Madrid's Film Tourism Brings $1.5B Economic Boost

Walking the same streets as your favorite movie characters just became Madrid's newest economic success story.

Between 2021 and 2024, Madrid hosted 173 films and 242 TV series, generating $1.5 billion in economic impact. The phenomenon driving this growth is called "set-jetting," where tourists plan vacations around visiting filming locations from their favorite shows and movies.

Tourism chief Almudena Maíllo del Valle says the numbers prove Madrid's creative sectors are thriving. The projects created jobs across the city while putting Madrid on the global map as a must-visit creative destination.

The city government is doubling down on this success. In 2025, Madrid pledged $1.5 million to support an upcoming Woody Allen film scheduled to shoot at recognizable locations throughout the capital by late 2027.

Madrid's streets have already starred in major productions like Netflix's Money Heist, Terminator: Dark Fate, and The Cold Light of Day. Fans can now walk through scenes from Calle de Alcalá and other iconic spots featured on screen.

The city's tourism board makes set-jetting easy with specialized walking tours. Their "Madrid, Capital of TV Series" route covers locations from 17 different shows and films, including the wildly popular Money Heist.

Another tour celebrates legendary director Luis García Berlanga, starting at his former home in Chamberí and ending at the Instituto Cervantes. The 15-stop journey takes visitors through locations where he created Spanish cinema classics.

The Ripple Effect

This tourism trend does more than boost hotel bookings. Local restaurants, shops, and tour guides near filming locations see increased business from fans eager to experience the magic firsthand.

The creative industry employment extends far beyond actors and directors. Camera operators, set designers, catering staff, and hundreds of other professionals benefit from Madrid's thriving film scene.

Madrid's romance with cinema started in 1896 when the Lumière brothers first screened their Cinematograph in the city center. More than a century later, that love affair is paying economic dividends while sharing Madrid's beauty with the world.