Tablao El Cardenal
Tablao El Cardenal
4.5
8:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Monday
8:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Friday
8:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Admission tickets
from
£23.61
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- Karen KEdenbridge, United Kingdom5 contributionsA must while in Coordiba!.Lovely setting in a courtyard. Greeted with a drink on arrival by a charming lady. The females singer's voice was so powerful accompanied by a young talented guitarist. There were 4 female dancers and a male dancer all so expressive. A great experience.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 October 2023
- adlcfbUnited Kingdom119 contributionsPure talent, passion and vitality – utterly mesmerising!Absolutely the BEST experience of my recent week in Andalusía. I had booked online directly with the venue a month or so beforehand; seats are allocated in the order in which they've been booked, and I was pleasantly surprised to be seated in the front row. Drinks are served on arrival, and again, I was pleasantly surprised to have the option of non-alcoholic Victoria beer. The show itself was just spectacular! I didn't take any photos (which are permitted, without flash) because I was utterly mesmerised from start to finish. It genuinely felt like a privilege to witness this amount of talent, delivered with so much passion and vitality, in such an intimate setting. The female dancers were all incredible, but the young male dancer (Ángel Reyes) was next level; even the front of house staff came through to watch him and take photos. I had been worried it might feel a little 'touristy', but it honestly didn't – the guitarist spoke to the audience only in Spanish, and when I told my Airbnb host where I'd booked she said that this is the one she would have recommended for the most authentic flamenco in Córdoba. Don't think twice, just book! You won't regret it.Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 26 March 2024
- silvia p3 contributionsAmazing experience in the best TablaoAmazing experience! It was my first time and I was looking for something different, without a doubt, I can guarantee that it has exceeded my expectations in this regard. I recommend it for everyone due to you will find 4 blocks (groupal and individually). Very good location, team, good price and incredible openair place.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 1 July 2024
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4.5
686 reviews
Excellent
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25
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Terrible
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silvia p
3 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
Amazing experience! It was my first time and I was looking for something different, without a doubt, I can guarantee that it has exceeded my expectations in this regard. I recommend it for everyone due to you will find 4 blocks (groupal and individually). Very good location, team, good price and incredible openair place.
Written 1 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aaadaaam
Warsaw, Poland70 contributions
Sept 2016 • Couples
This is a review of four different flamenco shows we saw in Cordoba in September 2016: Tablao El Cardenal (on 06.09), Patio de la Juderia (on 08.09), Carmen Gastroflamenco (same day) and Arte y Sabores de Cordoba (on 09.09). We are not experts on flamenco shows – before these four, we only saw a couple of shows in Granada – but we like flamenco music, have lots of flamenco CDs of specific artists (Enrique Morente, Paco de Lucia, etc.), so we are not total novices.
If you are looking for a quick recommendation, ours would be Arte y Sabores, but all shows were of good quality and each show had something to recommend (and each had something to complain about).
In terms of money, Patio de la Juderia was the cheapest option, as you only pay for what you consume (on the assumption that you'll consume at least 12 euro worth), not for the show itself. In case of the other shows, you have to pay 23 euro at El Cardenal, 25 euro at Carmen Gastroflamenco, and 30 euro at Arte y Sabores – in each of these three cases one drink of your choice is included. In case of Arte y Sabores, we went for the more expensive option of show + the “tasting menu”, for 40 euro, and it was fully worth it: for the additional 10 euro you get unlimited drinks and a nice selection of tapas. In our case, “unlimited drinks” consisted of two bottles of red wine (Rioja crianza 2013) and several bottles of water, so the drinks themselves would cost well over the 2 x 10 = 20 euro in other restaurants.
In terms of the general ambience of the place, Arte y Sabores is the clearest winner: it is situated in old Arab baths, it has a nice stage and 11 small tables – all this creates very intimate atmosphere. Definitely the worst show in this respect was Carmen Gastroflamenco: a desolate night club with cold white tables and chairs and pseudomodern black paintings (of well-known flamenco artists?) on white walls. The stage lighting was truly terrible: at any one point, the whole stage is lit in a single strong colour, the colours change sometimes at random, and the whole impression is that of cheap gaudiness.
So how about the shows themselves? Each had its strong points, but the one that we liked least was the one at Tablao El Cardenal – it was the only show that had choreographed routines (of three female dancers), and it seemed very unauthentic and touristy to us. On the other hand, it featured perhaps the best male dancer of these four shows – an amazing performer – and a very good female singer. The next show on our list would be the one at Patio de la Juderia – it featured four performers (male voice, guitar and a pair of dancers), each of them was good (especially the female dancer), but not as excellent as some of the other performers in the other shows. Maybe that's due to the formula of the show at Patio…, namely, the fact that the show takes place while people are eating and (at least some of them) talking. We didn't like this formula, and perhaps it was a little disconcerting to the performers as well. In fact, we saw the male singer again on the same evening, as he was one of the ensemble at the later Carmen Gastroflamenco show, and he was much better there. It is very well possible that the Gastroflamenco performers were – on the average – the best of all the four shows: definitely the best guitarist, two great male voices, a very good female dancer and an excellent male dancer. (Maybe even “too excellent”, as he was obviously fully aware of how good he was – he was a little bit too much of a showman for our taste.) It is a mystery to us why such a splendid ensemble of flamenco artists performs in a place that so totally lacks ambience and has such terrible stage lighting…
Despite the excellence of the performers at Gastroflamenco, the show that we definitely liked most was the one at Arte y Sabores, and not only because of the great place (and the two bottles of wine). It featured four artists: two splendid dancers, a very good young guitar player, and a male voice that we were not so much impressed by, but which was supported for a limited time by another strong male voice, that of the owner/manager (? – Jose) of Arte y Sabores. It was the only show that didn't use artificial amplification (no microphones, etc.) – which was really great. Overall, this was the most solid and even show – the quality was better than at Patio de la Judeira, and there were no clear differences between the levels of particular performers, as was the case in the other two shows.
Unfortunately, nothing is perfect, and the general very good impression of Arte y Sabores was marred by the extremely pushy sale of CDs, so pushy that perhaps it should be called a scam: the CDs were presented as if they were gifts, the performers individually approached members of the audience and asked their names, then they unwrapped the CDs from the cellophane cover and signed them, at which point people felt morally obliged to buy them (for 15 euro). We were warned about this scam by some of the previous reviews here at TA, so we managed to avoid it (by literally catching the hand of the guitarist when he was about to open the CD), but most people were not so lucky. Oh well, I suppose they paid for our two nice bottles of Rioja ;-)
All in all, we didn't regret going to any of the shows and enjoyed all of them, although El Cardenal wasn't such a good value for money (despite the excellent male dancer and the great female singer, and despite all the advertising). If you have enough time and money, you should do the same: this will give you a good idea of the range of flamenco styles, and you'll see and hear some great flamenco performers. On the other hand, if you have the time for just one show, probably Artes y Sabores will provide the best flamenco experience (despite the shameless practice of the pushy sale of CDs).
If you are looking for a quick recommendation, ours would be Arte y Sabores, but all shows were of good quality and each show had something to recommend (and each had something to complain about).
In terms of money, Patio de la Juderia was the cheapest option, as you only pay for what you consume (on the assumption that you'll consume at least 12 euro worth), not for the show itself. In case of the other shows, you have to pay 23 euro at El Cardenal, 25 euro at Carmen Gastroflamenco, and 30 euro at Arte y Sabores – in each of these three cases one drink of your choice is included. In case of Arte y Sabores, we went for the more expensive option of show + the “tasting menu”, for 40 euro, and it was fully worth it: for the additional 10 euro you get unlimited drinks and a nice selection of tapas. In our case, “unlimited drinks” consisted of two bottles of red wine (Rioja crianza 2013) and several bottles of water, so the drinks themselves would cost well over the 2 x 10 = 20 euro in other restaurants.
In terms of the general ambience of the place, Arte y Sabores is the clearest winner: it is situated in old Arab baths, it has a nice stage and 11 small tables – all this creates very intimate atmosphere. Definitely the worst show in this respect was Carmen Gastroflamenco: a desolate night club with cold white tables and chairs and pseudomodern black paintings (of well-known flamenco artists?) on white walls. The stage lighting was truly terrible: at any one point, the whole stage is lit in a single strong colour, the colours change sometimes at random, and the whole impression is that of cheap gaudiness.
So how about the shows themselves? Each had its strong points, but the one that we liked least was the one at Tablao El Cardenal – it was the only show that had choreographed routines (of three female dancers), and it seemed very unauthentic and touristy to us. On the other hand, it featured perhaps the best male dancer of these four shows – an amazing performer – and a very good female singer. The next show on our list would be the one at Patio de la Juderia – it featured four performers (male voice, guitar and a pair of dancers), each of them was good (especially the female dancer), but not as excellent as some of the other performers in the other shows. Maybe that's due to the formula of the show at Patio…, namely, the fact that the show takes place while people are eating and (at least some of them) talking. We didn't like this formula, and perhaps it was a little disconcerting to the performers as well. In fact, we saw the male singer again on the same evening, as he was one of the ensemble at the later Carmen Gastroflamenco show, and he was much better there. It is very well possible that the Gastroflamenco performers were – on the average – the best of all the four shows: definitely the best guitarist, two great male voices, a very good female dancer and an excellent male dancer. (Maybe even “too excellent”, as he was obviously fully aware of how good he was – he was a little bit too much of a showman for our taste.) It is a mystery to us why such a splendid ensemble of flamenco artists performs in a place that so totally lacks ambience and has such terrible stage lighting…
Despite the excellence of the performers at Gastroflamenco, the show that we definitely liked most was the one at Arte y Sabores, and not only because of the great place (and the two bottles of wine). It featured four artists: two splendid dancers, a very good young guitar player, and a male voice that we were not so much impressed by, but which was supported for a limited time by another strong male voice, that of the owner/manager (? – Jose) of Arte y Sabores. It was the only show that didn't use artificial amplification (no microphones, etc.) – which was really great. Overall, this was the most solid and even show – the quality was better than at Patio de la Judeira, and there were no clear differences between the levels of particular performers, as was the case in the other two shows.
Unfortunately, nothing is perfect, and the general very good impression of Arte y Sabores was marred by the extremely pushy sale of CDs, so pushy that perhaps it should be called a scam: the CDs were presented as if they were gifts, the performers individually approached members of the audience and asked their names, then they unwrapped the CDs from the cellophane cover and signed them, at which point people felt morally obliged to buy them (for 15 euro). We were warned about this scam by some of the previous reviews here at TA, so we managed to avoid it (by literally catching the hand of the guitarist when he was about to open the CD), but most people were not so lucky. Oh well, I suppose they paid for our two nice bottles of Rioja ;-)
All in all, we didn't regret going to any of the shows and enjoyed all of them, although El Cardenal wasn't such a good value for money (despite the excellent male dancer and the great female singer, and despite all the advertising). If you have enough time and money, you should do the same: this will give you a good idea of the range of flamenco styles, and you'll see and hear some great flamenco performers. On the other hand, if you have the time for just one show, probably Artes y Sabores will provide the best flamenco experience (despite the shameless practice of the pushy sale of CDs).
Written 11 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
freegarden
Lincs. UK31 contributions
Hard to find superlatives for this superb Flamenco. The setting can hardly be bettered - in the open-air courtyard of the Bishop's Palace next to the Mezquita. The musicians (two), singers (two) and dancers (5 chicas, 1 hombre) are of the finest in Spain. Best to buy tickets (19 euro inc. drink) during the day after you've looked around the Mosque so's to get the best seats (the venue is next to the Tourist Office on the western side).
Go. You'll love it.
Go. You'll love it.
Written 26 June 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bader Al-Qahtani
Dammam, Saudi Arabia28 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
This place might impress you if you have never been to a tablao in your life. Besides the music, which was ok, the dances and music were the most distant relative to flamenco. A spaniard would commit suicide before going to something like that. This show is so commercial that it lacks all the aesthetic values and personalized experiences of flamenco as it is intended to be. Don't take me wrong but only go there if you have never been to flamenco before, otherwise it's up to you!
Written 3 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David_Beard-Sackett
Baltimore, MD49 contributions
Sept 2012 • Couples
First I should start off by noting that I am not that into song and dance shows, but we were told this was one not to miss and well, I guessed, if in Southern Spain I should at least see what all the fuss is about with Flamenco. I wish I could divide the review into two pieces, with the first act being very poor and the second act being excellent. the first half of the show starred an overly arrogant and ham-handed male dancer that really played it up, basically begging for audience approval (and he really wasn't deserving of it). I found myself giggling way too often as he overplayed his moves. The second half, however, had a male lead that was full of quiet strength, poise, and bravado - he held the entire audience in his magical trance. The female dancers were all around good - not great, just good. The singers were decent as well but the guitar players were excellent. Overall, mixed: half great, half not-so great. Would be better if you could pay for just the first act or the second.
Written 13 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mamacita1001
Singapore, Singapore5,137 contributions
Jan 2011
there are several information centers in Cordoba.
TABLAO FLAMENCO CARDENAL is next to one of the information centers.
It is only 20 euro and comes with one drink.
They don't offer the show with dinner, but it is convenient, i think.
Show starts at 22:30～00:20 every night.
In summer, you will watch the show outside.
In winter, you will enjoy it inside.
Garden (outside for summer) looks much better to watch the show. I personally think that the layout of the hall inside is not suitable for watching flamenco. It is rectangle. The view is much better in front table. Try to get ticket as early as possible so that you could get the most front table !
TABLAO FLAMENCO CARDENAL is next to one of the information centers.
It is only 20 euro and comes with one drink.
They don't offer the show with dinner, but it is convenient, i think.
Show starts at 22:30～00:20 every night.
In summer, you will watch the show outside.
In winter, you will enjoy it inside.
Garden (outside for summer) looks much better to watch the show. I personally think that the layout of the hall inside is not suitable for watching flamenco. It is rectangle. The view is much better in front table. Try to get ticket as early as possible so that you could get the most front table !
Written 1 April 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin C
Sheffield, UK597 contributions
Nov 2013 • Couples
I have seen a couple of Flamenco shows before but I do not profess to being an expert; however this show exceeded all my expectations and was certainly the best I have ever seen. Great dancers, costumes, fantastic guitars, and the rhythms of the tap dancing and clapping. Furthermore the speed of some of the foot work was incredible. Our show lasted 2 hours and I think contained a special guest appearance by a male dancer who was just fantastic. After he had finished I thought the other male would never match him but he not only did but surpassed him. The other thing that came over was that all the performers were obviously thoroughly enjoying what they are doing and we're putting their heart and soul into it. The best thing we did in Cordoba by mile!
Written 22 November 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larry_cool_hound
22 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
Nice location in a court yard, we were given the option to choose our seats. We were offered a drink as part of the price of the ticket but this seemed a little disorganised mainly due to the over stretched waiting staff! Audience was a mix of Spaniards and international tourists!
Written 28 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SaltyStony
Fort Myers, FL219 contributions
Jun 2012 • Couples
What a find! True, authentic Flamenco performed by AWARD WINNING dancers. Performed in courtyard. Can you possibly get more Spanish!
The cost is a BARGAIN, and INCLUDES a drink (26 bucks US).
Ask not to be seated toward the front. The chair legs have been cut shorter to allow those behind to see the show. Your knees will be under your chin. I asked to be moved and the "seating manager" takes his job VERY seriously and insisted that we could not be moved. ... Sooooo, I 'insisted' on a standard height chair and got it. I was not rude but I am a Spaniard so, I understand the culture. ... Anyway, this MINOR thing took away nothing from the beauty of this performance. Please, go. You will love it.
The cost is a BARGAIN, and INCLUDES a drink (26 bucks US).
Ask not to be seated toward the front. The chair legs have been cut shorter to allow those behind to see the show. Your knees will be under your chin. I asked to be moved and the "seating manager" takes his job VERY seriously and insisted that we could not be moved. ... Sooooo, I 'insisted' on a standard height chair and got it. I was not rude but I am a Spaniard so, I understand the culture. ... Anyway, this MINOR thing took away nothing from the beauty of this performance. Please, go. You will love it.
Written 8 October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary M
Montreal, Canada332 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
Flamenco is part of the soul of Andulisia, and Cordoba is a superb place to see it.
This venue adds to the experience. The show is essentially outdoors, in a courtyard with orange trees across from the Mezquita.
The show was lively, passionate and entertaining, just as we hoped it would be.
We booked our tickets through our hotel and had very good seats. It' snot inexpensive, but the show was worth it and a drink was included.
This venue adds to the experience. The show is essentially outdoors, in a courtyard with orange trees across from the Mezquita.
The show was lively, passionate and entertaining, just as we hoped it would be.
We booked our tickets through our hotel and had very good seats. It' snot inexpensive, but the show was worth it and a drink was included.
Written 5 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Me gustaría saber cada cuanto tiempo se cambia el espectáculo. Me refiero no solo al espectáculo que he visto, sino al cuadro de artistas.
Written 17 April 2018
Anywhere close by to catch a quick tapas dinner from a bar nearby?
I plan to arrive to the hotel around 20:00, 10minutes walking distance from Tablao Flamenco Cardenal, and have booked a show from 21:00.
I would like to have a quick meal before the show since I am with 2 kids 9 years old.
Appreciate any suggestions!
Written 15 January 2017
tablao itself serves food so check it out to save time
Written 16 January 2017
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