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Located in the heart of Madrid, Essential Flamenco is a must-visit performance space known for shows where the audience sees the performers up close—not on a distant stage. In typical Madrileño style, many visitors go to the early show, then head out to dinner around Sol. Be sure to buy your ticket in advance, as shows fill up quickly.
Music fans appreciate flamenco’s acoustic accompaniment, which reflects a diverse musical heritage, from Andalusia to the Arabian Peninsula.
Those who book tickets in advance enjoy a complimentary drink or glass of sangria.
The most convenient way to get to Essential Flamenco is by metro. Take line 1, 2, or 3 to Sol station, then walk south from Puerta del Sol. You’ll find Essential Flamenco on a cobblestone block at Calle de la Cruz, 26.
Shows happen twice daily at Essential Flamenco: Tuesday through Sunday at 8:30pm and 10pm. The venue is closed on Monday. To avoid the crowds, get tickets to a midweek show. Fall and spring are the ideal seasons to visit Madrid—expect warm but pleasant temperatures, and fewer travelers. July and August are the peak tourist months.
With so much to see in Madrid’s central district, your best bet is a self-paced walking tour around the heart of the city. Don’t miss the public squares: Puerta del Sol, a popular local hangout, and Plaza Mayor, the perfect place to refuel at a café. From the plazas, walk east to the tree-lined Paseo del Prado, where you’ll find three of the city’s most celebrated museums and some of Madrid’s most interesting people watching.