Watching a show in a flamenco tablao in Madrid is an experience difficult to explain. What is it about flamenco that only the start of a guitar strumming makes us look nowhere else but at the stage? The sound of the heel hitting the boards, the rhythm of 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.
Lorca called this power that only flamenco has, duende. And he probably felt it for the first time in Madrid, who knows. But the truth is that, although it is impossible to define it, if you have witnessed a live flamenco show, you will know what we are talking about.
Flamenco has that something that bewitches, fills the soul and captivates anyone. A feeling difficult to describe that, fortunately, in the capital is easy to experience. In Madrid there are many tablaos and flamenco shows that bring us closer to this ancient art. These are our favorites!
Torero flamenco tablao theater
In this cave on Calle de la Cruz called Teatro Tablao Flamenco Torero, the purest flamenco farras are held, those that point directly to the feelings and essence of this art. Their 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 set up, in this flamenco tablao the art is in the blood and the music is lived in the flesh. It is impossible not to get excited.
📍 Calle de la Cruz, 26 (Downtown)
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 aimed 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 most famous songs of Camarón, Enrique Morente or Lola Flores herself.
📍 Different locations in Madrid
Revoltosa
When you mix two infallibles nothing can go wrong. Even if one is Yankee and the other is from Spain. 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 mollete de calamares. And, among its shows, singers, dancers and guitarists of the highest level.
📍 Calle del Prado, 4 (Downtown)
Brunch menu with cocktail and show: 35 euros
Corral de la Morería
With more than 60 years behind it, 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 or Jude Law have passed through it and they have all enjoyed the best flamenco and also the best gastronomy.
In addition to experiencing a live flamenco show, this small venue in La Latina offers dinners distinguished 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)
Show, dinner not included: 49.99 euros
Tablao de la Villa
Considered one of the best flamenco tablaos in Madrid, Tablao De la Villa offers perhaps the most traditional flamenco in the capital. Its home is in a small 19th century palace in the historic center of Madrid, a meeting place for amateurs, artists and the curious 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 breath away.
📍 Calle de Torija, 7 (Center)
46 euros with a drink
Flamenco Cultural Center Madrid
Every 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 put in value in the Centro Cultural Flamenco Madrid. A place to enjoy the duende, the claw and folklore in the heart of the city thanks to its extensive programming and its many activities.
📍 Calle del Conde de Xiquena, 6 (Chueca)
Tickets from 25 euros
Teatro Flamenco Madrid
Teatro Flamenco Madrid is, as you can imagine, an entire theater dedicated solely and exclusively to the art of flamenco. And yes, it is true, but it is more than that. Much more. It is the first flamenco theater in the world. A unique corner where you can live the heartbreaking essence of the purest flamenco.
Located on Pez Street, in the heart of Malasaña, its program brings the heart of Andalusia to Madrid in a big way. Its show Emociones, 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)
Tablao Flamenco 1911
Formerly known as Tablao Flamenco Villa Rosa, the Tablao Flamenco 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 tablao has hosted 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. Would you like to eat something while you enjoy the show? When you book your tickets you also have the option to select a menu for one or two people.
📍 Plaza de Santa Ana, 15 (Center)
Show from 42 euros (menu not included)
Tablao flamenco La Quimera, Madrid
Located a few meters from the Plaza Mayor in Madrid, the tablao flamenco La Quimera oozes duende and maintains the essence of those songs and dances already forgotten, preserved in time thanks to spaces like this. It is a place where flamenco lovers coincide with curious tourists and renowned flamenco dancers and singers. A place not to forget.
📍 Calle de Cuchilleros, 7 (Downtown)
45 euros with a drink
Cardamomo
It is, without a doubt, one of the most prestigious flamenco tablaos in Madrid. Recognized in 2014 as Cultural Heritage of the city of Madrid, the Cardamomo 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 (Downtown)
Tickets from 42 euros
Flamenco de Leones
With the aim of reinterpreting the Café Cantante that served as precursors of today’s tablaos flamencos, Flamenco de Leones brings to Madrid the essence and tradition of those popular spaces of the nineteenth century, combining flamenco singing and dancing 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 cover of the album 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)
Ticket plus drink, 49,99 euros
Bermejas Towers
Considered as “the cathedral of flamenco”, Torres Bermejas is one of the reference venues of this genre in the capital. It was inaugurated in 1960, in the same room formerly occupied by La Taberna Gitana, and since then, renowned artists such as Camarón, Paco de Lucía, Manolo Caracol and José Mercé have performed there.
In addition to the grit exuded by all the singers and dancers who perform at Torres Bermejas, art is also printed on its walls. The decoration of the space is inspired bythe Alhambra in Granada, with coffered wooden ceilings and walls full of Arab motifs combined with portraits of the most famous faces that have passed through here.
📍 Calle de Mesonero Romanos, 11 (Downtown)
Show from 28 euros