12 Best Flamenco shows in Madrid

Flamenco is one of Spain's most deeply rooted cultural traditions, and in Madrid you have the opportunity to see some of the most prestigious shows of this genre at several renowned tablaos.

Another of the capital's most emblematic and traditional tablaos, and therefore also one of the busiest and most popular. The Corral de la Morería is also a restaurant specialising in Spanish cuisine and is located in Madrid's historic quarter. Some of the country's leading flamenco dancers have performed and continue to perform at this tablao.

Flamenco shows at Corral de la Morería can last up to three hours. I recommend adding dinner, both because of the length of the show and because you will have the opportunity to try a tasting menu and sample several typical Spanish dishes.

Tip! Book well in advance if you have limited time and want to attend the show on a specific day. Don't forget to explore the area before or after the show.

Located next to Gran Vía, Torres Bermejas is one of Madrid's most iconic tablaos. Its Alhambra-inspired décor and history — it was the only venue where Camarón de la Isla and Paco de Lucía performed together — make it a must-see for flamenco lovers.

This flamenco show at Torres Bermejas brings together guitarists, dancers and singers in a one-hour show that you can complement with dinner or drinks. There are several menu options, including vegetarian and halal.

Tip! If you want dinner, book in advance and arrive early to enjoy the atmosphere of the venue.

The Teatro Flamenco in Madrid offers flamenco shows throughout the year, with a programme that varies according to the season. All of them feature singing, guitar playing and dancing, as well as the characteristic bata de cola dresses. The venue is intimate and welcoming, allowing you to enjoy every detail of the show from any seat.

The performance lasts one hour and the venue is located on Calle del Pez, which is easily accessible from the Noviciado metro stop on line 2.

Tip! There is a bar service, but it is only available until five minutes before the start of the show, so if you want to order something, make sure you do so before or after.

The Sala Temple offers an intimate and authentic show that stands out for its proximity to the stage and its welcoming atmosphere. Here, every footstep and chord can be experienced up close.

With admission and a drink included, this flamenco show at Sala Temple also allows you to add a tapa to complete the evening. It's perfect if you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere and direct contact with flamenco art.

Tip! Ideal if you prefer to avoid large stages and want something more local and intimate.

Essential Madrid is located in the heart of the city, where you can enjoy an intense and intimate flamenco experience. The audience is seated practically on top of the stage, in a small venue that makes each performance even more impressive.

The ticket for this flamenco show at Essential Madrid includes a drink (sangria, wine, beer or soft drink) and an hour of singing, dancing and excitement. An ideal option if you're looking for something short but very authentic.

Tip! As it's so central, you can combine it with dinner or a stroll around the area after the show.

In a former 19th-century palace, Tablao de la Villa offers a traditional flamenco experience in a setting steeped in history. The show brings together top-level musicians and dancers in a performance lasting over an hour.

The ticket includes a drink, and you can add dinner if you wish. This flamenco show at Tablao de la Villa is an excellent choice for those looking for an elegant and artistic setting in equal measure.

Tip! Don't miss the opportunity to explore Madrid's historic centre before or after the show.

This option is one of the most complete for flamenco lovers. Before the show at Taberna El Cortijo, you will also have a workshop where professionals of the genre will show you some of the steps of this discipline and you will have the opportunity to play the castanets. This package also includes a menu with several options to choose from.

The entire experience lasts three hours and the flamenco show is divided into two 40-minute sets. Taberna El Cortijo is located in a quiet area away from the centre of Madrid, but you can get there by taking metro line 1 from Atocha or Sol and getting off at Portazgo. To access the workshop, simply present the voucher that will be sent to you by email when you complete your booking at the entrance.

Tip! If you are interested in learning more about the discipline and not just seeing the show, I recommend this option and encourage you to ask the hostess any questions you may have. The world of flamenco is fascinating and deserves to be explored.

This is the most economical option and also includes a tour of Madrid's tourist attractions before the show. This night tour of Madrid with optional flamenco show is tailored to small groups of up to 15 people. You will take the tour on foot with the help of an expert guide who will tell you interesting stories about the city of Madrid. At the end of the tour, it will be time to relax with a flamenco show at Cardamomo, one of the best-known venues in the capital.

Tip! Wear comfortable shoes for the tour (you can dress however you like for the show, as there is no dress code).

Itinerary

• Royal Palace
• Puerta del Sol
• Plaza Mayor
• Gran Vía

Flamenco is a dance with many branches, and some of the shows you see in Madrid or in cities such as Cordoba, Seville or Granada may be far removed from your preconceived idea of flamenco. If you buy tickets for the show at the Centro Cultural Flamenco in Madrid, this will not happen, as here you will see a sample of the most traditional flamenco.

Technical perfection is the strong point of this quartet made up of two female dancers, a male singer and a guitarist. The show lasts approximately one hour. After booking online, you will receive a voucher that you can exchange for your tickets at the venue (located in the central Chueca neighbourhood, near Gran Vía) without having to queue.

Tip! If you have never seen flamenco dancing before, this show is one of the best options to start with.

This flamenco show at La Cueva de Lola takes place in a restaurant in the popular La Latina neighbourhood, so you can book just the ticket for the show or add dinner or drinks. The flamenco troupe is made up of four to six internationally renowned artists, and improvisation plays a big part in the show.

Once you have booked online for the day and time you want, you will be sent a voucher that you can present at the entrance to the venue to access the show.

Tip! The show lasts one hour. Before or after, I recommend exploring the La Latina neighbourhood in search of a good wine accompanied by some tapas; they are delicious in this area.

This is one of the most famous tablaos in Madrid and one of the places that attracts the most foreign tourists, but that doesn't mean that its flamenco shows are any less impressive. There are several performances a day and each lasts an hour. The highlight of this tablao is the prestige of the artists who perform there and its collaboration with the Círculo Flamenco de Madrid, an organisation that promotes flamenco culture internationally.

Las Tablas is a restaurant located in the centre of Madrid (you will receive directions on how to get there when you make your reservation) with tapas and vegetarian options. If you want to take advantage of the show with a drink or dinner option, there are different options to choose from depending on your budget.

Tip! With a few exceptions, shows are on weekends, so I recommend booking in advance as tickets often sell out during high season.

Ana's Traveller Tip

If you're having trouble deciding between so many options, you can check out videos of Madrid's most famous tablaos on YouTube to compare styles.

This flamenco tablao is a Madrid institution and also has one of the longest shows. Guitarists, singers and dancers come together at this venue, which is also a restaurant, located near the Plaza Mayor.

The meal consists of a menu of traditional dishes and dessert, and you can choose one or more drinks. Once you have booked online, simply present your voucher at the entrance.

Tip! The repertoire of this show is very varied, as it covers different styles of flamenco. If you are interested in the subject, you can find out more before you go and try to identify each of the dances in the show.

As you can see, there are many options available for enjoying an authentic show, and there are even more. Flamenco shows are very widespread in Madrid due to the large number of visitors who demand this experience. If you are interested in learning more about the subject or simply want more, you should know that other flamenco tablaos, all of them with restaurants, that are legendary in Madrid are:

Ana's Traveller Tip

If someone tries to sell you tickets for a flamenco show on the street, always check the venue's history and the authenticity of the tickets.

Flamenco in Spain, and especially in certain places such as Andalusia, is much more than a musical genre. It is a culture in itself based on expressing oneself through movement, looks and the strings of a guitar. For many, flamenco is a way of life, which is why I encourage you to learn a little more about this discipline before attending any show; that way you will enjoy it even more.

If you are curious about the world of flamenco and want to see a show, it means you like tradition and authenticity. It's difficult to find an experience similar to seeing a flamenco show, whether in Madrid or any other city, but it's very possible that your curiosity and respect for tradition will make you enjoy an experience that, for me, although different, is one of the most authentic you can have in Madrid: a guided tour.

What's the connection? On a walking tour of the city, a specialist guide will tell you about many more traditions and anecdotes that will allow you to remember your trip to Madrid not only for the Puerta del Sol or the Prado Museum, but also for the essence of its people and customs. You can find information about this type of tour in this article: 12 Best Tours in Madrid

If you want to round off your trip with a dose of culture, I recommend visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid. Located in the heart of the historic centre, you'll love the building's exterior, but inside it's a real gem. In this article you can find opening hours, prices, ticket types and more. Royal Palace of Madrid Tickets and Tours.