The 12 things to do in Cordoba

Visit Cordoba: What are the best things to do and see in the small town of Cordoba?

Cordoba is, alongside Grenada or Seville , one of the jewels of Andalusia, which only waits to be visited. But before visiting Cordoba, it is important to know what to do and what to see on site.

Unmissable with typical local pepits, follow the guide to visit Cordoba in good shape!

1. The Mosque-cathedrale of Cordoba

“ Mezquita "is undoubtedly the most emblematic place in the city. Located in the historic district of Cordoba, this unique monument is one of the most impressive of all the Islamic West. First Roman temple dedicated to the deities, the Mosque-cathedrale of Cordoba then became a church before being taken over by an emir who, from its ruins, transformed it into a mosque. Over the centuries, the site has continued to grow and embellish itself to eventually become a cathedral after the Reconquista by the Catholic king Ferdinand III of Castile.

Today, the Mezquita portrays an architecture with two faces. Unusual and authentic, it primarily reflects a true work of art with a breathtaking cultural blend. On the outside and inside, from arches to columns, the monument offers a superb eclecticism, from those who wrote the history of Cordoba.

2. Judería

Not far from the Mezquita, go to the discovery Judería the Jewish and historical district of Cordoba. After passing the ramparts of the gate of Almodovar, enter a UNESCO heritage site that houses between its alleys, the most beautiful memories of the city.

Walk between the charming white houses decorated with flowers, stop in front of the small patios decorated with fountains typical of the Andalusia and take good time on the various squares cradled by guitarists and flamenco dancers. Throughout this charming walk, aromas of tea and exotic scents will be inspirational. It is also in the Judería district that is the most famous street in Cordoba, the superb calleja de las Flores ! Enjoying an ideal location with access to the various monuments of the city, the Jewish quarter remains a must-see in Cordoba.

3. The Synagogue

Visiting Cordoba and its Jewish quarter is undoubtedly going through the Synagogue . Unique in Andalusia and among the best preserved in the country, the Cordoba Synagogue is today a historic place that can be visited for free.

Classified as a national monument, the site offers a historical, political and social parenthesis on the history of Cordoba. A legacy, a witness of cultural diversity that after the expulsion of the Jews, was transformed into a hospital and then into a school before being restored and reconsidered as such. Small by its size, the Synagogue is nevertheless one of the most visited in Spain, with a powerful heritage.

Good to know. : if the entrance to the site is free of charge, there are guided tours, however, that gather the discovery of several unmissable places of Cordoba such as Mezquita or Alcázar.

4. Alcázar De Los Reyes Cristianos

What to do in Cordoba if this is the symbol of the city? As famous as the Mosque-Cathedrale and more discreet than its acolyte de Seville , Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos stay to say, impressive. Residence of Catholic kings, seat of the Holy Office during the inquisition, place of passage of Christopher Columbus and even prison, the Alcázar remains above all a place full of history.

From the four towers offering a superb panorama of Cordoba with different outbuildings, plunge into a unique site: mosaic lounge, gardens, royal baths, marble floors and other treasures promise you an unforgettable visit to Andalusia’s perfume.

5. Royal stables

They belong to the Alcázar and attract visitors’ curiosity. Built in 1570, the royal stables of Cordoba ( Las Caballerizas Reales ) hosted the breeding of the famous Andalusian horses. Riding, a symbol of discipline, the place is very popular: enthusiasts and enthusiasts go there to discover his stables and attend (free of charge) his superb shows.

6. Baños Califales and Bains Arabes

Right next to the royal stables, Baños Califales deserve the detour. Vestiges of the Alcázar baths or hammams, the Bains du Califat represent the most important of the city: divided into 9 rooms over time (hammams and other patios), they house different capitals and marble columns (or rather what remains), witnesses of a sacred place in which ablutions were carried out among others.

Only a few hundred meters away, the Arab Bains perpetuate a tradition today marked by the Andalusian culture. Considered as the largest Moorish baths in Europe, they welcome flamenco performances in the evening: intimist performances where from the first notes, tradition takes all its meaning.

Good to know. : for what would like to dive into the traditional Arab Bains, know that there are two main ones in Cordoba. Tour near the Mosque-Cathedrale, you will find the largest Hammam in Europe with the unique and authentic architecture where different hot, warm and cold water basins, but also Turkish bath and hot stone guarantee you a moment of absolute relaxation. In the Jewish quarter, the “Arab Baths of Cordoba” offers a unique experience: in addition to welcoming Hammams and typical patios, the venues host an Epsom salt pool (reputed for its magnesium content) and even offer massages.

7. The Roman Pont

No way to go to Cordoba without laying your eyes or walking on his place. Pushing the Guadalquivir, the Roman Pont is so, unique in its kind. Built in the 1st century BC, it was, for nearly 20 centuries, the only way to access the city. Today a must-see place to visit in Cordoba, it is the subject of a large number of passages (attention, the world is truly high season) and offers a great view of the city. For the anecdote, the Roman Bridge was used as a shooting place in the Game of Thrones series.

At the end of the bridge, discover the Tour de la Calahorra a defensive tower dating from the Muslim era. Declared an artistic historic monument, it houses the Al-Andalus Museum which highlights the cohabitation between different cultures but also a terrace that offers a nice view of the Roman and Cordoba Bridge.

8. Plaza Corredera

It is often compared to Plaza Mayor in Madrid. Prised by day and night, locals and visitors like to meet in this central and well-known place of passage Plaza Corredera . If over the centuries, the square has seen festivals, street shows, corridas and even performances, it is now known for its terraces. It is in the middle of this large rectangle with architecture and colors typical of Andalouses that we like to have a drink or lunch outside.

9. Palais de Viana

Not far from Plaza Corredera, a few minutes walk will take you straight to the Palais de Viana . If it is often discreet in the eyes of tourists, the palace still hides many wonders... Within it, no less than 12 patios with Roman and Arab influences welcome you along a path punctuated by a lush garden before opening the doors to you on a superb collection of dishes, paintings and tapestries spread throughout the palace. A journey in time to styles and eclectic symbols that make the place unique.

10. Museums of Cordoba

What to do in Cordoba for a 100% cultural day? If you have time, why not opt for a tour of the city's museums? From artistic movements to local flora, there are many to offer to discover Cordoba through a history, a heritage. Here are the main ones to see during your stay:

- Archaeological Museum : dedicated to the Roman collection discovered in Cordoba - Fine Arts Museum : houses collections of modern and baroque art - Julio Romero Museum of Torrez : gathers the works of the local painter – Ethnographic Museum and its Botanical Garden : offer a vast collection of paleobotanic fossils, plants, trees and shrubs to discover the typical flora. - Gallery of the Inquisition : retraces the dark sides of the jurisdiction. Careful, we do not recommend this place to children and sensitive people.

11. Salmorejo, typical dish of the region

Salmorejo is a traditional cold soup made of bread, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt and tomato. Salmorejo is a very well-known sauce from Cordoba. Add delicious serrano ham shavings and eggs. This typical, low-cost dish will delight the taste buds of the little ones like great ones: refreshing, it is the perfect entrance during the big summer heats. Alongside the famous tapas, he is unanimous local!

For the most gourmets, know that there are tapas tours during which you will discover the culinary history and culinary traditions of Cordoba. A visit full of flavors and discoveries punctuated by some tastings and why not, new recipes to take away in your memories!

12. La Feria de Mayo

To finish this article on the must-see in Cordoue, we offer a festive and local event! Every year in May, Feria de Mayo invites the Cordobans for a traditional holiday in El Arenal Park. On the programme: traditional music, songs and dances will immerse you in an event with typical local colours.

How to get to Cordoba?

Since Cordoba Airport is only served by private flights, you will have to go down to the nearest airports such as those of Seville and Málaga both located less than three hours away. Whatever your city of departure, our partner Ulysses benefits from the best deals in terms of flight: so think to take a look at the site.

Once on site, you can opt for the car rental : which will allow you to visit Andalusia independently. It is also possible to go by bus to Cordoba, with the Alsa company. The bus station is served by many regular lines that provide daily connections with many large cities such as Madrid, Seville, Málaga and Granada. I mean, from Seville, Barcelona , Valencia, Madrid or Malaga, several trains offer routes to Cordoba: for more information, visit the site of the company AVE .

Where to stay in Cordoba?

Cordoba enjoys a wide choice in terms of accommodation . From the city centre to the neighbourhoods around it, the hotel offering is suitable for all budgets, from the smallest to the most comfortable. Airbnb , hotel, room, hostel or host house: you will find everything under the sun Andalou! To find a cheap hotel in Cordoue, head to the site of this Compare hotels : according to your selection criteria, the latter will be able to negotiate the ground foot of your dreams.

So, ready to discover Cordoba?