6 Best Performing Arts Venues in Barcelona, Spain

As one of the city's pioneering puppet (in Catalan, putxinel·li) theaters, this beloved venue features entertaining marionette, puppet, and shadow puppet performances. Weekend matinee performances are major kid magnets and tend to sell out fast, so arrive early or reserve a ticket in advance online.

Since 1892, this (now state-of-the-art) theater has had many incarnations; today, its focus is a social one–giving emerging musical acts, particularly from local neighborhoods, a space to perform. Don't underestimate the talent, though: there's capacity for 1,450 spectators, and the diverse schedule spans music, DJs, dance, and circus. 

Originally built as a cinema in the late 1890s, Teatre Poliorama has also been immortalized in George Orwell's Homage to Catalonia, where the celebrated author describes it as the site of a shoot-out between opposing sides during the Spanish Civil War. In sharp contrast to its sinister past most of the productions offered focus on lighthearted comedy and musical plays in Spanish or Catalan, as well as flamenco and opera.

One of the city's most beloved traditional theater and dance venues, the century-old Tívoli has staged timeless classics and has hosted everyone from the Ballet Nacional de Cuba to flamenco and teeny-bopper treats.

This historic theater in the heart of Barcelona's show district features dramas, musicals, and dance productions, from ballet to Bollywood.

This well-respected performing arts theater, arguably the most prestigious in Barcelona, offers two distinct branches in the city: one is located on a backstreet in trendy Gràcia, and the second, in Montjuic, boasts an ornate facade and a larger stage. In operation since 1976, Teatre Lliure hosts an impressive lineup of theater, dance, and musical events and has an ample and inviting on-site café.