Cordoba, Spain
Strategically located on the north bank of the Guadalquivir River, Cordoba was Spain's capital during Roman and Moorish times.
Today its old quarter and famous Mezquita (mosque) are one of Spain's most beautiful remnants from the Moorish era.
One thing I thought was fascinating was that medieval Cordoba was known for its peaceful religious tolerance.
3 religions and cultures – Islam, Judaism and Christianity all coexisted together.
ADVERTISEMENT
Out of all the cities in Southern Spain, I fell in love with Cordoba.
It's landmark mezquita-cathedral (mosque cathedral), winding, whitewashed Juderia, and jasmine filled patios held so much charm and history that I think it deserves more visitors!
Here's a quick travel guide for visiting Cordoba!
Or save this article to read later by pinning it ⇟
ADVERTISEMENT
Where to Stay in Cordoba
Cordoba merits at least a day and ideally, 2 days and 1 night.
The town is small enough that the main sights are no more than 10 minutes walking distance from practically anywhere in the old town.
If you like small towns, Cordoba shouldn't be missed!
Here are a couple suggestions for the best hotels in Cordoba:
NH Amistad Cordoba
A lovely, central hotel known for it's amazing breakfast options.
Slightly pricier but the rooms are worth it!
Check rates: Hotels.com, Booking.com
ADVERTISEMENT
Eurostars Patios de Cordoba
Perfectly located away from the hustle and crowds in the Jewish Quarter yet within a quick walk to the main sites.
This is a unique hotel and perfect for first time visitors to Cordoba, as the Eurostars hotel has beautiful patios for you to relax with a drink during the afternoon siesta.
Check rates: Hotels.com, Booking.com
Hotel Riviera
A bare bones, but inexpensive and clean hotel.
It's centrally located behind a main street with lots of restaurants and food nearby.
Hotel Riviera is slightly farther from the town's center but on the flipside, it's very budget friendly! About a 10 min walk from the Mezquita.
Check rates: Hotels.com, Booking.com
ADVERTISEMENT
I loved all the flowers and pretty patios in Cordoba
ADVERTISEMENT
Quick Guide to Spain
Accommodation: Hotels fill up fast. I recommend Eurostars Palace in Cordoba, Casa 1800 in Seville and the Anacapri in Granada. Book far in advance!
For Madrid and Barcelona, we booked comfortable apartments on Airbnb.
Getting In: We flew into Madrid and and out of Barcelona on an open jaw itinerary. Set a fare alert here and get travel insurance to cover you in case of delays or lost baggage.
Getting Around: Spain's train system is great, just difficult to book as a foreigner. I used Omio to see train schedules and book, as they're English friendly and accept international credit cards. Make sure you have an esim to stay connected.
Best Spain Experiences:
- Granada's Alhambra: tickets are capped per day, so book early
- Tapas Tour: this one takes you to all the best spots
- Hammam Baths: my favorite experience of our trip
- Montserrat: one of my favorite day trips we took
- Girona: another incredible day trip (+ home to the world's most famous ice cream shop)
ADVERTISEMENT
How to Get to Cordoba
The easiest way to visit is by taking the high speed train from Madrid's Atocha train station.
Trains run frequently, nearly every hour in high season, on the Madrid > Seville line.
The ride was comfortable with luggage and took just under 2 hours.
You can book tickets on Omio for convenience, as it's difficult to book Spanish train tickets online without a local credit card.
Book train tickets here
ADVERTISEMENT
Best Things to Do in Cordoba
After spending 3 days in the quaint town, I compiled a list of the best things to do in Cordoba, Spain based on my experience!
First up are the true standout sights, followed by some options if you have additional time.
There's also my tips for where to eat in Cordoba, including the best tapas bars and restaurants in town!
1. See the Mezquita
Built between the 8th– 10th century, Cordoba’s mosque is one of the earliest and most beautiful examples of Spanish Islamic architecture.
Enter through the Puerta de las Palmas (Door of the Palms) where 850 red and white columns rise before you.
While you can visit on your own, I highly suggest this affordable guided tour to understand the significance of the mosque.
Our guide pointed out all the tiny architectural details and religiously significant areas that I otherwise wouldn't have noticed!
The tour also lets you skip the line!
ADVERTISEMENT
For example, Al Hakam II built a beautiful mihrab (prayer niche), which is the Mezquita’s greatest jewel.
There's also the qiblah, the south facing wall in which the sacred prayer niche was hollowed out.
In front of the mihrab is the maksoureh, a kind of anteroom for the caliph and his court.
Check tour availability here.
ADVERTISEMENT
2. Walk Down Calleja de las Flores
This is the textbook cover image of Cordoba found on every guidebook and for good reason!
You’d be hard pressed to find prettier patios than those along this tiny street, a few yards off the northeastern corner of the Mezquita.
Patios are central to Cordoba’s architecture in the old quarter, an homage to the Moorish rulers of the ancient city.
They felt that courtyard-shaped architecture honored the sanctity of the home and also functionally helped to shut out the fierce summer sun.
Sher's Tip: This is a narrow alley that practically every tour group crowds into.
Go early or late for an unobstructed view!
ADVERTISEMENT
3. Visit the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos
Built by Alfonso XI in 1328, the Alcazar is a Mudejar style palace with splendid gardens.
The palace is really more of a fortress, bare bones and built for military usage but the museum is still interesting.
Notably, this is where the Catholic Monarchs (Isabella + Ferdinand) held court in the 15th century and launched their conquest of Granada.
The most important sights are the Hall of the Mosaics and a Romans stone sarcophagus from the 2nd or 3rd century.
ADVERTISEMENT
Personally, I think the gardens are the true highlight here!
This is right behind the Mezquita and fills up with visitors fast.
Book tickets online if you want to skip the line!
The nice thing is you also get a guide who can explain more of the palace's famous history.
Check tour availability here.
ADVERTISEMENT
4. Visit Palacio de Viana
This 17th century palace is one of Cordoba’s most splendid aristocratic homes.
Also known as the Museo de los Patios, it contains 12 interior patios. Each one is different!
The patios and gardens are planted with cypresses, orange trees and myrtles.
Inside you'll also find a carriage museum and library.
ADVERTISEMENT
You can buy either a ticket for the interior, to tour the 16th century estate, or a combined ticket to see the beautiful flowers in the outdoor patios.
The grounds can feel a little disjointed, as the palace was once individual houses that were then combined after a seller bought out his neighbors.
The gardens are the true highlight here!
There's also the option of taking a guided tour to some of the patios around town!
ADVERTISEMENT
Sher's Tip: If you miss the Patio Festival in May, this is a great museum to stop at.
It gives you a glimpse of what the beautiful patios and courtyards look like.
If you're in town for the Festival, you can skip this museum.
You're probably all patio'd out already, ha.
ADVERTISEMENT
5. Walk the Roman Bridge
This ancient bridge still stands on its original first century AD foundation, pointing a direct path to the Mezquita.
Although it's a small, relatively unimpressive bridge compared to say, Paris' Pont des Arts, it's worth it's weight in historical significance.
This bridge established Cordoba's strategic importance in Andalusia.
One of its fortified gates was converted to hold the Museum of Al-Andalus Life.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sher's Tip: The bridge was converted in 2009 to a pedestrian walkway.
Go for a walk or bike ride at sunset, where you'll mingle with lots of local Cordobans out for their post dinner stroll.
You'll also have an impressive, beautiful view of the Mezquita mosque and cathedral lit up at night!
ADVERTISEMENT
More Things to Do in Cordoba
The top sights I recommended above are easily doable with just 2 or 3 days in Cordoba.
If you love Spain and have more time, here are some smaller but equally beautiful sights to check out while you're in Cordoba.
6. Climb the Torre de la Calahorra
The tower on the far side of the Puento Romano (Roman Bridge) was built in 1369 to guard the entrance to Cordoba.
It now houses the Museo Vivo de Al-Andalus ( ‘Land of the West’) with films and guides on Cordoba’s history.
Climb the narrow staircase to the top of the tower for the view of the Roman bridge and city on the other side of the Guadalquivir.
ADVERTISEMENT
7. Visit Museo Julio Romero de Torres
Across the courtyard from the Museum of Fine Arts, this museum is devoted to early 20th century artist Julio Romero de Torres.
This isn't your typical art museum.
Romero de Torres specialized in mildly erotic portraits of demure Andalusian temptresses… ooh la la!
8. Explore Juderia
The lively Plaza Juda Levi, surrounded by a maze of narrow streets and squares, lies at the heart of the Juderia.
It's great for people watching!
In my opinion, best experienced in the morning with minimal crowds.
Read more: Visiting Cordoba in Spring: the Flower Patio Festival
ADVERTISEMENT
if you love quaint homes and beautiful architecture, you'll love Cordoba
ADVERTISEMENT
9. Head to Madinat Al-Zahra
Built in the foothills of the Sierra Morena by Abd ar-Rahman III for his favorite concubines, al-Zahra, this once spending summer pleasure palace was begun in 936.
The Madinat was sacked in 1013 and parts have been reconstructed.
No easy public transportation to get there..
But a tourist bus runs 2x daily (3x on Saturday) and the tourist office can provide details of stops and schedules.
10. Visit the Museo de Bellas Artes
Hard to miss because of its deep pink façade, Cordoba’s Museum of Fine Arts, lies in a courtyard just off the Plaza del Potro.
It was once a former Hospital.
The collection here includes paintings by famous Spanish artists Murillo, Goya, Sorolla and more.
ADVERTISEMENT
Cordoba's famous cathedral
ADVERTISEMENT
11. See Iglesia de San Miguel
The San Miguel Church was built with Romanesque doors built around Muedjar horseshoe arches.
It also has a beautiful square and café terraces surrounding it.
Stop by the church for a look, then head nearby to popular tavern Taberna San Miguel Casa El Pisto.
A nice afternoon combining art, history and gastronomy!
Read more: 7 Days in Andalusia: Everything You Need to See
Where to Eat in Cordoba
Cordoba is a classic Spanish town, with later lunch and dinner times than you may be used to.
Lunch is typically from 1-3pm, with a siesta until 6pm, and dinner from 9-11pm.
ADVERTISEMENT
Best Restaurants in Cordoba
El Potrillo Español
Calle Lucano, 19
It’ll be you and a handful of boisterous locals in this rustic little tavern run by one-man-band Argimiro.
Get a plate of jamón, perhaps some local cheese and throw in an order of grilled garlicky mushrooms
ADVERTISEMENT
Gastrotaberna Macsura
Calle Cardenal Gonzalez
A modern restaurant and bar serving tasty local food.
If they’re on the menu when you go, try the coquillas (small clams) and ortiguillas (sea anemones) here.
They have an outside terrace too!
Regadera
Calle Ronda de Isasa
If you’ve only got a day (or an afternoon) and you’re wondering where to eat in Cordoba: Regadera should be high on your list.
The menu mixes tradition with innovation, and everything has a light, modern touch.
Delicious!
ADVERTISEMENT
Garum 2.1
Calle San Fernando, 120-122
With its bright and breezy bistro style atmosphere, Garum 2.1 turns out inventive version of Cordoban classics.
The salmorejo with sherry and the bull tail stew are excellent.
They even do a bull tail churro, if you’re feeling post-modern
Las Piconeras
Calle de Corregidor Luis de la Cerda, 73
A classic tapas bar, everyone likes the paella entree for two here at just 11 euros
ADVERTISEMENT
Are you headed to Cordoba? What are you most looking forward to?
Spain Travel Checklist
Flights | To make the most of our time, we booked open jaw flights, flying from NY to Madrid and departing from Lisbon. Check for flight deals here.
Trains | Train travel is Spain is fast and easy, but difficult to read or book if you're not Spanish. I used Omio to see schedules and book with an international credit card. It's much more convenient for English speakers. Check train schedules for your dates here.
Accommodation | We did a mix of Airbnbs and hotels on our trip. Browse last minute hotel deals for Spain here.
E-Sim | Get service to stay connected, translate menus and navigate Google Maps on the go. Jetpac offers affordable esim packages for as low as $1/ day.
Insurance | Whether you get injured and need to be hospitalized or your phone gets stolen, travel insurance will help when you need it most. Travel insurance has also been the fastest to reimburse me for lost bags. Get a quote for your trip here.
More Spain Travel Guides
Planning a Trip to Spain
Spain and Portugal: A Classic Itinerary to Explore Both Countries!
Headed to Andalusia? Here's the Perfect 1 Week Southern Spain Itinerary
Granada
How We Spent 3 Incredible Days in Granada
Insider Tips for Visiting the Alhambra Palace
Seville
The Best Things to Do in Seville
All the Best Tapas Bars in Seville
Cordoba
Spain's Hidden Gem: The Quaint Town of Cordoba
Don't Miss Cordoba's Patio Festival! Here's Why
Follow me on
These are lovely tips, so many gorgeous places!
All of these places are so pretty! I love all your pictures & how organized all your tips are. Hopefully I can stop by some of these cities in my July trip to Spain this year. And also loving all your travel fashion! <3
I love this post so much! My fiancé and I are actually looking for places to go on our honeymoon and this seems so romantic. The photos are beautiful. Truly appreciate the detailed breakdown of your adventure.
Author
Thank you Maggie! Spain is a great honeymoon destination :)
Such an informative post. I am in love with the pictures.Good read and amazing clicks!
Nice article and pictures ! We subscribe to your blog :)
Wow! Loved the pictures and the post :)
Looks like a great place to visit. We are heading Spain later this year but could only fit in Granada and Seville wish we had time for Corboda aswell. I have always loved the look of the Roman bridge
so beautiful, I m sure you had fun. I can’t wait to go to Spain.
Wow! I never realised there was so much to see and do in Cordoba – it looks like a beautiful part of the world!
I love the breakdown of the sites, hotels and places to eat. Very helpful. I’m particularly drawn by the mosque and the roman bridge.
Wow! I love all these photos- expecially the Roman Bridge! I also really like how you added your own personal tips!
1st Century Roman Bridge… I’d be all over that. Your photo’s are fantastic and your blog makes me want to redesign mine a bit lol.
Such gorgeous, dreamy photos! I went to Cordoba in 2012 and I loved it!! Happy to see I’ve done most of the things you recommend. Going back to Spain this summer but only for about 5 days unfortunately
Let me star