Fifteen years after the premiere, GoT filming locations still drive tourism — but Dubrovnik has become a case study in overtourism, Iceland has survived better than anyone predicted, and Cáceres is about to explode with House of the Dragon S3. An honest guide for 2026 travelers.
Fifteen years after the premiere, GoT filming locations still drive tourism — but Dubrovnik has become a case study in overtourism, Iceland has survived better than anyone predicted, and Cáceres is about to explode with House of the Dragon S3. An honest guide for 2026 travelers.
Dubrovnik instituted a €5-10 daily fee for cruise day-trippers in 2025, capped cruise ships at 2 per day (down from 8), and banned wheeled luggage on the old town's stone streets. Even so, in July the city receives 4x its local population.
Split is the obvious alternative. Diocletian's Palace served as Meereen (S4-S6), has better tourist infrastructure, and costs 30-40% less for hotels and restaurants.
Seville remains the best value: Real Alcázar (Water Gardens of Dorne) and Plaza de España (Dorne in S5) absorb visits without becoming hell. Buy Alcázar tickets 30 days in advance — they sell out fast but the bottleneck is planning, not capacity.
Iceland (Beyond the Wall) is Dubrovnik's opposite: the landscape self-regulates. Vatnajökull (S2 and S7), Þingvellir (S4), and Mýrdalsjökull (S2) remain accessible, but only with a 4x4 and gas at US$ 2.40/liter.
Northern Ireland is underrated. Dark Hedges (Kingsroad), Carrick-a-Rede, and Tollymore Forest have moderate tourist flow and the Iron Islands Studio Tour at Linen Mill is a complete experience.
Fifteen years after the premiere, GoT filming locations still drive tourism — but Dubrovnik has become a case study in overtourism, Iceland has survived better than anyone predicted, and Cáceres is about to explode with House of the Dragon S3. An honest guide for 2026 travelers.
