Madrid has long been one of the major sets of European cinema. Its streets, squares, parks, and historic buildings have served as the backdrop for countless films and series, both national and international. Whether it’s Spanish cinema classics or Hollywood blockbusters, the capital boasts endless locations that have been immortalized on the big screen.

Iconic Central Madrid Locations for Film Shoots

The heart of Madrid has witnessed countless productions, becoming a recurring set for directors seeking to capture the city’s essence. Its streets and squares have hosted romantic comedies, action thrillers, and more.

Gran Vía

Gran Vía, Madrid’s main artery, has starred in multiple films. In Open Your Eyes (1997), Eduardo Noriega walks down an empty Gran Vía in one of the most iconic scenes in Spanish cinema. In The Day of the Beast (1995), characters hang from the Schweppes sign on the Carrión Building. Red Cross Girls (1958) also features a car ride along this famous street.

Sol

Puerta del Sol has appeared in many films over the years. Its fame, history, and beauty speak for themselves. The Mystery of Puerta del Sol (1930) was one of Spain’s first sound films. Other titles like Don Lucio and Brother Pío (1960), The City Is Not for Me (1965), Kika (1993), Running Out of Time (1994), The Bourne Ultimatum (2008), and Witching & Bitching (2013) have all featured scenes in this square. The Hive (1982) showcases nearby spots like Café Gijón, Plaza del Conde de Barajas, Chocolatería San Ginés, and Toledo Street.

Plaza Mayor

Plaza Mayor, a 17th-century gem, has hosted many film productions. Open Your Eyes (1997) features scenes here that highlight its architecture and old Madrid charm. Other nearby locations used in the film include the Moncloa Lighthouse and Paseo de la Castellana.

Cibeles

A legendary spot where Real Madrid celebrates its victories. This Greek goddess is surrounded by icons like the Bank of Spain, Madrid City Hall, and the Buenavista Palace. Films shot here include The Bourne Ultimatum (2008), Nobody’s Life (2002), and 13 Roses (2007). Way Down (2020) recreated the 2010 World Cup celebration here. It’s also featured in series like Riot Police and Patria.

Atocha

Atocha is magical—a place of arrivals and farewells, and since 2004, marked by the tragic events of March 11. The Atocha Station has appeared in Don Lucio and Brother Pío (1960), The City Is Not for Me (1965), That Obscure Object of Desire (1977), Kika (1993), The Worst Years of Our Lives (1994), The Bourne Ultimatum (2008), and The Limits of Control (2009).

Natural Spaces and Urban Parks

Madrid’s parks and green spaces offer a breath of fresh air and have served as stunning film locations.

El Retiro Park

One of Madrid’s lungs and a pleasure to stroll through. Every corner hides treasures: the Artificial Mountain, the Lake, the Crystal Palace, the Fallen Angel statue… Films shot here include Circus World (1963), Mr. Arkadin (1953), Robbery at 3 o’clock (1962), Pending Subject (1977), Brain Drain (2006), Veronica (2016), Lovers (1991), Taxi (1996), A Time for Defiance (2002), and the series Valeria (2021), 30 Coins, Patria, and The Ministry of Time.

Casa de Campo

A massive green space beloved by athletes and nature lovers. Filmed here: A Fistful of Dollars (1964), Zorro, the Avenger, xXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017), Qué León (2018), Spartacus (1960), Doctor Zhivago (1965), and Chimes at Midnight (1965).

El Capricho Park

A fitting name for a truly charming place. Sculptures reminiscent of Roman times, a lily pond, and hidden nooks throughout. Filmed here: The Three Musketeers (1948), A Ray of Light (1960) with Marisol, Doctor Zhivago (1965), Countess Maria (1928), and Volaverunt (1999).

Sierra de Guadarrama National Park

Out into the wild. Between Madrid and Segovia, its peaks exceed 2,000 meters and showcase Mediterranean mountain ecosystems. Westerns like A Fistful of Dollars (1964) and other productions used this rugged landscape.

Historic and Cultural Buildings as Film Sets

Madrid’s historic buildings add authenticity and grandeur to any production.

Royal Palace

This grand Baroque-Neoclassical palace is iconic. Featured in Quantum of Solace (2008), The Bourne Ultimatum (2007), The Fencing Master (1992), The Pride and the Passion (1957), Goya’s Ghosts (2006), and series like Berlin (2023) and The Ministry of Time (2015).

Telefónica Building

This 90-meter New York-inspired skyscraper on Gran Vía starred in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988) and the series Cable Girls (2017).

Las Ventas Bullring

Whether you’re a bullfighting fan or not, the beauty of Las Ventas is undeniable. Appeared in 13 Roses (2007), along with nearby spots like Plaza de la Puerta de los Moros, Carrera de San Francisco, and the Royal Basilica of San Francisco el Grande.

Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial

A jewel of architecture and source of cinematic inspiration. Featured in The Conspiracy of El Escorial (2008), The Princess of Éboli (2010), Teresa (2015), My Dearest Señorita (1972), Sor Citroën (1967), November (2003), and The Fencing Master (1992).

Neighborhoods and Urban Locations Made for Film

Madrid’s diverse neighborhoods provide authenticity and a vibrant urban backdrop.

Malasaña

Bohemian and creative streets once at the heart of the Movida Madrileña. Stockholm (2013) portrays a fleeting romance in this iconic neighborhood.

Chamberí

If you’re looking for elegance and classic Madrilenian charm, Chamberí is your spot. Known for its high-end shops and vintage charm. Filmed here: The Spy’s Return (2022), Explode, Explode (2020), and the series Jaguar (2021). The historic Chamberí Station has also been used for period productions.

Arganzuela

Bordered to the south by the Manzanares River, this down-to-earth neighborhood features parks and major roads like Embajadores and Paseo de las Delicias. Filmed here: Furrows (1951), among others. It has hosted film cycles and series productions.

Plaza de Colón

Alcalá Street and Paseo de la Castellana meet at this iconic square with its massive Spanish flag and monumental steps. Featured in Soldiers of Salamina (2003), along with nearby Claudio Moyano slope and the National Library.

Cinematic Locations Outside the City, but Purely Madrilenian

Beyond central Madrid, the region offers landscapes and unique settings that have been key to film history.

Alcalá de Henares

One of Madrid’s most beautiful towns, home to 16th-century buildings like its university, founded in 1499. A scene from Spartacus (1960) was filmed here, by the Puerta de Madrid, standing in for a Roman city.

Hoyo de Manzanares

Located northwest of Madrid on the southern slope of the Sierra de Guadarrama, Hoyo de Manzanares was the main setting for Westerns like Sergio Leone’s A Fistful of Dollars (1964).

Chinchón

Chinchón’s charming main square and traditional architecture have attracted many filmmakers. The Parador de Chinchón was a key location in Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City (2023). Its historic character and natural surroundings make it a favorite for international productions.

Colmenar Viejo

In the Navalvillar pastures lies one of Madrid’s most cinematic spots: the Lega y Michelena Western town, built in the ’60s for spaghetti westerns. Featured in classics like For a Few Dollars More (1965) by Sergio Leone, starring Clint Eastwood. It’s still used for period shoots today.

Madrid is a unique blend of old and new, perfect for filming. Its diverse architecture, exceptional natural light, and excellent transport and lodging make it a filmmaker’s dream. Organizations like the Madrid Film Office simplify the shooting process, attracting more and more international projects. The city preserves its historical charm while embracing modernity, allowing productions to switch from period to contemporary scenes in a single day.

Madrid isn’t just a filming location—it’s a character in itself. With soul, texture, and depth, it breathes life into stories. If you’re a film lover, walk its streets with a fresh gaze—you might just hear the echo of a scene, see the frame of a story, or feel the hush of a camera that was once there.

Want to discover more locations or explore these spots? The Madrid Audiovisual Cluster can help you connect with the industry and find the perfect set for your production.