Madrid breathes flamenco. It was in this city, back in the 1950s, that the first flamenco venues were born, giving rise to a tradition that turned the capital into the beating heart of this art form. Since then, the finest artists from across Spain have found in its stages a place to move audiences and earn standing ovations. Madrid’s nights are filled with guitars that cry and laugh, with clapping hands that mark the rhythm, and with dancers who turn every movement into pure emotion. The tablaos flamencos of Madrid, a unique cultural heritage in the world, are much more than music or dance. That is why Madrid has been known for the past 70 years as the Capital of Flamenco.
Many of these venues are part of the Tablaos de Flamenco Association of Madrid, whose mission is to establish them as benchmarks of quality and prestige at local, national, and international levels. And there is no shortage of reasons: one has been recognized as the Best Flamenco Tablao in the World and included in the list of “1000 Places to See Before You Die”; another boasts of being the oldest on the planet, founded in 1911; and there is even a tablao hidden in a magical 17th-century cave. Legends like Paco de Lucía, Tomatito, Antonio Carmona, Diego “El Cigala”, or Lola Flores have graced their stages, while among their most illustrious spectators one can count Ernest Hemingway and Ava Gardner.
That's why at Madrid Unique Destination we have prepared a guide to explore the city's most emblematic tablaos — true refuges where tradition and art meet face-to-face with the audience — accompanied by an interactive map so you can easily locate them. At each stop you'll discover its history, its artists, and those little curiosities that make each flamenco night an unforgettable experience.
Muchos de estos espacios forman parte de la Asociación de Tablaos Flamencos de Madrid, cuya misión es situarlos como referentes de calidad y prestigio a nivel local, nacional e internacional. Y no faltan razones: uno ha sido reconocido como el Mejor Tablao Flamenco del Mundo e incluido en la lista de “1000 sitios que ver antes de morir”; otro presume de ser el más antiguo del planeta, fundado en 1911; y existe incluso un tablao escondido en una mágica cueva del siglo XVII. Por sus escenarios han pasado leyendas como Paco de Lucía, Tomatito, Antonio Carmona, Diego “El Cigala” o Lola Flores, mientras que entre sus espectadores más ilustres se cuentan Ernest Hemingway o Ava Gardner.
Discover where Madrid’s duende beats. Explore the interactive map of the most emblematic flamenco tablaos and let yourself be carried away by the magic of this universal art.
El Corral de la Morería is the most famous and oldest flamenco tablao in the world. It is considered the Cathedral of Flamenco in Spain and a worldwide cultural icon. Just a few months ago, The New York Times chose it as the number one cultural and gastronomic icon of Madrid, ahead of the Prado Museum, the Royal Palace, and the Reina Sofía Museum.
It holds the title of “Best Flamenco Tablao in the World” and is the only flamenco tablao in the world recognized with a Michelin Star, three Repsol Suns, and the National Gastronomy Award.
It is also the venue where more artists have performed than any other in flamenco history. Paco de Lucía premiered his most iconic piece, “Entre Dos Aguas,” here, and Camarón de la Isla took to its stage for the first time at 13 years old.
Not only have the most important flamenco artists of all time performed (and continue to perform) there, but each day its tables are visited by some of the most influential people in the world. From Che Guevara to the Kennedys, from The Beatles to the Rolling Stones, from Frank Sinatra or Marlon Brando to Nicole Kidman, Harrison Ford or Dua Lipa — on any given night, you might find one of today’s top celebrities at the next table.
Founded in 1949 under the name La Taberna Gitana, it soon became one of the first tablaos in Madrid. The Tablao Flamenco Torres Bermejas is famous both for its shows and for its décor. It reopened in 1960 after a 2-year hiatus. Situated next to Gran Vía, when you enter you’ll be amazed: the venue is a replica of the Torres Bermejas of the Alhambra in Granada.
The most prominent figures of 20th-century flamenco have performed on its stage, including Manolo Caracol, El Güito, Mario Maya, Fosforito, Paco Cepero, and Camarón de la Isla. In fact, it was in this tablao that the great Camarón de la Isla performed and where his friendship with Paco de Lucía was born.
Torres Bermejas has three shows every night, each approximately 55 minutes long. On stage, 6 performers usually take part (1 guitarist, 1 singer, 3 female dancers and 1 male dancer), delivering a complete flamenco ensemble. Its show maintains a very classic style.
Adding to its appeal is the interior decoration. When you enter, you are enveloped by a hall that replicates the interior of the Alhambra: walls with intricate Arabic mosaics, ceramic tiles, carved wooden coffered ceilings, lanterns and arches that transport you to Nasrid Andalusia.
Dining or watching flamenco under that décor is an experience in itself. The venue offers Spanish cuisine (optional dinner menus) with traditional dishes. Many visitors enjoy an à la carte dinner or set menu before the show, though it’s also possible to opt just for the show with a drink.
Address: Calle Mesonero Romanos, 11 (junto a Gran Vía)
Cardamomo is undoubtedly another of the great flamenco institutions in Madrid. Open since 1994 on Calle Echegaray (in the Huertas area), this tablao has been officially recognized as a Cultural Heritage site of the city of Madrid for its contribution to the art of flamenco.
Its stage has seen contemporary legends like Antonio Carmona, Diego “El Cigala”, or Tomatito, among many others, which gives an idea of the caliber of its shows.
It offers pure, live flamenco every day. In fact, it is one of the few tablaos with 4 shows daily, all 365 days of the year. This allows different line-ups to be scheduled and the experience to vary depending on the time: each week they refresh the bill with different dancers, guitarists, and singers.
Each show usually features more than 8 artists, with a performance about an hour long. The intimacy is maximum: it’s a cozy venue with capacity for around 100 people, where the audience is practically touching the stage and feels the flamenco “under their skin.” It’s no coincidence they call it “the most exclusive flamenco show in Madrid.”
It has bar service and options to enjoy the show with tapas. The cuisine is Spanish, simple but quality (Iberian ham, cheeses, tortilla, etc.), designed to accompany without stealing the spotlight from the art. It is also the only tablao in Madrid that lets you choose your seat during online booking, so that each spectator can secure their preferred view.
Su escenario ha visto pasar a leyendas contemporáneas como Antonio Carmona, Diego “El Cigala” o Tomatito, entre muchos otros, lo que da una idea del nivel que suelen tener sus espectáculos.
Tablao Las Carboneras is located in the heart of Madrid de los Austrias, utilizing the cellars of the old Palace of the Count of Miranda, very close to Plaza Mayor. Hence its name “Carboneras,” alluding to the old coal cellars. It has a mid-sized capacity of around 90 seats.
Las Carboneras stands out for uniting gastronomy, art, and avant-garde flamenco. Its founders, all of them from the flamenco scene, envisioned a tablao more open to new ideas. Great figures such as Pastora Galván, Manuel Liñán, Jorge Pardo, and Montse Cortés have taken its stage.
They offer two shows per night from Tuesday to Saturday. The performance lasts around 1 hour and includes several numbers: guitar solos, male dance, female dance, duets, etc., ending with a finale fiesta. One distinguishing feature is that they combine the performances with art exhibitions.
As for the food, you can choose a ticket with a tapa or with dinner. For example, they have a set tasting menu or the “show + tapa” option that includes a selection of Spanish tapas.
Located in the very heart of Madrid (Plaza de España), Las Tablas has been offering top-level flamenco shows for over 20 years. Founded by dancers Antonia Moya and Marisol Navarro, this tablao combines traditional flamenco with a modern theatrical aesthetic in both lighting and acoustics.
There is live flamenco every day of the week. From Monday to Sunday they usually offer two shows each day. Each performance lasts about 1 hour. Their core flamenco troupe typically includes 2 male dancers, 1 female dancer, 1 guitarist, and 1 singer, often joined by different guest artists each month.
It has a maximum capacity of 85 people. Those who wish can also enjoy a one-hour introductory flamenco class that culminates in the performance of a small choreography—fun is guaranteed.
In terms of dining, it brings together some Spanish culinary gems made with top-quality products, including a selection of Iberian cured meats, assorted tostas (bread with toppings), and a variety of cheeses and pâtés.
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La Quimera is a flamenco tablao with the vibe of a sala rociera (a festive flamenco club), located on Calle Cuchilleros just down from Plaza Mayor, in one of Madrid’s most traditional quarters. The owner himself, Antorrín Heredia, usually greets the audience — an Andalusian man who is in love with traditional cante (singing) and baile (dancing).
With no microphones or technical equipment beyond voice and guitar, purity and duende are guaranteed in its performances. Improvisation also adds authenticity to unforgettable nights that stretch on in its flamenco hall.
The venue has the charm of an old Andalusian tavern: simple decor with shawls, straw chairs, whitewashed walls, and a friendly atmosphere. With capacity for about 40–50 people, they offer the option to attend just the show with a drink included, or opt for the show-with-dinner, in which case you enjoy a traditional Spanish menu during the performance.
El Cortijo was born in 2014 with the idea of bringing flamenco to the working-class neighborhood of Vallecas in Madrid, far from the tourist circuit. It is a tavern-restaurant decorated in a rustic Andalusian style: lanterns, feria posters, photos of flamenco singers on the walls, and a wooden stage in an inner room.
It operates mainly on Friday and Saturday nights. They offer a complete package: dinner, workshop, and a show of around an hour. A typical night at El Cortijo starts at 20:00 with dinner; then around 21:00 they give a 20-minute introductory flamenco workshop followed by the flamenco show with professional artists, usually a group of 4 (male dancer, female dancer, guitar and singer). The show usually lasts about an hour.
This flamenco tavern is greatly appreciated by expats living in Madrid, since it offers explanations in English and is like bringing a little piece of Andalusia without leaving Madrid.
Café Ziryab is a relatively young tablao in the Arganzuela district, founded in 2015. It defines itself as an intimate, authentic, and non-touristy tablao. In fact, many consider it “the least touristy tablao in Madrid,” a place where every night the “flamenco family” — artists, friends and aficionados — gather to share and enjoy.
The name Ziryab comes from a legendary 9th-century Persian musician who introduced important innovations to Andalusian music — a true cultural nod.
The tables and chairs are arranged close to the stage, recreating the closeness of the old flamenco taverns (colmaos). There are usually shows every night from Wednesday to Sunday, lasting between 60 and 75 minutes. Generally, a group of 4 or 5 artists performs: two dancers (male or female), a singer, a guitarist, and sometimes a percussionist or guest artist.
No microphones or amplification are used — the singing and guitar sound natural, something purists greatly appreciate. In these gatherings, very deep-rooted flamenco singers like Inés Bacán, David Lagos, La Yiya, etc., have performed, and solo flamenco guitar recitals have also been featured.
The standard ticket includes the show and one drink at a very reasonable price. Additionally, they offer discounts to students, youth, the unemployed, and retirees to bring flamenco within everyone’s reach.
Teatro Flamenco Madrid is the first theater entirely dedicated to flamenco. Located in the Teatro Alfil in Malasaña, it offers a daily show in theatrical format (with lighting, carefully designed staging, and tiered seating) while maintaining the intimate atmosphere of a tablao.
In addition to the regular performances, this space offers flamenco classes, exhibitions and lectures, and it is also rented out for events and conventions related to flamenco art.
The Centro Cultural Flamenco de Madrid, located on Calle Conde de Xiquena in the Chueca-Salesas area, is a space opened in 2019 dedicated exclusively to promoting traditional flamenco.
Inspired by the philosophy of La Casa de la Memoria in Seville, this center is distinguished by offering flamenco “and only flamenco”: here there is no bar or restaurant service, nor are there tourist discounts, but rather all attention is focused on the art on stage.
With several daily performances from Wednesday to Sunday, it is a temple for the discerning aficionado who wants to enjoy flamenco in its most genuine form, with no frills or additives.
La Carmela is one of the most recent tablaos in Madrid, located in a place steeped in history: the vaulted cellars of the old La Carmela tavern, near Puerta del Sol.
The space maintains the authentic flavor of old Madrid taverns and combines it with a typical culinary offering: here you can taste torreznos (fried pork belly), croquetas de rabo de toro (oxtail croquettes), callos a la madrileña (Madrid-style tripe stew) and other traditional dishes.
The best voices and experts in flamenco guitar come together in a space with a unique ambiance that has already been visited by great Spanish artists like María Toledo or Lolita Flores, and where contemporary icons like Belén López or Kiki Morente have performed.
La Carmela offers two flamenco shows daily, which can be paired with dinner or with a tapas snack, making the experience very complete.
The atmosphere of the venue is magical: they have preserved original architectural elements and an intimate ambience lit by lanterns, which transports the spectator to another time as the sound of taconeo (flamenco footwork) resonates on its old floors.
Formerly known as Villa Rosa, Tablao Flamenco 1911 is the oldest tablao in the world. Founded in 1911 (as its name indicates) and located on the central Plaza de Santa Ana, this century-old venue overflows with history and flamenco.
Its interior decoration is a spectacle in itself: inspired by the Arab-Andalusian aesthetics of the Alhambra in Granada, with mosaic tiles, it transports spectators to another era. Great figures of the 20th century performed here, and it’s even said that celebrities like Ernest Hemingway or Ava Gardner enjoyed its flamenco nights.
Legends such as Pastora Imperio, Manolo Caracol, Lola Flores, or Paco de Lucía have performed on its stage. Tablao Flamenco 1911 has a capacity of about 75 people and offers 3 performances daily (it is one of the few with three shows per night), as well as special programs with guest artists.
Tablao de la Villa is a favorite spot for those seeking traditional flamenco. It was inaugurated in 2022 with a special show headlined by Farruquito, Gema Moneo, and Alfonso Losa. It is housed in the premises of the old Café de Chinitas, a 19th-century palatial house in the historic center of Madrid. This tablao is committed to flamenco as it has always been (“flamenco de siempre”).
It stands out for recreating the atmosphere of the old cafés cantantes, with an intimate space where dance, guitar and song occur very close to the audience, complemented by dim lighting.
It presents two shows daily (generally at 19:30 and 21:45), each approximately one hour long. On stage, 6 artists perform per show, combining top-tier dance, singing and guitar. Its programming is organized weekly, with the lineup constantly changing.
Tablao de la Villa complements the art with a restaurant service of traditional Spanish cuisine. You can dine before or after the show (they offer tasting menus, tapas or an à la carte menu). They pay special attention to sherry wines. It’s also possible to opt for just the show with a drink if you prefer.
El Gran Café Flamenco de Leones is one of the newest venues on Madrid’s flamenco scene. Founded in 2023, its name alludes to the lions of the Puerta de Alcalá and pays homage to the old 19th-century cafés cantantes.
Located in front of the iconic Puerta de Alcalá, it defines itself as a “Gran Café Cantante,” respecting traditional flamenco but with an avant-garde outlook. The place combines top-tier flamenco performances with an exquisite Mediterranean culinary offering. Its interior design is unique: it was designed by the prestigious studio Jouin Mankú, with art by painter Iván Floro and murals by Sergio Mora, achieving an elegant and original atmosphere.
It has two shows daily from Tuesday to Saturday: Flamenco Atardecer at 19:00 (Flamenco at Dusk) and Flamenco Anochecer (Nightfall Flamenco). Additionally, as a new feature, it offers Flamenco de Madrugada (Late-Night Flamenco) performances on Fridays and Saturdays, for night owls who want to experience the art late into the night.
The experience can be enjoyed in several ways: just the show with a drink (general admission), or integrating the dining experience with three themed menus called “Lunares,” “Duende” and “Castañuelas” that include a tapas dinner or Spanish dishes before or during the show. The tablao’s capacity is intimate, around 70 people, which guarantees closeness and privacy.
Ópera Flamenca is a new tablao-theater located on Calle del Norte in Madrid. It features a flamenco theater designed with bleacher-style seating and a VIP area.
It has a total capacity of 75 people, split into two zones: the bleachers for 35 spectators with an optimal elevated view, and a VIP area at stage level with 10 tables (40 seats). Additionally, they have an adjacent tavern/bar where you can have a drink and tapas before or after the show, making the experience complete.
Tablao Ópera Flamenca is under the direction of the dancer Salvador Barrul, who seeks to unite tradition with a carefully crafted, almost theatrical staging. Each month they refresh the program with renowned artists, offering unique and themed performances.
They are open every day with one or two shows, depending on the season (generally one at 20:00). Each show lasts around 1 hour. Before the performance, you can enjoy tapas and typical drinks (wine, beer, vermouth) in their tavern.
It’s not a formal restaurant, but the snack offerings are sufficient to accompany the show. As a fun fact, the name Ópera Flamenca pays homage to that era when flamenco filled theaters.
Sala Temple is a very intimate and exclusive flamenco tablao-theater, with a capacity of about 40 people. In fact, the word “Temple” alludes both to the flamenco concept of temple (that moment of emotional concentration) and to the sense of closeness — almost like a temple of art.
Sala Temple offers traditional flamenco mainly on weekends (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays), with a single show each night around 21:00. Since there are so few seats, tickets usually sell out in advance.
Its format is very pure: an improvised, intimate flamenco ensemble without artistic limits. They promise “flamenco without a script, in its most authentic form,” so each night is unique depending on the artists’ mood. This has earned it excellent reviews among aficionados, since it’s like peeking into a private flamenco party.
No dinners are offered during the show here, although you can have a drink included with the ticket. The idea is for the audience to focus 100% on the art. Due to its approach, Sala Temple has been described as “a tablao-theater where tradition and passion meet on stage.”
Teatro Tablao Flamenco Torero, also known for hosting the Essential Flamenco show, is hidden in a historic cave beneath Calle de la Cruz (very close to Sol). In this 180-year-old vaulted cave, pure, unembellished flamenco evenings are held, aiming directly at the emotion and essence of the art.
Under the artistic direction of the legendary dancer Juan Manuel Rodríguez “El Mistela”, this tablao uses no microphones or speakers: everything is live and acoustic. They focus the show on purity: singing, guitar, and dance with no additives.
Each day they put on three performances with different artists. Each show lasts approximately 60 minutes.
“Living the essence of flamenco” is their motto. Before each show, the venue opens its doors and envelops you in flamenco ambient music. At the start, they request absolute silence. At the end of the performance, it’s not unusual for a brief fin de fiesta por bulerías to break out, with the artists introducing themselves one by one.
La Estación de los Porches is a unique concept, as it is a large grill-restaurant located in the Entrevías area (Puente de Vallecas) that incorporates high-level flamenco shows into its regular offerings.
This venue has a capacity of up to 500 diners, distributed across two halls of 200 people each, plus a large covered terrace. Los Porches usually schedules flamenco shows with dinner, concerts, and flamenco-themed nights with an Andalusian menu.
This hybrid model of asador (steakhouse) with tablao has won several awards, such as the Plato de Oro (“Gold Plate”), and is perfect for those seeking a complete evening of flamenco and Spanish gastronomy in one place.
La Cueva de Lola is a charming flamenco tablao situated in Madrid de los Austrias, very close to Plaza Mayor. Its name is no coincidence: the venue literally consists of a 17th-century cave with brick vaulted ceilings, restored to host intimate flamenco performances and other cultural events.
The space is laid out on two levels: on the street level is a bar-restaurant where spectators can have a drink or a bite in a pleasant atmosphere before the show; then, as showtime approaches, everyone descends into the historic cellar where the performance takes place, with capacity for 50 people.
It offers flamenco shows almost every day, usually one around 19:00–19:30 and another around 21:30, to suit different preferences. The show lasts around an hour and includes dance, song and guitar.
La Cueva de Lola is characterized by showcasing very talented young artists, often winners or finalists of competitions. Up-and-coming bailaoras (female dancers) with great potential have performed here, combined with powerful-voiced singers. As it is a small space, the artists hardly use any amplification.
Each performance usually features two dancers (one man and one woman), one singer, and one guitarist — a classic format. The audience sits at small tables with the option to have a tapa or drink during the show, although the art typically commands so much attention that you forget about your beverage.
Almonte is not a traditional tablao, but a legendary sala rociera (rociero dance hall) that for more than 50 years was the epicenter of Madrid’s flamenco nightlife. Opened in 1987 on Calle Juan Bravo, it closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, leaving lovers of sevillanas and the most festive flamenco bereft. In 2023 it reopened in a new location, Calle Manuel de Falla 3 (near the Bernabéu), reinventing itself without losing its flamenco soul.
Its decor combines the warmth of Andalusian farmhouses and palaces with a bold, modern flair: vibrant colors, fabrics, handcrafted details, and a collection of historic photographs and posters from the worlds of flamenco, bullfighting, and rociero tradition.
Artists like Paco Candela or María de la Colina have performed on its stage, and among its crowd, everyone from bullfighters and footballers to members of royalty (such as Infanta Cristina) and even international stars like Demi Moore have danced. Today it continues to offer flamenco fusion and flamenco pop, accompanied by Andalusian tapas and raciones (shared plates), in an environment where the public is also the protagonist, dancing and singing until the early hours.
Tickets: almontemadrid.com
Address:: Calle Manuel de Falla, 3 (Barrio del Bernabéu)
El Tablaíto La Gloria is an original concept among Madrid’s tablaos: a small tablao-school located near Puerta de Toledo, which “teaches flamenco” to the public while entertaining them.
Driven and directed by the Sevillian dancer and teacher Elena Andújar, each evening at La Gloria begins with an introductory class of about 15–20 minutes, in which Elena (or members of her team) explains to attendees the origins of flamenco, its different palos (styles) and rhythms, and even teaches how to clap palmas (handclaps) and recognize the compás (beats).
After the lesson, the flamenco show itself begins with dancers, singers and guitarists. With capacity for about 40 people, Tablaíto La Gloria forgoes dinners so as not to divert attention, though it does offer drinks.
You can also reserve the space exclusively for private groups, adapting the class and the show for special events.
The Círculo Flamenco de Madrid (CFM) is not a venue but a non-profit cultural association founded in 2013 by a group of experts with the aim of promoting and enjoying flamenco.
It operates through members (and tickets for non-members), organizing each year a cycle of events (generally between autumn and spring) that include cante (singing) recitals, solo guitar concerts and some dance performances in the style of a flamenco peña or theater.
In the 2024–2025 season, for example, the Círculo scheduled 32 activities that encompassed singing, concert flamenco guitar, and other flamenco expressions. The Círculo Flamenco de Madrid has earned well-deserved international prestige; artists and critics recognize it for keeping the most orthodox and cultured flamenco alive in the capital.
Madrid’s Teatro Real, the country’s premier opera house, has in recent years incorporated flamenco into its agenda through a series called “Flamenco Real.” Since 2019, the Teatro Real’s Sala de Baile (Ballroom) is periodically transformed into a tablao to host some of the greatest figures in contemporary flamenco.
The idea is to offer the public the magic of flamenco in the palace of music. Seating is usually arranged with tables or chairs very close to the stage, recreating the atmosphere of a tablao but with the acoustics and gravitas of the Teatro Real.
Artists such as El Yiyo, Antonio Molina “El Choro”, Rocío Márquez, Eva Yerbabuena, or Miguel Poveda (to name a few) have taken part in this series. Additionally, the Teatro Real has brought flamenco on international tours under the name “Authentic Flamenco,” showcasing this art on stages around the world as part of its cultural mission.
Not all tablaos are the same, nor do they offer the same atmosphere. Madrid has tablaos with very distinct styles: some are more traditional and jondo (deep and intense), others more festive. So before choosing, think about what kind of experience you’re looking for.
As a general rule, you can buy tickets on the official website or at the door, but it’s best to do so in advance, especially during high tourist season or on weekends.
Prices vary quite a bit. They can range from €20–25 up to €80–100 depending on whether dinner is included. Pay close attention to what your ticket includes. Sometimes a higher price is worth it if you want a good dinner; other times, you might prefer to dine separately and just pay for the show.
Flamenco Capital is an initiative promoted by the live-music association Madrid en Vivo that brings together tablaos, theaters and iconic venues in the city to boost and raise awareness of flamenco.
Many of the tablaos mentioned in this guide (Corral de la Morería, Cardamomo, Tablao 1911, Torero, Villa Rosa, etc.) are part of this network. Together, they organize special activities, joint offers, and unified publicity under the Flamenco Capital brand.
Thus, Flamenco Capital functions as a registry of tablaos and flamenco spaces recognized by the Community of Madrid. This helps in their promotion and protection.
If you’ve made it this far and enjoyed it, don’t miss the rest of our experiences in Madrid.
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