Content Warning: This article contains references/discussions to slavery.
The unforgiving world of Game of Thrones is home to some pretty unbelievable locations. Westeros and Essos are breathtaking fantasy worlds, created with such intricacy that they almost seem real. These opposing continents have seen countless wars, witnessed civilizations rise and fall, and are still standing to tell the tale.
More than one fan wishes they could visit the Eyrie, House Arryn's ancient seat high in the mountains, or the Free City of Braavos, guarded by the towering titan. However, some places, like the corrupt Free City of Volantis, or the decadent capital of King's Landing, are at the very bottom of attractive destinations.
Wouldn't Want To Visit: King's Landing
Sure, it's the capital of the Crownlands and the place where most of the show's action takes place. However, objectively speaking, would anyone want to visit this city? It's corrupt and decadent, filled with enough backstabbing people to cast an entire show on Bravo.
On top of being poorly constructed, King's Landing also has a rather foul smell. Olena Tyrell once famously says, "you can smell the sh*t from five miles away." And with places like Flea Bottom and the Muddy Way around, the capital's chamber of commerce has their work cut out for them.
Would Want To Visit: Highgarden
The Tyrells are boastful, beautiful, and surprisingly tolerant. They enjoy the good things in life, and their home is the perfect representation of their tastes. Located on a broad hill in the Reach, Highgarden is one of Westeros' most beautiful castles.
The castle also includes the famous briar maze - a labyrinth made of carefully preserved hedges that serves as both a source of entertainment and a defense mechanism. Highgarden is also rich in plants and flowers, and its grounds have many orchards that produce peach, melons, and plums.
Wouldn't Want To Visit: Harrenhal
A castle so massive that its towers almost touch the clouds, Harrenhal is one of Westeros' most cursed places. It took three generations to build and reached its conclusion under King Harren's rule. The prideful King thought the castle's tall walls would protect him from Aegon's conquest and paid the ultimate prize. Aegon used his dragon, Balerion, to burn Harrenhal, roasting Harren and his sons.
During Game of Thrones, the castle is a ruin that nobody wants. It is so large that it would take too many resources to sustain it. As such, many families have tried and failed to maintain Harrenhal, increasing its infamy.
Would Want To Visit: Dragonstone
Dragonstone is one of Westeros's most ancient and intriguing castles. Located on a volcanic island, it used to be a Valyrian trading outpost. After seizing control of Westeros, Aegon the Conqueror turned it into the seat of his future heir. It would then become synonymous with the equally heroic and villainous Targaryen dynasty.
Dragonstone is vast and rough, fascinating from a historical point of view as it's one of the last remnants of Valyrian design. The island is cold and damp, victim to constant and fierce storms. Still, it represents a very particular moment in Westerosi history, and that makes it worth a visit.
Wouldn't Want To Visit: The Iron Islands
The Ironborn are among the cruelest people in Westeros. They're raiders, killers, thieves, and show no remorse or regret for their actions and their "way of life." They enjoy their lawless existence and care little for notions like honor or chivalry. With them, it's all about strength.
As such, the Iron Islands are very dangerous for foreigners. If that wasn't enough, their climate is brutal and their lands barely fertile, making the living conditions extreme. It also makes the maintenance of herd animals difficult, so most of the labor is done manually.
Would Want To Visit: Braavos
The Free Cities of Essos are a source of wonder for Westerosi nobility. However, few dare to cross the Narrow Sea and visit them. Braavos is the richest and, arguably, the most powerful of all the Free Cities, home to the Iron Bank and the Hosue of Black and White.
Standing at the city's entrance, the Titan welcomes all visitors. Braavos is not without its faults, but then again, no city in the world of Game of Thrones is. Still, Braavos is one of the most tolerant territories in Essos, housing many temples to many faiths. Thanks to the Iron Bank, its influence is also considerable and they certainly know how to put on a play.
Wouldn't Want To Visit: Slaver's Bay/The Bay Of Dragons
Slaver's Bay includes three major cities: Meereen, Yunkai, and Astapor. As its name suggests, it's the epicenter of all slave trade in Essos, with the Masters selling slaves to the other Free Cities, as well as Qarth and Vaes Dothrak. The region's entire economy rides on slavery, and the show makes it clear that nearly everyone is happy to keep things the way they are.
Although there are some impressive sights in the cities, mainly the Great Pyramid of Meereen, no one would ever want to step forward into this city since the Good, Wise, and Great Master's treatment of the slaves is too horrible to bear. And even though Daenerys frees the slaves before departing for Westeros, now that she's dead, who knows if her command will stand.
Would Want To Visit: Dorne
The one place in Westeros to resist Aegon's invasion was Dorne. The Principality staunchly protected its independence all the way to the show's events. Dornish people are considered ionate and somewhat liberal. They famously have a high tolerance for sexual freedom and enforce fewer limitations on their people.
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Outside of Oberyn's plot in season 4, Dorne and all the storylines involving the place have been quite underwhelming. He speaks about his home with iration and warmth, and while he might be biased, it's also true that Dorne is better than most of Westeros' other Kingdoms.
Wouldn't Want To Visit: Beyond The Wall
The North doesn't agree with Southerners. Its climate is too extreme, too unforgiving for those unaccustomed. And the further North a person goes, the more severe the conditions get. Still, they're nothing compared to what awaits beyond the wall.
The lands past the wall exist in a semi-perpetual state of winter. They lack any real organizational structure, and the free-folk live in small settlements, with some being more harmful than others. There's also the threat of the White Walkers and their wights, but at least they're gone for good, so that's something.
Would Want To Visit: Riverrun
Riverrun is the closest thing Westeros has to a Disney castle. With its blue towers and sturdy walls, Riverrun is the seat of House Tully. It is far from the most impressive castle in Westeros, but what it lacks in inspiration is made up for in sturdiness.
Furthermore, in times of trouble, the castle becomes an island inaccessible from any point without suffering heavy casualties. And most importantly, the Tullys are among the most honorable families in Westeros, so they would be excellent hosts to whoever visits their seat.
