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The Best Things to Do in Cordoba

Writer's picture: SarahSarah

Updated: Jan 10

Córdoba is located on the Guadalquivir River and is the third-largest city in Andalusia. Nevertheless, most of the sights in Córdoba can easily be explored on foot. They are situated in the city centre and have a lot to offer, including four UNESCO World Heritage sites.


Córdoba at night with the Puente Romano and Mezquita

Our Top 10 Sights in Córdoba


  1. Mezquita Cathedral (Cordoba Mosque)

  2. Alcázar de los Reyes

  3. Puente Romano - Roman Bridge

  4. Plaza de la Corredera

  5. Caballerizas Reales de Córdoba

  6. Centro de Creación Contemporánea De Andalucía C3A

  7. Arab Baths

  8. Episcopal Palace of Córdoba

  9. Casa Árabe


Visting Córdoba Old Town - City Center


The old city of Córdoba and its historic center was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason. A pleasant stroll through streets like Calleja de las Flores, arguably the most photographed street in Andalusia, quickly reveals why. The sights of Córdoba include not only museums and monuments but also the city itself.


  • Fiesta de los Patios Cordobeses

  • Plaza de la Corredera

  • Jewish Quarter

  • Barrio San Basilio


The Plaza de las Tendillas is worth visiting not only in the summer. Every year, a Christmas market is held here, as well as the New Year’s Eve party, where you can experience the Spanish tradition of eating twelve grapes. In May, Córdoba also celebrates. During the Fiesta de los Patios Cordobeses, houses open their doors, offering a glimpse into their beautiful courtyards. This Courtyard Festival also holds the title of UNESCO World Heritage.

The Córdoba train station is located on Avenida Via Augusta at Plaza de las Tres Cultures.


From here, a walk to the old town is highly recommended, passing by two large parks, the Jardines de la Agricultura and the Jardines del Duque de Rivas. A stop at Mercado Victoria is highly recommended, even though the Mercado de la Corredera Plaza de las Cañas represents the traditional market of the city.


Among the city's sights, you will also encounter several monuments. These include the Torre de la Calahorra, the Puente Romano (Roman Bridge), the Palacio de la Merced, and the Puerta del Puente. They bear witness to the past of this city, which is rooted in the Roman high culture, the Moorish era of Al-Andalus (of which Cordoba was the capital), and the Christian Reconquista. There is also a Jewish Quarter, known as La Judería, with the Synagogue of Córdoba at its heart.


City Tours and Activities in Córdoba





Historic Buildings in Córdoba


As you might have already guessed, Córdoba is rich in history. In the San Basilio district, you'll find the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos. Contrary to what the name (Palace of the Christian Kings) might suggest, this was originally an Arab castle, and its Arab baths (Baños del Alcázar Califal) can still be visited today. The castle was transformed in 1328 by Alfonso XI and features elements from all the former high cultures of Córdoba.


  • Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

  • Episcopal Palace of Córdoba

  • Mezquita Cathedral

  • Roman Bridge

  • Calahorra Tower

  • Almodovar Gate


The Palacio de Viana was home to many generations of the Marquesses of Viana in this unique city. Today, most areas can be visited, with a total of 100 rooms, a garden, and 12 courtyards. The Plaza del Potro, on the other hand, dates back to the 19th century and was mentioned in Don Quixote.


However, it is the Mezquita that draws visitors to Córdoba. This mosque-cathedral manages to encapsulate the history of Andalusia in one building. If you've never been to Andalusia before, this Córdoba landmark is an absolute must-see. The Patio de los Naranjos, located within the mosque-cathedral, invites you to pause and reflect after all the awe and admiration.


The Episcopal Palace of Córdoba is located to the west of the Mezquita and offers a glimpse into the life of the former Caliphs. One of the highlights is the Fuente del Elefante, which is one of the artworks in this palace.


Where to Stay in Cordoba





Museums in Córdoba


Many of the sights in Córdoba could be considered museums. Here are a few that we haven’t mentioned yet, which we’d like to introduce to you briefly.


Art Museums in Córdoba


  • Museo de Bellas ArtesMuseo

  • Julio Romero de Torres

  • Centro de Creación Contemporánea De Andalucía C3A

  • Centro de Arte Contemporáneo Rafael Botí

  • Casa-Museo del Guadamecí Omeya


Other Córdoba Museums


  • Museo Arqueológico (Archaeological Museum)

  • Museo Taurino Municipal (Bullfighting Museum)

  • Al-Iksir Casa de la Alquimia Córdoba (Alchemy Museum)

  • La Casa Andalusí

  • Centro de Flamenco Fosforito

  • Palacio de los Páez de Castillejo

  • Casa de Sefarad

  • Casa del Agua

  • Museo Molino de Martos


Other Things to Do in Cordoba Spain


There are many things for which Andalusia is known. Horses are one of these, which is why the Cordoba attractions also include the Caballerizas Reales de Córdoba. This is the royal stables for the horses, which are occasionally used for shows.


Cafés and restaurants are practically everywhere in this city. After a shopping trip to the Centro Comercial el Arcángel, this is particularly enjoyable. Afterward, you can cross the Puente del Arenal and relax on the other side of the river in the Parque de Miraflores.

In general, there is no shortage of green spaces.


Whether you want to walk along the Guadalquivir River or relax a little outside the old town of Córdoba in the Jardines Huerto de Orive surrounded by cats, there's always a peaceful spot to be found. Not far from here are the remains of the Templo Romano (Roman Temple).


There is also a zoo, the Centro de Conservación Zoo Córdoba. It is located directly across from the Real Jardín Botánico, where you can enjoy a view of the artificially created Isla de las Esculturas. As the name suggests, this island features stone sculptures – Córdoba’s sights are full of surprises!


Cheap Flights to Córdoba Spain


Although Córdoba has an airport, it is quite small and has limited connections. A better alternative is to fly into Málaga and travel onward by train or hire a car.



Food and Drink in Córdoba


  • Mercado Victoria

  • Restaurante Amaltea

  • Noor


Nearby Excursions


  • Medina Azahara

  • Castillo de Almodóvar del Río

  • Llanos de La Nava - Espiel (Stargazing)


Frequently Asked Questions


Is Córdoba worth visiting?

With its Unesco-protected sites, stunning old town, and annual Feria de los Patios flower festival, Córdoba is definitely worth visiting.


Is 1 day Córdoba enough?

With one day in Córdoba, you can get a sense of the culture and explore some of its key attractions. However, if you wish to explore further, spending two or three days would provide more time to discover off-the-beaten-track places.


What is Cordoba best known for?

Córdoba is renowned worldwide for its Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba, a World Heritage site in its historic old town. Visitors can also marvel at the many flower-filled patios that are a part of Cordoba's ancient Roman, Moorish and present-day culture, or explore the little streets and squares and enjoy local cuisine and flamenco performances.


What is the best time to visit Cordoba?

The best time to visit Cordoba is during the springtime, when mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine make for an enjoyable experience.


What are some must-visit attractions in Cordoba?

No visit to Cordoba is complete without visiting the Mosque-Cathedral, the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs, and the historic Jewish Quarter.

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Andalusian Adventure blog writers Nico and Sarah at the beach during sunset

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For more than 10 years we, Nico and Sarah, have been calling the wonderful Andalucía our home. Now we would like to introduce you to our favourite places. This way you can make the best of your visit to Andalucia!

 

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