Honest Tablao Flamenco Cordobes Review: Is It Worth It?
Wondering if Tablao Flamenco Cordobes in Barcelona is worth your time and money? You’re in the right place!
As a travel blogger that lives in Barcelona, I’ve personally been to Tablao Cordobes and am here to share my honest review–because I know just how tricky it can be to choose an authentic flamenco experience in a city full of tourist traps!
In this Tablao Flamenco Cordobes review, I’ll share my honest experience, covering the atmosphere, performances, tickets, and overall value.
By the end, you’ll know whether Tablao Flamenco Cordobes is the right choice for your Barcelona trip. Let’s get into the details!
Is Tablao Flamenco Cordobes Worth It?
I had a great experience at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes and think it’s worth it, but I’d skip the dinner.
The buffet food didn’t look very appetizing, and most online reviews don’t recommend it, though dinner guests do get the best seats.
I opted for the show and drink ticket, which I enjoyed—the intimate venue puts you right next to the stage, and I was still able to sit in the front row.
The performances were incredible, featuring passionate dancers, talented guitarists, and no sound system, so all the music and rhythm came directly from the performers.
The show lasted about 1 hour and 10 minutes, longer than some other flamenco shows in Barcelona, and the venue’s historic Andalusian design added to the experience.
My only complaints were the lack of an option to pay for a better seat without dinner and that extra drinks weren’t easily available for purchase during the show.
Tip: Instead of getting dinner at the show, I’d recommending grabbing dinner before or after the show at one of these nearby tapas restaurants in the Gothic Quarter.
Tablao Flamenco Cordobes Tickets
Here’s an overview of the ticket options available at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes:
Flamenco Show + Drink
The Flamenco Show + Drink ticket is the most basic option and includes:
- Flamenco show
- 1 Drink (sangria, cava, wine, beer, and soft drinks)
Dinner, Drink, and Flamenco Show
The Dinner, Drink, and Flamenco Show ticket is the upgraded ticket option and includes:
- Buffet dinner before the show (40 specialties of Spanish & Catalan cuisine)
- Unlimited beer, wine, sangria, and soft drinks during dinner
- Glass of cava during the show
- Flamenco show
Brief History of Tablao Flamenco Cordobes
Tablao Flamenco Cordobes was founded in 1970 by flamenco artists Luis Adame and Irene Alba, who aimed to create an authentic space for flamenco in Barcelona.
Over the years, it became a key gathering place for legendary performers, hosting icons like Camarón de la Isla, Farruco, and Manuela Carrasco.
The venue gained international recognition, especially after the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, attracting tourists, artists, and celebrities.
In 2010, the tablao celebrated its 40th anniversary with a new wave of productions and the creation of the Tablao Flamenco Cordobes Foundation to promote and preserve flamenco culture.
Today, it remains one of Barcelona’s most respected flamenco venues, staying true to its roots while showcasing top-tier talent.
Tablao Flamenco Cordobes Location
Tablao Flamenco Cordobes is located at La Rambla, 35, right in the heart of Barcelona. It’s very close to Plaça Reial and La Boqueria Market.
It also sits between the Liceu and Drassanes metro stations, making it easily accessible by public transport.
Since it’s in a busy tourist area, be mindful of pickpockets and keep a close eye on your belongings.
Despite the crowds, its central location makes it a convenient spot to experience an authentic flamenco show.
Tablao Flamenco Cordobes Experience
Here’s an overview of what to expect during the flamenco experience:
Arrival & Seating
After checking in with the staff, you’ll need to wait in line on a narrow sidewalk right outside the venue.
I recommend arriving early to get a good seat—I arrived 20 minutes before the show and was first in line, which landed me a front-row spot.
Once it’s time, you’ll head upstairs to the theater, where you’ll be assigned your seats and the servers will start to bring out drinks.
I ordered a sangria, but it kind of tasted like Don Simón store-bought sangria, so I’d probably suggest going for wine, cava, or beer instead.
Venue
The venue itself is beautiful, featuring an ornate staircase at the entrance and Andalusian-inspired decor throughout.
The theater is small and intimate, with just a few rows of chairs surrounding the stage, and since the seating is slightly tiered, even those not in the front row get a decent view.
The space has a cave-like feel, with gorgeous stone archways and warm lighting that adds to the ambiance.
However, seating is shoulder to shoulder, so once you’re in your seat, it’s not easy to get up.
I was lucky enough to be in the front row, sitting so close that I could see the sweat on the performers!
Flamenco Show
The show lasts about 1 hour and 10 minutes and is one of the most immersive flamenco performances I’ve seen.
A key thing to note is that photos and videos aren’t allowed until the last few minutes, when the performers give a signal.
The performance features two female dancers, one male dancer, and several guitarists, and what makes this show especially unique is that there’s no sound system—everything you hear comes directly from the instruments, singers, and rhythmic tapping.
The performers were incredibly talented and clearly professionals, delivering an intense and passionate show.
I was especially impressed by the long-tailed flamenco dresses (bata de cola) and how effortlessly the dancers moved in them without tripping!
The only downside was that there wasn’t really an option to order additional drinks during the performance, but overall, it was a really good experience.
Tips for Visiting Tablao Flamenco Cordobes
Follow these tips to make the most of your Barcelona flamenco show experience:
- Get there early: Arriving at least 20 minutes before the show increases your chances of getting a front-row seat for the best view.
- Skip the dinner and go to a nearby tapas restaurant instead: The buffet isn’t highly rated, so you’re better off enjoying authentic tapas at one of these nearby tapas restaurants in the Gothic Quarter before the show.
- Don’t expect to take lots of photos and videos: Photography and filming are only allowed during the last few minutes of the performance when the performers give a signal.
- Go during the week if you can: Weekday shows tend to be less crowded, giving you a better chance at a great seat and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Visiting Tablao Cordobes Barcelona: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting Tablao Cordobes:
How long is the Tablao Flamenco Cordobes flamenco show?
The flamenco show at Tablao Cordobes lasts 1 hour and 10 minutes.
What time does the Tablao Flamenco Cordobes show start?
There are typically three nightly shows at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes starting at 7:15pm, 9:00pm, and 10:30pm.
What’s the dress code at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes?
There isn’t a strict dress code, but it’s recommended to dress smart casual. Some people opt for more formal attire, while others go for a more relaxed look.
Can children attend the Tablao Flamenco Cordobes show?
Children over 4 years of age are welcome at Tablao Flamenco Cordobes but must be accompanied by an adult, who is responsible for ensuring they remain quiet during the performance.
Final Thoughts: Tablao Flamenco Cordobes Barcelona Review
I hope this review has helped you decide whether Tablao Flamenco Cordobes is the right flamenco experience for you!
Overall, I had a great time and think the show is worth it, especially for the intimate setting and talented performers.
While I’d skip the dinner and suggest arriving early for the best seats, the passion and authenticity of the performance make it a really memorable experience.
If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Barcelona at night, this flamenco show is a solid choice for an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and culture.
