The ancient walls of Dubrovnik, Croatia, have long been a magnet for travelers, but their fame skyrocketed after serving as the primary filming location for King’s Landing in HBO’s Game of Thrones. While the city’s stunning architecture and Adriatic vistas are undeniably photogenic, not all angles and spots deliver the same cinematic magic. For those looking to capture Dubrovnik’s essence without falling into tourist clichés, a deeper understanding of light, perspective, and timing is essential.

Morning light bathes the limestone streets in a soft golden hue, making it the ideal time to explore the Old Town. While crowds flock to the iconic Jesuit Staircase—where Cersei Lannister’s infamous walk of shame was filmed—few venture just beyond it to the quieter alleys near the Church of St. Ignatius. Here, the interplay of shadows and sunlight creates a dramatic contrast, perfect for moody, textured shots. The trick is to avoid the midday sun, which flattens the city’s intricate details and casts harsh shadows.

The city walls, a must-visit for any Game of Thrones fan, offer breathtaking panoramas, but most visitors cluster near the entrance. Instead, walk counterclockwise toward the less crowded Maritime Museum section. From here, the view of Lokrum Island and the open sea frames the terracotta rooftops in a way that feels both grand and intimate. For a unique twist, focus on the weathered stone textures or the iron brackets holding the walls together—these details often go unnoticed but tell a richer story of Dubrovnik’s history.

Lovrijenac Fortress, aka the Red Keep, is another hotspot that suffers from overcrowding. Rather than jostling for space on the main terrace, climb to the upper levels where the light filters through narrow windows, casting striking beams onto the stone floors. Early evenings here are particularly magical, as the setting sun paints the fortress walls in warm tones. If you’re willing to wait, the golden hour transforms the fortress into a scene straight out of Westeros.

Beyond the obvious landmarks, Dubrovnik’s hidden gems lie in its quieter corners. The abandoned Hotel Belvedere, though not a Game of Thrones site, offers a surreal vantage point of the city and the Adriatic. Its crumbling concrete and overgrown vegetation create a post-apocalyptic contrast to the polished Old Town. For a safer but equally unique alternative, the rooftop bar of Hotel Excelsior provides an unobstructed view of the city walls, especially enchanting at dusk when the lights begin to flicker on.

Timing is everything. Cruise ships disgorge thousands of visitors daily, turning the Stradun (main street) into a sea of selfie sticks. To avoid this, plan your photography sessions either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Locals know that the best light occurs just before sunset, when the marble streets glow and the crowds thin. If you’re after that perfect shot of the Pile Gate, patience is key—wait for a lull between tour groups, and you’ll be rewarded with a clean, unobstructed frame.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of elevation. While most stick to ground level, climbing the narrow staircases to the rooftops of lesser-known cafes or the Srd Hill viewpoint reveals a tapestry of rooftops, domes, and the endless blue beyond. The cable car to Srd Hill is popular, but hiking up the trail rewards you with quieter moments and unexpected angles. From here, the city’s symmetry and scale become apparent, offering a fresh perspective on a place often seen through the lens of fantasy.

Dubrovnik’s beauty is no secret, but with a bit of creativity and strategic timing, your photos can transcend the typical postcard shots. Whether you’re a die-hard Game of Thrones fan or simply a lover of stunning landscapes, the key lies in looking beyond the obvious—finding the light, the silence, and the stories hidden in plain sight.