El Palacio Andaluz is a flamenco venue on the Isla de la Cartuja, the island across the Guadalquivir from the old centre that was the site of the 1992 Expo and now holds the Monasterio de la Cartuja, the Pabellón de la Navegación and a clutch of cultural venues. It sits at Calle Matemáticos Rey Pastor y Castro, away from the lanes of Santa Cruz, and its location is the key to its character: instead of a tiny room in the old town, it is a larger flamenco theatre with a proper stage, which allows a more produced show with larger choreography and more performers than the small tablaos can fit. The ticket covers the show and a drink, and a second version of the product adds dinner, so you can choose between a performance and a full evening out. The show follows the flamenco tradition of guitar, voice, dance and palmas, but the larger stage lets the company present group numbers and costumes in a way a sixty-seat room cannot. The venue's ratings are good, though some visitors prefer the rawness of the smaller rooms, and the venue is a little farther from the centre. It is a sensible option for groups, for families who want a more theatrical show, and for visitors who have already seen an intimate tablao and want a contrast. Because the venue is outside the old town, check your transport back at night when you book: the tram, a taxi or a short ride is easier than a long walk.
Why choose it
This is flamenco as theatre, and it appeals to people who like the idea of a staged production with a larger company. It also pairs naturally with a day on the Cartuja, where the Monasterio de la Cartuja and its contemporary art centre are the main sights. It is less suited to those who want the in-your-face intimacy of Triana or Santa Cruz.
Practicalities
Confirm the show time and the transport back to the centre when you book, since the island is across the river and the walk is longer than the walks between the old-town venues. The drink-only ticket is the simpler option; the dinner version should be booked as a separate product and the details checked for your date. Tickets are delivered to your phone. Ask about photography before the show begins, as rules vary between performances.
Making an evening of it
Visit the Monasterio de la Cartuja in the afternoon, then take the show, or pair it with a ride on the river in the late afternoon. The Setas de Sevilla and the Plaza de España are on the other side of the river, so plan a different day for the old town. If you want a contrast, book a small tablao in Triana on another night and you will have seen both the theatre and the room.
Because the venue is built for a larger audience than a tablao, it can be a good option for a group travelling together, where finding eight seats in a tiny room would be difficult. Whichever version you choose, arrive in good time, since finding your seat on a larger site takes a little longer than in the old-town rooms.
What to expect
The experience
A staged flamenco show in a purpose-built theatre on the Isla de la Cartuja, with a drink included and a separate dinner version available.
Best time
Book the show after an afternoon on the Cartuja, and plan your transport back to the old town in advance.
How long
About an hour or more for the show; longer if you choose the dinner version.
Tips
Check the show time and transport home when you book. Choose the drink version for a shorter night or the dinner version for a full evening. Ask about photography.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Groups and visitors who want a staged, theatrical flamenco production with a larger company.
- Families
- A good choice for families who prefer a larger stage and more visual spectacle.
- Couples
- The show plus a late dinner version for a full evening out.
- Pair with
- The Monasterio de la Cartuja and its contemporary art centre on the Isla de la Cartuja.
- Time needed
- One evening, allow longer with dinner.
Good questions
Where is El Palacio Andaluz?+
On the Isla de la Cartuja, across the Guadalquivir from the old town, near the Monasterio de la Cartuja.
How is it different from a small tablao?+
It is a purpose-built theatre with a larger stage, so shows can include bigger choreography and group numbers than the tiny rooms in the old town.
Is a drink included?+
Yes, the ticket includes a drink, and a separate version of the product adds dinner.
How do I get back to the old town?+
The venue is across the river, so plan a taxi, a tram or a short ride in advance rather than walking late at night.
Is it good for families?+
The staged production and larger stage suit families who want more spectacle, but check the age rules and the show time when you book.
