Tablao de Carmen

Might be a tourists spot but definitely worth the rather pricey cost of entry. It’s a soulful, uninhibited display of bravado and also stamina, all while you’re leisurely sipping on free flowing sangria (or wine or beer or soda) and nibbling on generous amounts of food. Four solo dancers cross over and around the small stage for about 15 minutes each, taking over the space with their own style… all some mix of choreographed and improvised, they bring up the beats and the melodies and the wails of the trusty and obviously familiar crew of classical guitars soloists and whoever else was up there, since it was practically a family of Flamenco-​ists.
Go with the show+tapas option at € 49 rather than the more expensive dinner options. The nibbles are well timed, and you get all sorts of reasonably tasty dishes: a plate of assorted meats, some marinated mushrooms, cheese croquettes, potato salad, bread and tomato, something similar to fried calamari and to end it all a flan with whipped cream and an espresso. Nothing to blow you away but nothing to complain about either. Plus it’s all timed quite nicely so that you eat enough before the show begins (they start seating arrive about 45 minutes before the show starts but arrive earlier to line up if you feel competitive). As the band enters and dancing begins, you can continue to snack on the spread as you sip wine. The waiters and waitresses slip in and out with plates on plates for the tables surrounding, but it’s not too distracting. I do think that those with the meal option were interrupted much more frequently as they had (too much) food, spaced out in courses. Much more expensive, and I assume not all that delicious… plus I would rather be staring at the fancy footwork going on in front than worrying about successfully transferring fork to mouth.

Hidden gem inside the Poble Espanyol. Lovely area, greta outdoor patio, amazing coffee and great desserts. The friendly service and movie-​like surroundings made for an unforgettable experience in Poble Espanyol.