Naples
San Carlo's opera season runs from November or December to June, with occasional summer performances. Sample prices: a place in the 6th tier (from €35),…
Must-see entertainment in Mediterranean Europe
Ferrara
There are few places in the solar system more cinematic than this extraordinary and intimate house of swing and syncopation occupying a restored…
Florence
An exciting work in progress, this ex-industrial plant near Parco delle Cascine hosts some of the city's edgiest contemporary art events and happenings…
Madrid
In 2011 the respected jazz magazine Down Beat included this art-deco bar on the list of the world's best jazz clubs, the only place in Spain to earn the…
Madrid
Madrid institutions don’t come any more beloved than the terrific Sala El Sol. It opened in 1979, just in time for la movida madrileña (the Madrid scene),…
Madrid
Watching Real Madrid play is one of football's greatest experiences, but tickets are difficult to find. They can be purchased online, by phone or in…
El Raval
Relocated to El Raval in 2012 as part of plans to revive the neighbourhood's cultural offerings, Catalonia's national cinema occupies a modern 6000-sq…
Madrid
Villa Rosa has been going strong since 1914, and in that time it has seen many manifestations. It established itself as a flamenco venue and has recently…
Malasaña & Conde Duque
This excellent new flamenco venue is a terrific deal. With a focus on quality flamenco (dance, song and guitar) rather than the more formal meal-and-floor…
Rome
The hub of Rome's thriving cultural scene and home to Rome's world-class Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia (www.santacecilia.it), the…
El Centro & El Arenal
Occupying the old stables of the 16th-century Palacio de la Condesa de Lebrija, this cultural centre stages authentic, highly charged flamenco shows, as…
Madrid
This theatre, built in 1856, is the premier place to see zarzuela (Spanish mix of theatre, music and dance). It also hosts a smattering of classical music…
La Ribera
A feast for both the eyes and ears, this Modernista confection doubles as the city’s most traditional venue for classical and choral music, though the…
Bursa
Take a seat in this 200-year-old tekke (dervish lodge) to watch the şeyh (master dervish) lead his students through a sema (whirling dervish ceremony) for…
Livorno
Close to the waterfront, the 'Old Fort' was constructed to a design by Antonio de Sangallo the Elder in the 16th century, but incorporates an 11th-century…
Málaga
You’ll feel like a gatecrasher at this private peña, but persevere: the flamenco is muy puro. Watch guitarists who play as though they’ve got 24 fingers…
La Latina & Lavapiés
This is one of the most prestigious flamenco stages in Madrid, with 50 years of experience as a leading venue and top performers most nights. The stage…
Bilbao
Within a former cinema, this is the vibrant heart of contemporary Basque Bilbao, featuring international rock, blues and reggae, as well as the cream of…
Barrio del Carmen
Atmospheric Jimmy Glass is just what a jazz bar should be, with dim lighting and high-octane cocktails. It has four live performances a week, many of them…
Beyoğlu
The 15th-century semahane (whirling-dervish hall) at this tekke (dervish lodge) is the venue for a one-hour whirling dervish sema (ceremony) held on…
Black Sea Coast
The very atmospheric traditional coffeehouse in the rear section of the Pervane Medresesi is a fine place for soft drinks and nargile at any time of year…
Catania
Catania's premier theatre is named after the city's most famous son, composer Vincenzo Bellini. It's one of Italy's most glorious old theatres, staging…
Milan
Having made a name for itself with a program boasting some of the finest names in Italian cinema and theatre, Franco Parenti cemented its role as a…
Kythira
Very charming old cafe–music bar near the main square. The high-ceilinged and shadowy interior oozes atmosphere with its coral-green walls and its long…
Valencia
The city's principal team, and a major player in Spanish football, with famously demanding fans. A move to a new ground in the city's northwest has been…
Palermo
Ernesto Basile's six-tiered art-nouveau masterpiece is Europe's second-largest opera house and one of Italy's most prestigious, right up there with La…
Santiago de Compostela
There's no better place for Celtic and other live music. Head to the tightly packed downstairs bar at about 10.30pm most Wednesdays from September to May…
Trieste
This quirky 1953 petrol station, designed by Ernesto Rogers (Richard Rogers' cousin) and the BBPR firm, was saved from dereliction in 2008 and turned into…
Hania
Established in 1978, this Hania institution in a Venetian building offers smooth jazz and blues, and occasionally live bands or DJs, in an intimate…
Nişantaşi, Bomonti & Harbiye
İstanbul's pre-eminent live-music venue has been packing the crowds in since 1999 and shows no sign of losing its mojo, especially now that it has moved…
Mevlâna Museum Whirling Dervish Performance
Konya
In the summer months, the whirling dervishes perform the sema in the intimate setting of the Mevlâna Museum's outdoor theatre every Thursday night. Enter…
Kuşadası
On a narrow street in the Kaleiçi, this perennial favourite in an atmospheric old stone house and courtyard is where you can listen to the nightly…
Matera
This unusual cafe/bar and 'nano-theatre' is a production agency by day, but comes alive four nights a week to host film screenings, live music, product…
Bay of Naples
Naples' football team, Napoli, is the fourth most supported in Italy after Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan, and watching it play in the country's third…
Granada
Founded in 1949, La Platería claims to be Spain's oldest flamenco club. Unlike some of Andalucía's more private clubs, it regularly opens its doors to…
Athens
Athens' most serious jazz venue is a stylish place that hosts Greek and international musicians. Check the schedule ahead of your trip, as it's not open…
Santa Cruz de la Palma
Once located on the site of an old house-hospital founded in 1514, this magnificent but very petite former theatre originally opened in 1866 and reopened…
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
One of Santa Cruz' top photo ops, Tenerife’s leading entertainment option has dramatically designed curved-white concrete shells capped by a cresting,…
Ios
Outside at Liostasi Hotel & Suites, halfway between Ormos and Hora, this lovely setting hosts a nightly outdoor cinema under the stars. The aim is to…
Skopelos
Wait until at least 11pm, then head to this breezy outdoor ouzerie (place that serves ouzo and light snacks), high above the north corner of the…
