Córdoba in a Day: Ultimate Guide to Plan Your Visit
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As one of the most charming Spanish cities, Córdoba is a must see whether you’re exploring the whole country or just the Andalusian region. This city boasts colors, stunning Islamic architecture and picturesque cobblestone alleys with potted plants. Seeing Córdoba in a day might seem tricky, but don’t worry! Follow this guide, and you’ll have plenty of time to visit all the best sites and eat your weight in yummy tapas.
Here’s the ultimate travel guide to seeing Córdoba in a day.
Why you should visit Córdoba
Córdoba is the place where Muslims, Christians and Jews once lived peacefully side by side, and you can experience a mix of all these different cultures in this beautiful city. The streets surrounding the Mezquita are narrow and lined with houses that have adorable (though sometimes hidden) patios. There are lots of monuments to visit in Córdoba (including FOUR UNESCO World Heritage Sites) and a wide range of restaurants. The stores offer some nice souvenirs, so you can take a small piece of Córdoba with you!
Where is Córdoba and how can you get there?
Córdoba is in Andalusian region in Southern Spain. The easiest way to get there is to fly to Madrid, Seville or Málaga and take the RENFE train to Córdoba’s central station. From the train station, it only takes 20 minutes to walk to the Mezquita, Córdoba’s most famous monument.
Best time to visit Córdoba
Córdoba and all of Southern Spain is dry and HOT in the summer. You’ll probably be pretty sweaty, but you might be able to avoid the mass of tourists who are sitting inside in the air conditioning instead of walking around Córdoba.
If you can’t take the heat, then get out of the kitchen! Or just visit in the months of April, May, or October for those same sunny skies but with more bearable levels of heat. Córdoba is one of the warmer cities in Europe, so you’ll be comfortable even if you visit in the middle of winter.
Unless you want to witness the processions for Semana Santa (Spain’s Holy Week), avoid traveling to Córdoba or any of Southern Spain the week before Easter. Semana Santa is absolutely worth seeing, but not if you’re trying to see all of Córdoba in a day because it attracts thousands and thousands of spectators.
What can you do with one day in Córdoba?
You can do so much with just one day in Córdoba because it’s pretty small and super walkable. Here’s what I recommend.
Cross the Puente Romano
Talk about an entrance! This stunning bridge was built by the Romans and crosses the Guadalquivir river. It was renovated several times throughout history and only two of the arches are originals. This bridge was also used as a Game of Thrones setting.
If you choose to check out the other side, you’ll be facing Torre de la Calahorra. The tower houses Museo Vivo de Andalus, a living museum featuring waxworks and a model of the Alhambra.
The Mezquita
Next up on our Córdoba itinerary and probably the main reason you came here – the one and only Mezquita. The Great Mosque has become the emblem of Córdoba, along with being the greatest surviving monument from the Moorish period. This magnificent structure is a mosque, cathedral, and UNESCO World Heritage Site all wrapped up in one.
The Mezquita is at the top of every list for things to do in Córdoba. As the number one tourist attraction in Córdoba, big queues are inevitable, unfortunately. Visit early in the morning as soon as it opens before the tours crowd in. Get a skip the line ticket or book a guided tour to maximize your experience.
This astounding hybrid structure was built as a mosque in the 8th century when Córdoba was the most important city in the Islamic Kingdom (and the leading city of science and culture in Europe). At the beginning of the 13th century, Córdoba was reclaimed by Christians, and the mosque (parts of it) was converted into a Renaissance style cathedral.
Upon entering the Mezquita, you’ll encounter the seemingly endless candy-cane forest. These 850 columns with red and white horseshoe arches on top of them will transport you back to the era of Al-Andalus. It’s especially beautiful when the sunlight filters through.
When you’re done marveling at the awe-inspiring interior, head out across the courtyard and climb up to the top of the bell tower. The entrance to the tower is an extra €2 on top of the €10 entrance fee to the building itself, but can you really put a price on the best view in the city?
Next stop: Patio De Los Naranjos – an enchanting orange patio next to the church. This is the perfect place soak in everything you’ve just seen as you enjoy the shade from the trees and the subtle orange scent in the air.
Tip: Are you visiting Córdoba on a budget? If you don’t mind waking up early, The Mezquita is free to individual visitors Monday through Saturday from 8:30–9:30 a.m.
The Jewish Quarter
Finish off your morning by exploring the historic judería, or old Jewish quarter. This picturesque neighborhood has centuries of magic hiding around every cobblestoned corner, making it feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook. Don’t miss the quaint little fourteenth century synagogue. It’s one of only three surviving medieval synagogues in Spain, and the only one in Andalusia.
Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
Just down the street from the Mezquita, is another Córdoba must see: the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos. This centuries-old complex used to serve as the headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition as well as a meeting point between Christopher Columbus and the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, before Columbus came to America. Nowadays, however, it’s home to bright, colorful gardens, ancient Roman relics and mosaics, and unreal views from its towers of the city below.
Casa Andalusi
This house truly is a hidden gem in Cordoba! Built in the 12th century, this house is completely decorated in medieval Andalusian and Moorish style.
Explore the streets surrounding the Mezquita
Spend some time walking around the Mezquita and discovering its 20 impressive doors. After you’ve counted all 20, explore the streets in the surrounding area. The streets in the Historic Center of Córdoba are narrow and full of restaurants and souvenir shops. Search for hidden patios while the locals take their siesta. You’re bound to find an open gate, so take a peek inside!
Just around the corner from the Mezquita is Calleja de las Flores, a narrow whitewashed alley filled with flowers and great photo ops. The Historic Center of Córdoba is famed for its hidden patios, large interior courtyards and twisting alleys, many of which offer some of the best restaurants and cafes in the city.
Fiesta de los Patios is Córdoba’s most famous festival and takes place every May. During the festival, the beautifully decorated patios of the Historic Center of Córdoba are open to the public, and Córdoba’s town hall offers a prize for the prettiest patio. They’re elaborately decorated with flowers, filling the city with bright colors and sweet aromas. Some patios even hold flamenco shows!
Where to eat in Córdoba?
Like the rest of Southern Spain, the atmosphere in Córdoba is pretty laid back. Most shops and restaurants don’t open until 10 am, but some open even later. Restaurants close for a few hours in the middle of the day for siesta until they reopen for dinner around 6 pm. It’s really tough to find a good authentic restaurant during the siesta hours, so try to eat beforehand.
Also, a lot of monuments are only open until 3 pm. I suggest taking snacks with you or buying something small to munch on so you can explore the sites first.
If you have more than one day in Córdoba
Many people visit Córdoba on a day trip from Seville, Málaga, or Granada. This can often cut your day a little short, but if you’re on your own or staying an extra night then you need to check out Medina Azahara.
Medina Azahara is known as the Shining City because it was the capital of the Caliphate and a symbol of its grandeur and wealth. Not to mention it’s the largest archaeological site in Spain! This amazing site is only 6 miles (10 kilometers) from Córdoba via direct bus transfers. There are two-hour guided tours and night tours.