Game of Thrones takes place in a universe with far less electricity and far more white walkers than our own. But don't kid yourself. Everything you see in Game of Thrones, from the skyline of King's Landing to the rolling plains of the Dothraki Sea, can be found right here on Earth.
With filming taking place in seven countries, it's no surprise that Game of Thrones is one of the most expensive shows of all time. In any given season, some cast members will be getting tan in Morocco, and others, soaking up the cold rain in Northern Ireland. Note to all aspiring actors: If you're auditioning as a Game of Thrones extra, it's better to be an assassin in Dorne (Spain) than a Watcher on the Wall (Northern Ireland).
If you're a diehard Game of Thrones fan, here are the destinations you should put on your bucket list. Just like Scotland is full of Outlander -themed tours, Dubrovnik, Croatia caters to Game of Thrones fans. You'll be among your people.
On Earth: The Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland
Originally planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century, these beech trees functioned as one long drum-roll up to the Stuart's stately Georgian mansion. Now, Dark Hedges is one of the most photographed attractions in Northern Ireland — and home to a spectre called the Grey Lady.
Unfortunately, only 90 of the 150 trees of Dark Hedges remain following a powerful storm in February 2017.
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On Game of Thrones: The King's Road
At the start of Season 2, Arya escapes King's Landing and travels North with the intention of finding her brother, Jon Snow. Her journey along the King's Road was filmed in the Dark Hedges.
Courtesy of HBO
On Earth: The Azure window in Malta
Following a powerful storm in March 2017, this iconic fixture of the Maltese landscape succumbed to erosion. The natural limestone arch collapsed back into the sea after thousands of years.
It's estimated that over 80% of tourists to Malta visited the Azure window.
Courtesy of Getty Images
On Game of Thrones: Daenerys and Khal Drogo's nuptial ceremony
Malta's tourism association said regretfully, "Only millions of photographs remain as testimony of this touristic spot."
Well, millions of photographs — and Game of Thrones. The arch was used in a backdrop during the show's very first episode, when Daenerys and her new husband, Khal Drogo, received wedding gifts and watched duels.
Courtesy of HBO
On Earth: Minceta Tower in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Anywhere you go in Dubrovnik, you'll be able to see the Minceta Tower, the tallest of four fortresses in the Dubrovnik City Walls. Built in 1319, the tower served as an important stronghold for the city.
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On Game of Thrones: The House of the Undying in Qarth
Remember the moment when Daenerys walks around the circumference of the House of the Undying, shouting for her missing dragons, in Season 1? At that moment, Emilia Clarke was actually circumnavigating the highest point in Dubrovnik: Minceta Tower.
Courtesy of HBO
On Earth: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Minceta Tower isn't the only part of Dubrovnik to air in Game of Thrones. Essentially all of King's Landing is filmed in the Old Town of this Croatian city by the Adriatic Sea.
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On Game of Thrones: King's Landing
Dubrovnik is the backdrop to all of the King's Landing scenes. Some highlights include Cersei Lanniser's walk of shame, which takes place on the Baroque stairs of the Jesuit Staircase. Every bustling market scene is filmed at St. Dominic Street. And the gateway to the Red Keep entrance is actually the east entrance to Old Town.
Courtesy of HBO
On Earth: The Castle of Zafra, Guadalajara, Spain
Venture deep enough into the desert, and you're bound to find something interesting, right? If you're in Guadalajara, Spain, you'll come across an imposing structure which sits atop a sandstone outcrop. This castle was built in the 12th and 13th centuries, and is the only building for miles.
Courtesy of Getty Images
On Game of Thrones: The Tower of Joy
The Tower of Joy holds the secret to Jon Snow's lineage. It's here that a young Ned Stark finds his sister, Lyanna Stark, giving birth to Rhaegar Targaryen's child. After Lyanna dies, Ned Stark brings the boy home and raises him as his own.
Courtesy of HBO
On Earth: Mussenden Temple and Downhill Strand in Northern Ireland
Mussenden Temple is a small circular building perched at the end of the world. Okay, it's actually just on a cliff overlooking a seven-mile stretch of beach – but it's quite a dramatic view.
Courtesy of Getty ImagesOn Game of Thrones: Dragonstone Island
As a follower of the Lord of Light, red priestess Melisandre opposes all other religions. In Season 2, Melisandre burns statues of the deities of the Faith of the Seven — the main religion of Westeros — on a beach. This dramatic scene takes place in Downhill Strand, Northern Ireland.
On Earth: Trsteno Arboretum, Croatia
The oldest arboretum in that corner of the world, Tresteno is home to two trees that are over 500 years old.
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On Game of Thrones: The Gardens of the Red Keep in King's Landing
The Gardens of the Red Keep were Lady Olenna's domain in Seasons 3 and 4 of Game of Thrones. With the Arboretum as a backdrop, Lady Olenna Tyrell and Varys plotted to overthrow Joffrey and went on walks with a still-quivering Sansa Stark.
Courtesy of HBO
On Earth: The Roman bridge of Córdoba, Spain
At the centre of New York is Times Square, an homage to crowds and capitalism. And at the centre of Córdoba, Spain is a Roman bridge built in early 1st century BCE. Take your pick.
Courtesy of Getty Images
On Game of Thrones: The Long Bridge of Volantis
Spanning the mouth of the Royne River, the massive Long Bridge is practically a city unto itself. It's covered by multi-level buildings, including taverns, marketplaces, and inns. On the other side of the bridge, the river spills into the Summer Sea.
In Season 5, Tyrion Lannister and Varys meander through the Long Bridge.
Courtesy of HBO
On Earth: Ouarzazate, Morocco
Nicknamed the door of the desert, Ouarzazate is small Southern Moroccan village bordering the Sahara. Its rust-coloured skyline has served as the backdrop for films like The Mummy(1999), Gladiator(2000), and Lawrence of Arabia(1962).
Courtesy of Getty Images
On Game of Thrones: Yunkai
In Season 3 of Game of Thrones, Daenerys liberates the enslaved people of Slaver's Bay. Scenes that took place in Yunkai were filmed in Ouarzazate, and scenes in Astapor, another town in Slaver's Bay, were filmed in Essaouira, Morocco.
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