Hola desde Córdoba, the city of flowers! Tucked in the heart of Andalusia, Córdoba is a city where ancient history, vibrant culture and Moorish beauty collide. Among the sprawling olive groves of the region, discover its labyrinthine streets, whitewashed houses, grand architecture and gardens filled with orange trees and flowers. Did you know that Córdoba used to be the regional capital during the al-Ándalus kingdom? It is also the only city in the world with 4 UNESCO-registered sites! Discover all the best things to do in Córdoba and add it as a stop on your Andalusia road trip!
One day can be enough to wander the beautiful streets and admire the many patios (courtyards) filled with vibrant flowers and blue ceramic pots. However, I would recommend two days just so you can soak it all in and truly enjoy what used to be the capital of Andalusia.
Best Things to Do in Córdoba
Marvel at the Mezquita-Catedral
A visit to Córdoba isn’t complete without stepping into the Mezquita-Catedral, the city’s (and Spain’s) most iconic monument. Shapes within shapes of white and red, the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba is one of Andalusia’s most breathtaking architectural gems, along with the Real Alcázar in Sevilla and the Alhambra in Granada.
Originally built as a mosque in 785, it became a cathedral in 1236 during the Reconquista. At the end of the 10th century, it was the world’s largest mosque with more than 23.400 square meters! There is now more than 850 columns of granit with red and white double-tiered arches, which make the famous “palm forest”. Not many alterations were made to the original mosque apart from the Main Chapel (Capillaela Mayor) built in the very middle of the mosque in the 16th century. All of this complex history makes for a mind-blowing architectural mix of Moorish, Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque elements.
Even the outside of the complex is stunning and can be seen from the streets of Córdoba. With all this beauty and ancien history, it’s no surprise that the mosque-cathedral is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.
I recommend to first take a guided tour of the Mezquita (which we did). Then take advantage of the daily free entry in the morning the next day to have it (almost) for yourself. After your visit, make sure to climb the Bell Tower and get a stunning 360° view over Córdoba!
The Mezquita-Catedral is still a place of worship with regular services held. Make sure to be respectful and quiet, and wear appropriate clothing.
Pro tip: Go early in the morning for free entry (from 8:30am to 9:30 am) and fewer crowds. Or visit around 1pm as it’s quieter around lunch time.
Pro tip 2: The Bell Tower is one of the most popular things to do in Córdoba. It’s best to book your Bell Tower tickets in advance so you can go straight when leaving the Mezquita. Entrance is every 30min from 9:30am to 6:30pm.
Photography tip: The best arches photography-wise are at the opposite side of the entrance as there’s a skylight.
Stroll through the Juderia
The Historic Jewish Quarter is a whitewashed maze filled with flower-filled patios, artisan shops and hidden courtyards. Don’t miss the Synagogue of Córdoba, one of the few medieval synagogues left in Spain. The Historic Centre of Córdoba is also part of UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984 for its preservation of its incredible blend of Moorish, Christian, and Roman history.
Calleja de Los Flores is the most famous street in all of Córdoba, known for its colorful floral decorations and its perfect view over the Bell Tower of the Mezquita. The charming street is tucked away and is very narrow with a small square with a fountain at the end. This is one of the many ‘patios‘ in Córdoba, which comes alive in May for the Festival de los Patios (see below). It is best before 9:30am, as tourist groups start getting in after that.
Experience the Festival de los Patios
If you’re visiting Córdoba in May, you’re in for a treat: the annual Festival de los Patios where locals compete with their florally decorated courtyards. They open their private homes to the public, revealing stunning patios overflowing with flowers, fountains, and intricate tilework. In fact, the festival is so integral to the culture of Córdoba that UNESCO classifies it as an ‘intangible heritage’. Even outside of the festival, some are open year-round. In Patios de San Basilio, several residents keep them open, as long as in Patios Cordobeses. It is best from the beginning of April, where the patios will be almost ready and filled with flowers (virtually the same experience and much quieter!).
Tip: Join a courtyard tour to discover all the best spots or look for signs that say “Patio Visitables” that will lead you to the hidden gems.
Walk Across the Roman Bridge at Sunset
Córdoba’s Puente Romano is more than just a bridge, it’s a poetic link between the past and present. Stroll across it at golden hour for views of the old town bathed in sunset light, with the Mezquita glowing in the background. This incredibly picturesque bridge is a sunset favorite, with its 16 beautiful arches that cross over the Rio Guadalquivir. After the sun goes down, the street lamps light up, giving it a whole new romantic atmosphere.
Photography Tip: The Calahorra Tower at the end of the bridge offers a great photo spot!
Visit the Palacio de Viana
Known as the Patio Museum, this elegant palace boasts 12 interconnected courtyards, each with its own style. It’s a quiet, off-the-beaten-path gem that will give you a deeper appreciation for Córdoba’s architecture. You’ll discover beautiful columns, orange trees, and regal architecture. This was because the palace was built hundreds of years ago, and as the times changed, so did the architecture, creating this fantastic melting pot of styles.
Get Lost in the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
This lesser-known gem is a beautiful Moorish palace with lush gardens, fountains, and towers. You can climb 2 out of the 4 for a panoramic view of the city. The Alcázar of Córdoba is a bit different from the one in Seville but with its own unique beauty. It played a key role during the Spanish Inquisition and was a favorite residence of the Catholic Monarchs. The most impressive part is definitely the typical Andalusian courtyards with orange trees and water features. The gardens are particularly stunning in spring.
Tip: I highly recommend you to buy your tickets online as there is usually a big queue at the entrance. Or even better book a guided tour so you can learn everything about it!
Palacio de la Merced
Palacio de la Merced is an elegant baroque palace that is now home to the Provincial Government, a bit further from Palacio de Viana. I didn’t get a chance to visit but the architecture looks stunning, especially the grand staircases and peaceful cloister.
Medina Azahara
The Medina Azahara (Madinat al-Zahra) is one of Córdoba’s most fascinating, though lesser-known, gems. It was a luxurious, sprawling palace-city built in the 10th century by Abd al-Rahman III, the first Caliph of Córdoba. He wanted a dazzling new capital to showcase the power and splendor of his reign, a city that would rival the great cities of the Islamic world, like Baghdad and Damascus.
Unfortunately, just about 70 years later during civil unrest in the early 11th century, the Medina was sacked, burned, and abandoned. Over time, it faded from memory and was buried under layers of earth, almost a forgotten legend until excavations began in the early 20th century.
Today, about only 10% of the original site has been uncovered. Still, even the ruins hint at how grand and sophisticated it once was. It’s a fascinating archaeological site about 8 km west of the city and it’s the 4th UNESCO World Heritage Site of Córdoba since 2018.
Try Salmorejo and Local Tapas
Córdoba is a foodie’s delight. Cordovan cuisine is actually very famous in Spain and there are plenty of restaurants to suit every traveler. It can be a bit harder for veggies and vegans as, generally, Spanish food revolves around meat and seafood. However, it is possible to find some options, and the veggies in Spain are delicious! Don’t leave without trying salmorejo, a creamy, garlicky cousin of gazpacho topped with hard-boiled eggs and jamón (which you can ask to be removed). Another specialty (that we personally didn’t like) is “flamenquín”, a rolled pork fillet filled with Serrano ham, breaded and fried. Some of our favorite places to eat in Córdoba were:
- La Campania, vinos y tapas
- Casa Pedro Ximenez
- El Patio de Maria
- La Bohême (Vegan options)
- Restaurante La Boca
- Taberna Patio de la Judería
Córdoba Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April and May) is ideal for the flowers and pleasant temperatures. Summer is extremely hot with temperatures around 40°C (104°F) in July and August, so I wouldn’t recommend to visit during this time. For that reason I would recommend shoulder seasons of April-May-June and September-October. Even in winter, the days can be lovely even if a little cooler.
Where to Stay
It is best to stay central in the old town, close to all the top things to do in Córdoba. See all accommodation options in Córdoba. If you’re traveling by van, follow our Ultimate Andalusia Itinerary to find the best spots to stay with your van!
How to get there
There is no airport in Córdoba. However the nearest international airport is Malaga, and is just under a 2-hour drive away. It is best to rent a car from there or from Seville. Or you can take the direct train from Malaga to Córdoba (or from Seville as well) that will take you less time (1 hour) and costs you between 20 and 40€. The train station in Córdoba is great and will take you to all the other major cities, including Sevilla, Madrid, Barcelona or Valencia.
Getting around
Córdoba is a very walkable city! It’s very small and the historical center is so beautiful, the best way to see it is on foot. Also note that the roads in the city center are very narrow and one-way so it’s very difficult to navigate by car. If you’re traveling by car, I also recommend you to park outside the city center, as it will be much cheaper and you’ll have greater chance of finding a space.
Don’t forget your travel insurance for your Spain trip! Heymondo covers medial emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Dancing The Earth reader, you get 5% off! Check Heymondo here.
Here are my top things to do on a weekend in Córdoba. It’s very different from Seville and Granada (and much smaller) but absolutely worth visiting on a weekend or as part of your Andalusia road trip! I hope this will be useful for you and if you need, feel free to reach out with any questions, here or on Instagram!
With love,
Marina
If you liked this post, pin it for later!
