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Destination guide for Cordoba

Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain

Inside of the tiny, beautifully decorated Chapel of Iglesia San Bartolome

Last updated: 22 June, 2023

Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

No city better distils the essence of old Andalusia than Cordoba. From the 9th to the 11th centuries, it was the most populated and brilliant metropolis in Europe, a past glory that lingers in its sublime Great Mosque, one of the world’s greatest buildings.

But all of old Cordoba is a World Heritage site, irresistible for history lovers and romantics, for getting lost in its intricate maze of medieval lanes, for its flowery patios and picturesque relics of its Roman and Moorish past, including the ruins of the spectacular Medina Azahara, the palace of the Caliphs.

Orientation

The Mezquita is in the old Jewish Quarter (the Juderia) on the Guadalquivir river, while just south is San Basilio, site of the Roman bridge and medieval Alcazar of the Christian kings.

Modern Cordoba’s Centro district is just north of the Jewish Quarter, around key hub Plaza Tendillas; further north is the Santa Marina district, with the Viana Palace, famous for a dozen patios, and an ancient Roman temple.

Tours, tickets & transfers

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

Cordoba Tour with Alcazar, Synagoge & Mosque Skip the Line

Cordoba

Skip the lines to visit the monuments You don´t need to book or buy any tickets, we make it for you Walking tour of the most important monuments of Cordoba: Fortress of Catholic Monarchs (inside), Jewish Quarter (streets), Synagogue (inside) and Mosque-Cathedral (inside). One of the most complete tours of the city And the only tour in Córdoba with very experienced qualified guides This tour is available in Spanish, English and French One guide for each language 3 Separated Groups

Price: €52

Min age: 0

Rating 4.65 / 5 [170 ratings]

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City Sightseeing Cordoba Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Cordoba

There is no better way to see Cordoba than on this City Sightseeing double-decker, hop-on hop-off bus! See top Cordoba attractions on this comprehensive sightseeing tour, such as Mezquita (the cathedral-mosque of Cordoba), the Roman Temple of Cordoba, Calahorra Tower and much more! With a 24 hour ticket you can hop on and off as many times as you like at any of the 17 stops around the southern Spanish city!

Price: €22

Min age: 0

Rating 4.28 / 5 [160 ratings]

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Cordoba Old Town Evening Walking Tour

Cordoba

Take a walking tour around Cordoba where you can explore the Jewish quarter and the Roman Bridge as well as some local and cultural streets. Take a journey through one of the historic places in Andalusia.

Price: €18

Min age: 0

Rating 4.67 / 5 [110 ratings]

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Cordoba Walking Tour with Arabian Baths Experience

Cordoba

This walking tour through the streets of Cordoba allows you to get to know the history and traditions of this intriguing city, with its beguiling mix of Roman, Arabic and Spanish history. See top city attractions like Cordoba Mezquita (cathedral-mosque) and Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos. If you want to submit to total relaxation after your tour, upgrade to include 2.5 hours at leisure inside Baños Árabes de Cordoba, one of the city’s Arabian baths with thermal plunge pools and a steam room.

Price: €45

Min age: 0

Rating 4.22 / 5 [93 ratings]

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Bike Tour Córdoba

Cordoba

On this bike tour through Cordoba, you visit the most beautiful places in the city. Of course you see the Mezquita, the Jewish quarter, squares, and patios. This beautiful city is very bicycle friendly and that makes cycling in Cordoba very nice. You should not miss this bike tour if you want to learn more about one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the world. Cycling in Cordoba is definitely recommended and suitable for all ages. Additionally, discovering Córdoba in this fun and dynamic manner will not only expose you to the sites that have given it its reputation, but will also provide you with a fabulous sense of orientation in the city and give you valuable information about how to proceed. Learn about where you should eat and what you should see during your stay, as your guide points out the best restaurants, bars, and more.

Price: €29

Min age: 8

Rating 4.92 / 5 [83 ratings]

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Travel advice

When to go

Peak season is spring, with Holy Week (Semana Santa) and other fiestas: Christmas is another busy time. The city roasts in July and August; if you go then, take a long afternoon siesta. Autumn is lovely and warm; January and February are quiet, and can be rainy, but offer a good chance to feel like a local.

Getting there and away

The nearest airports are in Seville and Malaga, both less than an hour from Cordoba by high-speed trains (AVE); even if you fly into Madrid, you can be in Cordoba at an hour and 40 minutes.

Getting around

The city is so compact you won’t need any public transport; you’ll want to just park your car and leave it. Sites outside the centre, such as the Medina Azahara, 8km from Cordoba, are perfect for visiting by bike; some rental shops offer guided tours.

Where to stay

Cordoba is compact, and for sightseeing the best places to stay are the hotels concentrated in the warren of lanes in the central barrios (neighbourhoods), all of which are in easy walking distance of the sights, restaurants and bars. Santa Marina and San Basilio are two of the prettiest, and the lack of traffic means they remain pleasantly quiet in spite of tourist numbers.

Motorists may find the central barrios a bit tricky as access by car is extremely limited; if you’re driving make sure you know where to park before arriving or look for a hotel away from the centre.

There are bargains to be had by the train station, as long as you don’t mind the 20-minute walk to the centre.

Where to eat or drink

There are delightful restaurants, tabernas and tapas bars scattered throughout Cordoba’s medieval core, with large concentrations of terraces along the Guadalquivir on Calle Ronda de Isasa north of the Roman bridge.

Where to shop

The Jewish quarter in the heart of Cordoba is packed with shops, from souvenir tat to quality leather and ceramics.

East of the centre, the Sunday morning Mercadillo Arenal along Calle de El Infierno has over 200 stalls, selling handicrafts, olive oil, Iberian hams etc.

Look for the city’s famous traditional crafts – leather, Arabic-style fabrics, jewellery, ceramics and guitars.

Destination guides

Other guides relevant to this destination

Andalusia

Andalusia, Spain

A big dazzling region, packed with fascinating cities, beautiful landscapes and beaches, colourful fiestas and oodles of sunshine.

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