Classical opera and dance concert halls Madrid

This elegant national theatre built in the 19th century (it was inaugurated in 1856) belongs to the Ministry of Culture and devotes almost all of its repertoire to zarzuela, a genre of operetta highly prized by the people of Madrid. Since its creation, the Théâtre de la Zarzuela, like the Opéra-Comique de Paris and the Volksoper de Vienne, has been the meeting point for different generations of audiences and all lovers of Hispanic culture. You will discover all the programming on the theatre's website.

Designed by the architect José María García de Paredes, this modern auditorium was inaugurated in 1988. Since then, it has been the headquarters of the National Orchestra of Spain and mainly offers classical music concerts (of high quality). It has a room for symphonic music and a semi-circular room for chamber music (with a capacity of 2,324 and 692 spaces respectively). Complete programming on the website.

In general, a show of five dancers, accompanied by two guitarists and two singers. The tablao "cabaret" was inaugurated in 1956 and the greatest artists performed on this mythical stage. Considered as "the cathedral of flamenco art" in Spain, many personalities came to see the show, among them: Che, Marlon Brando, Gary Cooper, Ernest Hemingway, Pablo Picasso and maybe you... And you should not miss the house's speciality: a delicious Andalusian gazpacho.

Respect, intimacy and complicity are the precepts of this tablao, which welcomes you with a short flamenco demonstration on a stage on the first floor. You are then invited to enjoy a drink at the bar while listening to a fascinating conversation on the history of flamenco. Afterwards, you'll take the stairs to a vaulted cellar and an unadorned setting for an intimate show. There are no microphones or loudspeakers here, just the clear sound of instruments and voices to help you feel that deep feeling called " duende ".

This foundation was created in 1955 by Juan March Ordinas, the richest man in Spain before the civil war. In addition to exhibitions of contemporary art, it organizes excellent classical music concerts. They are programmed in cycles (Neapolitan baroque, Beethoven...). If you are late, you are made to wait in a room where the concert is broadcast on a screen. During one of the breaks, you will be allowed to enter the concert hall if there are still seats available. There is also a library dedicated to Spanish music and theatre.

It is worth a visit to the small room of the excellent tablao Cardomomo for the atmosphere, the quality of the music and dance, the good mood of the waiters and customers. A moment of relaxation guaranteed with good flamenco in the background during a beautiful hour of performance. If tourists are the main part of the Cardomomo's clientele (and the food is not really unforgettable), the shows on the program are really of high quality and the evening, as a couple or with friends, promises to be a success.

Contrary to its name, the Teatro Real is in fact Madrid's opera house. The program is superb, the atmosphere very chic and the salons and restaurant sumptuous. At affordable prices, it's a real bargain. Teatro Real also offers backstage tours. Self-guided or guided tours, tailor-made experiences... You'll have the chance to wander through the capstan room, discover the make-up studios, wig-making or costume design. Information at the ticket office or on the website.

In the heart of Habsburg Madrid, the tablao Las Carboneras offers traditional flamenco shows in a large modern space. The dance shows are of very good quality, even if the audience is mainly made up of tourists. Las Carboneras is probably less famous and attractive than the Corral de la Morería, but it has established a solid reputation in the area. The tablao hosts renowned guest artists such as José Mercé, Belén Fernandez or Rafael Amargo. And the cocktails are very good!