14 Incredible Things to Do in Cordoba, Spain
Located in the north of Andalusia, Cordoba is a must-see destination. The city is well-known for its impressive Great Mosque, beautiful courtyards decorated with flowers and plants, and local cuisine.
It’s a less popular destination in Andalusia compared to Seville, Granada and Malaga, but I am sure you’ll love this magical city.
Due to its proximity, Cordoba is a perfect day trip from Malaga and Seville. You can easily use public transport or drive to Cordoba and spend at least one day there.
I’ve visited Cordoba several times for a day from my hometown, Malaga.
Whether you plan to spend one or three days in this beautiful city, you’ll find the best things to do in Cordoba, as well as where to eat and stay, in this blog.
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Things to Do in Cordoba
1. Contemplate Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba
The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba is the city’s main monumental site that has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984 and is one of the most famous churches in Europe.
It’s unique in many ways, thanks to its impressive mixture of architecture (Islamic with Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine touches), art, and religious importance.
Before entering the mosque, wander its beautiful courtyard, surrounded by orange trees, palm trees, and cypresses, and relax while contemplating the external view of the mosque and its tower.
Inside, you’ll love discovering every corner of the mosque. It has plenty of architectural and religious features to contemplate and learn about.
You can easily spend over an hour inside the mosque, and if you have time, climb the Bell Tower to enjoy some of the best views of Cordoba city centre and Roman Bridge. The entrance to the tower is an extra 2 euros, and it runs every 30 minutes.
Visiting this mosque-cathedral is definitely one of the best things to do in Cordoba.
📌 Check out tickets for the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba here
2. Visit Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
A few minutes’ walk from the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, you’ll find another must-see monument in the city, the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs.
This palace fortress has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994. It’s a very important building because it was the royal residence of the Christian monarchs Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon.
However, the building was also the Courts of the Holy Offices, a civil prison, and lastly, a military prison.
Not only will you want to visit it because of its rich history, but its outstanding gardens and courtyards where you can see beautiful ponds surrounded by orange trees and other flowers, statues of all the monarchs who were somehow connected with the palace-fortress, among other features.
Most visits are in the morning, but it’s also worth checking Magical Nights in the Alcazar, a night tour that offers a unique experience with the lighting of different areas across the gardens. This night-time tour doesn’t always happen, but keep an eye on the website if you’re interested.
📌 Check out tickets for the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos here
3. Cross Puente Romano
Located in the heart of Cordoba, next to the Mosque-Cathedral and the Gate of the Bridge, the Roman Bridge offers one of the city’s most magical views.
The bridge was initially built in the early 1st century BC across the Guadalquivir River, although it has been reconstructed a few times since then.
Go to Puente Romano at sunrise or sunset to enjoy an incredible view of the city—the Mosque-Cathedral, the Gate of the Bridge, and distant views of the city buildings and the river.
Walking through this bridge is also one of the best things to do in Cordoba at night, as the area is lit up.
4. Taste Cordoba’s local food
If you’re a foodie, you can’t leave Cordoba without trying its exquisite cuisine.
Some of the most popular local dishes include flamenquín (serrano ham wrapped with pork loin that is coated in breadcrumbs and then fried), salmorejo (a tomato cold soup, similar to gazpacho, topped with hard-boiled egg and ham), and rabo de toro (oxtail stew).
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly restaurant, go to Taberna El Capricho. They offer two set menus for 10 and 15 euros that include traditional Cordoba dishes. I loved arroz cordobés (paella-style rice with peppers, mushrooms, and chicken).
If you’re looking for a top-notch restaurant, Restaurante Regadera is your best choice. They prepare all the food with fresh and high-quality ingredients. Not only can you find traditional dishes like rabo de toro but international dishes like tuna tartare.
5- Wander the Jewish Quarter
The Jewish Quarter is the most charming area in Cordoba – its cobblestoned streets, whitewashed buildings and important historical buildings and museums make it unmissable and unique.
Walking through the Jewish Quarter is the best free thing to do in Cordoba and takes you back to the medieval Islamic period in the city. The quarter has plenty of small streets and narrow alleys that are worth seeing.
Every little corner is very picturesque, and you can find unique features that you won’t find in other parts of the city.
📌 TIP: If you love a good photo spot, make sure to visit Calleja de las Flores, a beautiful whitewashed street with flower pots hanging on the walls. It’s the most picturesque street in the city.
6. Discover Casa Andalusí
Casa Andalusí, located in the Jewish Quarter, takes you back to Caliphate times. This house museum is a charming place where you can experience a mixture of Eastern styles, music, aromas, and colours.
As you enter Casa Andalusí, you’ll walk through a beautiful and cosy courtyard with a fountain in the middle and plants on the side. In its different rooms, you can find a collection of ancient coins and an example of the first machines for making paper that aimed to reach the Western world.
The entry to Casa Andalusí is 4 euros, but you can also buy a combined ticket that includes entry to Museo de la Alquimia (The Museum of Alchemy) for 8 euros.
7. Admire Cordoba Synagogue
Located in the heart of the Jewish Quarter and next to Casa Andalusí is the Cordoba Synagogue.
Although the synagogue is small, it’s worth visiting because it’s one of the three best-preserved Medieval synagogues in Spain. In the 19th century, it was declared a National Monument.
As you enter, you’ll see a small patio decorated with plants hanging on the wall. As you turn right, you’ll find a narrow entrance hall and a room where you can contemplate the beautiful arches decorated with impressive plasterwork.
The entry to Cordoba Synagogue is free, but you’ll likely have to wait a few minutes to get in.
8. Windowshop in the Old Town
Whether you love shopping or buying souvenirs for yourself or others, Cordoba Old Town is home to numerous independent and small shops where you can get unique gifts.
Cordoba is a very artistic Andalusian city, which is also reflected in the shops. You can find anything from ceramic flamenco figures to pots and wooden instruments.
At the same time, you can also see the Moorish influence in some shops in Cordoba. One of my favourite shops in Cordoba is Delicias del Califato. I absolutely love how the different Moroccan teas are displayed.
Another hidden gem is Arko, a unique instrument shop that faces a small patio.
9. Explore Palacio de Viana
Palacio de Viana is a must-see attraction in Cordoba. It consists of 12 beautiful courtyards (patios) and a palace that immerses you in the Andalusian culture.
It’s one of my favourite places in Cordoba because it gives you a sense of what the Courtyard Festival is like.
Each patio is decorated with plant pots and beds, and colourful flowers hang on the walls and are placed in different areas of the courtyards.
Patio de Los Naranjos and Patio de Columnas are absolutely my favourites. The first one takes you back to the Muslim era in Cordoba and to a scented orange journey.
The second one includes a beautiful small fountain in the middle of the courtyard, where you can relax, listen to the sound of the water, and wander around the spacious patio decorated with bright flowers.
No matter which patio you’re walking through, each one has something unique that will amaze you.
Although the best time to visit Palacio de Viana is in spring because the flowers blossom, you can visit it all year round.
📌 TIP: To save money, buy combined tickets (courtyards + palace) rather than single tickets for each space.
10. Explore Patios San Basilio
If you feel like you want to explore more patios after your visit to Palacio de Viana, then you must go to Patios San Basilio.
Patios San Basilio consists of a group of three beautiful courtyards situated in the Alcázar Viejo area.
When you book your visit, the ticket also includes a guided visit, entrance to the Ethnographic Museum, and wine tasting.
These patios are open almost all year round except in the month of July.
11. See Templo Romano
If you’re walking to Palacio de Viana, you can easily stop by the ruins of an old Roman Temple, which were discovered in the 50s during the restoration and expansion of Cordoba City Hall.
12. Go to Palacio de la Merced
Not very far from Plaza de Colon, you’ll find Palacio de la Merced, a beautiful palace that stands out because of its Baroque-style facade.
Inside the palace, there is the main patio where national and international exhibitions sometimes take place.
13. Explore Jardines de la Agricultura
This public garden, popularly known as the Garden of the Ducks, is a lovely green space to relax and walk through as you make your way to the heart of the city, especially if you come from the train station.
It is home to many varieties of plants, including the rarest ginkgo and monuments to honour local artists.
14. Visit Medina Azahara
Located on the outskirts of Cordoba, Medina Azahara is an archaeological complex worth visiting, especially if you love historical sites. It was built for Abd-al Rahman III.
The best way to discover this place is to take a guided tour, which will allow you to learn about this unique sight.
This 3-hour guided tour includes transportation from Cordoba and has good reviews.
Where to stay in Cordoba
Are you looking for a hotel in the city centre of Cordoba? Here is my top recommendation:
NH Collection Amistad Córdoba
This 4-star hotel is in the Jewish Quarter, next to incredible historical buildings such as the Cordoba Synagogue, Casa Andalusí and the Bullfighting Museum of Cordoba.
The location is convenient for anyone who wants to make the most of their few days in Cordoba, and the design is outstanding.
All the rooms are beautifully decorated and have views of the picturesque hotel patios and Plaza Maimonides. Each room also has a flat-screen TV, comfortable beds, Wi-Fi, kettle and coffee facilities.
The hotel also has a lovely communal swimming pool and gym.
One of my favourite parts of the hotel is the cafe and restaurant located on their patio which offers traditional Andalusian dishes. It’s the perfect spot to relax while enjoying some delicious food.
You can find cheaper hotels than NH Collection Amistad Córdoba, but it’s absolutely worth staying in this hotel because of its location and excellent treat.
📌 Check NH Collection Amistad Cordoba prices and rates here
How to get to Cordoba
On one of my visits to Cordoba, I took the train from Malaga, which took just over an hour (faster trains were available, but they were more expensive).
If you can get the train, I highly recommend taking it. It’s very regular, faster than the coach and car, convenient, and you don’t need to worry about parking!
The downside of travelling to Cordoba by train is its price. Getting the train is definitely more expensive than the coach; however, you can sometimes find good deals.
By plane
If you’re flying to Spain, here are the closest international airports:
- Seville Airport (125 kilometres).
- Málaga Airport (175 kilometres).
- Madrid Airport (400 kilometres).
By car
If you’re renting a car, these are the distances and approximate times from the cities mentioned above:
Seville to Cordoba
- Distance: 140 kilometres via A-4 motorway.
- Time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Malaga to Cordoba
- Distance: 158 kilometres via A-45 motorway.
- Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Madrid to Cordoba
- Distance: 394 kilometres via A-4 motorway.
- Time: 4 hours
Where to park in Cordoba
If you’re driving to Cordoba and you’re worried about finding a parking space. I highly recommend checking the Visit Cordoba website where you can see all the shopping centres, attractions and outdoor parking and their location.
By train
Travelling by train to Cordoba is very convenient and fast. This is the duration of the journey from some of the popular places to travel:
- Seville to Cordoba: 40 minutes.
- Malaga to Cordoba: 50 minutes.
- Madrid to Cordoba: 1 hour 40 minutes.
By coach
There are plenty of coaches that travel to Cordoba. However, it’s the slowest way to get to the city.
Cordoba coach station is located 25 minutes’ walk from the heart of the city and its main attractions.
🚌 Book your bus tickets with Omio
When to visit Cordoba
The best time to visit Cordoba is in spring – the flowers blossom, the smell of jasmine and oranges, and the pleasant weather among other reasons.
May is doubtless the best month because you can experience the city’s best events like Feria de Los Patios (The Courtyards Festival) in which the courtyard owners decorate their houses with flowers planted in beds and pots and these are hung from the walls.
Owners try to win the prestigious award offered by Cordoba Town Hall. On top of this, the festival also offers concerts and delicious traditional tapas.
The worst time to visit Cordoba is in the summer, especially during July and August, due to its high temperatures (37°C / 98.6°F or more).
These temperatures make sightseeing very difficult, so you won’t see many locals during the afternoon. They’ll be having a siesta instead!
I went to Cordoba in winter, and it was quite cold in comparison to Malaga. I wasn’t very lucky with the weather because it rained and it was foggy.
Although you’ll mostly enjoy sunny and clear days in Cordoba, be prepared for the cold, especially in the early morning and evening.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Cordoba
Why should I visit Cordoba?
Cordoba is a unique destination rich in history, art, culture, and gastronomy. It has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and beautiful courtyards that you won’t find anywhere else in Andalusia. There are many things to see in Cordoba, making it a great day trip or weekend getaway.
Is Cordoba a day trip?
Cordoba is the perfect place to visit for a day or a short weekend because there are plenty of things to do and see, it’s well-connected to other Andalusian cities, and it’s very walkable.
How many days do I need in Cordoba?
I went on a day trip to Cordoba and had enough time to visit all the main attractions. However, if you want a more relaxing experience, I highly recommend visiting the city for two days.
Conclusion of the best things to do in Cordoba
You can visit Cordoba’s main attractions in one day. However, I recommend staying an extra day if you want to see the patios and explore beyond the top landmarks.
Regardless of how long you stay in Cordoba, it’s a fantastic Andalusian city to visit, especially if you love history, architecture and good food.
Which Cordoba attractions are you adding to your itinerary? Let me know in the comments below.
Safe adventures!
Cristina xx
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I would love to explore Cordoba. Looks like the perfect day trip from Malaga and Seville.
I love Cordoba and was in awe when I entered La Mezquita. The Jewish Quarter was amazing as well as the Alcazar. I liked touring the streets at night.
I’ve never been to Spain, and I’d actually never heard of Cordoba before, but it looks so beautiful from your photos! I hope I can visit one day. Thanks for opening my eyes to something new 😊. Xx Sara