- November 30, 2020
- in Historic, Spain
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Overview
Home to the famous and breathtaking Mezquita, Cordoba is city rich in history, architecture and Spanish charm and perfect for a one day visit. Get lost wandering the streets and alleys, soaking up the heat and atmosphere whilst stumbling upon gorgeous plazas and cool bars around every corner.
When
You can travel to Cordoba Spain at any time of the year. Cordoba in winter will be mild and unlikely to rain, although the evenings will be chilly. Locals tend to wrap up in coats and boots, but a long sleeve top and trainers are enough on all but the worst days, of which there are few! Avoid summer if possible, it will be very, very hot and rammed with day tripping tourists from the coast.
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. There will be fewer tourists, you are likely to get better deals on accommodation and the weather will be perfect.
Travel
The closest international airports to Cordoba are Seville Airport which is 125km away and Malaga, the third largest airport in Spain, which is 175km away. We recommend using Malaga Costa del Sol airport, although it is further away, it has more flight connections and has the best onward travel options.
There are a number of ways to get to Cordoba from Malaga airport;
- Transfer – the quickest and most convenient option, you can book in advance with Intui Travel.
- Taxi – grab a cab, which will cost you around €30 and take about 20 minutes.
- Bus and Train – a journey of around two hours and several connections, you can find up to date details here.
- Coach – get the coach directly from the airport to Cordoba’s main train station. The journey will take 3 hours and 25 minutes and the coach only leaves once a day.
- If you’re taking in Cordoba as part of an Andalucian road trip, the drive will take around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Stay
Stay at the Balcón de Córdoba, a luxury boutique hotel in the old town, which is just a twenty minute walk from the train station and modern city center. With great reviews, the hotel is charming and stylish, perfect for a Cordoba one day itinerary. With lots of architectural features from the original monastery building, this Cordoba hotel is contemporary and traditional rolled into one, with spectacular roof terrace views of the Mezquita thrown in for good measure.
Las Casas de la Juderia is a tangle of old houses and courtyards dating from the 14th century, stitched together to create an atmosphere of faded grandeur and a distinct Moorish vibe. One of our favourite hotels in Cordoba, La Casa de la Juderia is centrally located in the Jewish quarter, you’ll be in the historic centre after a five minute stroll through the narrow and flower filled alleys.
See & Do
Cordoba is a wonderfully atmospheric city. Discovering hidden corners and pretty courtyards is a bit of a past-time here. Compact and intimate, you can see everything on foot – the time spent strolling between attractions will be filled with colour and rich history from the life and buildings of this special city.
Take a Cordoba in a Day Tour
If you’re looking for a Seville to Cordoba day trip, or would prefer a walking tour or half-day guided tour, check out these Córdoba day tours. Otherwise, read on for our travel guide and Córdoba one day itinerary.
Morning
Be Awed by the Mezquita of Cordoba
The mosque-cathedral of Cordoba is the most awe-inspiring, breathtakingly beautiful building and one of Spain’s most famous landmarks. Entering this UNESCO World Heritage Site through the Puerta de las Palmas (Door of the Palms), to see 850 red and white columns standing before you is a real show-stopping moment. Take in the sheer scale of the building, the numbers of columns and arches and the acres of never-ending marbled floor stretching out in front of you, before you start to explore.
Wander further in to the Mezquita cathedral to see the older and remarkably well preserved, intricate and symmetrical Moorish architecture of the original mosque dating from 786. Tiles, gold leaf and beautifully carved wood provide rich colour and texture.
In 1146, during the Spanish reconquista, the conquering Spanish army entered Cordoba and holy mass was celebrated in the mosque by the King of Spain. The mosque officially became a cathedral and many chapels, the choir, transept and tower were added seamlessly to the existing building. The Gothic and Renaissance architecture displayed to all the might and fervent religiosity of the Spanish monarchy.
The courtyard, which was used for purification rituals prior to Muslim prayer, became a garden in 1597. Nowadays, the charming Patio de los Naranjos and its orange trees and palms provide shade from the hot Spanish sun to tourists and pilgrims.
If you do nothing else in your 24 hours in Córdoba, visit the Mezquita. A guided tour will help you understand the fascinating history and architecture of this building, you can get your priority Mezquita Córdoba tickets here.
Top Tip
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The mosque-cathedral opens to visitors at 10am, be there on the dot for the best chance of seeing the building without hordes of other tourists.

Visit the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos
The Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs is another stunning building worthy of a visit, more for the gardens here though. The Alcazar is a medieval citadel located in the historic center of Córdoba, on the river and very close to the Mezquita. The citadel served as one of the primary residences of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon.
It is not possible to visit the whole interior of the Alcázar in Córdoba, although what is open is well worth a look. The first permanent tribunals of the Spanish Inquisition were held here. The Inquisition began using the Alcazar as its’ headquarters in 1482, converting much of it, including the Arab baths, into torture and interrogation chambers.
The gardens are magnificent, stretching across some 55,000m2 across three levels. With elegant fountains and ponds, formal walks and a large variety of species, this is a lovely place to while away an hour or so. Get your guided tour priority tickets here.

Afternoon
Take a Stroll Around the Feria de los Patios
Cordoba is one of the hottest cities in Europe, regularly reaching temperatures of over 40°c in the summer months. This necessitates finding shady places, and from the days of the Romans and Moors, every house was built with an internal courtyard, or patio, filled with plants and water features, to help keep them cool. In 1918 the city council started a patio contest in the Juderia (Jewish quarter), which has been going strong ever since.
The residents really take this contest seriously and the patios are amazing. Huge palms and shocking pink climbing bougainvillea line the courtyards which are deliciously scented and cool. The courtyards are a feast for the eyes with pots of flowers everywhere, scrambling jasmine and native orange blossom scenting the air, with a backing track of tinkling water just to set the scene to perfection.
The contest takes place in May each year, when the city also comes alive with parties, food, flamenco dancing and live music. It’s a great time of year to visit but many of the patios are open through the summer if you can’t visit Córdoba in May. You can buy tickets for a guided tour by a local here.
Visit the Ancient Templo Romano
From the Jewish quarter, take a ten minute walk north to the impressive Roman Temple which was discovered in the 1950’s. It’s eight imposing columns stand alone against the blue skies marking the Roman period in Cordoba’s history.
From there, head to the 17th century Plaza de la Corredera and enjoy the lively atmosphere in this large square, perfect for sitting and enjoying a late afternoon beer or glass of cool and crisp Cava, Spain’s delicious sparkling wine.
Evening
Cross the Puente Romano
The Puente Romano is the city’s famous Roman Bridge, which dates from the 1st century BC and was extensively rebuilt in the 10th century during the Moorish occupation of the city. This low and distinctive bridge crosses the wide Guadalquivir river, which heads south through Andalucia and Seville before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. The bridge is supported by seventeen stone arches, only two are left from the original structure; see if you can spot them.
This is a beautiful bridge to walk across, passing the famous Calahorra Tower (also a museum) before crossing and heading into the old town and Jewish quarter. In the early evening, as the sun sets behind the city, the light is perfect for capturing those iconic images of the bridge and Mezquita in harmony.
Top Tip
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Linger past sunset for the sky to turn a magical shade of deep blue and the honey coloured Mezquita and bridge to be dramatically lit for the night.

Explore Tapas!
Tapas is a way of life in Spain. Go to any bar or restaurant and you’ll find traditional Spanish food served as a tapa (snack) or a racione (small plate). Tapas is loosely used to describe both those dishes, as well as pintxos (food on a stick) which come from the north of Spain, and montadito (food on bread). Sound good?
True tapas is served and eaten as a snack with a beer or other alcoholic drink, sometimes this comes free with your drink. If not, expect to pay around €3-4 for each tapa when you’re in a city like Cordoba. Raciones are larger plates – usually a half-portion – and tend to be the size used to serve jamon (ham) or cheese, so perfect for sharing.
Raciones will cost a little more, especially if you order jamon Iberico, usually the most expensive item on any tapas menu. Jamon Ibercio is prized ham from the leg of the Black Iberian pig and has a strong meaty, cured flavour.
If you’re a tapas newbie, taking a tapas tour like this one is the perfect way to learn the ins and outs of this very Spanish tradition. Plus, you’ll also get to try tapas in the best places in town.
Top Tip
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If you find the stong flavour of Jamon Iberico too much, then try Jamon Serrano, a less intense and lighter flavour and not quite so punishing on the pocket either.
See a Flamenco Show
The national dance of Spain, flamenco is more theatre than dance. The passion, rhythm and story at a live flamenco show will get your feet tapping and your heart beating, especially if you take in a show at an historic location like the 10th century Arabian Baths of Santa Maria.
Eat
Mercado Victoria
Head to the gourmet food market of Mercado Victoria for lunch. This gentrified food court, where you’ll find kiosks showcasing and serving great local Spanish food, is lively and fun. One of the top things to try is the flamenquin (little flamenco dancer), a deep-fried roll of breaded pork fillet, filled with Gruyere cheese, jamon Serrano, lemon juice and olive oil – you won’t regret it
Bodegas Mezquita
Bodegas Mezquita serves delicious tapas and regular menu choices, offering traditional Spanish food. The wine list is reasonably priced – try the silky smooth local montilla with dessert, a type of sticky and sweet sherry (but it’s not called sherry because it’s not made in the revered ‘sherry triangle’).
Go after 9pm if you want atmosphere (maybe not for those on business travel!) This is the absolute earliest the Spanish will deign to eat, and Cordoba is renowned for its late restaurant hours. Don’t be surprised if families are still arriving for dinner at 11pm.
Top Five Cordoba Tips
- To hang out where the locals do, head for Paseo de la Ribera, or just La Ribera. This is where you’ll find the most authentic taberna cordobesa.
- You won’t be able to enter the Mezquita if your shoulders are bare or you’re wearing hot-pants – make sure to cover up.
- Book your Mezquita tickets before 11am or after 3pm. This gives you the best opportunity to enjoy the architectural masterpiece without hordes of other people around.
- Head for Calleja de las Flores in the Juderia. The most Instagrammable spot in Cordoba, this street of flowers with every house displaying colourful and lush pots and hanging baskets, is a truly gorgeous sight.
- Don’t forget to look up! As you walk along the alleys and squares of the city, look up to fully appreciate the beauty of the architecture, the colours of the ubiquitous window boxes and the traditional materials still present in many buildings.
Do you have just a little longer to spend in Cordoba?
- If you have another day or half a day in Cordoba, take a taxi out to the Medina Azahara, the shining city. This fascinating archaeological site sits on the outskirts of the city and was once a huge and fortified place and city.
- Visit the Caballerizas Reales (The Royal Stables of Córdoba) which were founded by Philip II in 1570, with the aim of creating the purebred Andalucian horse.
- How about taking a road trip to other incredible Andalucia cities from Cordoba?
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