See a show in a flamenco tablao in Madrid is an experience difficult to explain. The sound of the heel hitting the boards, the music generated by two hands clapping their hands together or the vibration of a moan coming from a broken throat form a Perfect chaos full of harmony that, in a practically universal way, manages to move us greatly.
Lorca called this power that only flamenco has, duende. And, although it is impossible to define, if you have witnessed a live performance of flamenco, you will know what we are talking about.
Flamencohas that I don’t know what that bewitches, fills the soul and captivates anyone. A feeling difficult to describe that, fortunately, is easy to experience in the capital. In Madrid there are many tablaos and flamenco shows that bring us closer to this ancient art. These are our favorites!
Lions Flamingo
With the aim of reinterpreting the Café Cantante that served as precursors of the current flamenco tablaos, Lions Flamingo brings to Madrid the essence and tradition of those popular spaces of the 19th century, combining flamenco song and dance with gastronomy and art. A lot of art.
So much so that, in addition to the flamenco shows that take place from Tuesday to Saturday from 19:00, the decoration of the space features murals by Iván Floro, author of the incredible album cover El Madrileño by C Tangana. In fact, we recommend that, when you go, you take a good look at the paintings: you will find faces like C Tangana himself but also Camarón, Lola flores…. a marvel!
📍 Plaza de la Independencia, 4 (Salamanca)
Show + drink: from 50 euros
Corral de la Morería
With more than 60 years of experience, the Corral de la Morería is one of the oldest flamenco tablaos in Madrid, Spain and the world. International celebrities such as Harrison Ford, Jennifer Aniston, Nicole Kidman and Jude Law have all enjoyed the best flamenco and the best gastronomy.
In addition to experiencing a live flamenco show, this small venue in La Latina offers distinguished dinners with a michelin star and two Repsol suns. A plan of the highest quality that is worthwhile whether you are from Madrid or if you come to spend a few days in the capital.
📍 Calle de la Morería, 17 (La Latina)
Dinner plus show: 95,85 euros
Torero flamenco tablao theater
In this cave in the Calle de la Cruz, called Tablao Flamenco Torero Theater the most pure flamenco farras are celebrated, those that point directly to the feelings and the essence of this art. Her show Essential Flamenco offers the rawest flamenco, the one that does not need adornments or big productions to reach the public.
Here you will not find microphones, loudspeakers or an impressive lighting setup, in this flamenco tablao art is in the blood and music is lived in the flesh. Impossible not to get excited.
📍 Calle de la Cruz, 26 (Downtown)
Tablao de la Villa
Considered one of the best tablaos flamencos in Madrid, the Tablao De la Villa offers perhaps the most traditional flamenco in the capital. His home is at a small 19th century palace in the historic center of Madrid, a meeting place for fans, artists and curious people who want to enter the world of flamenco without pretensions or absurd expectations.
It is a space for tradition and passion, for talent and improvisation. But also for good food, because in addition to show, this Madrid tablao offers dinners that take your breathaway.
📍 Calle de Torija, 7 (Centro)
46 euros with a drink
Flamenco Theater Madrid
Flamenco Theater Madrid is, as you can imagine, an entire theater dedicated solely and exclusively to the art of flamenco. And yes, it’s true, but it’s more than that. Much more. It is the first flamenco theater in the world. A unique corner where you can experience the heartbreaking essence of the purest flamenco.
Located on Pez street, in the heart of the Malasaña program manages to bring, in a big way, the heart of Andalusia to Madrid. His show Emotions, which can be enjoyed 365 days a year, combines the traditional and austere of this art with the grandiose and elegant of the theater. A unique combination recommended (and almost obligatory, if you ask us) for all audiences.
📍 Calle de Pez, 10 (Malasaña)
Tickets from 39 euros
Candlelight Flamenco in Madrid
The series of candlelight concerts, since its inception, has aimed to democratize classical music and bring it to all audiences and pockets. However, for some years now, Candlelight has also set out to bring other genres and styles to the public. It is precisely for this reason that it is now not unusual to find flamenco Tributes that bring together in one hour the best known songs of Camarón, Enrique Morente or Lola Flores herself.
📍 Different locations in Madrid
Madrid Flamenco Cultural Center
All art deserves a space where it can be appreciated, studied and, of course, shown to the world. If painting is exhibited in museums, flamenco is highlighted in the Madrid Flamenco Cultural Center. A place to enjoy the “duende”, the “garra” and folklore in the heart of the city thanks to its extensive Program and its many activities.
📍 Calle del Conde de Xiquena, 6 (Chueca)
Tickets from 25 euros
Flamenco Tablao 1911
Formerly known as Tablao Flamenco Villa Rosa, the Flamenco Tablao 1911 defines itself as “the cathedral of flamenco in Madrid” and the truth is that it is right. Its name leaves no room for doubt and makes it clear that its four walls have been hosting flamenco shows in Madrid since 1911. A milestone that makes it the oldest flamenco tablao in the world.
The company’s stage has been graced by such renowned dancers as Farrukito and Cristina Soler and singers of the stature of Mayte Amaya and El Ricky. A long list of artists that make this venue in the center of the capital a benchmark of flamenco at international level.
📍 Plaza de Santa Ana, 15 (Center)
Tickets from 39 euros
Revoltosa
When you mix two infallibles nothing can go wrong. Even if one is yankee and the other patriotic. And if not, just tell it to Revoltosa restaurant, which had the nerve to combine a flamenco show with the concept of having breakfast at lunchtime or lunch at breakfast time and create its now legendary Flamenco Brunch. Yes, a very Spanish brunch and a lot of Spanish.
Among its dishes we find from salmorejo to migas with quail egg, meatballs or squid mollete. And, among its shows, singers, dancers and guitarists of the highest level.
📍 Calle del Prado, 4 (Downtown)
Brunch menu with cocktail and show: 33 euros
Cardamom
It is, without a doubt, one of the most prestigious flamenco tablaos in Madrid. Recognized in 2014 as a Cultural Heritage Site of the city of Madrid, the cardamom room has witnessed the art of the greatest. Tomatito, Diego “El Cigala” or Antonio Carmona are some of the artists who, since 1994, have filled this flamenco house with their voices.
📍 Calle de Echegaray, 15 (Centro)
Tickets from 39 euros