The origins of flamenco music and dance can be traced back to Andalucía where it was performed by Romani people in the 18th century. As the art form gained popularity flamenco venues were established in Madrid and many top artists started to perform in these tablaos. By the late 19th century flamenco had become an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric with performances taking place in Madrid’s theatres. Today there a number of historic venues which host flamenco shows in Madrid. Of particular interest to most visitors to the capital are the establishments which offer dinner and drinks as part of the flamenco experience.
Top 5 Flamenco Shows in Madrid
Below are some of the most popular places to watch flamenco in Madrid. If heading south after Madrid you should also consider attending another performance in one of the great cities of Andalucía. Here are some of the best flamenco shows in Seville for those of you heading to what is widely considered the cradle of flamenco.
Tablao Flamenco 1911
Former Name: Villa Rosa
Address: Plaza Santa Ana, 15
Metro: La Latina, Sol or Antón Martín
Tablao Flamenco 1911 is the oldest tablao in the world which is known as the “Cathedral of Flamenco”. The venue on Plaza Santa Ana originally opened its doors in 1911 as a tapas bar called Gran Colmado Villa Rosa. It hosted its first flamenco shows in the 1920s and has since hosted many renowned artists and distinguished guests including King Alfonso XIII. During the 1950s and 1960s it became a popular destination for international celebrities including Ernest Hemingway and Eva Gardner.
Having endured the challenges of the pandemic, Tablao Flamenco 1911 has reopened its doors and reestablished itself as a historic venue to witness some of the flamenco world’s most prominent performers.
Tablao Flamenco Cardamomo
Address: C/ Echagaray, 15 (right next to Gabrieles)
Metro: Sevilla
Tablao Flamenco Cardamomo is renowned for its exceptional group of artists who come from all over Spain to perform at the venue. Thanks to the sheer quality of the non-local artists who appear, Cardamomo has earned a deserved reputation as one of the best flamenco shows in Madrid. Recent performances have featured renowned artists such as Farruquito, Remedios Amaya and Antonio Canales, who captivate audiences with their powerful and unique energy. Cardamomo is a popular choice for both tourists and locals thanks to the quality of performances which can rival any of those offered by the city’s larger venues.
Torres Bermejas
Address: Mesonero Romanos, 11
Metro: Callao
The decor of this flamenco night club is an exact reproduction of the Alhambra Palace of Granada. The authentic gypsy music and dances performed here are of the highest quality. Through its more than 35 years of existence, this “tablao” has been visited by the most important personalities of Spain as well as international social life, all of whom have delighted in the performances of the most prominent names within the world of flamenco.
Corral de la Morería
Address: C/ Morería, 17
Metro: Opera or Sol
Corral de la Morería was established in 1956 and is recognised as one of the most famous Flamenco shows in the world. Over the years some of the most famous performers from the flamenco world have performed here including Pastora Imperio, La Chunga, María Albaicín, Fosforito, Serranito, El Güito, Lucero Tena, Isabel Pantoja and Blanca Del Rey. The outstanding performances and excellent cuisine have attracted visitors from all over the world including such celebrities as Frank Sinatra, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Muhammad Ali and U2, to name just a few.
Las Tablas
Address: Plaza España 9
Metro: Plaza España
This venue is a relatively new addition to the Madrid flamenco scene which was founded by two flamenco dancers. This tablao has shows every night which often features excellent guest artists.
Flamenco Shows in Madrid: Official Websites
Flamenco Show | Website | Address |
Cardamomo | https://cardamomo.com/en/ | C/ Echagaray, 15 |
Torres Bermejas | https://www.flamencotorresbermejas.com/ | Mesonero Romanos, 11 |
Corral de la Morería | https://www.corraldelamoreria.com/en/ | C/ Morería, 17 |
Tablao Flamenco 1911 | https://tablaoflamenco1911.com/en/ | Plaza Santa Ana, 15 |
Las Tablas | https://lastablasmadrid.com/en/home/ | Plaza de España nº 9 |
Permanently Closed Flamenco Shows in Madrid
The 2020-21 coronavirus pandemic played havoc with the hospitality business in Madrid. Unfortunately, the following flamenco shows in Madrid were forced to close their doors permanently.
Candela – Closed Permanently
Address: c/Olmo, 2
After 40 years this infamous old bar in the streets of Barrio Lavapiés closed its doors permanently in January 2022. The venue had long been frequented by Madrid’s flamenco musicians and once saw the late, great Camarón de la Isla sing there until 11am. It will be sadly missed.
Café de Chinitas – Closed Permanently
Address: c/Torija, 7
After more than 50 years in the capital, Café de Chinitas was forced to close down in March 2021. It was one of Madrid’s longest established tablaos which had played host to some of the greatest flamenco artists and had welcomed many national and international celebrities amongst its guests.
Taberna Casa Patas – Closed Permanently
Address: c/Cañizares, 10
Casa Patas was widely recognised for hosting some of the finest flamenco performances in Madrid with artists of the stature of Chaquetón, Remedios Amaya, Chano Lobato, La Niña Pastori and many more. Unfortunately, it too became a victim of the Covid crisis and closed down in March 2020 after 32 years at the forefront of the city’s flamenco scene.
Good afternoon,
My name is Jaime Olmos, and I work for Cardamomo Tablao Flamenco. I’m contacting you because recently we made some changes in our website, specially in our links. We saw that in your website, you have some information about us (Flamenco in Madrid), where our links are not yet updated. Could you please make the necessary changes in order to update our links? Thank you in advance.
New link es: http://www.cardamomo.com/es/
New link en: http://www.cardamomo.com/en/
Best regards,
Jaime
Reservas Cardamomo Flamenco
reservas@cardamomo.com
(+34) 691 022 117
http://www.cardamomo.com
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Thanks Jaime – your new website link is now live 🙂