Flamenco is a mesmerizing art form rooted in the gitano (Spanish for ‘gypsy’) culture of the Andalusia region and included on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Flamenco is an artistic expression fusing cante (song), baile (dance) and toque (music).
Is it worth seeing flamenco in Madrid?
Absolutely! The Spanish capital is known for its nightlife (or la marcha as locals say) and you’ll see some of the best flamenco in the city.
While southern Spain is the traditional homeland of flamenco, Madrid has multiple flamenco bars or tablaos – intimate, sultry spaces to watch this soulful art form – where you can see famous artists perform on stages so close you could almost touch them.
Flamenco goes beyond mere entertainment. In Madrid it’s a lifestyle that starts late (usually after 10pm) so take a siesta if you’re not a night owl.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your castanets and get ready to stamp your feet and clap your hands at the best venues to watch flamenco shows in Madrid.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Denkou Images.
Corral de la Morería
Madrid’s oldest neighborhood, La Latina, is home to Corral de la Morería, one of the oldest tablaos in Madrid. Since 1956, famous flamenco fans—from Rita Hayworth and John F. Kennedy to Nicole Kidman—have watched the nightly performances by flamenco artists like Isabel Pantoja. Feeling hungry? There’s a Michelin-starred restaurant (with only four tables) overseen by Basque-born chef David García.
Teatro Flamenco Madrid
Teatro Flamenco Madrid shares a space with the Teatro Alfil in Malasaña and focuses on flamenco performances as opposed to the dinner-and-a-show type of venue. This is a theater dedicated exclusively to the art of flamenco, with a daily mix of flamenco guitar, singing, and dancing. Effectively, a cultural center and meeting place where you can discover the essence of pure flamenco, it also has flamenco-themed theater productions and flamenco classes.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Hugh Sitton.
Tablao las Carboneras
Not far from Madrid’s famous Mercado San Miguel fresh-food market and opposite Plaza Mayor, Tablao las Carboneras combines a traditional flamenco café with modern Spanish gastronomy. Housed in the basement of the former palace of the Count of Miranda, the establishment was created to recover the spirit of old-fashioned cafés, replete with song and dance. The stage has seen famous singers and dancers such as Montse Cortés, David Paniagua and some of the best flamenco artists of our times.
Now you know where to go in Madrid to experience flamenco, you just need to know how to get there. The kind of romance planes and cars just can’t compete with, allow us to suggest you take the train.
How to get to Madrid by train
Traveling to Madrid from popular European destinations? Not a problem. The train from London to Madrid is an unforgettable trip. You'll pass through two of the most happening cities in Europe – Paris and Barcelona. Add a night’s stay for an even more relaxed journey.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Juan Pelegrín.