Where in the world are the cities the Money Heist characters are named after?

Five seasons of Money Heist (La casa de Papel) came to an end this month but we're not quite ready to say Bella Caio to our favourite characters just yet.

The gang's city names were first introduced to us in Season 1 Episode 1 where we learned that the eight OG robbers are code-named for cities. Season 5 of Money Heist brought a few additions to The Professor's gang and this had us wondering - where in the world are the cities the Money Heist characters are named after?

Money Heist character: Fiery and impulsive, Tokyo is the show’s narrator and one of the first characters we meet in Season 1. Tokyo is a key player in the gang, taking part in both the Royal Mint and Bank of Spain heists and has also led a coup against the leadership of both plans. She sacrifices herself in Season 5 to take down Gandia in order to protect the gang. 

The city: Tokyo is Japan's capital and the world's most populous metropolis. Tokyo is the perfect city for any who want to experience the perfect fusion of classic and contemporary. From dazzling neon-lit skyline and vibrant culture to its historical sites and timeless traditions, a wide range of fun things to do in Tokyo awaits you!  

Money Heist character:  Nairobi is a master of forgery and counterfeiting, and was recruited for the first heist to execute quality control on all the notes at The Royal Mint.  She always keeps the plan going despite the mounting chaos around her and is also a brilliant motivator, with the captives under her supervision frequently displaying astonishingly high morale and even some adoration for her. One of her most well-known quotes throughout the series is: “To Love, You Need Courage.”

The city: Nairobi is Kenya’s capital city and is known as the “Green City in the Sun” for its sheer natural beauty, stunning national parks and wildlife. If you’re visiting Nariobi, you can enjoy views of the Nairobi River, climb nearby mountains, see lions, rhinos, and antelopes in one of Nairobi's many national parks, and spend a day out of the sun in one of the city's many museums.

Money Heist character: Berlin is The Professor’s brother and acted as his second-in-command during the Royal Mint heist. Berlin was an egoistic and ruthless leader but his redemption came when he sacrificed himself by being gunned down by a police squad to give the rest of the gang more time to escape the Royal Mint. 

The city: Berlin is the capital city of Germany and lies in northeastern Germany, east of the River Elbe. Berlin is known for its rich history, monuments such as the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg Gate, world-class art, and music scene (think Richard Strauss, Arnold Shoenberg, or even techno music). 

Money Heist character: Although not intelligent, Denver is known for his big heart and his distinctive laugh. He falls in love with one of the hostages of the Royal Mint heist, Monica Gaztambide (later Stockholm), who he was ordered to kill. 

The city: Denver is the most populous city in the US state of Colorado. Denver is situated in the South Platte River Valley on the western side of the High Plains, just east of the Rocky Mountains' Front Range. Denver is known for its beautiful natural landscapes like the Rocky Mountains National Park and the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater which has been described as one of the world’s most extraordinary music venues. 

Did you know that Denver is nicknamed the Mile High City because its official elevation is exactly one mile (or 1609.344 m) above sea level?

Money Heist character: Lisbon initially appears as police negotiator Raquel Murillo, who faces up against the Professor and his gang during the Royal Mint heist. Raquel and the Professor fall in love and she eventually switches sides to join their cause.

The city: Lisbon is Portugal’s vibrant and historic capital city. Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, and the second-oldest European capital city (after Athens).  The city is rich in architecture; Romaneque, Gothic, Manueline, Baroque, Modern and Postmodern constructions can be found all over Lisbon. 

Money Heist character:  A former miner and prisoner, Moscow is a gentle soul who cares a lot for others. He is Denver’s father and becomes somewhat of a fatherly figure for Rio and Tokyo. In season 2, Moscow was tragically shot by police outside of the Royal Mint of Spain.

The city: Moscow is the capital of Russia and ​ is located on the Moskva River in Central Russia. As the heart of Russia, Moscow is an ​​upbeat and vibrant city known for its distinctive architectural styles and historical buildings such as The Grand Kremlin Palace and St. Basil’s Cathedral. 

Money Heist character:  Stockholm, formerly Monica Gaztambide, was working as the secretary of the Royal Mint of Spain until she was taken hostage by the gang. She falls in love with Denver as he takes care of her inside the vault after she was shot. She eventually joins the gang and raises her son Cincinnati with Denver despite Arturo being the biological father. 

The city: Stockholm is the innovative capital of Sweden and is known as one of the most inclusive and welcoming cities in the world. Stockholm's art and cultural scene is diverse, ranging from world-class museums and historically significant royal palaces to boutique galleries and intimate artist residences. Stockholm is also home to many tech companies like Spotify. 

Did you know ​​Stockholm is on an archipelago of fourteen islands and is connected by 57 bridges? 

Money Heist character: Rio was initially recruited by the Professor's group for his computer hacking abilities. Rio and Tokyo have an on-and-off relationship during the series and they enjoyed some time on a tropical island together in between the two heists. 

The city: Rio is a massive coastal city in Brazil known for its Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the Christ the Redeemer, and Sugarloaf Mountain. Rio is also known for Carnaval festival, the biggest festival in the world, complete with parade floats, flashy costumes, and samba dancers.

Money Heist character: Helsinki has been an important character in keeping the hostages in line throughout the two heists. He has also shown a gentler side in the later seasons and has formed a special friendship with Nairobi.

The city: Helsinki is the capital of Finland and is ​​located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland. Helsinki is a thriving seaside city with stunning islands and lush green urban areas,lively cuisine, design, distinctive Nordic culture, architectural – and sauna! – scenes, Helsinki marches to its own amazing and distinctive pace.

Money Heist character: Palermo is Berlin's longtime friend who came up with the concept for the Bank of Spain robbery. He is an egomaniac who put the entire heist in jeopardy after being dismissed as the leader by Tokyo.

The city: Palermo is a city in the Italian island Sicily known for its  its history, culture, architecture and food. In Palermo, you’ll find 12th-century Palermo Cathedral houses, Teatro Massimo, Palazzo dei Normanni,  the Cappella Palatina and  authentic Sicilian street-food and restaurants. 

Money Heist character: Bogotá is a metallurgical specialist who was called in for the Bank of Spain assignment where the gang planned to melt tonnes of gold. During the second heist, he develops affections for Nairobi and is left heartbroken by her death.

The city: Bogotá is the sprawling capital city and the melting pot of Columbia. From the food of the Coffee Triangle to the thrill and joy of the Caribbean, or the artisanal history of Boyacá and the Valle de Cauca Festival, all cultures from all parts of Columbia have a place in Bogotá. The landscape of Bogota is just as vast as it is surrounded by the Andes mountain range. 

Money Heist character: Although Marseille has never been inside the bank, he is very loyal to the professor and helps the Professor and the gang from the outside. He was originally friends with Berlin before joining the Bank of Spain heist. He has a pet ferret named Sofia who assists the robbers in tricking the police. 

The city: Marseille a port city in southern France located on the coast of the Gulf of Lion, part of the Mediterranean Sea. Marseille's bustling Vieux Harbor (old port) is packed mast-to-mast with yachts and leisure boats. It has many historic neighbourhoods that are well worth visiting such as the ancient Le Panier neighbourhood, the République neighbourhood, with its fashionable stores and Haussmannian architecture, and the Joliette sector, which is centred around Marseille's totemic Cathédrale de Marseille Notre Dame de la Major. 

Money Heist character: Manila is a childhood friend of Denver's. She first works undercover as a hostage for the Bank of Spain heist, but as things go out of hand, she reveals herself to be a member of the gang.

The city: Manila is a bayside city and the bustling metropolitan capital of the Phillippines. Manila is also known as “Pearl of the Orient” and is home to the baroque 16th-century San Agustin Church as well as Fort Santiago, a storied citadel and former military prison.  Manila is well known for its varied cuisine and street food markets, like the Legazpi Sunday Market, Quiapo Market, and Binondo Chinatown.

Klook recommendations:

Money Heist character: Oslo is a Serbian robber and war veteran who fought in the Balkan Wars with his cousin Helsinki. Although he was recruited as the muscle of the heist, he was the first robber in Money Heist to die. 

The city: Oslo is the capital of Norway and is known for its green spaces and innovative architecture, museums, and neighbourhoods. Forests and parks encompass more than half of Oslo's municipality, and the fjord reaches all the way to the city centre. Oslo  is full of green experiences, whether you want to swim or go island hopping, relax in lush parks or go for strolls, cycle or ski in the forest. 

If you’re curious to know where Money Heist was filmed (in Spain and around the world), keep on reading!

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