Jesuit Staircase

The Jesuit Staircase in Dubrovnik was built in 1738 and leads to St. Ignatius Church. It was inspired by Rome’s Spanish Steps & made famous by Game of Thrones.

The Jesuit Staircase in Dubrovnik is a grand Baroque staircase built in 1738, connecting Gundulić Square to the Jesuit Church of St. Ignatius and the Collegium. Designed by Roman architect Pietro Passalacqua, it was inspired by the Spanish Steps in Rome and adds a theatrical flair to the city's historic core. The staircase leads visitors up to one of Dubrovnik’s most beautiful Baroque complexes, offering both historical charm and sweeping views of the stone streets below.

The elegant, symmetrical structure is not only a stunning example of 18th-century urban planning but also a popular filming location. It was most famously featured in Game of Thrones during the "Walk of Shame" scene that took place in season five of the hugely popular HBO series based on the novels by George R.R. Martin. In this scene, Cersei Lannister is forced to walk naked through the streets of King's Landing as penance for her sins, and the Jesuit Staircase serves as the starting point for this dramatic moment.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik Cathedral
Dubrovnik Cathedral is a beautiful Baroque-style cathedral that was rebuilt after the 1667 earthquake on a site of worship that dates back to the 7th century.
Dubrovnik City Walls
The imposing defensive walls of Dubrovnik are one of the city's most striking features and were crucial in protecting the city-state of Ragusa for centuries.
Rector's Palace
The Rector's Palace is a historic building in the Old Town of Dubrovnik that served as the seat of power and administration for the Republic of Ragusa.
Orlando Column
A 600-year-old column carved in honour of the legendary knight Orlando, who saved Dubrovnik from a siege by Arab pirates in the 8th century.
City Bell Tower
The City Bell Tower is an important landmark in Dubrovnik's Old Town with a quirky detail: the bell is rung by being struck by two statues of men with hammers.
Gundulic Square
Gundulic Square is a lively Old Town market in Dubrovnik, known for its poet statue, daily produce stalls, and charming noon pigeon-feeding tradition.

Related Tours

Game of Thrones Filming Locations: Private Walking Tour of Dubrovnik

With its stunning coastal setting, dramatic city walls and enthralling medieval streets, Dubrovnik certainly makes for a fitting backdrop for a fantasy series. The producers of the smash hit HBO show Game of Thrones took full advantage of Dubrovnik’s almost otherworldly beauty to bring some of the most iconic moments of the series to life, with the city representing King’s Landing, the capital of George R.R. Martin’s mythical world of Westeros where much of the saga's pivotal encounters, battles and intrigue unfolds. Our immersive private tour will cover the key filming locations used on the show, revealing a wealth of intriguing details along the way.

On this private walking tour, you will:

  • Discover the sites used on Game of Thrones in Dubrovnik’s Old Town;
  • Enjoy the undivided attention of a local expert guide well-versed in the lore of the series;
  • Begin at the imposing Pile Gate, which served as the gateway to King’s Landing throughout the show’s 8 seasons;
  • Get an introduction to the history of the city and the reasons behind its selection as a filming location;
  • Hear behind-the-scenes stories about how HBO transformed Dubrovnik into King's Landing;
  • Admire Pile Bay, which doubled as Blackwater Bay and was used for crucial scenes like Myrcella’s departure for Dorne and the battle of Blackwater;
  • See the famous city walls and take in stunning views of the Old Town and the Adriatic Sea;
  • Visit Fort Lovrijenac (with tickets included), which was transformed into the Red Keep;
  • Admire the stunning views of the Old Town, the city walls and the Adriatic Sea; 
  • See the Jesuit Staircase and trace the infamous path of Cersei's Walk of Shame;
  • Wander the streets of the Old Town and seek out the alleys where Arya Stark darted through Braavos;
  • See important buildings like Sponza Palace and the Rector's Palace and find out how they were used as stand-ins for scenes in Qarth and beyond;
  • Enjoy the chance to pose for a photo on the Iron Throne replica

Uncover the real-life King’s Landing on this private 2-hour walking tour through Dubrovnik’s Old Town, tailored for fans of Game of Thrones who want to follow in the footsteps of their favourite characters while discovering the true stories and cinematic secrets behind HBO’s epic production. Your journey begins at Pile Gate, a grand and historic entrance to Dubrovnik’s Old Town that served as the primary gateway into King’s Landing throughout the series. As you cross into the city, your expert local guide, with a wealth of knowledge of both Croatian history and Game of Thrones lore, will set the scene, revealing how and why this UNESCO-protected city was chosen as the capital of Westeros.

You’ll gaze down at Pile Bay below, better known to fans as Blackwater Bay, where your guide can remind you of the pivotal on-screen moments that unfolded there, including Myrcella Baratheon’s departure for Dorne, the explosive Battle of Blackwater, and the dramatic return of the Lannisters to King’s Landing. You’ll be captivated by the stunning scenery, jagged cliffs, ancient stone, and the shimmer of the Adriatic as well as the behind-the-scenes insights, from CGI trickery to secret filming schedules and local extras cast as townspeople.

You’ll continue along a stretch of the spectacular city walls, where sweeping views mirror the dramatic aerial shots of King's Landing. With each step, your guide will share anecdotes about how Dubrovnik’s fortifications were digitally extended and transformed to mimic the vivid landscapes depicted in George R.R. Martin's novels. From there, you’ll pay a visit to the formidable Fort Lovrijenac, towering above the sea. This fortress was the stand-in for the Red Keep, the seat of House Baratheon and later the Lannisters. As you wander the same battlements where Cersei and Littlefinger plotted, or Joffrey faced off with Robb Stark’s emissaries, your guide will share set secrets and production challenges and point out precisely where scenes were blocked and shot.

You will then make your way into the heart of the Old Town, following the cobbled streets to the baroque Jesuit Staircase, where Queen Cersei began her infamous Walk of Shame. Your guide will explain how this emotionally charged scene was choreographed, such as the use of body doubles, and local controversies surrounding its filming. Winding through the atmospheric lanes, you’ll recognise narrow alleys once filled with Braavosi market vendors that were stealthily navigated by Arya Stark in season 5. Along the way, you will see historic landmarks like Sponza Palace and the Rector’s Palace that were cleverly repurposed in the show as noble residences and exotic palaces in Qarth. After a stroll through the Old Port, with Lokrum Island in the distance (which was used for another corner of Qarth), your experience concludes with a photo opportunity where you can snap a picture while sitting on a full-scale replica of the Iron Throne.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or merely intrigued by the crossover of history and fantasy, this tour delivers a thrilling mix of drama, insider knowledge, and spectacular sights. In just two hours, you'll see how Dubrovnik was transformed into a fantasy world, and leave feeling like you’ve just passed through one.

DISCLAIMER: This tour is an unlicensed and unauthorised tour of sites featured in the television series 'Game of Thrones' created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss for Home Box Office, Inc. Travel Curious Ltd. and this tour does not have any association with or connection to, the television series 'Game of Thrones', David Benioff, D. B. Weiss and Home Box Office, Inc.

Welcome to Dubrovnik: Private 2-hour Introductory Walking tour

Known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s most beautiful and historic cities. Its spectacular coastal setting, combined with its well-preserved medieval Old Town, never fails to captivate visitors. Embarking on a private tour led by a local expert guide is a wonderful way to get a crash course in Dubrovnik’s history and culture, navigating the cobbled streets with ease and getting a feel for what makes the city special.

On your 2-hour private walking tour, you will:

  • Explore Dubrovnik’s charming Old Town with a local expert guide;
  • See a carefully curated selection of the most important sites;
  • Find out about the city’s evolution from its founding in the 7th Century to the present day;
  • Begin at Pile Gate, a key entry point into the city since the 15th Century;
  • Pass by the Franciscan Monastery, where one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe lies hidden within its walls;
  • Stroll down Stradun, the Old Town’s iconic main street;
  • Discover Luža Square, Dubrovnik’s most important gathering place;
  • Admire the elegant Sponza Palace, and learn about its different uses across the centuries;
  • Check out the striking City Bell Tower and find out about the distinctive “Green Men” who strike the bell with their hammers;
  • Stop outside the Rector’s Palace to enjoy its architecture and uncover its pivotal role in the Republic of Ragusa, a powerful maritime state that once rivalled Venice in trade and diplomacy;
  • Soak in the Baroque splendour of Dubrovnik Cathedral;
  • Immerse yourself in the bustling Gundulićeva poljana open-air market, a vibrant corner of the Old Town selling fresh, local produce and artisanal products.

Delve into the stories of Dubrovnik’s Old Town on a private walking tour designed for curious travellers eager to uncover the city's rich past and vibrant present. Your journey begins at the imposing Pile Gate, the historic western entrance that has welcomed visitors into the walled city since the 15th century. From there, you’ll step onto centuries-old limestone streets and immediately feel the atmosphere of a place where time seems to stand still.

Your guide will lead you to Onofrio's Fountain, a masterpiece of medieval engineering that once supplied the entire city with fresh water, before pausing outside the serene Franciscan Monastery. Here, nestled behind cloistered arcades, lies one of Europe’s oldest still-functioning pharmacies, dating back to 1317. As you continue along the gorgeous, gleaming stretch of Stradun, Dubrovnik’s most famous street, your guide will regale you with stories of merchants, nobles, and commoners who once crossed the same polished stones.

Once you make your way through Luža Square, the symbolic heart of the city, you’ll be surrounded by a cluster of architectural gems. You will admire the stately Sponza Palace and learn how this elegant building transitioned over the centuries from a customs house to a mint, and now, a city archive. You’ll take a moment to gaze up at the nearby City Bell Tower, where the beloved bronze “Green Men” still strike the bell each hour as they have for hundreds of years. Outside the Rector’s Palace, you'll hear about the powerful leaders who ruled the Republic of Ragusa, a thriving and independent maritime state located in present-day Dubrovnik that once rivalled Venice in influence and wealth. A short walk away, you can take in the grandeur of Dubrovnik Cathedral, where your guide can reveal its turbulent history and point out some of the intriguing Baroque details in the facade.

Your tour will conclude amid the lively and colourful Gundulić Square Market, where locals shop for seasonal fruits, herbs, olive oil, and lavender. It’s the perfect place to soak in the daily rhythm of Dubrovnik life, pick up some unique souvenirs, ask your guide for tailored recommendations, and plan how to spend the rest of your stay, whether it’s walking the mighty city walls, exploring hidden coves, or sampling seafood at a tucked-away konoba.

This rich introduction to Dubrovnik is ideal for first-time visitors looking to make the most of their time while gaining a deeper appreciation for one of Europe’s most enchanting coastal cities.

Dubrovnik at Twilight: Private Evening Walking Tour

As the sun begins to set and the day-trippers and cruise ship crowds depart, Dubrovnik truly feels like a different city in the evening. It is the perfect time to wander the marble streets of the Old Town, and on our private twilight walking tour, your knowledgeable local guide will take you on a journey of discovery around some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and lesser-known corners, regaling you with tales of Dubrovnik's past and present before taking you to a charming local bar to enrich your experience with Croatian wine.

On your private 2-hour walking tour, you will:

  • Spend the evening getting acquainted with the Pearl of the Adriatic;
  • Take a leisurely stroll around the city at twilight accompanied by an expert guide;
  • See iconic landmarks including Stradun ( the Old Town’s majestic main street), Dubrovnik Cathedral and the Old Port;
  • Get the lowdown on the events and people that have shaped Dubrovnik’s history;
  • Pass by the Jesuit staircase that famously appeared on Game of Thrones, and hear about how the Spanish steps in Rome inspired it;
  • Admire the Rector’s Palace all lit up and uncover its pivotal role in the Republic of Ragusa, a powerful maritime state that once rivalled Venice in trade and diplomacy;
  • Find out about Dubrovnik’s nightlife and restaurant scene and see how locals spend their evenings;
  • Make your way to a local bar to enjoy some Croatian wines and charcuterie;
  • Learn all about Croatia’s wonderfully diverse wine culture and get plenty of insider recommendations for varieties to try and dishes to pair them with.

Your enchanted evening will begin at our conveniently located meeting point in the heart of Dubrovnik’s historic centre. You'll see how the D’Onofrio’s Fountain sparkles as the water reflects the city lights, before embarking on a leisurely twilight stroll through the UNESCO-protected Old Town, where centuries of Mediterranean history can be uncovered in every corner. Walking alongside your expert local guide, you'll wander down the elegant Stradun, the city's marble-paved main promenade and take the atmospheric Gundulić Square, which transitions from a lively morning market to a more peaceful patchwork of restaurant terraces in the evening. You’ll also see the dramatic Jesuit Stairs, immortalised in Game of Thrones as the route of Cersei's infamous Walk of Shame, and discover how they were designed by an Italian architect inspired by the Spanish Steps in Rome. 

Continuing through the cobblestoned streets, your guide brings the Renaissance elegance of the Rector's Palace to life, sharing tales of Dubrovnik's remarkable history as the independent Republic of Ragusa. You'll admire the baroque grandeur of Dubrovnik Cathedral, and see St. Blaise Church, dedicated to the city's beloved patron saint. The charming Old Port reveals itself as boats bob gently in the harbour, and you'll spot the serene cloisters of the Franciscan Monastery, home to one of Europe's oldest working pharmacies. Along the way, you’ll discover how Italian traders, Mediterranean spice routes, and centuries of maritime prosperity shaped both the architecture around you and the flavours that define this captivating coastal city.

The last portion of your tour will take place in an intimate local bar, where you'll sample 2 exceptional wines and learn about Croatian winemaking traditions that go back thousands of years. Before bidding you good night, your guide can share insider recommendations for the city's best konobas (traditional taverns), hidden seafood spots, and which local specialities you absolutely must try during your stay. By the time you step back out into the starlit streets of the Old Town, you'll have gotten a feel for Dubrovnik at its most authentic, and plenty of ideas for what to see next.

Flavours of Dubrovnik: Private Old Town Sweet Food Tour

Dubrovnik’s food culture is deeply rooted in local traditions, where time-honoured recipes and regional ingredients have been passed down through generations. Tucked within the Old Town’s limestone streets, there are a myriad of small pastry shops and inviting cafés that offer a glimpse into the city’s sweeter side, featuring beloved desserts and confections that reflect Dubrovnik’s distinct identity and everyday local life. Taking a private walking tour is a wonderful way to discover the city's history and culinary heritage in the company of a knowledgeable local guide, while sampling authentic treats along the way.

On your private 2-hour walking food tour, you will:

  • Discover Dubrovnik’s culinary traditions and cultural heritage within the UNESCO-listed Old Town;
  • Take a relaxed stroll through the historic centre accompanied by a private local guide;
  • See iconic landmarks including Stradun, Dubrovnik Cathedral, the Rector's Palace and St. Blaise Church;
  • Learn how Mediterranean, Italian and Dalmatian influences shaped Dubrovnik’s food culture;
  • Enjoy a selection of traditional sweet tastings, including Rozata and Carob cake;
  • Sample local delicacies such as sugared almonds and candied orange peel;
  • Pause for a refreshing ice cream during your walk;
  • Enjoy a traditional coffee along with water or juice at a local café;
  • Receive insider recommendations for the best cafés, pastry shops and local eateries to explore during your stay.

Your private experience begins at the Large Onofrio’s Fountain, located at the entrance to the elegant Stradun, Dubrovnik’s marble-paved main street. Beneath the shade of orange trees and surrounded by centuries of history, you will meet your local guide and set off to explore the Pearl of the Adriatic at a leisurely pace. As you stroll along Stradun, the Old Town's elegant main avenue, your guide will introduce you to Dubrovnik’s fascinating past, from its time as the independent Republic of Ragusa to its role as an important Mediterranean trading hub.

Continuing through the atmospheric streets of the Old Town, you’ll pass through the lively Gundulić Square, home to a charming daily market, before making your way to the iconic Jesuit Stairs, famously featured in Game of Thrones as the setting for the dramatic Walk of Shame. Along the route, you'll admire the elegant Rector’s Palace, once the seat of Dubrovnik’s government, and learn how the city’s prosperity influenced both its architecture and culinary traditions.

Your walk continues past Dubrovnik Cathedral and into the picturesque Old Port, where boats gently sway against the historic harbour walls. Along the way, you’ll also visit the main square and the beautiful St. Blaise Church, dedicated to the city’s beloved patron saint. A stop at the Franciscan Monastery offers a glimpse into Dubrovnik’s long-standing traditions, including one of Europe’s oldest working pharmacies. At the same time, nearby cafés provide the perfect opportunity to pause and savour local flavours.

Throughout the experience, you’ll enjoy a carefully curated selection of Dubrovnik’s traditional sweets and delicacies. While the exact tastings and order of things may vary with the season, you'll typically have the chance to taste the creamy, delicate Rozata, a classic Dubrovnik dessert, and sample carob cake, a local speciality deeply rooted in Dalmatian heritage. Along the way, we might indulge in Croatian candied orange peel, sugared almonds, and a refreshing ice cream, complemented by a traditional coffee and a refreshing drink at a local café.

As you wander between historic landmarks and hidden corners, your guide will share insider tips on the best cafés, pastry shops, and traditional taverns (known as konobas) to visit during your stay. By the end of your experience, you’ll have discovered not only Dubrovnik’s most iconic sights, but also the sweet traditions and flavours that make this Adriatic gem truly irresistible.

Taste Dubrovnik: Private Old Town Walk & Wine Experience

Discover Dubrovnik's long-established wine culture through a private tasting experience set within the historic UNESCO-listed Old Town. This private wine-focused experience combines a leisurely introduction to Dubrovnik’s historic landmarks with a curated wine tasting led by a local guide who is a trained sommelier, leaving you with a deeper appreciation of Croatian history, wines and regional flavours.

On your private 2-hour experience, you will:

  • Discover Dubrovnik’s Old Town and get a delectable introduction to Dalmatian wines;
  • Get a relaxed orientation to the city in the company of an expert guide who is also a licensed sommelier;
  • Stroll along Stradun, the city’s historic main street and pass through Gundulić Square, where a lively market offers fresh local produce every morning;
  • See the iconic Jesuit Stairs that made a memorable appearance in Game of Thrones, and walk by the historic Rector's Palace, once the political centre of the former Republic of Ragusa;
  • Get the lowdown on the Italian and Mediterranean influences that have shaped Dubrovnik’s history and culinary culture;
  • Step inside an acclaimed local wine bar for a guided wine tasting;
  • Sample four spectacular Croatian wines and learn the main varieties from the Dalmatia region, from the exquisite whites made from Pošip grapes to the rich Plavac Mali reds;
  • Accompany each glass with carefully chosen food pairings, including artisanal cheese and charcuterie.


Your experience begins at Onofrio's Fountain, a grand design at the entrance to the Old Town, which makes an ideal departure point for a relaxed introduction to Dubrovnik’s historic centre. As you walk along Stradun, your guide will offer a brief overview of the city’s rich past, passing elegant squares, historic landmarks, and iconic filming locations, including the Jesuit Stairs, which were famously featured in Game of Thrones.

You’ll continue past Dubrovnik Cathedral, the Old Port, and St. Blaise Church, discovering the exquisite architecture and cultural heritage that make Dubrovnik one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating cities. This short walking portion is designed to give you a feel for the Pearl of the Adriatic’s personality before sitting down to enjoy what is sure to be a highlight of your experience: a curated Croatian wine tasting.

You’ll make your way to a carefully selected local wine bar, where your certified sommelier guide will talk you through a tasting of top-notch wines, with a strong focus on regional varieties and traditions. During the tasting, each glass will be thoughtfully paired with local specialities, perhaps a perfectly-aged prosciutto, a selection of artisanal cheeses paired, rich roasted peppers with a sweet rosé, or some fresh seafood to accompany a crisp Dalmatian white. Alternative pairings can be arranged depending on dietary preferences or what’s in season, ensuring an intimate, personalised experience.

Throughout the tasting, your sommelier will share insights into Croatia’s wine regions, production techniques, and flavour profiles, making for an ideal introduction to Dubrovnik’s wine culture, combining local flavours, expert insights, and the timeless charm of one of the Adriatic’s most beautiful cities.

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