Spain Guide
Madrid
Music, film and theatre
1 Al Andaluz c/Capitán Haya 19 
915 561 439 A sala rociera rather than a professional flamenco joint, with a live show – you can then join in with the rest of the crowd in trying your hand at the dancing. Price: Around €20
2 Almonte c/Juan Bravo 35 915 632 504 
www.almontesalarociera.com A little slice of Andalucía in this sala rociera where it's easy to imagine you've been transported to Sevilla as you watch the locals strut their stuff. A few more finos and you'll pluck up the courage to have a go yourself.
3 Café de Chinitas c/Torija 7 915 595 135 www.chinitas.com One of the oldest flamenco clubs in Madrid, with a dinner-dance spectacular. It's expensive, but the music is authentic. Reservations are essential, though you may get in late when people start to leave (at this time, you don't have to eat, and the steep entrance fee does at least include your first drink). Price: Around €30 Opening time: Mon– Sat 8.30pm–1am
4 Candela c/Olmo 2 914 673 382 A legendary flamenco bar frequented by musicians – the late, great Camarón de la Isla is reputed to have sung here until 11am on one occasion. Opening time: Tues– Sun 10.30pm–2am
5 Las Carboneras Plaza Conde de Miranda 915 428 677 www.tablaolascarboneras.com A relative newcomer to the restaurant/tablao scene, geared to the tourist market and slightly cheaper than its rivals, but a very good alternative if you want to get a taste of flamenco. Opening time: Mon– Thurs, shows 9pm & 10.30pm, Fri & Sat 8.30pm & 11pmPrice: Around €25
6 Cardomomo c/Echegaray 15 A noisy and fun flamenco bar close to Santa Ana. An unpretentious atmosphere that couldn't be more different from the formal tablaos. Opening time: Live acts Wed & SunPrice: No entry charge
7 
Casa Patas c/Cañizares 10 913 690 496 www.casapatas.com A small but very popular flamenco tablao that gets its share of big names. The best nights are Thurs and Fri. Opening time: Mon– Sat 9pm–2amPrice: €27–30
8 Corral de la Morería c/Morería 17, La Latina 913 658 446 www.corraldelamoreria.com This is a good venue for some serious acts off the tourist circuit but again expensive. Price: €35, includes one drink Opening time: Daily 9pm–2am, Sat from 10.45pm
9 La Soleá c/Cava Baja 34, La Latina 913 653 308 This long-established flamenco bar is the genuine article. People sit around in the salon, pick up a guitar or start to sing, and on a good night the atmosphere builds until everyone else is clapping or dancing. Opening time: Mon– Sat 8.30pm–3am; closed Aug
10 Chesterfield Café c/Serrano Jover 5 915 422 817 As well as offering Tex-Mex-style food, this club is a live venue that attracts local acts and some bigger international names. Opening time: Wed– Sun; sets usually begin at midnight (1am on Fri & Sat)
11 La Coquette c/Hileras 14 A small, smoky basement bar, where people sit around in the near-dark watching the band perform on a tiny stage. Live music most nights with blues on Wed & Thurs. Opening time: Daily 8pm–2.30am
12 Honky Tonk c/Covarrubias 24 914 456 886 Nightly blues and rock sets in this late-opening bar just north of Alonso Martínez.
13 Libertad 8 c/Libertad 8 915 321 150 www.libertad8cafe.es Libertad 8 made its name during the movida, but this friendly little bar in Chueca still acts as a venue for up-and-coming singer-songwriters and even has its own record label. Opening time: Tues– Sun 1pm–2am
14 Siroco c/San Dimás 3 915 933 070 Live bands play most nights at this popular little soul club, not far north of the Gran Vía. Opening time: Closed SunPrice: €5–10
15 El Sol c/Jardines 3 913 611 184 www.elsolmad.com Hosts around twenty live concerts a month; afterwards, it continues as a disco. Very good acoustics. Opening time: Daily 11.30pm–5amPrice: Around €9
16 La Cubierta Plaza de Toros de Leganés 917 651890 www.la-cubierta.com A bullring in the southern industrial suburb of Leganés, often used as a venue for heavy-rock artists of the Iron Maiden and Megadeth variety, although in a complete contrast a re-formed Soft Cell also made an appearance not that long ago.
17 Palacio de Deportes Avda. Felipe II s/n 912 586 016 www.palaciodedeportes.com The city's all-new sports arena replaced an old one that burned down in 2001. It's used for visiting groups and big shows. Ricky Martin and Alicia Keys are among recent visitors.
18 Palacio de Vistalegre Avda. Plaza de Toros 915 639 493 www.palaciovistalegre.com This covered bullring in the south of the city has become one of the favoured venues of touring groups.
19 Plaza de Toros de las Ventas Las Ventas 913 562 200 www.las-ventas.com The bullring is a pretty good concert venue, put to use in the summer festival. Tickets are usually one price, though you can pay more for a (good) reserved seat (asiento reservado).
20 La Riviera Paseo Bajo Virgen del Puerto s/n, Puente de Segovia 913 652 415 www.salariviera.com A fun disco and concert venue right next to the river, which has hosted Coldplay, Black Eyed Peas and the Hives among others.