Seville City Guide - Culture

Seville is an important flamenco centre and it would be a shame to leave the city without catching a show. It's said the best are impromptu performances in local bars, for example at Bar Tenderete, Calle Rodrigo Caro 3, or at Carboneria, Calle Leviés 18. Regular formal tablao venues include the highly rated El Arenal, Calle Rodo (tel: 95 421 6492; website: www.tablaoelarenal.com), and Los Gallos, Plaza de Santa Cruz 11 (tel: 95 421 6981; website: www.tablaolosgallos.com).

Opera and classical music are often performed at the Teatro de la Maestranza, Paseo de Colón 22 (tel: 95 422 6573; website: www.teatromaestranza.com), also the home of the Royal Symphonic Orchestra of Seville (October to June). Teatro Central on the Isla de la Cartuja, Calle José de Galvez (tel: 95 503 7200; website: www.teatrocentral.com), offers music, theatre and flamenco in classical and contemporary styles. The beautiful neo-baroque Teatro Lope de Vega, Avenida de Maria Luisa (tel: 95 459 0867; website: www.teatrolopedevega.org), hosts flamenco shows, modern and classical plays and concerts. Outdoor concerts, opera and theatre of all descriptions also take place at Europe's largest open-air venue, El Auditorio, Isla de la Cartuja (tel: 95 446 7538).

For more information on cultural events see either Guia del Ocio (website: www.guiadelocio.com/sevilla) or El Giraldillo (website: www.elgiraldillo.es), Seville's two listings guides, available from kiosks and bookshops.