Hola! Welcome to Cordoba, one of the most extraordinary cities in Andalusia. Once the capital of Islamic Spain, it’s now a place where history, culture, and stunning architecture blend perfectly. Exploring the picturesque old town, visiting flower-filled patios, admiring one of the most breathtaking landmarks in the country, and tasting local specialties make Córdoba a must-visit destination.
Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable day trip from Málaga or Seville or a place for a longer, relaxing stay, Córdoba is an excellent choice. It quickly became one of our favorite cities in Andalusia, and we hope it will charm you too. Vamos, let us show you amazing things to do in Cordoba, Spain.
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Cordoba, Spain FAQ
Cordoba is located in the heart of Andalusia in the Province of Cordoba. It’s located within acceptable traveling distance from cities like Malaga or Sevilla which makes it a great day trip destination. Oh, and don’t confuse Spanish Cordoba with the one in Argentina!
Absolutely! Cordoba is a city that has it all – intriguing history, unique architecture, excellent gastronomy, flowery patios, pleasant climate, vibrant atmosphere, and plenty of sites to explore. But to be honest, the Mezquita-Catedral alone makes it worth the trip!
Cordoba is best known for the Mezquita, an incredible mosque-cathedral that showcases the city’s Islamic and Christian heritage. It’s also a city that contains the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world for any city – as many as four! Cordoba is also famous for its picturesque Jewish Quarter and dozens of flower-filled patios.
Cordoba is a perfect destination for a day trip. One day in Cordoba is enough to see most of the main landmarks and get a good feel of what this city is all about. But it’s not enough to see all the attractions – so if you want to experience the city more, we recommend staying a night or two and spending 2 or 3 days.
Spring is the best time to visit Córdoba, with warm, pleasant weather and patios in full bloom. The famous Courtyards Festival takes place in early May, but keep in mind that it’s a busy time with many visitors around. Autumn offers comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Summers can be extremely hot, often exceeding 40°C. We visited Cordoba in December and enjoyed sunny, warm weather and fewer crowds.
Things to do in Cordoba, Spain
Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba
Visiting the Mosque-Cathedral (es. Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba) should be number one on your list of things to do in Cordoba. This magnificent building, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world’s greatest works of Islamic architecture. And it’s located in the heart of Cordoba’s historic center!
If you’re wondering what a mosque-cathedral is, it’s exactly what the name suggests. It’s a hybrid between these two religious buildings revealing Cordoba’s Christian and Arab past.
The mosque was built in 785 by the Muslim emir Abdurrahman I on the site of the ancient Visigoth church. Over the next centuries, it was enlarged and underwent many reconstructions. Today, the interior resembles an endless forest of columns and red and white arcades. All of that is peppered with beautiful light. Simply stunning!
The cathedral was built years after the Christian conquest, in the early 16th century, in the middle of the mosque. It looks totally out of place, but at least they didn’t raze the mosque to the ground! The cathedral features the main altarpiece, the Baroque altarpiece, and the choir stalls.
Interesting fact. Permission to build the cathedral was granted by King Charles V, despite opposition from Cordoba’s city council. However, after seeing the final result, he wasn’t pleased and apparently said, “You have built what you or anyone else might have built anywhere; to do so you have destroyed something that was unique in the world.”
Outside the Mosque-Cathedral you’ll also find a beautiful courtyard, Patio de los Naranjos, full of orange trees, cypresses, a fountain, and nice views over the Minaret. And it’s free to wander around!
Book now: Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral Guided Tour
Córdoba’s Mosque-Cathedral is one of the most remarkable buildings we’ve ever seen. Going inside for the first time and seeing all the columns and archways stretching far ahead is one of the most memorable travel experiences. Cathedral took us rather by surprise, it was like seeing an unfitting piece of the puzzle. Still, the atmosphere in the Mosque-Cathedral is really special – no wonder that it’s the main tourist attraction in Cordoba!
Entrance to Mosque-Cathedral costs €13 for a normal ticket, €7 for children 10-14 years old, €10 for students and seniors, and is free for children under 10 years (April 2025). For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets, visit mezquita-catedraldecordoba.es website. We also recommend booking tickets online in advance to avoid the queues at the ticket office or ticket machines.
Do you want to learn more about the Mosque-Cathedral and hear many interesting stories? Then you should consider taking part in a guided tour, like this popular and very interesting Córdoba Mosque-Cathedral Guided Tour with an experienced, certified guide.
If you’re wondering what time of visit to choose, we recommend the afternoon, around 4-5 pm, when most of the tour groups and day visitors are already gone. Exploring the Mosque-Cathedral should take you about an hour, maybe a bit longer.
Cordoba’s Bell Tower
Another amazing thing to do in Cordoba is to climb the bell tower which is part of the Mosque-Cathedral complex. First, it was a Muslim minaret that after the Christian conquest was converted into a bell tower (which was completely rebuilt after an earthquake in 1589). Anyway, over the centuries, it played the same function – summoning the faithful.
Nowadays, the bell tower stands 54 meters high and is the tallest building in the city. From the top, you get magnificent panoramic views of Córdoba and its surroundings.
Entrance to the bell tower isn’t included in the Mosque-Cathedral ticket, it’s a separate one that costs €3 (April 2025). Tickets run out quickly so be sure to book online, best a few days earlier. For current prices and online tickets visit mezquita-catedraldecordoba.es website.
The tower visit always lasts 30 minutes and tickets are time-limited. It’s some kind of a short guided tour that is done with a small group with a guide who will fill you in with a few facts about the bell tower and the Mosque-Cathedral. The climb is quite exhausting, but the views and time on the terrace make up for everything!
Book now: Cordoba Mosque & Jewish Quarter Tour with Tickets
Jewish Quarter – La Juderia
Cordoba’s Jewish Quarter, La Juderia, is the area in which the Jews lived between the 10th and 15th centuries. Nowadays, it’s a beautiful maze of picturesque winding streets full of historical landmarks and quaint houses often decorated with colorful flowers and beautiful patios hidden behind its doors. If you want to get a true vibe of the historic Cordoba, that’s the place.
In the Jewish Quarter, you’ll find points of interest like Cordoba Synagogue, Casa Andalusi, Puerta del Puente arch, Roman Bridge, Calleja de las Flores street, Chapel of San Bartolomé, Almodóvar Gate, and already mentioned Mosque-Cathedral. We’ll take a closer look at them in a moment.
It’s best to start exploring from the Almodovar Gate which marks the entrance to La Juderia. From there, head to Calle Judios and get lost in a maze of streets and slowly explore every corner.
You can also take part in a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter with a guide to learn more about the people and what life was like for them there during Medieval times.
Discover: Accommodation options in Cordoba
Cordoba Synagogue
Among the Jewish Quarter streets, you’ll find a small Synagogue (es. Sinagoga de Córdoba), a well-preserved medieval Jewish place of worship. It was built in 1315 and today is the only synagogue left in Andalusia and one of only three in the whole of Spain! After the 1492 expulsion of Jews it was repurposed but still reveals the original layout.
Visiting the Synagogue might not be the most exciting thing to do in Cordoba but it’s worth taking a quick look, especially for its beautiful stuccoed hall. And the entrance is free during opening hours! To learn more visit juntadeandalucia.es website.
Casa Andalusi
Another place worth visiting in La Juderia is Casa Andalusi, located next door to the Synagogue. It’s a beautifully restored 12th-century house, a typical Muslim home of the era, with gorgeous courtyards offering a glimpse into the city’s past.
Inside, you’ll find a small Paper Museum, a collection of ancient coins, and in the cellar there’s an interesting Visigoth mosaic waiting. The atmosphere in Casa Andalusi is peaceful, with the gentle sound of fountains and Islamic music adding to its charm.
Entrance to Casa Andalusi cost €4 (April 2025). To learn more visit lacasaandalusi.com website. It’s a great place to visit in Cordoba if you have a little bit of extra time.
Almodovar Gate
Almodovar Gate (es. Puerta de Almodóvar) marks the entrance to the Jewish Quarter. It’s an impressive, city’s last-standing 14th-century gate that looks great both from the outside and inside walls. There you’ll also find a stretch of ancient city walls and former moat, and a Statue of Seneca – a famous stoic philosopher born in Cordoba. It’s a lovely place to just wander around or for a quick break.
Book now: Córdoba Jewish Quarter, Synagogue, Mosque, and Alcázar Tour
Calleja de las Flores
Calleja de las Flores is one of the prettiest streets in Cordoba, located in the Jewish Quarter. It’s a short, narrow street filled with colorful pots and beautiful flowers leading to a small courtyard. It’s also one of the most popular photo spots in Cordoba, all thanks to superb views over the iconic Mosque-Cathedral bell tower!
Roman Bridge of Cordoba
Roman Bridge (es. Puente Romano de Córdoba) is a long bridge with many arcades spanning the Guadalquivir River. It was originally built by Romans in the early 1st century BCE and rebuilt several times over the centuries. It starts near the 16th-century monumental Bridge Gate (es. Puerta del Puente) and ends at Calahorra Tower.
Be sure to stroll across the bridge and at its far end, from outside the Calahorra Tower, look back at the city – truly magnificent views over the Mosque-Cathedral await. We think it’s one of the most unforgettable things to do in Cordoba! Of, and for the great views over the bridge walk towards the old watermill/Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs.
Interesting fact. Apparently, Roman Bridge was a filming location from Game of Thrones season 5 onward, used as the bridge of Volantis!
Also visit nearby: 10+ Things To Do In Granada, Spain In One Day
Calahorra Tower
At the end of the Roman Bridge, you’ll find Calahorra Tower (es. Torre de la Calahorra) built in the 14th century to protect the bridge and the city. Later, it also served as a prison and a school. Nowadays, Calahorra Tower houses an Al-Andalus Museum covering the history of Córdoba between the 9th and 13th centuries. From its terrace, you can admire the city and bridge from a slightly different perspective.
Entrance to Calahorra Tower costs €4,5 for a normal ticket, and €3 for a reduced one (April 2025). For current prices and opening hours visit torrecalahorra.es website. If you’re interested in learning more about the city’s history, Calahorra Tower is a good place to visit in Cordoba.
Explore local attractions
Calleja del Salmorejo
Calleja del Salmorejo is an interesting spot to find while wandering around La Juderia. It’s an alley with the supposed official Salmorejo’s recipe painted on a few tiles on the wall. It’s located not far from the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs. And if you’re wondering, Salmorejo is the iconic cold tomato soup of Córdoba.
Calleja del Pañuelo
Calleja del Pañuelo, or the Alley of the Handkerchief in English, is another interesting Moorish-style street to visit in the Jewish Quarter. It’s located just next to the Mosque-Cathedral and is the narrowest street in Cordoba. It starts at Plaza de la Concha square and after a few meters ends with a tiny square with a fountain and an orange tree.
On the city’s website, we found information that at its narrowest point, it is no wider than a lady’s handkerchief. We are not so sure about that but we can’t deny that it’s indeed narrow (but for sure bigger than your average Kleenex). Anyway, it’s definitely one of the most unique things to do in Cordoba.
Book now: Córdoba Mosque, Jewish Quarter and Alcázar 3-Hour Tour
Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs
The second most visited place in Cordoba is the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs (es. Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos). It’s a 14th-century Mudéjar-style palace-fortress set among magnificent gardens. Alcazar was declared a Historical Monument in 1931 and is also part of the historic center area, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Over the years it served a few roles – the royal residence of the Christian monarchs, headquarters of the Holy Offices during the Spanish Inquisition, civil prison, and military prison. Today, visiting the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs is one of the best things to do in Cordoba and you simply can’t miss it. We loved it!
The highlight of your visit will be strolling around the magnificent Gardens of the Alcázar. Paths lined with trees and flowers, fountains, ponds… All create an unforgettable view. Also, don’t miss Avenue of the Monarchs with statues of all the monarchs connected with Alcazar.
You can also visit the palace – it’s nice but we think it’s less impressive than the gardens. Inside, you’ll find interesting places like the hall of mosaics or the Roman sarcophagus, and towers with some great views over Cordoba. We also recommend checking out the lovely square at the back of Alcazar filled with many orange trees and benches – it’s the perfect place for a short, peaceful break.
Entrance to the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs costs €6.71 for a normal ticket, €3.56 for a reduced one, and is free for children under 17 years (April 2025). For current prices, opening hours, and online tickets visit alcazardelosreyescristianos.sacatuentrada.es website. We recommend booking tickets online in advance to avoid long queues at the ticket office.
If you want to learn more about Alcazar then you should consider taking part in a guided tour, like this Alcazar of Cordoba Entry Ticket with Guided Tour with an experienced, certified guide. You can also choose this popular Córdoba Jewish Quarter, Synagogue, Mosque, and Alcázar Tour, which includes all the most important Cordoba landmarks.
If you’re wondering what time of visit to choose, we recommend early in the morning, the best first or second entrance when the complex is still fairly quiet and not filled with hundreds of other tourists and many group tours. The chances are high that late afternoon hours will be similar. Exploring the Alcazar will take you about an hour.
Book now: Cordoba Alcazar Guided Tour and Skip-the-Line Ticket
Flower Courtyards of Cordoba
Cordoba is famous for its courtyards filled with tended flowers. You can find them in many places throughout the city, but the most popular are ones in the San Basilio neighborhood located next to Alcazar. Keep an eye open for signs outside houses saying that they have a patio open – in many cases you won’t even know they are there!
Courtyards look most stunning from the spring to the end of the summer when they are in full bloom. When we visited in winter most of them looked ok but definitely weren’t spectacular. Also, you don’t need to pay to enter in most cases, but many hosts have donation boxes where you should put a penny or two. Strolling around flower courtyards is a really fun thing to do in Cordoba!
To be honest, the best patio we’ve seen, Patio de las Comedias, is in the charming white village of Iznajar. Truly wonderful!
If you’re planning a visit to Cordoba in the first two weeks of May, you’ll come across Fiesta de Los Patios – an annual competition to find the best courtyard. But be aware that it’s a very popular event and you’ll come across huge crowds and probably higher accommodation prices.
You can also explore courtyards with a guided tour and learn more about the patios and their history both from the guide and the owners.
If you enjoyed the courtyards in San Basilio, then you should also visit Palacio de Viana. It’s a 14th-century mansion with 12 beautifully designed courtyards and many elegant rooms to explore. It’s a place that offers a unique glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of Córdoba’s nobility of the past. To learn more about prices and opening hours visit palaciodeviana.com website.
Discover: Accommodation options in Cordoba
Plaza de la Corredera
Plaza de la Corredera is the most famous square in Cordoba. It’s a huge, rectangular historical square surrounded by colorful arcaded buildings. And it’s impossible not to notice the similarity to Madrid’s Plaza Mayor!
The square dates back to the 17th century and over the years it served many purposes – from a marketplace to a venue for bullfights and public events. Nowadays it’s a lively place full of restaurants, cafes and bars.
If you want to have a plaza almost completely to yourself, visit during early morning hours or siesta time. But during dinner time or late evening hours, when the restaurants are open, this place transforms into one of the most bustling spots in the city center (which personally we found very annoying as it was really, really loud).
Book now: Córdoba: Local Wine Tasting Evening
Plaza de las Tendillas
Plaza de las Tendillas is another bustling square in Córdoba, which mixes modern energy with historic charm. It’s surrounded by elegant-looking buildings and features a fountain with a statue in the middle. There you’ll also find some restaurants, cafes, and small shops. It’s a great spot for a break during sightseeing in Cordoba.
If you’re looking for a Cordoba Tourist Office, you’ll also find it in Plaza de las Tendillas.
Roman Temple
Roman Temple (es. Templo Romano) is a very interesting place to see in Cordoba, located just a few steps from Plaza de la Corredera. It’s a small yet impressive site with Roman temple ruins dating back to the 1st century AD.
Parts of the original structure were discovered only in the 1950s and what we can see today is mostly reconstructed. But still, it’s a nice remnant of the city’s ancient past (which looks quite quirky among modern buildings). You can admire the Roman Temple only from the street, at least for now as some works are taking place there.
Discover: Accommodation options in Cordoba
Try Salmorejo
Salmorejo is a traditional dish from Cordoba, a signature cold tomato soup. It’s made with tomatoes, bread, olive oil, garlic, and a touch of vinegar and traditionally served with Spanish ibérico ham and a hard-boiled egg on top. It’s a creamy and refreshing dish, perfect for hot Andalusian summers.
Salmorejo is delicious and has a truly unique taste. And we think that no visit to Córdoba is complete without tasting it – it’s a must-try for everyone, not only food lovers! We also recommend trying Mazamorra, the white ancestor of Salmorejo, whose main ingredient is almonds.
Where to try it? There are many restaurants and bars in Cordoba serving salmorejo. Be sure to first check the reviews on Google and see if you’re heading for the recommended place. We chose Bodegas Mezquita and loved the experience!
Museums in Cordoba
If you have more time to spare in Cordoba and you like visiting museums, here is a list of some that might interest you:
- Archaeological Museum
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Bullfighting Museum
- Baths of the Caliphal Alcazar
- Julio Romero de Torres Museum
Outside of the city, you’ll also find Medina Azahara, archaeological remains of a 10th-century palace-city built by Caliph Abd al-Rahman III as a symbol of his power and the glory of Al-Andalus. It’s a place that offers a fascinating glimpse into the opulence of Islamic Spain and is named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Book now: Córdoba Medina Azahara 3-Hour Guided Tour
Explore local attractions
How to get to Cordoba, Spain?
Cordoba is located about 160km from Malaga, 140km from Seville, and 200km from Granada. The most convenient way to get to Cordoba is by train or with an organized tour.
Where to park in Cordoba?
If you’re traveling by car you can choose from the many car parks in the city. We left our car for a whole day in Victory Place Parking which is located very close to the Jewish Quarter.
Airports near Cordoba
Cordoba has its own airport located only about 15km from the center. The next closest ones are in Sevilla (130km away) and Malaga (160km away). From each airport, you can get to Cordoba by bus+train or just bus. To learn more about connections that might interest you visit rome2rio.com website.
For great car rental deals visit: Rentalcars
To Cordoba by train
Cordoba has a train station and you can quickly get there by train from cities like Malaga, Granada, Seville, or Madrid. For example, a trip from Malaga will take only 50min, 45min from Seville, and 1h45min from Granada.
To check out a map of available connections visit acprail.com and to learn more about routes that might interest you visit rome2rio.com website.
To Cordoba by bus
From many places, you can also reach Cordoba by bus, although the trip will be longer than by train. For example, a trip from Malaga will take about 2.5 hours, 2 hours from Seville, and 2h45min from Granada. To learn more about connections that might interest you visit rome2rio.com website.
Camping in Cordoba
If you’re traveling by camper, places like Área de Autocaravanas de Córdoba or Camping Carlos III might interest you. All are located close to Cordoba
To Cordoba with an organized tour
If you don’t want to put too much effort into planning you can always take advantage of the guided tours and let someone else take care of all the details.
If you’re staying in Malaga, we recommend taking part in this well-rated Cordoba Day Trip. And from Seville, this popular Córdoba and Mosque Cathedral Full-Day Tour looks really good! For a wide selection and well-reviewed tour options, visit GetYourGuide or Viator.
Things to do in Cordoba, Spain – Summing up
Cordoba is such a wonderful city in Andalusia, isn’t it? No wonder it became such a popular travel destination in Spain! Whatever you’re here for, this city won’t disappoint you. The choice of things to do in Cordoba is wide and we’re sure that every traveler will find something perfect for themselves. We wish you a fantastic time!
Our video from Cordoba
Our opinion about Cordoba
For us, a visit to Cordoba was a day trip from Benalmadena where we lived for a few weeks. We visited it in early January and during that time the city was quite busy with tourists, but not too much. We could explore most places in peace. Exploring everything we wanted in Cordoba took about 8 hours.
We expected to visit one of the most interesting places in Spain but… Cordoba took us by surprise, blew away our expectations, and quickly became one of our favorite places in Andalusia. Exploring Córdoba’s Mosque-Cathedral especially was a very memorable travel experience that will stick with us for a long time.
The gardens of the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs, even visited in winter, were amazing too. Strolling around the Jewish Quarter was like going back in time, and eating Salmorejo and Mazamorra was a culinary delight.
What did we not like? Famous courtyards didn’t make any special impression on us. Many doors were closed, and some we saw were just OK. But let’s be honest, it was winter – we’re sure that they are so much prettier in warmer months. Other than that, nothing to complain about!
Book now: Córdoba Flamenco Show Ticket with Drinks
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Cordoba?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Cordoba:
Where to sleep in Cordoba?
Suites La Posada De Pilar
Suites La Posada De Pilar is a charming accommodation in Córdoba, blending traditional Andalusian architecture with modern comforts. The suites are elegantly designed, featuring cozy interiors, beautiful patios, and authentic local decor. Located in the heart of the city, it offers easy access to Córdoba’s historic landmarks, including the Mezquita-Catedral.
Hotel Finca Los Abetos
Hotel Finca Los Abetos is a peaceful retreat nestled in the countryside just outside Córdoba, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills. The hotel features elegant, Andalusian-style architecture, a large outdoor pool, and lush gardens for a relaxing stay. Its tranquil location provides a perfect escape while still being a short drive from Córdoba’s historic center.
Hesperia Córdoba
Hesperia Córdoba is a modern hotel located along the banks of the Guadalquivir River, offering stunning views of the Mezquita and the historic city center. Guests can enjoy stylish rooms, a rooftop terrace with a seasonal pool, and easy access to Córdoba’s main attractions. Its combination of comfort, excellent location, and scenic surroundings makes it a great choice for both leisure and business travelers.
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