Best Things To Do in Cordoba

Cordoba is, without a doubt, a perfect destination for a getaway for any occasion and it will surprise you, no matter how you look at it, you'll fall in love with Cordoba! Here is a list of the best things to see and do so that you don't miss anything and make the most of this charming city.

When you think of Cordoba, you inevitably think of its famous Mosque. It is probably the first monument that all travellers agree on when they ask what to see in Cordoba during a visit.

The great protagonist and the queen of all eyes. It radiates a unique beauty that leaves no traveller who has the chance to see it in person indifferent.

Declared a World Heritage Site in 1984 by Unesco, it is considered to be the largest monument in the Islamic West, but at the same time it is a Catholic cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary since the time of the Reconquest. All this makes this temple one of the most enigmatic monuments in Spain and one of its twelve treasures along with the Alhambra in Granada, the Basílica del Pilar in Zaragoza and the Roman Theatre in Mérida, among others.

Looking inside it is like taking a trip back in time to the heyday of the Caliphate of Cordoba. It summarises the evolution of Umayyad art in Spain mixed with elements of the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles of the Christian temple, resulting in an authentic work of art at the service of God and human spirituality.

There are so many details to see in this temple and so many stories within its walls that in my opinion, the best way to explore it is to take a guided tour to make sure you don't miss anything. In my experience, it is well worth it.

In the post Tickets for the Mosque of Cordoba I tell you how to visit this icon of Hispano-Muslim Umayyad art and how to complete the experience with other essential sites in the city.

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Very close to the Cathedral-Mosque of Cordoba is the Roman Bridge over the Guadalquivir River as it passes through the city, which you can reach on a pleasant stroll. It currently serves as a link between the city's Cathedral quarter and the Campo de la Verdad.

Considering that it has thousands of years of history, it is worth admiring the good state of preservation in which it is found and it seems to me a privilege to be able to walk over this perfect work of Roman engineering.

However, over time it has undergone some reconstructions that have modified the original structure, such as the Tower of Calahorra dating from the Reconquest, the Arch of Triumph built in the 16th century or the image of the archangel Saint Raphael from the 17th century.

The Roman Bridge of Cordoba was built in the 1st century A.D. under the rule of Augustus, the first Roman emperor, and was part of the Via Augusta which crossed half of Europe to connect Rome with Cadiz.

Make the most of your visit to Cordoba to watch the sunset from the Roman Bridge as there are wonderful views of the river, the cathedral-mosque and the Sotos de la Albolafia nature reserve, where several species of birds nest. There are many tours and guided visits around the city of Cordoba that take you to see this and other must-see monuments.

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The old quarter of the city is one of the largest in Europe and is home to an inexhaustible wealth of monuments. Close to the Cathedral-Mosque of Cordoba is also the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a medieval palace-fortress built by King Alfonso XI in 1328 on the remains of the old Muslim Caliphate palace.

This is another of the most visited monuments by tourists, not only because it is a landmark of the military architecture of the Christian Reconquest in Cordoba, but also because this palace was the scene of important episodes in the history of Spain, such as the strategic planning of the capture of Granada by the Catholic Monarchs or the visit that Christopher Columbus made here to these monarchs to present his project to reach Asia across the Atlantic, which would lead to the discovery of America.

As you pass through the gates of the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos in Cordoba, I recommend you climb the Torre de los Leones, one of the four towers that outline the complex. From here there are impressive panoramic views of the Alcázar, its gardens and the surrounding area, such as the cathedral-mosque, the Roman bridge and the Guadalquivir River.

Inside, my favourite areas are the pools, fountains and gardens decorated with leafy trees and exotic flowers. On a sunny day it's a fantastic place to see in Cordoba to take pictures.

But in the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos there are many other amazing spaces such as the Museum of Roman Mosaics, the wall or the Royal Baths. It's a very beautiful place!

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Get to know the Royal Stables of Cordoba

You can complete your visit to the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos in Cordoba by visiting the Royal Stables, which are located next to the palace. Declared a National Historic Monument in 1929, they were founded by King Philip II in the 16th century with the aim of creating the purebred Spanish horse.

Today you can see the main stable, the stallion stables and a riding arena, but its main attraction is the collection of 19th-century carriages. In addition, the fantastic equestrian show "Pasión y duende del Caballo Andaluz", one of the most popular shows in Cordoba, takes place here.

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One of the essential visits to make in the old quarter of Cordoba is, without a doubt, the Jewish Quarter.

Strolling through the narrow cobbled streets of the Jewish quarter is an experience I thoroughly enjoyed, as this is the best-preserved medieval Jewish quarter in Europe.

During the tour you can see the living legacy of the history of this community in Spain through its whitewashed buildings, flower-decorated courtyards and squares. The Jewish quarter of Cordoba follows the typical layout of Muslim cities and stretches from the Puerta de Almodóvar to the Cathedral-Mezquita.

What to see on the route?

The best place to begin to unravel the secrets of Cordoba's Jewish Quarter is the Casa de Sefarad, a cultural institution that preserves the Spanish-Jewish heritage. A must-see for those who want to learn about the history of this community in Spain and are looking for more than just postcard photos on this itinerary.

Next to it is the synagogue, a small Mudejar-style treasure and one of the very few historic synagogues still remaining in the country. A few metres from the temple is Maimonides Square, dedicated to the famous Jewish philosopher whose statue can be seen in the nearby Tiberias Square.

Other places of great interest to visit on a route through the Jewish Quarter of Cordoba are the Casa Andalusí, the Calleja de las Flores or the souk, one of the most visited courtyards in Cordoba. Don't miss our article on the best tours of the Jewish Quarter in Cordoba.

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Isabel's Traveller Tip

Remember to take a photo in the popular Calleja del Pañuelo, one of the narrowest streets in Cordoba and in Europe, the width is as wide as a handkerchief stretched out!

One of the places to see in Cordoba that most impressed me during my trip is the Roman Temple. It is amazing to contemplate the good state of preservation of this structure dating from the 1st century A.D. and which was discovered by chance during the extension works of the city hall in 1950.

Dedicated to Imperial worship, it is a large building with six free-standing Corinthian-style columns at its entrance. In front of them was the altar and the temple was raised on a podium. It is thought to have formed part of the provincial forum along with the circus.

You will find it in Calle Capitulares and you will never tire of taking photos of it. It is an example of the grandeur and importance of Cordoba in Roman times. In fact, in its day the Roman Temple was one of the most imposing constructions in the empire, as its immense size meant that it could be seen from the Via Augusta, the road into the city.

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Throughout this route through the old town you will surely have noticed the vast historical and cultural heritage that the city possesses. The truth is that it is a delight to be able to explore all the ancient monuments to see in Cordoba.

But behind each one of them there is a history that helped to create the city we know today, and which is well worth getting to know.

At the Living Museum of Al-Andalus you can delve into this important chapter in Spain's history and take a journey back in time to the Middle Ages to discover what the Caliphate capital was like back then, and how the values of the West and the East mingled in the streets of Europe's largest city.

This museum is located at the southern end of the Roman Bridge, in what is known as the Calahorra Tower, and I found it a most interesting visit. Not only for the exhibits inside the Living Museum of Al-Andalus but also for the history of the structure itself.

What to see in the museum?

Visiting this museum is a good opportunity to get to know, through its exhibitions and projections, the Cordoba of the three cultures (Christian, Muslim and Jewish) in the Middle Ages, its architecture, its scientific knowledge, its music and great personalities such as Alfonso X "The Wise", Maimonides or Averroes.

I also recommend entering the museum for the unique panoramic view from the top floor of the Calahorra Tower, from where you can see the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs, the Roman Bridge and the Cathedral-Mosque of Cordoba. It is an excellent opportunity to take some of the best photos of the city.

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• Where? At the south end of the Roman Bridge in the Tower of Calahorra.
• Opening hours? Monday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM in winter (from October 1st to April 30th) / Monday to Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM and from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM in summer (from May 1st to September 30th).

Another of the most beautiful places to see in Cordoba is the Palacio de Viana, located in the Santa Marina neighbourhood.

Many tourists come to this luxurious 14th century residence attracted by the beauty of its twelve open-air Cordoban courtyards, which concentrate the essence of the Islamic and Roman architecture so characteristic of the city.

These courtyards are a true marvel, a tribute to the light of Andalusia and a haven of peace with a great variety of plants, trees and fountains that are a joy to stroll through.

However, the Palacio de Viana is much more. It is also a beautiful museum spread over two floors with collections of great artistic and historical value.

I was very surprised by all the pieces that can be seen here: from Flemish tapestries, porcelain and 17th century furniture to antique books, period firearms and several works by Goya. Without a doubt, one of my favourite visits in Cordoba.

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Cordoba is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Its old town has an inexhaustible wealth of monuments and on every corner there is something amazing to see to soak up culture, history and tradition.

Now, if after all that walking around the city centre you need to take a break and relax for a while, I recommend you go to one of the best Arab baths in Cordoba to enjoy a unique hammam experience in a magical place with the essence and aesthetics of the traditional baths of Al-Andalus.

If you have never visited the hammam before, this getaway to the ancient Umayyad capital could be your great opportunity to do something different and original in Cordoba.

What are the Arab Baths of Cordoba?

The hammam is a type of steam bath that the ancient Arabs used to cleanse the body and relax the mind.

During a getaway to Cordoba, it is a fantastic plan to experience the hammam ritual that the ancient inhabitants of Al-Andalus used to carry out and which has fortunately reached our days for our enjoyment.

The secret of the Arab baths of Cordoba lies in combining cold and heat with steam. This contrast of temperatures has many benefits for the body, such as relaxing the muscles, reducing stress, improving circulation and breathing and eliminating toxins from the skin, among others.

What to do in the Arab Baths of Cordoba?

Once you enter the Arab baths of Cordoba you will see that this is not your typical spa, but rather the interior decoration is designed to stimulate your senses and make visitors believe that they have travelled back in time to the splendour of ancient Al-Andalus.

If there was one thing that fascinated me about the hammam, it was the relaxed atmosphere inside, where time seems to stand still. The rooms are characterised by their Arabic-style decoration with Islamic arches and beautiful starry ceilings that let in natural light.

In addition, the sound of the water, the aroma of the essences that permeate the air, the Andalusian music and the faint light of the candles, transport you to a wonderful state of calm. And if you accompany your massage with a delicious Arabic herbal tea, you will feel like a real sultan or sultana.

Finally, a trip to Cordoba should not miss a trip to discover Medina Azahara, one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe and an essential visit to learn about the history of the Umayyad capital.

The remains of the palatine city that the Caliph Abderramán III ordered to be built in the 9th century at the foot of the Sierra Morena mountains as a symbol of his power after the establishment of the independent Caliphate of Córdoba are located some eight kilometres from the city of Córdoba.

Medina Azahara was short-lived, however, as it was razed to the ground during the civil war that ended the Umayyad Caliphate.

Although the archaeological remains are not complete due to neglect, plundering and the passage of time, thanks to the restoration work that has been done at the site it is possible to get an idea of the extraordinary beauty that this caliphate city had in its origins and for those of us who like art and history, it is a luxury to walk through the ruins of Medina Azahara imagining what it was like during its heyday and the importance it had against the surrounding kingdoms.

What to see in Medina Azahara?

Declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2018, I recommend you to visit Medina Azahara because it is the ideal complement to the visit of the cathedral-mosque to understand the splendour of the city in the tenth century and one of the most beautiful places to see in Cordoba.

Here you can see the Caliph's royal residence and the magnificent Rico Hall, where political receptions were held in the city and which was characterised by its meticulous decoration. Also the Aljama Mosque and the house of Yafar, the home of the first minister of the caliph Alhaken II, who built the maqsura of the mosque of Cordoba.

In the vicinity of the archaeological ruins of Medina Azahara is the Interpretation Centre, whose aim is to promote the study and dissemination of this site and to act as a bridge between the Western and Eastern worlds.

All the historical artefacts found in the archaeological excavations are kept here and an audiovisual documentary is shown which is well worth watching to learn more about Medina Azahara and life there, as it was inhabited by more than 20,000 people.

How to get to Medina Azahara?

Isabel's Traveller Tip

To better understand the importance of Medina Azahara in Spain, my advice is to first visit the palatine city and then this museum.

In addition to the legendary cathedral-mosque of Cordoba, if this city is known for anything, it is for its gastronomy, where you can eat outrageously well. Tapas are the order of the day in Cordoba and, in my opinion, one of the best ways to get to know the culture of a place is through its gastronomy.

With a Mediterranean base, Cordoba's cuisine is one of the most complete in Andalusia thanks to its wide variety of ingredients, with an abundance of meat and vegetables.

What are the typical dishes of Cordoba?

There are so many of them and they are all delicious! There are so many local specialities that you will be spoilt for choice. Some of them are salmorejo, fried aubergines with honey, flamenquines, snails, oxtail, Cordovan cake, marinated japuta or Iberian ham.

All accompanied by a good glass of wine, of course. What are the most famous wines from Cordoba? There is also a wide variety, such as Montilla-Morilles, Pedro Ximénez, Casa Villa-Zeballos or Fino Cordobés, although the drink par excellence throughout Andalusia and Cordoba is the legendary rebujito. Be careful, it goes straight to the top!

Where to eat in Cordoba?

In Cordoba you can find good restaurants where you can eat in practically all parts of the city.

Cordoba is a small city that can be easily covered in a few days. You won't like it any less, in fact, you'll be very surprised! But in order to enjoy 100% of all its attractions, I recommend that you organise your visit in such a way that you choose what to see each day. Here is a list of the best things to do depending on the length of your trip:

• What to see and do in Cordoba in 1 day
• What to see and do in Cordoba in 2 days
• What to see and do in Cordoba in 3 days

Another suggestion for your visit to this Andalusian city is to choose the right time to visit it. Cordoba has a lot to offer in spring when it dresses up for its main festivities. But if you take advantage of the summer period to get to know it, you won't be disappointed either (see this article with 10 things to see and do in Cordoba in summer).

Whenever you go, a very convenient option for exploring its streets is the tourist bus. Even more so if you decide to visit Cordoba with children.