Córdoba is a perfect destination for a unique city trip. I think it is one of the most beautiful cities in all of Spain and here you can still experience the real Andalusia. There are many beautiful sights and the special thing is that you can see Roman, Moorish and Christian influences here. You can enjoy delicious food in Córdoba and the city has many of its own authentic dishes. A visit to Córdoba can also be combined with a city trip to Málaga or Seville. From both cities you can reach Córdoba in less than an hour by train. Take a look at what you can see and do in Córdoba!
#1 Visit the Mezquita: the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba
Mezquita-Catedral de CórdobaThe most famous landmark of Córdoba is the Mezquita. The most special thing about this huge structure is that it is both a mosque and a cathedral. The mosque was originally built in the 8th century. Later it was converted into a cathedral, so you will find a special mix of Moorish, Islamic and Christian architecture here. The Mezquita is best known for its impressive arches and domes. It is one of the largest mosques in the world and has been on the World Heritage List since 1984. The Mezquita is already beautiful from the outside, but I definitely recommend that you also visit the Mezquita on the inside. Book your tickets in time, because only a limited number of visitors are allowed in per time slot.
Tip: Are regular tickets no longer available? Then opt for an organized tour of the Mezquita. These organizations buy tickets in advance, so there is often still availability here.
#2 Walk through the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos
Another sight in Córdoba that you should not miss is the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos. This old palace with accompanying fortress was built by the Christian kings in the 14th century. The Alcazar has beautiful gardens full of orange trees and fountains and several pretty patios. In spring, when all the flowers are in bloom, the gardens are at their best.
#3 Discover the special patios of Córdoba
Córdoba is known for its beautiful patios. These courtyards were designed as far back as Roman times to provide shade from the hot Córdoba sun. The historic patios are often beautifully decorated and full of colorful flowers and plants. There is even a real festival where residents set up their patios and where the most beautiful patio in Córdoba is voted every year. You can also visit a number of patios outside of this festival, especially in the traditional neighborhood of San Basilio. You can recognize them by the signs with ‘patio visitable’. The best way to admire the hidden patios is to join a patio walk, where a local guide takes you to the most beautiful patios in the city in 2 hours.
#4 Take a bike ride through Córdoba
If you want to get the most out of your visit to Córdoba, I advise you to take a bike ride through the city. Córdoba is very bicycle-friendly, so you can see as much of the city as possible in a short time. Baja Bikes offers a nice bike ride where you see the main sights of the city in 2 hours. You cycle through the narrow, old streets of the historic center and the guide shows you the most beautiful known and unknown places of the city along the way.
#5 Admire the view of the Puente Romano de Córdoba
For the best view of Córdoba, walk from the old center over the Puente Romano de Córdoba. This ancient Roman bridge was built in the 1st century BC and gives you a beautiful view over the Guadalquivir River and the surrounding buildings. On the south side of the Roman bridge you will find the Torre de la Calahorra, a 12th century defensive tower, which is now a museum. If you turn right after the Torre de Calahorra, you have the best view of the bridge with the Mezquita in the background. From here, walk under the bridge again to have a nice view of the bridge from the other side.
#6 Walk under the Puerta del Puente
The gateway to the Roman bridge is the Puerta del Puente, which literally means gate of the bridge. This huge city gate dates from the 16th century and used to be the main gateway to the center. It is also called the Arc de Triomphe of Córdoba. In the Puerta del Puente you can visit a permanent exhibition about the history of this monument. You can also climb the stairs to the balcony, where you get a nice view over the old center of Córdoba.
#7 Wander through La Judería de Córdoba
La Judería is the Jewish quarter of Córdoba. This is the most atmospheric and authentic neighborhood of the city. It is a maze of narrow streets and alleys and you will find white houses and colorful flowers everywhere. Be sure to walk through the Calleja de las Flores. From this alley you have a nice view of the tower of the Mezquita. You should also not miss the Patio de los Naranjos. This atmospheric monumental square is full of orange trees and cypresses and also forms the entrance to the Mezquita.
#8 Admire the medieval synagogue
Córdoba’s Jewish Quarter is also home to the city’s synagogue. This is one of the few remaining synagogues from the Middle Ages in Spain. The synagogue consists of a courtyard, a half and a prayer room and is completely built in the typical mudéjar style that you see a lot throughout Andalusia. You can visit the synagogue of Córdoba for free.
#9 Pay a free visit to the Royal Stables of Córdoba
Another free attraction in Córdoba is the Caballerizas Reales, or Royal Stables. These old stables can be visited for free and you can also admire the old carriages. The Royal stables are located right next to the Alcazar de Los Reyes Cristianos and from above you also have a nice view of the riding arena of the horses. A show is held here several times a week, where horse riding is combined with flamenco.
#10 Taste the traditional dishes of Córdoba
In Córdoba you will not only find beautiful sights, but also delicious food. Everywhere in the city you will find authentic tapas bars and fine typical Andalusian restaurants. Córdoba also has some of its own dishes that the city is known for. Something you should definitely try is the salmorejo cordobés, the Andalusian version of gazpacho. In addition to the traditional salmorejo, you also see the salmorejo blanco on the menu. This is a slightly milder and fresher counterpart made from almonds. Another dish that you see a lot in Córdoba is berenjenas fritas con miel de caña. These are fried eggplants topped with a syrup made from sugar cane. Addictive delicious! Don’t leave Córdoba without trying chocolate con churros either. You will find the best ones at Bar Marta, an authentic churros bar at Calle Jose Cruz Conde 32.
#11 Visit the nicest food market in Córdoba
Can’t choose what to eat in Córdoba? Then the Mercado Victoria is the perfect place for your lunch or dinner. This is the largest food market in the city and you can really try everything here. From traditional Spanish tapas to Italian delicacies and from Argentinian empanadas to fantastic Moroccan mezze. In the evening there are often live performances and there is a cozy atmosphere. You will find the Mercado Victoria in the park Jardines de la Victoria.
#12 Settle down on a terrace on Plaza de la Corredera
Plaza de la Corredera is slightly out of the old town, but well worth a visit. This is the largest and coziest square in the city. The beautiful galleries and many arches and windows are typically Spanish. Plaza de la Corredera is the perfect place to sit out on the terrace for a drink and some tapas. On weekends, this place is completely full of locals. Keep in mind that the kitchens of the various restaurants and bars are often closed between approximately 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM. You can then only have a drink.
#13 Admire the Templo Romano
Near Plaza de la Corredera you will find the Templo Romano de Córdoba. These are the ruins of an ancient Roman temple. There are only a few columns left of the temple, but they still give a bit of an idea of the ancient temple that used to be here.
#14 Relax in Hammam Al Andalus
Do you want to relax completely during your city trip in Córdoba? Then visit the Hammam Al Ándalus. These iconic Arab baths are just a few meters from the Mezquita. You will find various hot and cold baths and you can optionally book a relaxing massage. It is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the historical use of the hammam, while enjoying the beautiful Arabic architecture in the different areas. A visit to the hammam includes towels, shampoo and body lotion. A truly unique and relaxing experience!
#15 Combine Córdoba with the rest of Andalusia
Córdoba is centrally located in Andalusia. As a result, you can easily combine a visit to Córdoba with the rest of Andalusia. Seville and Málaga are both less than an hour by train and Granada can be reached in 1.5 hours by public transport. Córdoba is also easily accessible by car and an unmissable stop during your road trip through Andalusia. Would you like to make a tour through Andalusia? Check out all our tips for the most beautiful places in Andalusia.
The most beautiful sights of Córdoba on the map
On the map below you will find the most beautiful sights in Córdoba.
How to travel to Cordoba
Travel to Cordoba by public transport
For a city trip in Córdoba, it is best to fly to Seville or Málaga and from there take the train to Córdoba. Due to the central location of Córdoba, the city is easily accessible by train from other places in Andalusia and beyond:
- Seville to Córdoba: 45 minutes by train
- Málaga to Córdoba: 1 hour by train
- Granada to Córdoba: 1.5 hours by train
- Madrid to Córdoba: 1 hour and 45 minutes by train
Since most trains to Córdoba are special high-speed trains, you must book tickets in advance with fixed seats. Please note that the prices of this trip depend on the time the train departs and that the trains fill up quickly, especially in high season. I therefore advise you to book tickets at least a few days in advance via Renfe, the official website of the Spanish railways.
Travel to Cordoba by car
Córdoba is also easy to reach by car. For example, you can rent a car at Seville or Málaga airport and drive to Córdoba from there. It is best to park your car in one of the parking garages on the edge of the old center, such as the Parking Paseo de la Victoria or the Parking Saba Estación de Tren Córdoba. From these parking garages you can easily walk to the center of Córdoba.
Explore Cordoba in one day
For example, if you stay in Seville or Málaga, you can also visit Córdoba as a day trip. Of course you cannot see everything of Córdoba in one day, but because the center is so compact you can see the most important sights in one day. We previously shared a beautiful walking route for Córdoba in one day. You can visit Córdoba on your own by train or rental car, but it is also a good option to opt for an organized day trip. These day trips already include entrance tickets to the Mezquita and other sights.
Stay overnight in Cordoba
Do you have more time? Then I advise you to spend at least two nights in Córdoba. There is more than enough to see and do in Córdoba to keep you entertained for a few days and it is a wonderful city to stay.
Our tips for accommodations in Córdoba
- Hotel: Eurostars Conquistador
Fantastic location, right opposite the Mezquita in the atmospheric Judería district. You can enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet in the morning in the traditional Andalusian courtyard.
- Apartment: La Ermita Suites
Beautiful and centrally located apartments with fully equipped kitchen and private bathroom. Optionally you can book a nice breakfast.
- Suites with parking space: Cordoba Home Center Suites
Luxurious and modern suites with fully equipped kitchen and bathroom, a few hundred meters from the old center. Includes free private parking space.
Córdoba is the perfect city for a sunny and original city trip. Due to its central location, you can also combine a visit to Córdoba with the rest of Andalusia.
