Authentic Barcelona Flamenco Shows
Most people will tell you that if you are in Spain, you shouldn’t miss a flamenco show. However… Flamenco is not a Catalan tradition, and that’s why many believe that Barcelona is not the place to go for that. Well, the truth is that since we have a lot of Andalucia immigrants living here, we happen to have some of the best flamenco artists in Spain here!
What means high-quality shows but… mostly only tourists watching them, because locals are not too interested unless it’s a flamenco superstar performing on a theater or a concert hall. So what are your options, then? The good news is that while until not so long ago the options were limited to a handful of choices, nowadays you have many more options! Let’s discover them together!
The 3 top flamenco shows in Barcelona
1
Tablao de Carmen
One of the famous Barcelona flamenco shows, named after the famous dancer Carmen Amaya who used to perform there. It is located inside the Spanish Village (Poble Espanyol) in Montjuïc, and since you get a free entrance with your reservation it is a good excuse to visit it.The Tablao was created in 1929 for the World Fair of Barcelona, replicating the atmosphere of an Andalusian house. And while to a Barcelonan like me it feels weird to have such a setting in our very Catalan city, it is true that the pass of time it has given it an authentic spirit.
The room where the stage is located is small, so you get to be very close to the performers, almost sharing their passion and vibration. The downside is that it’s far from the city center and you need taxis to get there.
LOCATION: Montjuic Hill. DINNER OPTIONS: Yes (optional). Read reviews and book it here.2
Tablao Cordobés
LOCATION: Bottom of La Rambla, near Port Vell.
DINNER OPTIONS: Yes (optional).
Read reviews and book it here.
3
Tarantos
This tablao feels more like being in a jazz club or something like that, instead of trying to emulate a gypsy setting. Music is their strength – dancing is secondary in their shows. And actually, they usually don’t go for “pretty choreography”, but prefer to feature artists prone to improvisation. It is also a more affordable option, than the other options I’ve given you so far.
LOCATION: Plaça Reial next to La Rambla, between the Gothic Quarter and Port Vell.
DINNER OPTIONS: No.
Read reviews and book it here.
Other well stablished Barcelona flamenco shows
4
Tablao de la Pacheca
After Palacio del Flamenco closed due to the pandemic, the famous Tablao de la Pacheca from Madrid took over their venue to open their Barcelona branch. The place is located near Passeig de Gràcia, so it is very convenient if you are staying in the Eixample district.
It is a large theater with room for up to 320 people (what makes it an ideal option if you are travelling with your extended family or a large group of friends. But as opposed to Tablao de Carmen or El Cordobés, you’ll have less chances of being close to the stage.
As a result, if feels more like attending a show in a theater than sneaking into a flamenco party. But one of their strenghts is the variety of shows and schedules available.
LOCATION: Eixample
DINNER OPTIONS: Yes (optional).
Read reviews and book it here.
5
Flamenco at the Palau de la Música Catalana
LOCATION: Sant Pere neighborhood (top of Born), close to Plaça Catalunya and walking distance from Passeig de Gracia and the Gothic Quarter.
DINNER OPTIONS: No.
Flamenco Show | Spanish Guitar concerts
6
Palau Dalmases
LOCATION: Born district, very close to the Picasso Museum.
DINNER OPTIONS: No.
Read reviews and book it here.
7
El Patio Andaluz
A tablao that has been open for over 40 years, run by a prestigious flamenco dancer: Jesús Cortés. He continues to be the main choreographer, and it’s not unusual that most of the troupe are his relatives. That’s why the quality of the show has its ups and downs. I’m not too fond of the location, though. The size of the tablao is smaller than a theater but bigger than the Tablaos we’ve discussed so far. It is decorated to look like an Andalusian patio, but unfortunately it has a certain fake feel.
LOCATION: Antiga Esquerra de l’Eixample, near Sants Station.
DINNER OPTIONS: Yes (optional).
Read reviews and book it here.
8
Flamenco City Hall
LOCATION: Around the corner from Plaça Catalunya, super centrally located.
DINNER OPTIONS: No – only show and drink(s).
See reviews and book >>
Newest spots to see flamenco in Barcelona
9
El Duende
Flamenco Barcelona, who runs the iconic Tablao Cordobes, has recently opened a new venue very close to the original one. Here they aim at programming flamenco stars as well as young promises while staying away from the touristy feel of their original tablao. All their focus is on the quality of the music and the dance – no food or drink options, and a clear goal of attracting also locals interested in the flamenco culture. Their program will change every month in order to reflect the vibrancy of the Spanish flamenco scene. Perfect choice for those serious about music and dance that don’t need the frills of a vintage “authentic” setting to appreciate a great show.
LOCATION: La Rambla
DINNER OPTIONS: No.
Read reviews and book it here.
10
Tablao Flamenco El Paraigua
The basement of a unique cocktail bar in the Gothic Quarter occupying the walls of a former convent becomes a flamenco tablao on Friday and Saturday evenings. Every week a different group of 4 performers, dancers and musicians, take you through a selection of different “palos” (flamenco styles). With capacity for only 60 people, the venue distillates an intimate vibe that transports you to the core of Spanish music.
LOCATION: Gothic Quarter.
DINNER OPTIONS: No, but tapas and drinks are available on the street level.
Read reviews and book it here.
11
Flamenco Casa Sors
Casa Sors is a prestigious guitar luthier house that has been providing premium guitars to the best local and international musicians for over 50 years. Its owners have gathered an impressive collection of all-times guitars now displayed on their Museum of Guitars. They have recently opened their private stage, with one of the best acoustics in town, to the public so you can enjoy the best music and dance in a very intimate setting, possibly one of the smallest tablaos in town.
LOCATION: Gothic Quarter.
DINNER OPTIONS: Drinks and tapas available depending on your selected ticket.
Read reviews and book it here.
12
Flamenco Laietana
The very newest flamenco spot in Barcelona, it’s called to become quickly a must-see show. They have renovated the historical building of a local bank and turned it to the perfect place to ensure a great viewing experience for all the attendants. They have also gathered a reputable crew of top dancers and musicians to create a mesmerizing spectacle.
LOCATION: City Center, close to Plaça Catalunya, the Gothic Quarter and Eixample.
DINNER OPTIONS: The basic tickets come with one or two drinks. Tapas dinner is available for VIP tickets.
Read reviews and book it here.
More flamenco concerts in Barcelona
13
For music connoisseurs who are interested not just in traditional flamenco but also in fusion and new flamenco trends, and who are not afraid of going off the beaten path into the shady alleys of the not always safe Raval district, this little bar is a hidden gem. They don’t take reservations, so check their schedule and do arrive half an hour earlier to secure a spot. If you are lucky you may hit a “Juerga Flamenca” day rather than a normal concert day: it’s the closest thing to a jazz jam session but the flamenco way.
LOCATION: El Raval
DINNER OPTIONS: No.
Read reviews here.
14
Are you in Barcelona October through December? Then you might be hitting some concert of the Barcelona Flamenco Festival: De Cajón. A “cajon” is a percussion instrument used in Flamenco music that looks like a wooden box.
The festival features big names of the Flamenco scene: Dorantes, Antonio Carmona, Estrella Morente, Tomatito… It’s a great opportunity to see the best of the best flamenco musicians – although not always acompanied of flamenco dancers.
LOCATION: Different venues around the city.
DINNER OPTIONS: No.
Check their calendar here.
Barcelona Flamenco Bars and Restaurants
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16
Continuing with the Catalan Rumba theme, this is a total surprise right in the middle of the city center, and in a street where you wouldn’t expect to find anything more than fast food and tourist traps none the less! But this venue is run by a renowned company of the Barcelona nightlife business, what guarantees a decent quality and lots of fun. The experience is more about the food (lovely tapas), with a show during dinner. The show is small (one singer or dancer, most of the time), but it’s great entertainment. Perfect if you want to get the feel but don’t need anything too formal, but just something light and fun.
LOCATION: City center, around the corner from Plaça Catalunya.
DINNER OPTIONS: Yes.
See reviews and book a table>>
17
In April Andalucia celebrates the Feria de Abril. In each city, people sets up “casetas“, tents were people gathers to eat tapas and dance sevillanas (a flamenco style with a certain dance routine that all Andalusians know by heart). Entering Los Juanele feels like entering one of those casetas. There’s Flamenco and bullfight posters in the walls, they serve tapas and wine, there’s flamenco music in the background (recorded, not live), and every once in a while the clients will get up and improvise a dance.
It’s definitely an authentic experience to live! And if you aren’t scared of making yourself a fool, you can join their sevillanas lessons taking place every Thursday evening. Don’t mind the sign saying it’s only for members: it’s not true anymore.
LOCATION: Sant Antoni District, very close to El Raval and Poble Sec.
DINNER OPTIONS: Yes.
See reviews.
18
The owner of this bar is Ms. Leocadia Montes, but everyone calls her La Leo. Leo and her sons run this bar that pays tribute to Bambino (a famous Sevilla cantaor really called Miguel Vargas Jiménez), a good friend of Leo.
There’s no live music, but there’s always recorded flamenco and rumba music in the background. It’s a place to feel the Flamenco lifestyle, and to approach with respect and low expectations. Ms. Leo has worked hard all of her life in this humble neighborhood bar that seems anchored in the past.
LOCATION: Heart of the Barceloneta District.
DINNER OPTIONS: Yes. A simple tapas menu of homemade dishes but far from gourmet.
See reviews.
BONUS: For flamenco dance lovers
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Are you already taking flamenco dance lessons at home and want to purchase an authentic flamenco dress, shoes or other complements during your trip? Here are some great ideas:
- Flora Albaicin. A fascinating tiny shop on the corner of Canuda street with La Rambla, specializing in flamenco.
- Solana y Cortes. A gorgeous flamenco tailor workshop tucked away in an alley of the Gothic Quarter not far from La Rambla.
- Rosa Moda. And not far, they could be easily confused with one more souvenir shop, but the truth is that they have a decent selection of flamenco items, from dresses and shoes to souvenirs and disguises for kids.
- Menkes. An iconic store selling clothes, shoes and complements for all kind of dancing, with a complete flamenco selection.
FAQ
What is the best flamenco show in Barcelona?
That is a very personal question. The oldest place is Tarantos, the best show with dancing is probably El Cordobes followed closely by Tablao de Carmen. The best guitar concerts are probably those at Casa Sors. The most beautiful location is definitely Palau de la Musica Catalana. And the one preferred by local flamenco amateurs is El Duende.
Are flamenco shows suitable for children?
Most flamenco venues have a minimum required age, starting around 3 or 4 years old. Kids older than that might either be bored or fascinated by it. So we recommend to chose one with a big focus on dancing rather than music to be more likely to entertain them.
Are there flamenco shows in the morning?
No: all the flamenco shows in Barcelona are in the late afternoon or evening. The earliest start around 5 or 6PM at the top tablaos: Cordobes and Tablao de Carmen.
Is food served at the flamenco shows?
Only at some venues. Check our descriptions above to find out which ones.
Marta
Marta is the founder of ForeverBarcelona. She is a passionate tour guide that loves Barcelona and loves writing too. She is the main author of our Blog, and is committed to sharing her knowledge about Barcelona and her best tips with our readers.
According to our guide and Flamenco dancer Maria Carretero, Barcelona is one of the best places in Spain to attend a good "Juerga Flamenca"… her favorite: Tablao Cordovés.
According to our guide and Flamenco dancer Maria Carretero, Barcelona is one of the best places in Spain to attend a good "Juerga Flamenca"… her favorite: Tablao Cordobés.
Thanks for the list as i will be visiting in the coming months 🙂
I have seen two shows – one in Palau de la Musica which must be the ultimate place to see a flamenco show in those surroundings anothor good place is in Las Arenas. I recommend Palau and if it does not have a show the weekend your in Barcelona then try the other place they have daily shows.
I have seen a couple shows: the Palau is beautiful, but really big and I could hardly see any of the footwork. I really like the show in La Bodega Flamenca, a small intimate place, very Andalucian style. The food is great too!
We haven’t been there yet, we’ll check it out!