24 Hours in Cordoba, Andalusia: Perfect Itinerary to explore the City's Charms from Day to Night

I must confess, I wasn't excited about visiting Cordoba initially. I had seen countless pictures and read about the attractions, and let's just say, I wasn't exactly doing cartwheels of anticipation. But after basking in the glory of Seville's cathedral and Alcazar, I couldn't help but wonder if Cordoba had a few tricks up its sleeve to surprise me. My plan was to arrive in Cordoba late at night and use it as a place to stay before continuing my journey to Madrid. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived early. Cordoba turned out to be incredibly beautiful and charming. No wonder Cordoba is referred to as 'The Ornament of The World" due to its rich cultural heritage and architectural beauty. I learned a valuable lesson that day - beauty is not just skin deep, and appearances can be deceiving. The labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets in the old town, with cars skillfully maneuvering through them, and the white-washed houses with yellow borders, picturesque courtyards and windows with Andalusian styled iron grills, made Cordoba feel like a dream. This one part of Cordoba's historic center called 'Judería' or Jewish quarter itself blew my mind away! I already knew that Cordoba was definitely one of the most attractive places in all of Andalusia.

About Cordoba

Did you know that Cordoba in Andalusia has the most World Heritage awards of any city? It's like the superstar of UNESCO, with four declarations to its name. This city is absolutely stunning, and it deserves to be celebrated and shared with the world!

How to get to Cordoba

The nearest airport to Cordoba is Seville Airport (SVQ), also known as San Pablo Airport, situated about 130 kilometers (approximately 80 miles) southwest of Cordoba. Another option is Malaga Airport (Aeropuerto de Málaga-Costa del Sol) in Malaga. You may book your flight tickets here on this LINK. And you can rent a car at the airport itself. We rented our Jeep from the company Record Go via Booking.com. It was a very convenient and easy process. The driving time from Seville Airport or Malaga airport to Cordoba is around 1.5 to 2 hours. For Car rentals, you may click on this link for ease of booking your car to drive to Cordoba.

My Spanish friend highly recommends the AVE high-speed train that connects Seville to Cordoba in approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, while the journey from Malaga to Cordoba is 1.5 to 2 hours. For travellers who prefer the bus, bus services are operated by companies like ALSA, that are also available for both routes, taking around 2 to 2.5 hours.

Parking for cars

If you're looking to save money on parking, it's worth taking a bit of a walk from the old town in Cordoba. You have to cross the Roman bridge, from Puerta del Puente towards Torre de la Calahorra until you hit Amerigo to find the free parking (a 13 minute brisk walk from the cathedral). Make sure not to park on the left side, as that is reserved for residents (Aparcamiento or residentes). Instead, park on the right side, which is designated for tourists. The exact parking spot name is Ámerigo, 810 Carmen Olmedo Checa, Sur, Cordoba where we were able to park for free.

Things to see in Cordoba

Spending two days in Cordoba is doable, but with only one day at hand, I discovered that most major attractions can be explored. For a more leisurely experience, thoroughly enjoying the sights with guided tours, relishing Spanish cuisine, exploring patios, and indulging in shopping, three full days would be ideal.

Mesquita Cathedral of Cordoba

If you find yourself in Cordoba, your first stop should definitely be the Mezquita Cathedral of Cordoba. This magnificent structure, also known as the Great Mosque of Cordoba, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important monuments in the Muslim world. It showcases the evolution of the Omeyan style in Spain, as well as the influence of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles in its Christian section. Cordoba was a place where Jews, Muslims, and Christians peacefully coexisted, creating a unique and harmonious cultural blend.

To fully immerse yourself in the experience, I recommend taking the Night Guided Tour of the Cathedral. The warm yellow lights and soulful music create a magical atmosphere. The prayer hall inside the mosque-cathedral is particularly fascinating, with its forest of columns and beautiful red and white arches. Tickets for the night tour are €20 for adults and free for children. Alternatively, you can be one of the first visitors in the morning to avoid the crowds. Book your tickets for the 8:30-9:30 slot, which cost €13 for adults and are free for children. You can book your tickets on the official website or through the provided link here.

Surrounding the mosque-cathedral, you'll find traditional Andalusian restaurants, local boutiques, and souvenir shops, all adding to the charm of the area. The facade of the mosque-cathedral, illuminated in warm yellow lights, stands proudly in the center of the town. The entire place exudes an aroma reminiscent of the Middle East, adding to the allure of the Moorish architecture found throughout the old town.

Virgen de los Faroles (Virgin of the Lanterns)

There is a gorgeous little shrine on the outer walls of the cathedral, adjacent to the Patio de los Naranjos, outside the Mosque. It is a small altar dedicated to the Virgin of the Lanterns located on one of the sides of the wall of the Pario de los Naranjos of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. The current image is a copy of the one made by Julio Romero de Torres, the original of which is exhibited in the museum.

From here, we walked to the Torre Campanario before exploring the inside streets of the old town.

Torre Campanario (Clock tower of Cordoba Cathedral)

The entrance to the cathedral square and gardens is free of charge. However, if you wish to go up the tower and enter the cathedral, there is a fee of 5 euros per person. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance on the website to avoid queues. The tower is open for ascent from 09:30 to 18:30, with the exact timing depending on the season.

Each ascent round takes approximately half an hour. It is advised to arrive at the location 5 minutes prior to your scheduled round, as each round starts and ends promptly. The climb is manageable, with 3 stops along the way where you can enjoy the view from the tower. At the end of your allotted time, you will be directed to descend to allow the next round to begin on time. The view from the tower is breathtaking, and it is highly recommended to take the opportunity to see it for yourself.

Good to Know: The tower and the cathedral are not connected. And the cathedral does not allow re-entry. So if you buy both tickets in advance, schedule the tower first or schedule the tower at least 1 hour after the cathedral. The website does not make these policies clear at all.

Plaza del Triunfo

Beyond that is the Plaza del Triunfo, where you will find the magnificent monuments. One of the standout features is the Triumph of the archangel San Rafael, the guardian angel of the city. This impressive sculptural group stands at a towering height of over twenty-seven meters.

Roman bridge of Cordoba (Puente Romano)

Right in front of it is the Roman bridge of Cordoba. Outside of the Great Mosque, this is the most iconic site in Cordoba. Free to enter which was not the case in antiquity. Great Views of the Cathedral mosque can be viewed from along the bridge. The structure is capped by an imposing tower and a triumphal arch on the other. This iconic structure, standing tall since the 1st century AD, proudly spans the majestic Guadalquivir River, linking the heart and soul of the city. It's not just a bridge, my friend, but a symbol of unity, connecting Cordoba's two halves and reminding us of the power of connectivity throughout history.

At the beginning of the Roman bridge, stands tall and formidable the Renaissance gate in Córdoba called the Puerta del Puente. We had to walk through this gate to gte to the bridge. Since 1931, this gate, along with the Calahorra tower, has held the designation of Bien de Interés Cultural (Asset of Cultural Interest) in the monument category. Opt for a full day Cordoba tour and check out these interesting attractions.

The Sinagoga De Córdoba

The ancient synagogue of Cordoba (with The Moses Maimonides statue) was built in 1315. It's a pretty small structure, very unassuming from the outside and takes only about 10 minutes to view but is one of the most well preserved Jewish history sites in Spain. After the expulsion of the Jews in 1492 only three synagogues remained throughout Spain and this is one of them with restoration beginning as far back as 1885! The first thing that you'll notice are the walls that seem disproportionately tall - 11 metres high. They are covered with intricate stucco decoration, with horseshoe arches, Hebrew inscriptions in rich Mudéjar and Gothic architectural styles.

Once upon a time a hospital for rabies patients and shoemaker's guild following that, these days, it proudly holds the title of a National Monument, enjoying the perks of being safeguarded. As you walk in, you'll first encounter a charming courtyard and then an entrance hall, once a cloakroom and a spot for the maskilta (a water basin for ritual ablutions). Continue, and you'll find yourself in the prayer room, with the women's section located in the gallery above the entrance hall.

It is situated in the Jewish Quarter of Córdoba and it is free to enter. GetYourGuide offers a very interesting tour of the Cathedral, Alcazar and Synagogue of Cordoba. I highly recommend it. Book your tour here.

Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs (Alcázar of Córdoba)

The Alcázar of Córdoba boasts a courtyard that could give Spain's most beautiful courtyards a run for their money. The Patio de los Leones is a sight to behold, with a majestic fountain encircled by a dozen marble lions. It's practically begging for a photo op! While the Alcazar itself may not have a ton to offer, the views from the upper levels are worth the climb. And don't even get me started on the gardens – they're a tranquil oasis once the tourist hordes have cleared out. If you missed out on the one in Sevilla, don't make the same mistake twice – make a beeline for this gem in Córdoba!

Book your guided tour and skip-the-line entrance tickets to the Alcazar of Cordoba here.

Souvenir shopping

I acquired a collection of 6 finely detailed ceramic tile coasters, showcasing the city's Moorish influence. Cordoba offers diverse ceramics, such as the traditional Andalusian 'azulejos' or painted tiles. Additionally, I purchased a bottle of unfiltered extra virgin olive oil, as Cordoba is renowned for producing some of Spain's finest olive oils.

When you visit the historic center of Cordoba, you'll find many stores that also sell beautiful pottery and tapestries made by local artisans. These unique pieces are a great way to remember your time in the city and bring a piece of its rich culture back home with you. Whether you choose a handcrafted vase or a intricately woven tapestry, these items represent the history and heritage of Cordoba and make for special souvenirs.

For souvenir shopping, the streets Calle Deanes, Calle Romero, Calle Juderia, and Calle Manriquez are the prime choices.

Where and What to Eat in Cordoba

Taberna los Deanes

I’d dine here for its ambience and decor alone. The facade of this restaurant is so inviting with a traditional Andalusia decor and they have a patio which is gorgeous. When we tried their food, we went beserk. They have such delicious fried pomfret fish and Paella Mixta. I am sure I’m going to go ga ga about this taverna (taberna) for a very long time. Located on one of the beautiful idyllic streets of Cordoba, it’s open to visitors even without a reservation.

Address: Taberna Deanes, C. Deanes, 6, Centro, 14003 Córdoba, Spain

Gelateria A Vinci

No vacation or I’d say new town or city of exploration goes without an ice cream cone in hand. And Sidd is always on the lookout for the best Gelaterias in the vicinity because he’s pretty serious about his ice creams and gelatos! Gelateria A Vinci was his finds in one of the narrow streets of Cordoba. With a range of delicious creamy ice creams and also crepes with chocolate topping, this Gelateria really made heads turn.

Address: Gelateria Da Vinci, C. Deanes, 1, Centro, 14003 Córdoba, Spain

Churrería Victoria

Looking to start your day with a unique and indulgent breakfast? Look no further than Churreria Victoria in Cordoba. That's what we did the following morning. Located just a short 9-minute walk from the Mezquita Cathedral of Cordoba, this small shop is a local favorite for freshly deep-fried churros. Open only in the mornings from 8 am to 12:45 pm, Churreria Victoria is known for their delicious churros to go.

When I visited at 9:30 am, I witnessed the magic of the churro-making process. One of the staff members was busy grinding fresh dough on one side, while another was bringing in freshly prepared hot churros and cutting them into bite-sized pieces. The churros were then drizzled with chocolate sauce, adding an extra layer of decadence. At Churreria Victoria, you can choose from different quantities of churros to satisfy your cravings. They offer 3 churros for €1.5, 6 for €3, and 12 for €6, making it easy to enjoy these tasty treats on your own or share them with friends and family. It was fascinating to see how popular the shop was, with people flocking in to buy dozens of churros and even carrying cans of chocolate sauce to enjoy them at home. If you have a sweet tooth and want to experience a delicious and quintessentially Spanish breakfast, Churreria Victoria is a must-visit in Cordoba.

Address: Churrería Victoria, Av. Dr. Fleming, 9, Centro, 14004 Córdoba, Spain

Bar Santos

Located just a stone's throw away from the Plaza de Santa Catalina, you'll discover Bar Santos. This hidden gem caught my attention due to the bustling crowd of people enjoying their food just outside the Mezquita cathedral. With its street food ambiance and speedy service, Bar Santos is a must-visit spot in Cordoba. I highly recommend trying their Tortilla de patatas, salmorejo, and pinchos, as they are simply outstanding. The best part? The prices are incredibly affordable, making it an absolute must-try when you're in Cordoba.

Address: C. Magistral González Francés, 3, Centro, 14003 Córdoba, Spain

Accomodations

While there are undoubtedly numerous delightful hotels and apartments in proximity to Cordoba's city center, the following recommendations are categorized based on careful considerations:

For travellers preferring hotels in the city center with breakfast included:

1. Eurostars Patios de Cordoba: A renovated palace by the Eurostars group, offering stunning original features and patios, complemented by a complimentary bottle of cava.

2. NH Cordoba Califa: Featuring convenient underground car parking for €14 and located just 10 minutes away from tourist attractions, navigating the narrow streets of Cordoba is made easier.

3. Hotel Macià Alfaros: Showcasing beautiful Moorish architectural design, resembling a palace, with easy car parking and an added bonus of a swimming pool.

Within the realm of 4-star accommodations:

1. Hotel Madinat: A charming boutique hotel with thoughtful design updates, retaining the elegant charm of the original structure. Notable features include a rooftop patio and free guitar entertainment.

2. Las Casas de la Juderia de Cordoba: A great hotel within the Juderia, offering valet parking for added convenience. Enough said!

3. H10 Palacio Colomera: Known for its incredible view of Plaza de las Tendillas, providing spacious, comfortable, and quiet rooms, along with a lovely small pool and rooftop bar.

4. Eurostars Azahar: Centrally located with additional facilities like air-conditioned rooms, a fitness center, sauna, business center, and a variety of pillows for an ideal sleep. 😉

For those seeking a higher level of luxury:

1. Hospes Palacio del Bailio: A 5-star hotel occupying a 16th-century palace in the city center, featuring a spa with three pools, a flower garden, and a sun terrace surrounded by orange trees.

2. Balcon De Cordoba: Offering a genuine Spanish feel, this hotel provides a superior suite for 2 adults at €500 per night, with a beautiful courtyard and a rooftop terrace offering the best view of the mesquita.

For those desiring the comfort of Apartments:

1. Suites La Posada De Pilar - A short walk from the city center, situated in a quieter area, featuring spacious rooms and a delightful patio, ideal for families.

2. Apartamentos Casa del Aceite - Centrally located, well-designed apartment with easy access to a nearby grocery store and a short walk from the train station, offering comfort and convenience for tourism.

Final Thoughts

Had I allocated more than a day or opted out of guided tours, allowing myself to leisurely stroll and appreciate the surroundings, I could have explored additional points of interest. Nevertheless, these sights can be easily covered by starting early in the day. You can immerse yourself not only in the splendor of its UNESCO World Heritage sites but also in the charm of Plaza de la Corredera, a historic town square dating back to the 17th century, surrounded by an old town hall and a jail. On my next visit I also plan to explore the ancient remains of the Templo Romano (Roman temple), and the Baroque 18th-century convent Palacio de la Merced, and lose myself in the serene courtyards and formal gardens of the Renaissance palace Palacio de Viana. The possibilities are endless, my friend!

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