Seville is the birthplace of flamenco, or is it? While this subject is often debated, what is whole-heartedly agreed on is that flamenco has its origins in Andalucía, in southern Spain. Seville is a stunning city that combines beautiful Moorish architecture with a modern Spanish flair and many people travel here to indulge in the food, marvel at the monuments and of course experience a real flamenco show. With the current ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ craze, more and more people want to learn about traditional dances, watch live shows and even have a go themselves.
If you are searching for authentic flamenco shows in the city it is wise to get informed before you go. Tablaos are the places to go in Seville if you want to see real professional performances that have been beautifully choreographed, and while the artists are of both national and international origin, the quality is always excellent. Costumes delight and the music captivates and many shows offer tickets that include dinner or a drink in the price.
Here is a list of our three favourite flamenco tablaos in Seville.
Los Gallos Tablao Flamenco
This is one of the city’s oldest tablaos and is located in the Plaza de Santa Cruz. Rather intimate compared to many of the other tablaos, it has a charming and somewhat rustic atmosphere. The building has been renovated in the traditional style, which definitely adds to the ambiance. At this tablao, you only have the option of booking the show with a drink. It is open every night from 20:00 until 22:30.
Tablao El Arenal
Located in the centre of the city and named after the district in Seville that lies between the cathedral and the Guadalquivir, this flamenco venue is a 17th century building of typical Andalucía style. You can eat dinner here while watching the show or just sit back and enjoy a drink and some tapas. Various ticket options are on offer and the show takes an hour and half. You can come here any night of the week from 20:00 until 22:00.
El Palacio Andaluz
This beautiful stylish venue in the city centre of Seville is a renovated warehouse that houses a huge stage area and lots of tables. With over 500m2 of floor area, this spacious venue is more of a theatre and has the capacity to hold more people than any of the other tablaos in Seville. The design of the building offers unobstructed views regardless of where you are sitting and the acoustics are fantastic. Open from 19:00 until 21:30, this flamenco venue also offers ticket deals that include dinner, drinks or tapas.
How to Get There: Seville
If you need a Seville airport transfer that takes you direct to your hotel or the city centre from Seville airport, book with us at Shuttle Direct. We offer a reliable service that is professional, efficient and competitively priced. Seville airport receives flights from London, Edinburgh, Paris, Toulouse and Madrid among other major European cities and, as the airport is only 20km from the city, Seville airport transfers have you at your final destination in quick time.
Where to Stay
Hotel Boutique Casa de Colón – This charming low budget hotel is only a stone’s throw from Seville’s cathedral and with air conditioning in all rooms, a TV, safe and private bathroom facilities with free toiletries, the Hotel Boutique Casa de Colón is a great option for those not wanting to splash out on accommodation. The hotel, built in a restored colonial building exudes an atmosphere of old world charm with rooms arranged around a central courtyard that has stain-glass windows as a feature. Reception is open 24 hours a day and there is a concierge service and tour desk.
Hotel America – Hotel America is located in the heart of the Old Town of Seville and is a decent mid range accommodation option. Rooms have air-conditioning and satellite TV. Free Wi-Fi is available and the hotel has a good restaurant serving local specialities. The hotel is within easy access of transport links and the staff are on hand to offer information about the city’s attractions or help book shows and museums for you.
Hotel Alfonso XIII – This charming hotel close to Seville’s Real Alcazares is a real five star experience. One of the most luxurious accommodation options in the city, the hotel has an outdoor pool, gym and garden. Stunning Moorish décor resonates throughout the Hotel Alfonso XIII and rooms are each individually furnished, boasting air conditioning, minibar, fridge and bathrobes. There is a restaurant at the hotel built in a courtyard designed with Andalucían touches. A cocktail bar and terrace top off the added extras available at this beautiful hotel.
