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Flamenco, recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, is an artistic expression born of a mixture of different cultures. Madrid's relationship with flamenco is built through its tablaos, which offer the best flamenco programme in our country in terms of quality, authenticity and variety. The tablaos represent a cultural expression of the first magnitude, which maintains its essence intact, unique in the world.
The flamenco offer of Madrid's tablaos is an essential and unique resource, the best national and international launching pad for the most important artists of this cultural genre. Our region hosts flamenco shows continuously, either in its theatres or tablaos, or in halls and venues.
The legacy of those magical 20th century years remains alive in Madrid, in different tablaos that have been operating in the capital for decades. The tablaos that make up the brand “Tablaos Flamencos in Greater Madrid” " host the main scene in our region. Surely the most popular of all of them is Corral de la Morería, whose origins date back to 1956. It has been recognized as the best flamenco tablao in the world, for its constant and varied programming that, in addition, is completed with a gastronomic offer that does not forget the origins of the place and its culture. Figures of great importance in the genre such as Paco de Lucía, who presented his unforgettable Entre dos aguas (1981) there, have performed on its stages.
TIt is also worth highlighting Madrid's oldest tablao: Villa Rosa, a tablao that began operating in Plaza de Santa Ana in 1911, although it initially did so as a tapas bar and Andalusian wine bar. It was at the end of that decade when it took the definitive turn that would lead it to become "The Cathedral of Flamenco," as it is known today. In the early 1960s, it interrupted its activity for a year, but by the 1970s it had already regained its rhythm and previous splendor. And up to the present day.
We could continue highlighting other venues. For example, Cardamomo, which the Madrid City Council declared a Cultural Heritage of the city. It opened in 1994 as a proposal that combines dance and singing. On the other hand, in the heart of Vallecas, far from the city center, there is El Cortijo, another tablao that has gained national and even international fame. So yes: it is more than possible to enjoy flamenco in Madrid.
HTowards the middle of the 19th century, around 1860, pop-up cafés cantantes began to proliferate, direct predecessors of today's tablaos. Chronicles of the time speak of scandalous places, so that certain social classes were opposed to them, finding them indecent. Be that as it may, all kinds of audiences frequented these corners, with a special presence of the lower and middle classes. Together, they took flamenco very far, to the point that by the end of the 19th century flamenco was the owner of Spain's social life.
As mentioned, Madrid was one of the great flamenco centers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of the great stars of the time decided to move to Madrid to grow in the "court city". Thus, the shows began to multiply. In the 1920s, the Pavón Theater, still located in Embajadores Street, created the so-called Copa Pavón. Its objective was to recognize the talent of the singers, increase their prestige and bring the genre even closer to the public.
In the first competition, names like Sevillians Niño Escacena, Pepe Marchena, or Manuel Vallejo could be read. With this competition, the stage of opera flamenca was born, which never had great acceptance because it left out very appreciated palos (different styles in flamenco), such as bulería. But there were also sweet years in which figures such as La Niña de los Peines or, later, Juanito Valderrama could be enjoyed.
More information: Tablaos Flamencos in Greater Madrid
The Tablao Las Carboneras is located in the central and most popular Barrio de los Austrias. With the spirit of a café, with the soul of the old singing cafés, outstanding figures of national flamenco have performed on its stage.
Pastora Galván, Marco Flores or Rocío Molina are some of them, who have participated with their particular styles in shaping the eclectic agenda of Las Carboneras. The venue has created its own style and is a reference point in the local renovation of flamenco.
The venue integrates a restaurant to accompany the shows on stage. In addition, various exhibitions can be seen on the walls of the venue, creating an atmosphere of cultural fusion and gastronomy that will delight everyone.
This flamenco tavern is located in Madrid's Vallecas neighbourhood. With a folkloric and traditional soul, the place hosts a great flamenco programme that combines with an authentic recreation to transport you with the music..
Just 15 minutes from the city centre, the venue boasts of welcoming tourists and locals alike. This allows it to breathe the air of the big shows with foreign audiences and, at the same time, to remain a meeting place for neighbours and regular customers, in a more intimate and recurrent format.
Thus, the tavern has a restaurant where the Madrid clientele are regulars. Flamenco shows are offered, accompanied by a drink and, in addition, the gastronomic offer to liven up the evening. For those interested, there are also introductory workshops in this discipline, both in English and Spanish. Visit El Cortijo!
Next to the capital's emblematic Plaza Mayor is the flamenco tablao La Quimera, which boasts of being a reference point for flamenco venues in Madrid. On its stage you can enjoy the best-preserved flamenco tradition.
If you like Sevillanas, this is the tablao for you. With an extensive programme offering daily shows, you can enjoy its rich cultural offer until late at night. After midnight, the tables are cleared and the venue becomes a collective celebration of flamenco.
Without microphones and with all the passion on the grill, the artists who parade through La Quimera participate in this intimate and vibrant flamenco. Whether you are looking for a mid-afternoon show or an evening performance, you will always find the best flamenco soul at La Quimera.
El Corral de la Pacheca is one of the most historic tablaos in the city. It opened its doors in 1971 and, since then, it has illuminated Madrid's nightlife with the most exquisite flamenco.
Daily shows make up an agenda where singers, dancers and guitarists join forces with violinists, flautists and percussionists to tackle a multitude of flamenco styles: bulerías, fandangos and alegrías. Whether you are a flamenco fan or just want to discover this art form, Corral de la Pacheca is without a doubt a reference point on the flamenco scene.
In addition, the venue houses a restaurant to liven up the flamenco shows with the most exquisite culinary offerings. The tablao is located in a privileged area, next to the monumental bullring of Las Ventas, a place where you can breathe tradition in every corner. Check the programme and come and enjoy the best flamenco.
In the crowded and central Calle del Pez we find this tablao, an authentic Andalusian beacon that illuminates the capital with the best flamenco offer and one that is a meeting point for fans, tourists and locals.
Housed in the Teatro Alfil, the venue has the characteristics for all kinds of events beyond its dedicated programme. Hold private meetings in its halls on request or enjoy its programme, its flamenco cycles and a repertoire that is always innovative but embedded in the most authentic tradition.
The theatre also offers introductory flamenco classes, which are taught by many of the artists who later take the stage. An exclusive opportunity to learn the skills of the immemorial art of flamenco and then see the most acclaimed masters on stage. Flamenco is waiting for you at the tablao!
In the centric neighbourhood of Chueca you will find this tablao which opened its doors in February 2019. Its young trajectory does not prevent it from connecting with the most authentic tradition of flamenco. Dance, singing, foot tapping and guitar, along with all the folklore of flamenco shows.
The tablao is located in an area with a certain flamenco tradition, dating back to the 18th century, with the mention of the nearby street Calle Barquillo in several seguidillas of the period. The building where the centre is located is a restored manor house, originally from the 19th century.
Come to the centre one evening and enjoy intimate, passionate and authentic flamenco. There are also record and book presentations, conferences, photography and painting exhibitions and even an exhibition of flamenco costumes and fashion.
In the Embajadores neighbourhood you can find this modern tablao which hosts an extensive programme dedicated to flamenco. In its rooms there are recitals of singing and clapping, flamenco paintings and other formats, palos and styles related to flamenco singing.
The venue has a 16 square metre stage, with a height designed to appreciate all the details, including the foot tapping. The room has 80 seats, with tables and chairs of different configurations, to always offer a clear view from any point in the room.
The venue is committed to an emotional, original programme that moves its audience. It is designed both for flamenco fans and for all those who want to come and enjoy the show. Don't hesitate, check out the programme and come to Café Ziryab in Madrid.
Considered by many as the Mecca of flamenco in the capital, this is one of the oldest and most important tablaos. Opened in 1956, it has accumulated more than 60 years of tradition and spectacle, being known throughout the world.
Its fame comes from afar. El Corral is included in the book "1,000 places to see before you die", perhaps the most famous travel book in the world, number one in the New York Times. Countless celebrities have enjoyed a flamenco evening in its rooms, such as Charlton Heston, John F. Kennedy, Nicole Kidman or Pablo Picasso. This is how this place has accumulated countless awards during its existence, such as the recognition as "World Best Flamenco Tablao” of the Festival Internacional de Cante de las Minas de la Unión.
Every night, Monday to Sunday, the Corral offers the most demanding flamenco shows, carefully chosen, being a reference in the current scene of this art. In addition, the venue has two exclusive gastronomic spaces, the Corral de la Morería and Tablao restaurants. Under these names, the Basque chef David García presents his proposals for visitors, having achieved a Michelin Star in 2019, a recognition that he revalidated in 2020 and that places the Corral also as a gastronomic reference in the capital.
Located on the Paseo del Prado, it is one of the best art galleries in the world and houses masterpieces of Spanish, Italian, French, Flemish and Dutch painting, among others.
It contains collections that cover the history of painting, from Romanesque murals of the XII century to works of the late XIX century. Highlights include a large exhibition of Hispanic painters such as Ribera, Zurbarán, Velázquez and Goya, among others, and collections of European artists such as El Greco, Titian, Rubens and Bosch.
The museum is a world reference and is a must-see in Madrid, with more than 8,000 paintings, 5,000 drawings, 2,000 engravings, 700 sculptures and many other objects of great value.
Address: Calle Ruiz de Alarcón 23, Madrid. You can get to the Prado Museum by Metro (Atocha Station, Line 1) or by train (Atocha Renfe Station).
The Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, has been called the "eighth wonder of the world". This great nave, with up to 4,000 rooms, is the largest granite building in the world.
It is known the world over for its unique Herrerian architecture, indebted to Juan de Herrera, who completed its construction after the death of its original architect, Juan Bautista de Toledo.
It was built by King Felipe II and has been a royal site ever since for many monarchs, many of which lay in its Cript. It contains the tombs of the monarchs of the Bourbon and Austrian houses who died after the date of its construction, with the exception of Felipe V, who rests a few kilometres away in La Granja de San Ildefonso, as well as Fernando VI, who is in the Reales Salesas.
Address: Calle de Juan de Borbón y Battemberg San Lorenzo de el Escorial. You can reach El Escorial by train from central Madrid stations such as Atocha (C-8) or Chamartín. If you wish to travel by bus, lines 664 and 661 running from Moncloa will get you there.
In the national Park of the Guadarrama mountain range, at the gates of La Pedriza, lays the Castillo de Manzanares El Real, the best preserved of the region of Madrid, in a place with lots of history, heritage and culture, declared a historic-artistic monument in 1931.
A castle whose history goes back to the reconquest, when the area was in conflict between the Lords of Segovia and Madrid. After the mediation of Alfonso X, the control of the Crown was passed on to him and was named "El Real de Manzanares". At the end of the 14th century the Royal of Manzanares passed into the hands of Mendoza, which enjoyed its maximum splendour during the following two centuries.
Address: Calle Cañada, s/n, 28410 Manzanares el Real, Madrid. Head North from Madrid to reach Manzanares El Real by car. If travelling by bus, you need to grab line 724 from Plaza Castilla. If you wish to travel by train, you can reach Villalba from main Madrid central stations (Atocha, Chamartín), then grab a bus from Villalba heading to Manzanares El Real.
Santiago Bernabéu stadium is home to the Real Madrid Football Club. It also houses the soccer club's trophy collection, the Real Madrid Museum. Its visit also allows a guided tour of the Santiago Bernabéu stadium to see the dressing rooms, the facilities and the perimeter of the field itself.
Address: Av. de Concha Espina, 1, 28036 Madrid. Travel the easiest by Metro, you just need to get off at Santiago Bernabéu Station.
Cívitas Metropolitano is Atlético de Madrid Football Club main headquarters. As its neighbour team, Real Madrid, Atlético’s main stadium also hosts a club museum, Territorio Atleti. Inaugurated in 2020, it has 1400 m2 dedicated to the history of the local football club.
Address: Av. de Luis Aragonés, 4, Madrid. Easiest way to reach the stadium is travelling by Metro to Estadio Metropolitano Station (Line 7)
In San Martin de la Vega you can find one of the most modern and avant-garde themed parks in Europe, the Warner Park Madrid.
Inspired by the glamour of Hollywood and designed for you to spend a day at the movies, the park has 36 attractions, some of them unique in Europe, distributed in six large thematic areas, each area offers its own attractions and shows, get ready to enjoy dizzying roller coasters, musicals, water rides and authentic movie scenes.
Every day there are more than 50 different shows, parades and animations that will make all family members enjoy an unforgettable day in a unique space.
Address: Carretera M-301, km 15, San Martín de la Vega. Best reach the place by car. If you are travelling by train, reach Pinto Station from Madrid Central Stations, then grab bus line 413 to reach the park. Line 412 also reaches the place from Villaverde, and Méndez Álvaro Bus Station has shutter buses running to the park.
Reach Madrid’s World Heritage Sites by train. San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Aranjuez and Alcalá de Henares have trains running from Madrid Central to ease the arrival of tourists and visitors.
Travel to San Lorenzo de El Escorial on the Felipe II train, running from Príncipe Pío Station to the Royal site. The King himself will be on board to tell you every detail about the journey.
Travel to Aranjuez on the Strawberry Train, running from Príncipe Pío as well, heading towards the Royal Site of Aranjuez. You will have the chance to taste famous local strawberries on board!.
Travel to Alcalá de Henares on the Cervantes Train, running from Atocha Station. Cervantes and some characters of his novels will surely be on board!
The Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is a very popular art gallery of old and modern masters located in Madrid. Its existence is due to the lease agreed in 1988 and the acquisition by the Spanish government in 1993, collecting the most valuable core of the private collection of the Thyssen-Bornemisza family.
The museum is located in the Palace of Duque de Villahermosa.Its main collection travels through the history of paintings between the 13th and the 19th century, from the Gothic style of Jan van Eyck to the pop style of Roy Liechtenstein.
Address: Paseo del Prado, 8, 28014 Madrid. Arrive to the gallery either by Metro (get off at Banco de España Station and walk down Paseo de la Castellana until you reach the place), or train (get off at Atocha – Estación del Arte and head north through Paseo de la Castellana).
Buitrago del Lozoya preserves this authentic fortification that had defensive purposes at the time of the Reconquest. It had a rectangular floor plan, a central parade ground and several towers.
The castle or fortress is linked to the Mendoza family, on which the town depended in the 14th century. The construction that has survived to the present day dates from that century or the next, when it became the residence of the Marquis of Santillana and his family, future dukes of Infantado.
Address: Plaza del Castillo, 28730 Buitrago del Lozoya, Madrid. Buitrago is 60 km north through A-1 highway. Reach Buitrago by bus with line 191 running from Plaza Castilla.
The origins of the palace date back to the 9th century, when the Muslim kingdom of Toledo, concerned about its defense against Christian attacks, built a fortress that would later be used by the kings of Castile. In the 16th century the Alcazar was built on the same foundations.
Inside you can see fresco paintings, a tour of the various rooms allows you to discover the legacy of artists such as Giaquinto, Tiepolo, Mengs, Bayeu and Maella.
Address: Plaza de la Independencia, Madrid. Best reach the palace walking from Madrid city center, it is located just few minutes walking from main center spots: Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, etc. Tube station is Ópera (Line 2).
This rectangular floor plan square is located in the heart of the Madrid de los Austrias.
This space, originally conceived for civic life, was commissioned by King Philip III from the architect Juan Gómez de Mora. The Plaza was completed in 1617 and since then it has undergone many transformations due to successive fires.
Its current neoclassical appearance is due to the architect Juan de Villanueva, who radically transformed the complex. You can still see the brick buildings, the nine access doors, including the famous Arco de Cuchilleros, the Casa de la Panadería and the equestrian statue of Felipe III.
Address: Plaza Mayor is located in the heart of the city center. You can walk all this area and wander around to reach all monuments and spots. If you are travelling by tube, get off at Sol (Lines 1, 2, 3 and RENFE trains) or Tirso de Molina (Line 1) to reach this square.
National famous Puerta del Sol square is the neuralgic center of the city. Its main attraction is the clock that chimes to mark the beginning of the year. Here you can also find the statue of "The Bear and the Strawberry Tree" and Kilometer Zero.
Originally, the Puerta del Sol was one of the entrances to the wall that surrounded Madrid in the fifteenth century and the name comes from a sun in bas-relief that was carved on it. It was an outer point of the city, although due to its location and the growth of Madrid to the east, it gradually became a key place for the exit to the surroundings.
Address: numerous narrow downtown streets lead to Puerta del Sol. If you are travelling from further reach, travel to Sol Tube (Lines 1, 2, 3) and RENFE Station.
Located in the heart of the Sierra de Guadarrama, San Lorenzo de El Escorial was a royal summer residence halfway between Madrid and La Granja de San Ildefonso. Thanks to this, it has a large number of monuments of that time, which today has been converted giving rise to a city full of charm, cultural atmosphere and leisure options.
Main highlight of the place is the Monastery and Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984.
Address:The town is located 60 km northwest through A-6 highway. You can travel to El Escorial by RENFE train (C3 Line), departing from main Madrid central stations, or by bus, grabbing line 661 from Moncloa.
Aranjuez, one of the Royal Sites of the Crown of Spain. The famous gardens of the palace, along with the natural environment surrounding the municipality, were included in 2001 in the list of UNESCO as Cultural Landscape World Heritage Site.
At the end of the 15th century, Aranjuez was designated a Royal Site by the Catholic Monarchs. Although it was the kings of the House of Austria who began the construction of palaces and gardens. During the reign of Philip II, royal apartments were built but were destroyed by fire in 1665.
Address:Aranjuez is located 54 km south through A-4 highway. Travel to the Royal Site by RENFE train (C3 Line), departing from main central stations (Sol, Atocha). If you wish to travel by bus, grab line 423 departing from Southern Bus Station.
Cervantes' hometown Alcalá de Henares was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998. You can visit the Regional Archaeological Museum, which offers guided tours, or go back to Roman times, from which date the Hippolytus House or the ruins of Complutum.
From the medieval period, the delimitations of the spaces occupied by the three cultures that coexisted in the town can still be seen on the plaques of the names of the streets surrounding the Plaza Cervantes
From the Renaissance, the University of Alcalá stands out, with its trilingual courtyard, and the Corral de Comedias, which offers guided tours as well as a wide range of theatrical performances.
Address:Alcalá is located 41km Northeast through A-2 highway. Travel by train with RENFE trains (C2 Line) from Madrid city center, or grab bus line 223 running from Avenida de América station.
WORLD HERITAGE BY TRAIN
Very close to the capital are the towns of Aranjuez, San Lorenzo de El Escorial and Alcalá de Henares, declared World Heritage Sites. A recognition that makes them unique, and which is one more reason to discover them. This week we remind you how to travel to any of them in a very original way: tourist trains. Travel back in time and travel through our region on board its trains. Let's start!
Strawberry Train
Príncipe Pío station is the departure point for this wooden train, which, since its inauguration by Queen Isabel II on 9 February 1851, has been transporting fruit grown in the orchards of the Tajo and Jarama rivers. It currently travels from the Madrid station to the Royal Site of Aranjuez, an ideal opportunity to get to know this town.
You will be able to choose between the 5 proposed itineraries and taste the authentic Aranjuez strawberry during the trip. This year, as a novelty, special activities will take place on the third Saturday of May in collaboration with the 'Festival de Música Antigua de Aranjuez'. Visiting the Royal Palace, the Casa del Labrador or the Museum of Falúas has never been so easy, are you up for it?
Philip II Train
Delve into history on board the Felipe II train, which also leaves from Príncipe Pío station and will take you to San Lorenzo de El Escorial. During the journey you can enjoy the beauty of the scenery while you learn about the customs of the time in an entertaining way.
With different tourist packages that will allow you to explore the town and its monuments, you will be captivated by the majesty and colossal dimensions of its monastery. A visit you are sure not to forget.
Cervantes Train
Last but not least, don't miss the opportunity to travel to Alcalá de Henares on board the Cervantes train. This is a unique opportunity to discover the history of the city where the author of Don Quixote de la Mancha was born, from Atocha station to the town of Alcalá de Henares.
During the tour, Don Quixote himself will surprise you with his ideas, and once you arrive at your destination you will be able to explore Alcalá and its most interesting corners. Over the next few days, the dates on which you will be able to travel will be announced, so stay tuned to our agenda!
Three periods, three trains, three destinations - you decide!
More information: To Madrid's World Heritage Site by train
Credits Image: Strawberry Train © Fundación de los Ferrocarriles Españoles