A First-Timer’s Guide to Croatia

Originally published in The Points Guy.

Ask any Games of Thrones fan about the show’s real-life locales, and they will likely mention Dubrovnik, Croatia, which is the stand-in for the bloody capital of Westeros, King’s Landing. But there’s more to Croatia than just passing references to the Lannisters.

Here’s what first-timers should know about Croatia.

Yes, Cersei Lives Here

Dubrovnik’s Old City is defined by its massive stone walls and ports. Originally built in the 10th century, the Old City walls survived earthquakes and wars to become a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can walk along the tops of the city walls alone or on guided tours.

Those fortress walls guard a jewel box of a city, filled with exceptionally preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings, palaces and plazas.  Some of those public spaces, such as the Jesuit Stairs in front of Gundulić Square, are instantly recognizable to fans of the HBO series. (The Jesuit Stairs are where Lena Headey’s Cersei faced an unruly crowd to start her penance.)

Nestled in those plazas are a range of restaurants, bars and shops. Late into the night, people sit outside with drinks or amble from bar to bar.  With the exception of chilly and rainy January, locals say the weather is temperate nearly year-round.

Full article on The Points Guy.