Killing Eve filming locations
The BBC thriller series Killing Eve has taken viewers to many places across Europe as it follows MI5 agent Eve Polastri and assassin Villanelle. The cat-and-mouse story unfolds in cities like London, Paris, Berlin and Amsterdam, but also in small villages in England, Italy and Romania. Let’s take a close look at the places on Villanelle’s hit-list.
Many scenes were shot on location, so fans of the show can visit the same spots as the characters. The places often play a role in building the atmosphere and tension. From Eve's base in London to Villanelle's prison in Russia (Romania), the locations are spread across the continent but tied together by the plot.
This guide covers the key filming spots of Killing Eve in England, Italy, Spain, France, Romania, Germany and the Netherlands. It connects the scenes with the locations and offers advice on how to experience them firsthand.
Take a look at the map view of the filming locations to see how can you plan your trip to see them.
London
The capital of England is a key location in Killing Eve. The show features many well-known spots like Trafalgar Square, the Barbican Estate (Eve’s home), and Fabric nightclub. However, it also showcases less famous locales such as the Hornsey Town Hall, Shad Thames, and the Bloomsbury Ballroom which stood in for a Berlin club. The city's famous unpredictable weather adds to the show's moodiness.
Grab a pint in a traditional pub, shop in vintage stores in Shoreditch, or eat at one of the many international restaurants the characters frequent. With a population of over 9 million, London is a crowded city - watch out for heavy traffic and long queues. But its extensive public transit makes it easy to get around and explore the Killing Eve hotspots scattered across the city's nearly 1,000 square miles.
Oxford
The city's historic architecture and scholarly atmosphere were featured in the series, particularly in season 1 when Eve met with her MI5 mentor Bill. Iconic landmarks like the Radcliffe Camera and Bridge of Sighs make appearances. Though the show depicts a quaint, quiet side of Oxford, the city center is usually filled with students and tourists. Explore the many colleges, museums, and libraries.
Punting on the River Cherwell is another part of Oxford experience. The Covered Market is great for grabbing lunch from local vendors. The Eagle and Child pub, once frequented by J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, is worth a stop. A fun fact: the Bodleian Library has been used in numerous film productions, including the Harry Potter movies.
Turville
A small village in Buckinghamshire, England, is where MI6 agent Frank Haleton lived (and died). The village has a population of around 350 and with old brick and flint cottages, a historic church, and a traditional English pub called The Bull & Butcher, it is so pretty it was featured in several films and TV shows as an example of the English countryside. You can visit the church of St. Mary the Virgin, which dates back to the 12th century, and enjoy a pint or a meal at the pub. The surrounding Chiltern Hills provide opportunities for walks and hikes. Despite its on-screen fame, Turville remains a quiet, unspoiled village.
Rome
The capital of Italy is featured in Killing Eve as the backdrop for intense encounters between Eve and Villanelle. Key scenes were filmed at the Piazza Navona with its famous Fountain of the Four Rivers, and at Palazzo Braschi, a neoclassical palace turned museum. Villanelle's apartment exterior was shot in the neighborhood of Trastevere known for its colorful buildings and lively restaurants.
When in Rome, you can retrace Eve and Villanelle's steps while taking in world-famous sights like the Vatican, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps. Eating gelato, pizza al taglio, and pasta at local trattorias is a must. For a Killing Eve-themed detour, head to Castello della Cecchignola, a medieval fortress outside the city center that served as a season 2 filming spot.
Fun fact: actress Jodie Comer, who plays Villanelle, celebrated her 26th birthday while filming in Rome.
Casole d'Elsa
A small hill town in Tuscany, appears in Killing Eve as a location of one of Villanelle’s tasks. The town has a population of about 3,000 and is known for its medieval architecture, including the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta and the Palazzo Pretorio. Visitors can walk along the narrow, cobblestone streets and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside, which is dotted with vineyards and olive groves. The town is also home to the Museo Civico Archeologico e della Collegiata, which houses Etruscan and Roman artifacts. Casole d'Elsa is a good base for exploring other nearby towns like San Gimignano and Volterra. Local specialties include wild boar, truffles, and Vernaccia di San Gimignano white wine.
Colle di Val d'Elsa
A small hill town in Tuscany, appears in Killing Eve as a location of one of Villanelle’s tasks. The town has two parts: the lower "new" town and the upper "old" town. The old town sits on a hill, with stone buildings and narrow streets from the 12th century. Colle di Val d'Elsa is known for crystal glass production since the 17th century. Visitors can see glass being made at factories and workshops. The Museo del Cristallo displays glass art through the ages. The town has a 13th-century palace, town hall, and cathedral. Local food specialties include wild boar, truffles, and pici pasta. The Sentierelsa trail offers hikes in the surrounding hills.
Barcelona
Barcelona features in season 3 of Killing Eve. The show was filmed at several spots across the city, capturing its unique architecture. One key location was La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí's famous unfinished church. Its distinct spires and facades are unmistakable in the backdrop of multiple scenes.
Filming also took place on La Rambla, a tree-lined pedestrian street running through central Barcelona. It's usually packed with locals and tourists visiting its shops, cafes, and market stalls. In the show, Villanelle is seen strolling down La Rambla.
Another featured spot was the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. This 5-star hotel hosted the characters and provided a luxurious setting.
These places took the stage, but Barcelona has many other attractions worth seeing. Historic neighborhoods like the Gothic Quarter and El Born are filled with medieval architecture, small plazas, and endless food and drink options. For panoramic views, take the funicular up to Montjuïc Castle. This hilltop fortress overlooks the harbor and much of the city.
Paris
Paris plays a significant role in Killing Eve as the backdrop for several key scenes, and Villanelles home in the first series. The French capital is known for its iconic landmarks, charming cafes, and rich history. In the show, Villanelle's luxurious Parisian apartment is located in Place Vendôme, a square famous for its high-end jewelry stores and the Ritz Paris hotel. The square's opulent architecture and upscale atmosphere perfectly fit Villanelle's extravagant lifestyle.
One of the most memorable scenes takes place at the Père Lachaise Cemetery, the largest cemetery in Paris and the final resting place of many famous figures like Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde. The cemetery's winding paths and old tombstones create an eerie atmosphere for the scene where Villanelle and Konstantin meet.
Café de Flore, a legendary Left Bank cafe known for its intellectual clientele and appearance in many films. It's here where Eve and Villanelle have a tense encounter, adding to the cafe's cinematic history.
Bucharest
The capital of Romania appears in Killing Eve's third season. The city's mix of grand boulevards, Soviet-era apartment blocks, and historic churches provides a visually striking backdrop for the show's twisting plot.
Bucharest's Palace of Parliament, a colossal building born from the megalomania of former dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, features prominently. Visitors can tour its opulent halls and learn about the darker chapters of Romania's past. The city's old town, with its historic cobblestone streets and lively cafes, also makes an appearance. For a taste of local flavor, try sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) or mici (grilled meat rolls) at one of the many traditional restaurants. Bucharest is a fascinating place to explore, both on-screen and off.
Snagov
Snagov, a small commune north of Bucharest, is the setting for Konstantin's home in Killing Eve. The area is known for its natural beauty, with Snagov Lake at its heart. Tall trees line the shore, and several small islands dot the lake's surface. Snagov Monastery, located on one of these islands, is said to be the burial place of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. Visitors can take a short boat ride to explore the monastery and its surroundings. The commune has a population of around 7,000 and is a popular weekend getaway for Bucharest residents. While in Snagov, try the local fish dishes, as the lake is known for its carp, pike, and catfish.
Viscri
A small village in Transylvania, Romania, not Poland, is where Eve's husband Niko was stabbed with a pitchfork. The 12th-century fortified church is the main attraction. Viscri has only a few hundred residents, most of whom are of German descent. The village is known for its traditional colorful houses and red tiled roofs. It’s a remote village, located on unpaved roads.
Berlin
Germany's capital features in Killing Eve as the scene of some of the show's most intense moments. The city's mix of historical sites and modern architecture provides an ideal setting for the thriller. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and the East Side Gallery, a remnant of the Berlin Wall now covered in murals.
Lesser-known attractions include the Spy Museum Berlin, fitting for Killing Eve fans, and the Teufelsberg, an abandoned Cold War-era listening station with stunning views over the city.
Amsterdam
The Dutch capital, features in Killing Eve as the meeting point for Villanelle and her handler Konstantin. It’s also where one of the most gruesome scenes took place. Several scenes were shot around the city center, including the iconic Rijksmuseum.
With around 1 million residents, Amsterdam is known for its historic canal houses, world-class museums, and laid-back atmosphere. You can explore the narrow streets by foot or bike, stopping at cozy cafes and unique shops along the way. Must-sees include the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, and Vondelpark. For a taste of local cuisine, try Dutch pancakes, bitterballen (fried meatballs), and fresh herring from street carts. Amsterdam's Red Light District is a controversial yet popular area to walk through in the evening.