlooking the coast: Dragonstone Castle, where Melisandre, aka The Red Woman, burned the Statues of “The Seven” to compel Stannis to convert to her religion.

Although the castle itself was created using CGI, it remains a stunning location to visit.

6. The Glens of Antrim – Beheading of Deserter

We’re going way back into the vault for this one. At the beginning of season 1, we saw the Glens of Antrim, where Ned Stark beheaded a Night’s Watch deserter in front of his sons. This is the place.

7. Murlough Bay – Theon and Yara Riding

While driving along the Causeway Coastal Route, we took a detour to Murlough Bay to view the Scottish Isles and more of the stunning coast.

This picturesque location was used as the rolling countryside where Theon and his sister Yara rode their horses toward their father’s castle.

8. Marble Arch Caves – The Hound

I love the character The Hound! A pivotal scene occurred with him when he encounters Beric Dondarrion in season three.

Beric and The Hound fought each other in the cave at Marble Arch. The Hound won the battle, but Beric was resurrected, showcasing his abilities that led to shocking revelations.

Game of Thrones Places in Iceland

Iceland was made for movies. Its landscape is out of this world, making it feel like you are visiting a fantasy land while driving around the Ring Road.

We all love Jon Snow and the Knight’s Watch, and the majority of these scenes were filmed in Iceland.

9. Dimmuborgir – Wildling Camp

Located along Highway 1, the Ring Road, you can see where the Wildlings camped north of the dreaded wall.

Driving through the lava fields at Dimmuborgir took our breath away. It was also where Mance Rayder led the Free Folk in the Haunted Forest, where Sam and the Lord Commander were attacked by White Walkers in season 3.

10. Þingvellir Gorge – Wildling’s Homeland

This site is not far from Reykjavik, so even if you only have a limited time in Iceland, you may be able to visit this Game of Thrones set.

Located in southwest Iceland along the Ring Road, Þingvellir is where the White Walkers originated. Do not miss Grjótagjá, the cave where Jon Snow and Ygritte enjoyed a romantic moment.

11. Arrowhead Mountain – White Walker Standoff North of the Wall

This is arguably the most memorable Game of Thrones filming location from season 7. Although depicted as snow-covered and icy in the show, Arrowhead Mountain’s peak is unmistakable.

Recall the scene when Jon Snow and the group were encircled by the Night King and his undead army while trapped on ice? This is the very spot where that climactic standoff occurred, presenting Iceland’s glaciers as the perfect winter backdrop.

12. Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

While staying at a hotel near Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, we learned that the cast and crew resided in our room while filming during the brief shooting periods.

A significant amount happens beyond the wall in season 7 of Game of Thrones, so it only makes sense to shoot at one of Iceland’s premier attractions. Jokulsarlon Glacier is the ideal setting for scenes beyond the wall.

13. Vik

Vik’s potential was underestimated in earlier seasons; however, it gained substantial recognition in seasons 5 to 7. The black beaches and stunning rock formations at Reynisfjara beach are so picturesque that they had to feature it.

The beauty of the film sets in Iceland is that many can be accessed from the Ring Road, the primary highway that encircles the country and connects all the top sites in Iceland.

More Game of Thrones Scenery in Iceland

• Höfðabrekka located near Vík, the southernmost city in Iceland
• The Vatnajökull glacier, Europe’s largest ice cap
• Lake Myvatn, and the lava field near the town of Húsavik
• Þjórsárdalur and the “Settlement Era Viking Lodge”

Where is Game of Thrones Filmed in Spain?

Game of Thrones began filming in Spain starting with season six. The cast and crew traversed various regions throughout the country.

14. Girona – Kings Landing and Braavos

We spent considerable time in Girona, which provides the perfect fantasy setting. Make sure to dedicate a day or two in this town located just 40 minutes from Barcelona. Visit the Girona Cathedral to see the Game of Thrones set for The Great Sept of Baelor.

Wandering through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter of Girona will immerse you in what appears in Game of Thrones as The Free City of Braavos in Essos.

15. Basque Country – Dragonstone Castle

During our time in Pamplona, where we endured the thrill of running with the bulls, we traveled through Basque Country and discovered some Game of Thrones filming locations.

Be sure to visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, just 40 km from Bilbao, to see the magnificent winding staircase featured prominently in scenes of Dragonstone.

16. Seville

Seville is among Spain’s most beautiful cities. Various scenes were filmed at the Roman ruins of Italica and the Seville Stockyards. The Plaza de Torres served as the fighting pit in Meereen, and the Alcázar featured several locations in Dorne.

17. Guadalajara

In Dorne, you’ll find the Tower of Joy at Castillo de Zafra. These scenes depicted flashbacks of a young Ned Stark, revealing pivotal moments in the Game of Thrones plot regarding Jon Snow’s parentage.

Other Game of Thrones locations in Spain include Valencia, Alhamila mountains, and Andalusia

Cordoba: The Long Bridge. Barcelona was the filming location for House of Tarly scenes.

Croatia – Game of Thrones Locations

Croatia hosted significant portions of Daenerys and Kings Landing’s storyline.

18. Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik’s old city has been extensively used for Kings Landing since season two, with recognizable locations throughout. The city walls have served for battles like Blackwater, various tournaments, and market scenes.

19. Sibenik and Split

Wander through the lands of the Unsullied, where Khaleesi plots her revenge. Split is where a significant portion of the dragons and Khaleesi storyline is set, transporting you to the realm of the seven kingdoms.

Croatia is an incredible country to explore, reminiscent of Italy but with fewer crowds and a more affordable budget. However, with Game of Thrones heightened in popularity, I’m uncertain how long that lower budget will last.

Game of Thrones Film Locations in Greece

The cast and crew didn’t exclusively shoot on location in Meteora, but a second unit captured plates of the stunning Meteora Monasteries.

20. Meteora

Meteora, Greece served as the backdrop for the Eyrie castle in the sky, the castle elevated above the clouds where Tyrion was imprisoned.

Meteora was digitally enhanced in the series, as it could not be officially filmed here due to its protected environment. Nevertheless, it offers the most striking Game of Thrones scenery you’ll never forget.

Visiting Meteora is highly recommended, as it’s one of the most epic places we’ve ever been on this earth. Watch our video: The Awe-Inspiring Views of Meteora

Game of Thrones Shooting Locations in Morocco

The Daenerys Targaryen storyline has some of the best filming locations for Game of Thrones. The crew also ventured to Morocco.

21. Ait Benhaddou

The ancient fortified city of Ait Benhaddou represented Yunkai. This UNESCO World Heritage Site provided the ideal backdrop for The Mother of Dragons to thrive.

22. Essaouira

The port city of Essaouira also doubled as Astapor in season 3. Recall the scene beside the sea when Daenerys gathered the Unsullied and offered them a choice to fight for her?

While Morocco was used for filming seasons 1 through 3, the production relocated to Croatia from season 4 onward. However, visiting these early-day filming locations is still appealing.

Game of Thrones was filmed in some of the most exotic locations on earth.

In addition to the locations mentioned above, Game of Thrones has also filmed in Los Angeles, Calgary, Alberta, and Scotland.

Game of Thrones Scotland Locations

Since we first wrote this post, we have explored even more Game of Thrones filming locations and have updated it to include Scotland!

23. Isle of Skye

We hear that the producers of the Game of Thrones prequel scouted the Isle of Skye as a filming location.

After embarking on a road trip through the Scottish Highlands, including the North Coast 500, we appreciate why they’ve chosen to make Scotland a major part of the next chapter.

The Isle of Skye, with its rugged beauty, forms an amazing backdrop for the early Seven Kingdoms.

24. Doune Castle

In season 1, Game of Thrones featured Doune Castle briefly, using it as a part of Winterfell; however, it hasn’t returned since.

It was solely featured in the pilot episode as the exterior for Winterfell, but Doune Castle’s facade forever represents the Stark family’s home, setting the stage for the rest of the series.

Located an hour from Edinburgh, Doune Castle remains one of Scotland’s best-preserved Medieval castles.

Game of Thrones Locations in Canada

As Canadians, we were thrilled to learn that several Game of Thrones scenes were filmed in our homeland, particularly in Alberta.

25. Banff and Calgary

Filmed throughout Banff and Calgary, GOT utilized Canada’s diverse landscapes, including our majestic wolves, with Dire wolves provided by Instinct Animals from Calgary. Read more: The Best Things to do in Banff.

In winter, Banff resembles Winterfell—cold, icy, and stunning. Visit Banff National Park to see it for yourself and follow in Arya Stark’s footsteps as you search for wolves.

United States GOT Places

26. Los Angeles

I remember attending the Royal Winter Fair at Toronto’s CNE as a kid to see Bart the Bear (the star of the film “The Bear“).

His legacy continues in show business with Bart Jr. appearing in numerous Hollywood blockbusters, including Game of Thrones. Remember when Brienne fought a bear to save herself and Jaime in Season 3?

This scene was filmed in Los Angeles, with the bear having its own air-conditioned trailer. Read more: 25 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles – Hollywood, Hikes, And More

Game of Thrones Setting in Malta

Malta was utilized as a Game of Thrones filming location in Season 1, setting the stage for future seasons.

27. Mdina

Primarily used for Kings Landing, the Daenerys storyline, and Pentos, the fortified city of Mdina served as an ideal location with its impressive stone walls and ancient ambiance.

Notable Filming Locations in Malta

1. Fort St. Angela – Dungeons of the Red Keep
2. Rabat’s St. Dominic Monastery
3. Manikata, a town raided by the Dothraki
4. The Island of Gozo, where Daenerys wed Drogo

With many GOT settings to visit, we’ve merely scratched the surface. If you find yourself in one of the mentioned countries, ensure to check out the scenescapes you may recognize from the series.

It’s an exciting way to enrich your travels!