The Best Spots to Watch Flamenco in Valencia

Spanish Flamenco dancing. Photo: Flickr/Edmund Nigel Gall

Flamenco has its roots in Andalucia, and though it’s very much an import to Valencia, it’s still popular here. You’ll hear flamenco everywhere, and if you’re lucky you might come across a spontaneous flamenco jam on the beachfront. If you want to watch an organised flamenco show, there are some very good venues in the city. As long as you don’t expect it to be the most authentic flamenco experience, you can still lose yourself in these stirring, often emotional performances.

Café Del Duende

Some say this little bar on the edge of the El Carmen neighbourhood puts on the most authentic flamenco shows in Valencia. It’s a cosy, intimate space with friendly owners who really care about the art form and the performances they put on. The flamenco here doesn’t always include the dancing, and is usually guitar and vocals. If you really want to see the dance as well make sure you check the listings on their website – if you see “baile”, then dance will be part of the show. The hour-long flamenco performances are held four nights a week from Thursday to Sunday.

Carrer del Túria, 62, 46008 València

Flamenco show in Valencia. Photo courtesy of Cafe Del Duende

El Toro y la Luna

More fiesta than flamenco, this family-owned taberna is something slightly different. It promises a night you’ll never forget with performers from Seville blending the very traditional with modern to produce a spectacular effect. The performances are playful, energetic and emotionally charged – and of course, you’re very welcome to join in! Find it in the city centre near Blasco Ibanez avenue. Performances are Wednesday to Saturday and you can book online, though the website is only available in Spanish.

Plaça del Mestre Ripoll, 13, 46022 València, Valencia

La Bulería

This is a newer flamenco bar in the city centre. La Buleria targets a wider audience, while still making the authenticity of their flamenco performances a priority. It has a more formal setup than many others and you’ll need to book in advance. The very comfortable experience here includes a Spanish dinner menu followed by the live flamenco dance performance. You can check out the menus and performance details on their website.

Carrer del Bisbe Jaume Pérez, 24, 46006 València

Flamenco performance at La Buleria, Valencia. Photo courtesy of La Buleria

Radio City

One of the city’s favourite live music spots, especially popular with the city’s English speakers, this city centre bar with interesting decor and colourful clientele has a varied programme of events, including flamenco performances every Tuesday with performers coming from far and wide. The art form is very much respected here and no two flamenco performances are ever the same. Check their website for more details and booking information.

Carrer de Santa Teresa, 19, 46001 València

Lalola

Lalola is mainly a restaurant, and they serve up great food with a focus on traditional rice dishes made using fresh market produce. But on Thursday nights the restaurant transforms into a Flamenco bar, when you can enjoy dinner accompanied by a dance and percussion-focused performance.

Pujada del Toledà, 8, 46001 València

Palau de la Musica

For some serious flamenco art, you will find performances on the schedule at the city’s Palace of Music (Palau de la Musica) from time to time. Check their programme online before your visit as you may get lucky and be here during a run of flamenco shows. If so, you can expect it to be a serious, opera-like performance of an exceptionally high standard, likely featuring the big names in Spanish flamenco.

Passeig de l’Albereda, 30, 46023 València

Palau de la Musica, Valencia | Photo courtesy of the Palau de la Musica | Photo courtesy of the Palau de la Musica