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 most emblematic and traditional tablaos in the capital and therefore also one of the most popular and in demand. Corral de la Morería is also a restaurant specialising in Spanish cuisine and is located in the historic centre of Madrid. 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 enjoy a tasting menu and try 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 de Madrid offers flamenco shows throughout the year, with a programme that varies according to the season. They all have in common the prominence of singing, guitar and dancing, as well as the characteristic bata de cola dresses. The venue is intimate and cosy, 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 you can easily reach from the Noviciado metro stop on line two.

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.

Sala Temple offers an intimate and authentic show that stands out for its proximity to the stage and its welcoming atmosphere. Here, every heel click and chord is 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 venues and want something more local and intimate.

In the heart of the city is Essential Madrid, 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 to 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 are looking for something short but very authentic.

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

Housed 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 equally elegant and artistic setting.

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

This option is one of the most comprehensive for flamenco lovers. Before the show at Taberna El Cortijo, you will also have a workshop where professionals 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 segments. Taberna El Cortijo is located in a secluded area of central 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 receipt 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 watching the show, I recommend this option and encourage you to ask the hostess any questions you may have. The world of flamenco is a fascinating one that 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 suitable for small groups of up to 15 people. You will walk the route 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 the 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 cities such as Córdoba, Seville or Granada may be far removed from your preconceived idea of flamenco. If you buy tickets for the show at the Flamenco Cultural Centre 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 itself (located in the central neighbourhood of Chueca, 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 also dinner or drinks. The flamenco troupe is made up of a group 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 welcomes the largest number of foreign tourists, but that doesn't mean that its flamenco shows are any less impressive. There are several performances a day, each lasting an hour. The highlight of this tablao is the prestige of the artists who make up its line-up 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 vegetarian tapas and food options. If you want to take advantage of the show with drinks or dinner option, there are different options to choose from depending on your budget.

Tip! With a few exceptions, the 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 an institution in Madrid 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 have one or more drinks. Once you have booked online, simply present your receipt 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 reputation 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 going to any show; that way you will enjoy it more.

If you're curious about the world of flamenco and want to see a show, it means you like tradition and authenticity. It's hard 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 really 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 their 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 will love the building's exterior, but inside it is a real gem. In this article you can find opening hours, prices, ticket types, etc. Royal Palace of Madrid Tickets and Tours.