Dubrovnik & Northern Croatia
Game of Thrones filmed the Kingslanding scenes in Dubrovnik's old town (mostly seasons 2–8). The city's marble streets, …
Best Time: April–May or September–October (warm, fewer tourists, fewer cruise ships)
Daily Budget: $40–70 (accommodation $25–40, food $10–18, ferries $5–10)
Getting There: Fly to Dubrovnik or Split, ferry to islands from Dubrovnik or Split
Visa: Schengen visa (if required); Croatia Schengen member (2023)
Currency: Kuna → transitioning to Euro; most places accept both
Language: Croatian; English increasingly understood
Points & loyalty
Alliances: Star Alliance
Points: Chase UR, Amex
Hotels: Marriott, Hilton
Why Go
Game of Thrones filmed the Kingslanding scenes in Dubrovnik's old town (mostly seasons 2–8). The city's marble streets, cream-colored walls, and gothic architecture looked timeless on screen because they are timeless — the old town was built in the medieval period and carefully preserved after the 1990s war.
Dubrovnik itself gets crushed by cruise ship tourism (avoid summer if possible). But the surrounding Dalmatian coast — the islands like Hvar, Korčula, and Lopud — offer the same architecture and landscape without the crowds. Further north, the Istrian peninsula (Rovinj, Motovun) has truffle markets, medieval hilltop towns, and the quietest coast in the region.
Go to Dubrovnik if you want to say you did, but spend your actual time in island villages where daily life hasn't been replaced by tourist spectacle. A day in Dubrovnik, then 4–5 days in the islands and Istria, is ideal.
Top Experiences
Dubrovnik city walls walk: Ramparts encircle the old town (2km circuit). $30 entry. 1–2 hours. Sunset is golden. Go early (7–8 AM) or late (6–7 PM) to avoid crowds.
Island hopping (Hvar, Korčula, Lopud): Take ferries between islands. Each has small towns, beaches, and restaurants. $10–20 per ferry. Day trips or overnight stays. Hvar gets rowdy with nightlife; Korčula and Lopud are quieter.
Rovinj (Istrian coast): Venetian-influenced hilltop town with colorful buildings overlooking the sea. 2 hours from Dubrovnik by car. Walk the old town, swim off the rocks. Free to walk, free to swim.
Motovun (Istria): Hilltop medieval town with views across vineyards and forests. 15-minute walk to the top. Free. Truffle market in season (June–November).
Where to Stay
Budget:: Island guesthouses and small hotels. $25–35/night on quieter islands (Lopud, Korčula). Higher in Hvar ($40–60).
Mid-Range:: Boutique hotels on islands or Rovinj. $50–80/night.
Splurge:: Luxury villa or resort. $120–200/night.
What to Eat
Black risotto (crni rizot): Risotto made with squid ink. Umami-forward and distinctive. $12–18.
Fresh fish: Grilled whole fish, a Dalmatian staple. $14–24 depending on type and size.
Brudet: Fish stew with tomato and white wine. Traditionally made with mixed fish. $12–18.
Truffles: Istrian white truffles in season (September–December). Used on pasta, risotto. $15–30 per dish, $50+ per gram raw.
Burek: Flaky pastry with meat or cheese filling. Breakfast or street food. $2–4.
Plan & budget
Getting there
Fly to Dubrovnik or Split, ferry to islands from Dubrovnik or Split
Daily budget
$40–70 (accommodation $25–40, food $10–18, ferries $5–10)
Best time
April–May or September–October (warm, fewer tourists, fewer cruise ships)
Insider Tip
Take an evening ferry to Hvar and stay overnight to escape cruise ship crowds (they leave at sunset). Korčula is quieter and doesn't sacrifice quality. Rovinj and the Istrian coast are genuinely less touristy and worth the drive north. Ferries are reliable but book ahead in summer. Restaurants in Dubrovnik old town are tourist traps; eat on islands or in Rovinj instead. The Game of Thrones locations (city walls, various narrow streets) are visually similar to the show, but the show was edited and lit differently — expectations matter.
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