5 film locations to discover Madrid
They say that from Madrid you can get straight to heaven. Perhaps this is the reason why over the years the capital has been chosen as the setting for a number of Spanish and international films. If you are an inveterate film buff and a lover of the city of tripe, the Retiro and the chotis, we suggest a route through its streets following 5 locations that have had their moment of glory on the big screen. Action!
1. Plaza Mayor- ‘Lovers of the Arctic Circle‘
Touristy to the max, but full of charm, life and joy. Madrid’s Plaza Mayor is a meeting point for thousands of people every day, and it was also a meeting point - or rather, a “non-meeting point” - for the protagonists of Julio Medem’s film, which won two Goyas back in 1998. Ana (Najwa Nimri) and Otto (Fele Martínez) share a shot charged with emotion and poetry in the famous Madrid square.
What to do there? Have a chocolate con churros (or a “relaxing cup of café con leche”, depending on the season) and visit the Casa de la Panadería, which houses a permanent photographic exhibition on the history of Madrid.
2. Gran Vía- ‘Abre los ojos’ (Open Your Eyes)
In 1999, Alejandro Amenábar gave us an unusual image in the famous film starring Eduardo Noriega and Penélope Cruz: a totally empty Gran Vía. In it, César (Noriega) wandered alone through one of the city’s most emblematic streets in a scene as shocking as it was unrepeatable. We have already warned you that you won’t find it like that.
What to do there? While we’re on the subject of cinema, you can watch a film in its original version at the iconic Capitol cinemas or go up to the Telefónica building’s observation deck to admire the panoramic views of the city.
3. Kio Towers- ‘Day of the Beast’
Let’s go with a night scene, the one with Madrid’s two most famous skyscrapers, the Kio Towers, as the main characters. In this film by Álex de la Iglesia from 1995, with Santiago Segura and Álex Angulo sharing the billboard, we also see the famous Schweppes sign on Gran Vía.
What to do there? Observing and photographing the imposing 114-metre-high buildings is already an interesting activity, but you can also enjoy a stroll around Plaza Castilla, which is usually very busy and lively.
- Various locations - ‘The Cold Light of Day’.
Before he became Superman, Henry Cavill did a great job of walking the streets of Madrid in this action film in which he shares the screen with Sigourney Weaver and Bruce Willis, no less. Sol, Gran Vía, Callao, Metro Pitis, Ventas and even the Fabrik nightclub are just some of the places in Madrid that appear in the film.
What to do there? Breakfast in Sol, a stroll along Gran Vía, tapas in Callao, a visit to Ventas and finish the day in Fabrik. A great plan, isn’t it?
5. Paseo de la Castellana and Atocha- ‘The Bourne Ultimatum’
Another international film that chose the Spanish capital as its setting is the third instalment of the Bourne saga. Matt Damon, the star of the Oscar-winning film, passed through the Paseo de la Castellana, the Bailén viaduct, Atocha station, Plaza Sata Cruz and also Miguel Ángel street.
What to do there? Enjoy the architecture, such as the Picasso Tower or the Santiago Bernabéu, stroll around the Plaza de Colón and enjoy Madrid’s gastronomy in one of the many restaurants in the area.