This blog post was originally posted on May 17, 2016, and was updated on January 24, 2018.
Trust us, seeing a performance by passionate locals in the intimate surroundings of a flamenco bar is an experience you won’t soon forget!
People are often skeptical when they hear the words ‘free flamenco’. Every guidebook will warn you of the danger of stepping into a touristy show in Seville’s city center, and so people flock to the tablaos and other professional shows in the hopes of dodging the notorious tourist traps!
However, contrary to popular belief, there are a number of flamenco bars in Seville that provide a unique insight into the tradition without the cover charge. These bars fill with local, amateur talent, perhaps lacking in experience but possessing double the passion. Here are our favorite flamenco bars in Seville where you can get a different perspective on the iconic tradition.
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Casa Anselma
This small bar in the Triana neighborhood of Seville truly embodies the spirit of flamenco. Run by Anselma herself, locals gather here to listen to beautiful, passionate singing. The owner often encourages the crowds to participate whenever possible.
Typically, you’ll only find mixed drinks at the bar, but the price of your drink is all you’ll have to pay. Also, you’ll often see the workers coming out from behind the bar to show off their own flamenco talent! Casa Anselma is easily one of the best flamenco bars in Seville. The tiny bar opens at midnight and is closed Sundays and most Mondays. However, if you’re up for a late night flamenco experience in a lively environment, this is the place for you!
Address: Calle Pagés del Corro, 49
T de Triana
T de Triana is mainly a tapas bar located along Calle Betis, a strip of bars beside the Guadalquivir River, but gives people the chance to see some wonderful flamenco on Thursday and Saturday nights. The intimate surroundings of the bar make for the perfect acoustics to enjoy the full impact of passionate flamenco. Singing and flamenco guitar are often enjoyed at this bar. Also, if space allows you can see some spontaneous dancing too.
The flamenco typically starts at T de Triana breaks the pattern on the ever popular Calle Betis. With a great atmosphere and some wonderful flamenco talent, this is one of the most popular flamenco bars in Seville!
Address: Calle Betis, 20
Quitapesares
Owned by the son of renowned flamenco singer, Pepe Peregil, this tiny bar embodies the spirit of flamenco song. The bar is a homage to local hero Pepe, the bar’s former owner. Pictures of the great cantante line the walls and some of his most popular songs play in the background.
Quitapesares does not put on flamenco shows as such, instead favoring the spontaneous bursts of songs from locals over organized spectacles, but this bar gives an insight into just how important flamenco is to locals in Seville and visitors get a chance to feel the passion of the city for its most iconic tradition. Prop yourself at the bar, order the famous orange wine and soak up the flamenco vibe in one of our favorite flamenco bars in Seville.
Address: Plaza Padre Jerónimo de Córdoba, 3
Mariscal Flamenco
Mariscal Flamenco, previously El Tamboril, is a fascinating place located in the old Jewish neighborhood. It’s not easy to find; when it comes to hidden gems in the city, it doesn’t get much more hidden than this!
The show starts after midnight, with no set running time. The entire bar is encouraged to participate whenever possible. Local guitar players and singers emerge from the crowd to show their skills. If you’re extremely lucky, you may even get a chance to listen to the song dedicated to the Virgin Mary (salve rociera). It truly does make the hairs stand on the back of your neck!
Address: Calle Mariscal, 3
La Carbonería
We know that you’re thinking “but La Carbonería is mentioned in every guidebook written about Seville”. You’re not wrong! However, while it may attract large numbers of tourists to its nightly shows, there is something unique and special about this spot. Flamenco is respected and total silence is demanded during all performances, mostly by sheer strength and power of the talent of the performers.
Performances run on the half hour, typically starting at 9:30 p.m., with another show at 10:30 p.m. and sometimes also at 11:30 p.m. Once the show is over, the most authentic experience is lived in the intimate front room area. Locals improvise on the piano, combining the traditional claps and songs with the beautiful piano music. Drinks at the bar are reasonably priced and once you get comfortable by the piano, you’ll often find yourself at La Carbonería well into the night!
Address: Calle Levíes, 18
Unsure if a flamenco bar is the ideal place for you to experience the art form in Seville? Check out this video on how to choose an authentic flamenco show in the city.
Photo Credit: Eco Dalla Luna
You may wish to check the link to La carboneria!
I will be visiting Sevilla with my family this July with two 18 year olds and one 14 year old – are the kids permitted in the bars to see Flamenco. If not, where can we go to see an authentic show with out the tourist trap feeling? Also we love to eat and cant wait to try local favorites – any places you can recommend? ideally off the typical tourists roadsThank you
Hey Stephanie! You can absolutely bring your kids along! One thing to know though is that several of these bars open pretty late. Casa Anselma, for example, doesn’t open until midnight! La Carbonería would be a good one for you guys! As far as food, we have SO many recommendations! Do download our Eating in Seville guide (you can get it at the bottom of this page or in the popup window). Here’s another good place to start: http://devoursevillefoodtours.com/bars-in-seville/
Thank you for the great suggestions!!
El Tamboril was a truly wonderful bar but seems to have closed down permanently.
Thanks for your comment! They did close and relocate El Tamboril. We’ve updated the post!