Flamenco is not only legendary in Spain, it’s also an intense and visually stunning art form. So, whether you’re visiting or living in the Madrid area, you’ll be tempted at some point to take in a flamenco show. To help you out, we’ve put together a selection of places where you can see a ‘real’ show. So where can you see a flamenco show in Madrid, and how do you go about choosing one? Here are our recommendations.
- Where to see a flamenco show in Madrid?
- Real flamenco in Madrid? Is it possible or not?
- The different types of flamenco venue in Madrid: the difference between tablao and traditional venues.
- Flamenco show in Madrid : Top 14 best places where to see a flamenco
- Flamenco Show at Tablao La Quimera
- Theatres to see the best flamenco shows in Madrid
Where to see a flamenco show in Madrid?
It’s a question we’re often asked. What are the best flamenco shows in Madrid, and how do you choose? Are there any to avoid? We’re going to help you find the answers to your questions based on our own experience here in Madrid. We’ve been living here for 6 years now and we’ve tried out quite a few places. We’ll only talk here about the places we recommend. If you don’t see the one you’ve spotted elsewhere, it’s either because we haven’t tried it yet, or because we don’t recommend it.
We leave you with this selection and a few tips for choosing your Flamenco show in Madrid.
Real flamenco in Madrid? Is it possible or not?
Admittedly, Madrid isn’t THE city/region for flamenco historically, but its status as capital means that it’s a must for all flamenco artists, established or just starting out.
Madrid hosts a large number of flamenco shows for a number of reasons:
Firstly, Madrid is a major cultural centre, attracting artists and audiences from all over the world. This creates an environment conducive to the performance of various art forms, including flamenco. The city is renowned for its artistic diversity. Flamenco artists find a wide and varied audience here, which encourages them to perform. In fact, this is how you can find different styles of show, more or less traditional. But that doesn’t mean you’ll find yourself in the middle of a tourist trap! There are some quality shows to be found in Madrid.
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The different types of flamenco venue in Madrid: the difference between tablao and traditional venues.
What determines your choice is the type of venue you choose to see your show in. We explain everything.
The difference between a ‘tablao’ and a classical flamenco stage lies mainly in the atmosphere, the staging and the type of experience offered to the audience.
Tablao Flamenco :
“Tablaos” are generally smaller, more intimate venues. The emphasis is on proximity between artists and audience. They aim to offer a traditional flamenco experience, often in a setting that evokes the art’s historical roots. The interaction between artists and audience is more direct and personal in a tablao. Tablaos often host a variety of shows, with flamenco artists alternating between singing, dancing and music.
Many tablaos also offer food and drink, creating a convivial atmosphere similar to that of a cabaret.
Prices are around 40 euros (for 1 adult) for a show without dinner/tapas and around 60/70 euros with a meal.
Some tablaos offer ‘lighter’ options with tapas or a drink. And don’t forget that there are prices for children and sometimes even free admission for children under 3 or 4.
Classical Flamenco Performance Stage :
These shows often take place on large stages, such as theatres or concert halls. They may include more elaborate staging elements, with sophisticated lighting and scenery. These shows tend to be more formal and structured, with choreographed pieces and a defined programme.
They may feature well-known artists or flamenco companies, showcasing more elaborate and sometimes experimental performances.
The emphasis is more on the artistic aspect and the performance, with less direct interaction between the artists and the audience.
In short, a tablao offers a more traditional and intimate flamenco experience, often in a convivial setting, whereas a classical concert stage presents flamenco in a more formal and theatrical context, with particular attention paid to staging and artistic performance.
Flamenco show in Madrid : Top 14 best places where to see a flamenco
La Cueva de Lola: Flamenco in Madrid, in a very intimate setting.
I’ll start with one of my favourite tablaos, which I discovered recently: La Cueva de Lola. Located in the Latina district, this flamenco show in Madrid blew me away! The venue, located in the 17th-century cave, is splendid and gives the show an intimate feel. The team consists of 3 dancers (2 women and 1 man) and 2 musicians. I loved the mix of modern and traditional music and the quality of the dancers’ performances!
It’s a great place to go and one that belongs in the Top 3 Flamenco shows in Madrid. Ideal for those who want to escape the crowds. The venue is small and the atmosphere is tranquil. Tickets cost €24 and include a drink. It’s one of the cheapest shows in Madrid!
- Address: C. de los Mancebos, 2, Quuartier Latina
- Price: €24 with a drink
- Online tickets: Click here to book your ticket online.
You can read our full article on our experience Cueva de Lola.
Tablao Flamenco 1911
Tablao Flamenco 1911 (formerly Villa-Rosa) is one of Madrid’s best-known tablaos, and also the oldest. It opened its doors in 1911. Some of the biggest names in flamenco have performed here and still do. The hall is particularly attractive, and was used as the setting for Pedro Almodóvar’s film ‘Talons aiguilles’.
The tablao is housed in a historic 17th-century building, which has been restored to retain its original charm. The décor is richly ornate, with carved wooden walls and painted plaster ceilings.
The tablao offers three flamenco shows a day, from Tuesday to Sunday. Shows last around an hour and include singing, dancing and guitar performances. The artists are internationally renowned professionals who present traditional, authentic flamenco.
The Tablao Flamenco 1911 is a unique experience not to be missed by flamenco lovers. It’s a chance to discover one of Spain’s most expressive art forms.
- Address: Plaza de Santa Ana, 14, Las Letras district
- Times: 8.00 pm, 9.30 pm and 11.00 pm
- Prices: from €30 to €50
- Tickets online : Click here to book your ticket online
Flamenco in Madrid: The Corral de la Moreria
This tablao near the Palacio Real is world-famous. It’s on one of those lists that comes out of nowhere, but that we take great pleasure in reading carefully: this tablao is one of the “100 places to see before you die” published by the New York Times. That’s all there is to it!
A victim of its success, it’s a little more expensive than the others.
A former flamenco star, Blanca del Rey, runs the place, and many famous people have visited (Picasso, Dali, Kennedy…). A little more expensive than the others, but as you’ll have gathered, it’s an institution!
There are several programmes at the end of the day from 5.30pm. You can choose to have dinner and/or a drink with your meal.
- Address: C. de la Moreria, 17, Asturias district
- Prices: from €49
- Online ticket : Click here to book your ticket online
Torres Bermejas: Madrid’s most popular flamenco venue.
It is right in the centre of Madrid, on the Gran Vía and close to Callao. What makes it special is that the decor of the hall, which reproduces the interior of the Bermejas towers of the Alhambra in Granada, is quite impressive. In terms of programming, the shows are also renowned for being of high quality.
We went to one show (without dinner) and it was a good experience! Note that seats with dinner are better positioned in the auditorium, facing the stage. If you are taking a drink only, you will be placed to one side. The view is therefore not as good.
- Address: C. de Mesonero Romanos, 11 – Gran Via district
- Prices: from €25
- Online tickets : Click here to book your ticket online
You can read more about our experience in this article.
Las Carboneras
This tablao, close to the Plaza Mayor and the San Miguel market, has a slightly more modern atmosphere but is just as intimate, with some magnificent shows.
- Adress : C. del Conde de Miranda, 1. La Latina district
- Price : from 45€
- Tickets online : Click here to book your ticket online
Tablao de La Villa
It’s a tablao in Madrid’s historic centre, housed in a 19th-century palace house. A varied programme throughout the year, with traditional and authentic flamenco shows.
The entrance ticket includes either a drink or dinner, chosen from one of 3 menus featuring Spanish cuisine.
- Adress : 7 Calle de Torija – Asturias District
- Price : From 46€
- Tickets online : Click Here to book your ticket online
Flamenco Show : Cardamomo
Right next to the Plaza de Santa Ana, this is a legendary venue that also comes highly recommended in the flamenco sector. The flamenco atmosphere changes every month. We tried it out twice and were never disappointed by the show or the welcome.
This venue offers a regularly changing programme featuring both young and well-known artists. Book your ticket for the show only or with a meal (see their website). You can also eat at the venue à la carte, which is much cheaper if you take a few tapas to share.
- Adress : C. de Postas, 4 – Sol district
- Price : From €42
- Tickets online : Click Here to book your ticket online
To find out more, read our article dedicated to Cardamomo, one of our favourite addresses.
And if you want to spend a whole evening in a guaranteed Spanish atmosphere, you can even combine tapas tasting in typical bars with a flamenco show afterwards: Tapas and Flamenco Itinerary.
Flamenco Show at Tablao La Quimera
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in an authentic flamenco experience in Spain’s capital, La Quimera is the perfect destination for discerning audiences. Here, artists let themselves be swept away by improvisation, emotion, and that unique feeling evoked by flamenco, known as “duende,” the Spanish term for “sprite.” Over the course of an hour and fifteen minutes, you’ll witness a performance of dance and song without microphones. Only the a cappella voice, guitar chords, and the rhythm of the dancers’ heels will fill the stage, conveying the full intensity of every movement. Additionally, a drink will be served to enhance your enjoyment of the show.
- Adress : C. de Cuchilleros, 7 – Sol district
- Price : From €39
- Tickets online : Click Here to book your ticket online
Leave your luggage behind and visit with your hands free! From €5 per day
Take advantage of our 10% discount code
Theatres to see the best flamenco shows in Madrid
Here are some suggestions for venues where you can see flamenco in Madrid in a different setting.
Flamenco workshop and show at the Taberna del Cortijo
Have you ever been on a flamenco stage? Have you ever seen real Flamenco shoes? At the Taberna Del Cortijo, you’ll get an overview of the history of flamenco, a workshop to learn a few steps (on stage) and finally a dinner and show!
The owner’s welcome is spectacular and ultra-personalised. In fact, it’s not as crowded as other tablaos. It’s intimate and more sober.
We tried it out with a friend who didn’t speak Spanish and it was very easy to understand. The host also spoke English. It was a really nice experience. For those who have already seen shows, or those who want a more personal and authentic welcome, the Taberna del cortijo is the place to go
- Adress : C. de Josefa Díaz, 4- Vallecas district
- Price : From €30
- Tickets online : Click Here to book your ticket online
Centro cultural Flamenco à Madrid
This is an incredible address for lovers of flamenco, for those who have already seen their first show. There’s no fuss in the decor here, it’s a fairly ordinary venue, but it’s all about the show. We’ve taken it to a whole new level by going to the Centro Cultural! The dancers dance with such poise, it’s incredible. There are 2 dancers (1 male and 1 female) and 2 musicians on stage, but this may vary depending on the programme.
- Adress : C. del Conde de Xiquena, 6 – Chueca District
- Price : From €25
- Tickets online : click here to book your ticket online
The video of our visit there, and our full article: Centre Cultural Flamenco
Concert hall: Café Berlin
This is a well-known concert hall/club in Madrid. Initially, it was a venue dedicated to jazz, flamenco and Latin music, but now the programme is varied (pop, jazz, funk, folk, etc.). Every Wednesday of the month, Cafe Berlin organises the Miercoles Flamencos with a Flamenco Jam. See the programme on their website.
- Adress : C, Cost.ª de los Ángeles, 20,
- Price : From €15
A theatre specialising in flamenco in Madrid: Treato Flamenco
Yes, in the land of flamenco, there is of course a specialised flamenco theatre: Teatro Flamenco Madrid. This venue offers concerts, wild Saturday night ‘Flamenco Nights’ starting at 11pm, flamenco ballets on certain days and, of course, flamenco shows, just like in the tablaos, combining dancing and singing. The venue will soon be offering dance classes taught by the artists themselves. Find out more and book Teatro Flamenco here.
We tried it out recently (March 2023) and found the venue very good and the atmosphere good. The room is quite large, though, which takes away some of the charm of the little ‘tablao’ – it’s really a theatre!
Prices are often on special offer, and we got our tickets for €24, without drinks, which is really cheap for a flamenco show in Madrid (see offers here).
In all objectivity, it’s not our favourite, in terms of acoustics and staging of the show, but the dancers, singers and musicians are excellent! For first-timers on a budget, it’s a good option.
For those on a smaller budget, we would recommend La Cueva de Lola, which is also very good in the same price range.
Opéra : Flamenco Real au Teatro Real
It’s a new thing, and it’s happening at the Teatro Real, Madrid’s opera house. For the last 2 years, the Salón de Baile at the Teatro Real has been converted into a tablao for a few performances a year. You can reserve a seat, but you can also reserve a complete table. Prices range from €45 to €75. After the concert, the flamenco experience continues with a “Meet&Greet”, i.e. after the performance, there is a chance to meet the artists. The full Flamenco Real programme is available on the Teatro Real de Madrid website.
Flamenco festivals in Madrid
Finally, if you’re in Madrid during a festival dedicated to flamenco, you’re in luck, as some of the biggest names in the art are often taking part. Not to be missed:
- The Suma Flamenca Festival, a leading flamenco music festival, offers concerts mainly at the Teatros del Canal (in Chamberi) but also at other venues. Held in June. Exact dates and programme available every year on the Madrid.org/sumaflamenca website.
- Festival Flamenco Madrid has been running for 5 years. It normally takes place every year in mid-May/early June.
We hope this article will help you make your choice of flamenco shows in Madrid! Don’t hesitate to share your favourite flamenco venues in the comments.
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Emilie
