Top 10 Things to Do in Córdoba, Spain

If you like visiting small cities filled with charm, and aren’t so much into visiting museums, Córdoba is perfect for you. A visit to Córdoba is more about strolling through the city center, exploring picturesque side streets and alleyways, and dining on tapas and local foods than checking off a bunch of museums and landmarks from a to-do list.

In this guide, we list 10 must-see sights in Córdoba. This is followed by another 15 things to do, which includes several photographic viewpoints, a few foods to try, plus a few historical sites.

Top 10 Things to Do in Córdoba

First, we start with the 10 best things to do in Córdoba. This list is perfect if you have just one day in Córdoba.

1. Visit the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba

If you can only do one thing in Córdoba, visit the spectacular Mosque-Cathedral. This is one of our favorite experiences in all of Spain.

The Mosque-Cathedral (also called Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its columns and two-tiered archways.

A visit to this building is awe-inspiring, with its array of archways and domes, its blend of Muslim and Christian architecture, and its tilework and Islamic inscriptions. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Spain.

In 785, a grand mosque was built on top of the Visigothic church. It only took one year to build the mosque but then over the centuries, additions were made to the building. After its final expansion in 988, it was the largest mosque outside of Abbasid Iraq.

Following the Reconquista in 1236, the mosque was converted into a cathedral. A Royal Chapel was added as well as a Gothic nave and the minaret was converted into the bell tower.

Things to see inside of the Mosque-Cathedral include the hypostyle hall (the prayer hall with the two-tiered archways…there are approximately 850 columns!), the mihrab (a beautifully decorated niche on the south end of the prayer hall), the maqsura area (a series of archways and domes near the mihrab), and Capilla Mayor (the nave in the center of the building).

Outside of the Mosque-Cathedral are the bell tower and the Patio de los Naranjos. As you walk around the exterior of the building, you can also see the ancient gates, or doorways, into the Mosque-Cathedral.

Capilla Mayor

The mihrab

The ceiling of the mihrab

The exterior of the Mosque-Cathedral | Things to Do in Córdoba

2. The Bell Tower of the Mosque-Cathedral

For one of the best views of Córdoba, climb the steps to the top of the Mosque-Cathedral Bell Tower.

The bell tower is part of the Mosque-Cathedral. When the minaret was damaged by an earthquake, it was converted into the bell tower.

The bell tower is on a separate ticket from the Mosque-Cathedral (the Mosque-Cathedral ticket does not include the bell tower…a lot of visitors were confused by this when we were here). When you purchase your ticket, you will book a timed entry slot. I recommend booking your entry time for one to one and a half hours after the Mosque-Cathedral entry.

This experience lasts about 30 minutes. You will climb the steps to the top of the tower in a small group. There are two levels to the tower with the upper level giving the best view. Since this is done in a small group, it is a very nice experience and not overly crowded. Plus, the views are incredible.

The view of the Mosque-Cathedral and Patio de los Naranjos from the lower level of the bell tower.

The view of Córdoba from the upper level of the bell tower.

3. Patio de los Naranjos

The Patio de los Naranjos is the courtyard next to the Mosque-Cathedral. It is free to visit and a great place to photograph the bell tower and the corridor along the Mosque-Cathedral. With its orange trees, benches, and fountains, this is a very picturesque part of Córdoba.

Patio do los Naranjos | Things to Do in Córdoba

4. The Historic Center of Córdoba

The historic center of Córdoba is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its white-washed buildings, colorful trim work, flowerpots, cobblestoned streets, and outdoor cafes, it is a charming place to explore.

The Jewish Quarter (Judería de Cordoba) is located inside of the historic city center. Between the 10th and 15th centuries, Jews lived in this small neighborhood. This area sits to the northwest of the Mosque-Cathedral.

5. The Patios of Córdoba

The Patios of Córdoba are not to be missed. In small courtyards throughout Córdoba, potted flowers decorate the walls, floors, and tables, creating picturesque sanctuaries throughout town.

The Courtyards Festival of Córdoba (aka the Patios Festival of Cordoba) is a 2-week festival held at the beginning of May. Participants decorate their patios and visitors can see the patios for free. It is such an important part of the city’s culture that it is listed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

If you aren’t in town in May, you can still see the patios of Córdoba. Some homes have their patios open outside of the main festival.

Ruta de Patios has five patios to see in the San Basilio neighborhood. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the ticket office (which is located at C/San Basilio 14). The ticket includes all five patios. If you purchase your ticket in advance, you still have to wait in line at the ticket office, so we saw no advantage in purchasing them in advance.

It takes between 1 to 2 hours to visit all of the patios. A visit to each patio is rather quick, taking about 5 minutes, although lines can be long to enter. These are small spaces so only a few people are permitted to enter at a time.

On the official website, you can get pricing, hours of operation, and a route map to see the location of all five patios.

You can also take a guided tour of the patios in Córdoba.

The best time to visit the patios is from April through June, when the flowers are in bloom.

And just walking around the San Basilio neighborhood is a nice experience, even if you want to skip the patios.

San Basilio | Things to Do in Córdoba

6. The Alcazar of Córdoba

This site, also called the Castle of the Christian Monarchs, was one of the primary residences of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. Christopher Columbus had his first audience here to get support for his expedition to Asia.

The Alcazar is located in the historic city center, just a short walk from the Mosque-Cathedral.

The entrance is on Avenue del Alcazar, on the southeast corner of the building. On a visit here, you will tour the inside of the palace, see the Hall of Mosaics, climb the tower and walls for a view of the fortress and the city, and then stroll through the gardens. In the gardens, keep an eye out for the statue of Christopher Columbus with Ferdinand and Isabella.

A visit here lasts about one hour. To avoid a wait in the ticket line, purchase your tickets online in advance on the official website. You also have the option to take a guided tour of the Alcazar.

7. The Roman Bridge

This bridge was originally constructed in the 1st century by the Romans, although it has been rebuilt several times since then. Most of what we see today dates back to the reconstruction in the 8th century. In 2004, it was converted into a pedestrian bridge.

The Roman Bridge spans the Guadalquivir River, the same river that runs through Seville. On the north bank sits the historic center of Córdoba and Puerta del Puente. On the south bank sits Torre de la Calahorra.

Game of Thrones fans may recognize this bridge, as it was a filming location. This bridge was used as the bridge of Volantis in season 5.

The Roman Bridge | Things to Do in Córdoba

8. Calahorra Tower

This tower sits at one end of the Roman Bridge. There are two reasons why you should visit this tower: for the view of the bridge and Córdoba and to visit its small but interesting museum.

The Al-Andalus Living Museum covers the history and culture of Córdoba from the 9th to 13th centuries. There are eight rooms to visit with one of these containing a very impressive model of the Alhambra and the Mosque-Cathedral. The audio guide takes about an hour, but you can walk through the rooms much quicker than that, if you don’t want to invest a full hour of time in this museum.

Al-Andalus Living Museum | Things to Do in Córdoba

The model of the Alhambra in the Al-Andalus Living Museum

The view from the Calahorra Tower

Your ticket also includes a visit to the very top of the tower, where you get incredible panoramic views of Córdoba.

Get hours and pricing on the official website.

9. Visit a Rooftop Bar with an Unbeatable View of Córdoba

Just a short walk from the Calahorra Tower sits a rooftop bar with an amazing view of Cordoba.

This was one of our favorite experiences in Cordoba.

We love having a drink with a view and this one is incredible. Our experience was made even better with an approaching thunderstorm. Watching the gray, ominous clouds move in, complete with streaks of lightning, made this an unforgettable experience.

The Rooftop Terrace at Hotel Hesperia is open from late afternoon through evening. They serve cocktails, beer, and wine with snacks (chips and nuts). We were here at 7 pm on a Saturday and almost had the entire place to ourselves. Don’t expect fancy drinks…what you are here for is the view.

The hotel gets good reviews so it makes a nice place to stay, just keep in mind that you will have to walk across the Roman Bridge to get into the city center.

Our view on the walk back to the city center of Córdoba.

10. Visit the Medina Azahara

Located outside of the city center are the remains of a fortified palace-city. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in Spain.

Also called Madinat al-Zahra, this small city was built in the 10th century during the Umayyad dynasty. It was the capital of the Caliphate of Córdoba and referred to as the Versailles of the Middle Ages.

The ruins were excavated in 1911. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018.

There are two parts to a visit: the museum and the archaeological site. The archaeological site is located several kilometers from the museum and you can only get here by shuttle (you are not allowed to drive and park at the site).

Park at the museum. Inside of the museum, purchase a ticket, which also includes the archaeological site. After visiting the museum, walk back out to the parking lot. You will board a shuttle which takes you to the archaeological site (about a 5-minute drive). Tickets for the shuttle are purchased on the bus.

The archaeological site is the best part of the experience. Stroll along the remains of the city streets, see the archways of Bab al-Sudda (the eastern portico and entrance into the Alcazar), the Upper Basilical Hall, the House of the Water Basin, and Salon Rico. Inside of Salon Rico are archways that look very similar to the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba.

In total, a visit to Medina Azahara takes 2 to 3 hours, which includes time for the bus rides to and from the museum. Get hours and pricing on the official website. This is also the perfect place to take a guided tour, to learn more about the site’s important history.

Medina Azahara | Things to Do in Córdoba

15 Unique Things to Do in Córdoba

Now, we go on to list 15 more things to do in Córdoba. On this list are a mix of off the beaten path experiences, a few photogenic places to visit, plus a few things that are worthwhile if you have 2 or more days in Córdoba.

1. Palacio de Viana

This is another great place to see patios in Córdoba. On a visit here, not only will you tour a historic palace, but you will also get to see numerous courtyards and patios, many of which are decorated with flower pots, archways, and fountains.

The palace is open Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays). Get hours and pricing on the official website. If you purchase a ticket online in advance, you will still have to wait in the ticket line (at least we did in 2024) so we see no need to purchase your ticket in advance.

Palacio de Viana | Things to Do in Córdoba

2. See a Flamenco Show

Flamenco got its start in Andalusia and it was the traditional music of the gypsies (gitanos). It is a mix of singing, guitar playing, and dancing, usually with a lot of percussive footwork.

On a visit to Andalusia, watching a Flamenco show is an essential cultural experience. Seville and Granada are popular places to watch flamenco. We chose Córdoba because we heard great reviews about the Flamenco performances here.

We watched a Flamenco show at Baños Árabes de Santa María. Located in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, the performance is held inside ancient Arab baths, which adds a very unique element to the overall experience. It is also a small group show, with roughly twenty customers, rather than a performance on a larger stage or less intimate environment. Tickets include dinner, which is typical Andalusian cuisine.

Here is the link to make your reservation in advance. You can also watch a Flamenco show at Tablao Cardenal or Tablao El Jaleo.

3. Calleja de los Flores

To capture a unique photo of the Mosque-Cathedral’s bell tower with some flowerpots, mark Calleja de los Flores on your map. This narrow street is one of the most unique photo spots in Córdoba.

Walk up the street (it is very short so it doesn’t take long), turn around and enjoy the view. We were here on a Sunday morning at 9 am and had it all to ourselves but expect it to be a busy spot midday. Morning is a great time for photography, when the bell tower is illuminated by the sun.

4. Almodóvar Gate & Nearby Streets

This is another very picturesque area in Córdoba. The Almodóvar Gate, also called Puerta de Almodóvar or Bab al-Chawz, is one of three gates in the old city walls. It is located on the west side of the historic city center and this gate leads into the Jewish Quarter.

Outside of the gate, it is worth going on a stroll along Calle Cairuan, a street that runs along the outside of the walls. This street is lined with small reflecting pools (once the moat that sat outside of the walls) and gardens and is another great place for photography.

Calle Cairuan | Things to Do in Córdoba

Walk through Almodóvar Gate into the Jewish Quarter. Here is a photo from inside of the gate.

Then, walk down Calle Judios to visit Casa Sefarad (a museum about Jewish heritage), the Córdoba Synagogue, and Capilla Mudéjar de San Bartolomé.

5. Visit the Córdoba Synagogue

This small synagogue was built in 1315 and decorated in a Mudejar style. It was later converted into a small hospital and then as a small chapel to the patron saint of shoemakers. It was recently restored it is the only historic synagogue to remain in Córdoba.

It is free to enter although donations are accepted. Get hours here.

Córdoba Synagogue | Things to Do in Córdoba

6. Capilla Mudéjar de San Bartolomé

This Mudejar chapel is famous for its colorful tiles. It dates back to the late 14th and early 15th centuries. This chapel is located in the Jewish Quarter, just a short walk from the synagogue. It has very limited hours (10:30 am to 1:30 pm, closed on Monday) so keep this in mind if it sounds like a place you would like to visit.

7. Chocolate and Churros

If you want to try chocolate and churros while in Cordoba, Mojaelchurro is a small food stand on Calle Cardenal Gonzalez that gets fantastic reviews. This is also another photogenic street in Córdoba.

8. Julio Romero de Torres Museum

On display in this museum are works of art by Julio Romero. But the real reason we are listing this museum is for the courtyard that sits right outside of the building. This small courtyard, with its trees and fountain, is another photogenic spot in Córdoba.

9. Puerta del Puente & the Triumph of San Rafael

Sitting on the north side of the Roman Bridge, Puerta del Puente (Bridge Gate) is a Renaissance gate that once was part of the city’s defensive walls.

On the same square is the Triumph of San Rafael, a monument devoted to the Archangel Raphael.

Puerta del Puente

10. The Roman Temple

The Romans left their mark on Córdoba a number of ways. One of the best ways to still see a piece of Roman history is at the Roman temple, which stands in the center of the city. It is one of the oldest buildings in Córdoba, dating back to the 1st century.

11. Famous Sculptures in Córdoba

There are several famous statues related to the patios of Córdoba. These are free and quick to visit.

“La Regadora” is a sculpture of a young woman watering flowerpots. It is located north of the city center at Plaza Puerta del Rincón.

La Regadora

“El Abuelo con el Niño” is a sculpture of a grandfather helping a young boy water flowerpots. It is located in the San Basilio neighborhood and is a nice addition to the Ruta de Patios.

El Abuelo con el Niño

12. Christ of the Lanterns Sculpture

This sculpture was made in 1794 and it sits on Plaza de Capuchinos. We saw it during the day, but I think it would be more interesting in the evening, when the lanterns are illuminated.

13. Visit an Arab Bath House

One of the most unique things to do in Córdoba is a hammam experience. At Hamman Al Ándalus, relax in the warm waters, get a massage, or experience a Water Journey. Learn more on the official website.

14. Take a Day Trip to the Castle of Almodóvar del Río

This hilltop castle, which dates back to the Arab Umayyad dynasty, is a joy to visit. Walk the castle walls, climb the towers for a view over the castle and surrounding countryside, and tour the rooms of the castle. This is one of the coolest castles we have visited and if you are traveling with kids, it is a must-have experience.

This castle was a filming site for Game of Thrones. During the 7th season, this castle was Highgarden and scenes were filmed in and around the castle (in particular, Jamie Lannister arriving at Highgarden, Olenna Tyrell’s balcony, and Olenna Tyrell’s salon). It was also used as Casterly Rock during the 7th season.

The Castle of Almodóvar is located 30 km west of Córdoba. It can be visited on a day trip from Córdoba or you can visit it on the drive between Córdoba and Seville.

Parking is at the bottom of the hill the castle sits on. You can walk up to the castle (15 to 20 minutes) or ride the shuttle that runs all day. A visit here lasts 1 to 2 hours. Get hours and pricing on the official website.

15. Plaza de la Corredera

This large square is located east of the historic city center. It makes it on a lot of to-do lists for Córdoba, but we weren’t all that impressed. It’s worth knowing about but we don’t think it is worth going out of your way to visit it.

Best Things to Do in Córdoba: On a Map

How Much Time Do You Need in Córdoba?

With one day in Córdoba, it is possible to visit the top attractions, which include the Mosque-Cathedral, the Alcazar, the Jewish Quarter, and the Roman Bridge. If you are here in the spring or early fall, be sure to also visit the patios, one of Córdoba’s most iconic sights.

Two days in Córdoba is ideal, since this additional day gives you more time to wander the city streets, day trip to Medina Azahara or the Castle of Almodóvar del Río, and visit a few hidden gems in town.

Interesting Facts About Córdoba

Córdoba is a city in Andalusia, Spain. It sits on the Guadalquivir River, about 130 km northeast of Seville.

Four UNESCO sites are located in and around Córdoba. The historic city center of Córdoba is listed as a World Heritage Site, along with the amazing Mezquita-Cathedral and Madinat al-Zahra. The Festival of the Patios is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Site.

Romans conquered Córdoba and left their mark on the city, which you can still see today at the Roman Temple and Roman Bridge. In the 8th century, Muslims took over the city and by the 10th and 11th centuries, Córdoba was one of the most advanced cities in the world. In 1236, the city came under Christian rule.

Córdoba is one of the hottest cities in Europe during the summer months. Daytime temperatures can easily hit 37°C/99°F although it can get much warmer than this (on some days, temperatures can soar past 45°C/113°F) so keep this in mind if you are designing a summertime itinerary through Spain.

Spring and fall are beautiful times to visit Córdoba. Our visit was at the end of April, when the weather is warm. Flowers are also in bloom, making this city even prettier. One of the most festive times to visit Córdoba is during the Festival of the Patios, which takes place the first two weeks of May.

How to Plan a Trip to Córdoba

To help you plan your trip to Cordoba, read our Cordoba Itinerary (coming soon), which lists a one day and two-day itinerary for Cordoba. It also includes restaurant recommendations and the best places to stay in Cordoba.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Córdoba famous for?

Córdoba is famous for its amazing Mosque-Cathedral, historic city center, Festival of the Patios, and Medina Azahara, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Is Córdoba worth visiting?

Córdoba is one of the most interesting cities to visit in Andalusia, Spain. Strolling through its historic city center, gazing up at the 800+ columns and archways inside of the Mosque-Cathedral, walking across the Roman Bridge, dining on local Andalusian cuisine, and exploring the Jewish Quarter are all memorable things to do in Córdoba. It is well worth a day or two on a visit to Andalusia, Spain.

When is the best time to visit Córdoba?

Spring and fall are beautiful times to visit Córdoba, when the weather is warm. One of the most festive times to visit Córdoba is during the Festival of the Patios, which takes place the first two weeks of May. Córdoba is one of the hottest cities in Europe during the summer months. Daytime temperatures can easily hit 37°C/99°F although it can get much warmer than this (on some days, temperatures can soar past 45°C/113°F) so keep this in mind if you are designing a summertime itinerary through Spain.

If you have any questions about the best things to do in Córdoba or how to plan a trip to Córdoba, let us know in the comment section below.

More Information for Your Trip to Spain

ANDALUSIA: In our guides to Andalusia, Spain, we cover the best things to do in Seville, we have a one day itinerary with a walking tour of Ronda, and a guide to the Caminito del Rey, one of the most famous walks in Spain. And if you have plans to visit Granada, don’t miss our article How to Plan a Trip to Granada and our Guide to the Alhambra. We also have an article about How to Visit the Rock of Gibraltar.

TANGIER, MOROCCO: In our article One Day in Tangier, we cover everything you need to know to plan a Tangier day trip from Tarifa, Spain.

MADRID: Visit the must-see sights plus a few hidden gems in our article Best Things to Do in Madrid. We also have a detailed itinerary on How to Spend One Day in Madrid.

TOLEDO: Toledo is the most popular day trip from Madrid. Learn how to plan your visit with our article Best Things to Do in Toledo and How to Plan a Toledo Day Trip from Madrid.

BARCELONA: Start with our guide to the best things to do in Barcelona. Plan your visit with our 3 Day Barcelona Itinerary, our guide on Where to Stay in Barcelona, and get recommendations on where to eat in Barcelona.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN EUROPE: Here are 30 of the most popular tourist attractions to visit in Europe. How many have you visited?

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