Córdoba travel guide

Córdoba Tourism | Córdoba Guide

You're Going to Love Córdoba

Córdoba (or "Qurṭubah" as it was known in Moorish times) is a history lover's dream. This beautiful Andalucian city boasts a wealth of Moorish and medieval sights, topped off by the extraordinary Mezquita, one of the world's greatest religious buildings.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Córdoba

1. The Mezquita

Constructed in the 8th century, the Mezquita was Córdoba's main mosque. When the Spanish reconquered Andalucia, the jungle of columns and arches inside wasn't demolished (thankfully). Instead, they were integrated into a breathtaking cathedral that is unlike any other.

2. The Ancient City Center

Córdoba's Old City dates back to the Roman era, but most of the most impressive sights were built under Muslim rule from around 750 AD to 1236. Join a tour to ensure that you don't miss a thing.

3. Spain's Longest Feria

Every spring, Córdoba stages its "Feria". The longest of its type in Spain, this two-week spectacular is filled with bull fights, dancing, feasting and blazing color.

4. Flamenco Guitar

Córdoba is also a major international musical center. If you love classical or flamenco guitar, be there for the Festival Internacional de la Guitarra in July.

5. Fabulous Locally Made Ceramics

Córdoba's ancient history is being kept alive by its community of artisan ceramics producers. Head to workshops like Blas' for stunning pots and vases in an unique Córdovan style.

1. The Mezquita

Constructed in the 8th century, the Mezquita was Córdoba's main mosque. When the Spanish reconquered Andalucia, the jungle of columns and arches inside wasn't demolished (thankfully). Instead, they were integrated into a breathtaking cathedral that is unlike any other.

2. The Ancient City Center

Córdoba's Old City dates back to the Roman era, but most of the most impressive sights were built under Muslim rule from around 750 AD to 1236. Join a tour to ensure that you don't miss a thing.

3. Spain's Longest Feria

Every spring, Córdoba stages its "Feria". The longest of its type in Spain, this two-week spectacular is filled with bull fights, dancing, feasting and blazing color.

4. Flamenco Guitar

Córdoba is also a major international musical center. If you love classical or flamenco guitar, be there for the Festival Internacional de la Guitarra in July.

5. Fabulous Locally Made Ceramics

Córdoba's ancient history is being kept alive by its community of artisan ceramics producers. Head to workshops like Blas' for stunning pots and vases in an unique Córdovan style.

What to do in Córdoba

1. Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba: Blending Catholic and Muslim Theologies

Built in 1523, the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba was once the meeting place for Córdoba's most powerful. The cathedral was erected in the center of a mosque and mahogany choir stalls carved with scenes from the Bible were embedded. Visit the choir stalls and take in their beauty. You'll be amazed by the diverse architecture made from Islamic, Gothic, and Moorish themes. Stroll over to the Mezquita flanked alongside one of marble columns that support the church. Housed throughout the mosque-cathedral are a myriad of entrances and chapels. Visit the Parroquia del Sagrario Chapel and admire its three naves or venture the cathedral's western halls and admire the Holy Supper by Juan de Ortuño. This breathtaking painting is located at the altarpiece of the Chapel of Santa Ana. Alongside the Holy Supper you'll see five elaborate oil canvases by Pablo de Céspedes.

2. Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos: Site of the Courts of the Holy Offices

Adjacent to the Guadalquivir river sits the Alcazar castle, once the home of King Fernando and Isabella. As you walk through the palace, visit the room where Christopher Columbus proposed his intention to reach India by sailing via a western route. Stroll to the downstairs gallery where Moorish, Catholic, and Roman artifacts are displayed and admire their cultural diversity. If you love heights, climb Torre de Los Leones and take in an aerial view of Córdoba's pictorial countryside. After a tour of the castle, relax by the Moorish styled gardens and admire the Arabic-influenced architecture.

3. Cordoba Museum of Fine Arts: An Artful History

Located in Plaza de Proto, this 15th century Episcopal Palace is now home to Córdoba's Fine Art Museum. Its exhibits include the works of Antonio del Castillo, Regoyos, Gonzalo Bilbao, and other Andalusian Baroque painters representing the city's artistic history. Tour the chapel, dining-room, and a hall paying tribute to Córdoba's artists. Its various galleries include medieval art, tapestries, the Cathedral's own collection of psalm books, and many digital panels describing pieces of historical art.

4. Puente Romano: A Former Roman Commercial and Military Route

Located in the historic center of Córdoba, Córdoba's Roman bridge lies alongside the Guadalquivir river. Lavishly designed with sixteen Moorish styled arches, four of the arches are pointed while the rest have a semi-circular pattern. Take a stroll on the bridge and marvel at the Mosque-Cathedral and head towards the statue of San Rafael.

5. Palacio de Viana: Palacio de Viana: Home to the Viana Courtyards

Take a tour of the Viana Courtyards and admire the architecture that complements each garden. Explore each of the 12 courtyards and marvel at the homage paid to Earth's plants, flowers, light, and water. Each courtyard has its individual theme and style. Roam through the Courtyard of the Cats and admire its Medieval decor. For a romantic stroll under the stars, book a night time tour of the palace and courtyards.

Mosque–Cathedral of CórdobaMosque–Cathedral of Córdoba
Alcázar de los Reyes CristianosAlcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
Cordoba Museum of Fine ArtsCordoba Museum of Fine Arts
Puente RomanoPuente Romano

1. Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba: Blending Catholic and Muslim Theologies

Built in 1523, the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba was once the meeting place for Córdoba's most powerful. The cathedral was erected in the center of a mosque and mahogany choir stalls carved with scenes from the Bible were embedded. Visit the choir stalls and take in their beauty. You'll be amazed by the diverse architecture made from Islamic, Gothic, and Moorish themes. Stroll over to the Mezquita flanked alongside one of marble columns that support the church. Housed throughout the mosque-cathedral are a myriad of entrances and chapels. Visit the Parroquia del Sagrario Chapel and admire its three naves or venture the cathedral's western halls and admire the Holy Supper by Juan de Ortuño. This breathtaking painting is located at the altarpiece of the Chapel of Santa Ana. Alongside the Holy Supper you'll see five elaborate oil canvases by Pablo de Céspedes.

2. Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos: Site of the Courts of the Holy Offices

Adjacent to the Guadalquivir river sits the Alcazar castle, once the home of King Fernando and Isabella. As you walk through the palace, visit the room where Christopher Columbus proposed his intention to reach India by sailing via a western route. Stroll to the downstairs gallery where Moorish, Catholic, and Roman artifacts are displayed and admire their cultural diversity. If you love heights, climb Torre de Los Leones and take in an aerial view of Córdoba's pictorial countryside. After a tour of the castle, relax by the Moorish styled gardens and admire the Arabic-influenced architecture.

3. Cordoba Museum of Fine Arts: An Artful History

Located in Plaza de Proto, this 15th century Episcopal Palace is now home to Córdoba's Fine Art Museum. Its exhibits include the works of Antonio del Castillo, Regoyos, Gonzalo Bilbao, and other Andalusian Baroque painters representing the city's artistic history. Tour the chapel, dining-room, and a hall paying tribute to Córdoba's artists. Its various galleries include medieval art, tapestries, the Cathedral's own collection of psalm books, and many digital panels describing pieces of historical art.

4. Puente Romano: A Former Roman Commercial and Military Route

Located in the historic center of Córdoba, Córdoba's Roman bridge lies alongside the Guadalquivir river. Lavishly designed with sixteen Moorish styled arches, four of the arches are pointed while the rest have a semi-circular pattern. Take a stroll on the bridge and marvel at the Mosque-Cathedral and head towards the statue of San Rafael.

5. Palacio de Viana: Palacio de Viana: Home to the Viana Courtyards

Take a tour of the Viana Courtyards and admire the architecture that complements each garden. Explore each of the 12 courtyards and marvel at the homage paid to Earth's plants, flowers, light, and water. Each courtyard has its individual theme and style. Roam through the Courtyard of the Cats and admire its Medieval decor. For a romantic stroll under the stars, book a night time tour of the palace and courtyards.

Mosque–Cathedral of CórdobaMosque–Cathedral of Córdoba
Alcázar de los Reyes CristianosAlcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
Cordoba Museum of Fine ArtsCordoba Museum of Fine Arts
Puente RomanoPuente Romano

1. Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba: Blending Catholic and Muslim Theologies

Built in 1523, the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba was once the meeting place for Córdoba's most powerful. The cathedral was erected in the center of a mosque and mahogany choir stalls carved with scenes from the Bible were embedded. Visit the choir stalls and take in their beauty. You'll be amazed by the diverse architecture made from Islamic, Gothic, and Moorish themes. Stroll over to the Mezquita flanked alongside one of marble columns that support the church. Housed throughout the mosque-cathedral are a myriad of entrances and chapels. Visit the Parroquia del Sagrario Chapel and admire its three naves or venture the cathedral's western halls and admire the Holy Supper by Juan de Ortuño. This breathtaking painting is located at the altarpiece of the Chapel of Santa Ana. Alongside the Holy Supper you'll see five elaborate oil canvases by Pablo de Céspedes.

Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba

2. Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos: Site of the Courts of the Holy Offices

Adjacent to the Guadalquivir river sits the Alcazar castle, once the home of King Fernando and Isabella. As you walk through the palace, visit the room where Christopher Columbus proposed his intention to reach India by sailing via a western route. Stroll to the downstairs gallery where Moorish, Catholic, and Roman artifacts are displayed and admire their cultural diversity. If you love heights, climb Torre de Los Leones and take in an aerial view of Córdoba's pictorial countryside. After a tour of the castle, relax by the Moorish styled gardens and admire the Arabic-influenced architecture.

Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

3. Cordoba Museum of Fine Arts: An Artful History

Located in Plaza de Proto, this 15th century Episcopal Palace is now home to Córdoba's Fine Art Museum. Its exhibits include the works of Antonio del Castillo, Regoyos, Gonzalo Bilbao, and other Andalusian Baroque painters representing the city's artistic history. Tour the chapel, dining-room, and a hall paying tribute to Córdoba's artists. Its various galleries include medieval art, tapestries, the Cathedral's own collection of psalm books, and many digital panels describing pieces of historical art.

Cordoba Museum of Fine Arts

4. Puente Romano: A Former Roman Commercial and Military Route

Located in the historic center of Córdoba, Córdoba's Roman bridge lies alongside the Guadalquivir river. Lavishly designed with sixteen Moorish styled arches, four of the arches are pointed while the rest have a semi-circular pattern. Take a stroll on the bridge and marvel at the Mosque-Cathedral and head towards the statue of San Rafael.

Puente Romano

5. Palacio de Viana: Palacio de Viana: Home to the Viana Courtyards

Take a tour of the Viana Courtyards and admire the architecture that complements each garden. Explore each of the 12 courtyards and marvel at the homage paid to Earth's plants, flowers, light, and water. Each courtyard has its individual theme and style. Roam through the Courtyard of the Cats and admire its Medieval decor. For a romantic stroll under the stars, book a night time tour of the palace and courtyards.

Activities & attractions in Córdoba

Where to Eat in Córdoba

Córdoba is a great destination for tapas lovers. Check out Casa Mazal or La Fragua if you are near the Mezquita for some exceptional home-cooked Andalucian fare. Prices should be around EUR20 per head.

When to visit Córdoba

Córdoba in July
Estimated hotel price
$82
1 night at 3-star hotel
Córdoba in July
Estimated hotel price
$82
1 night at 3-star hotel

If you want to party with the locals, visit in late May for Feria. However, for sightseeing, April and early May are better, with fewer crowds. Summer is scorching hot, while the fall brings a little more rain, but is generally ideal for touring the sights.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Córdoba

Plane

The closest major airport is in Malaga, which has good European connections. From there, catch a train into Maria Zambrano Station, then tansfer to a Córdoba service (around EUR18).

Train

Córdoba's station on the Avenida de America has links to Sevilla, Malaga, Barcelona and Madrid, and is located at the heart of town.

Car

Take the E5 from Madrid or Seville, the A45 from Malaga or the A7 then the A45 from Barcelona.

Bus

Socibus services from Madrid run into central Córdoba (about 4 hours 50 minutes, EUR20).

Plane

The closest major airport is in Malaga, which has good European connections. From there, catch a train into Maria Zambrano Station, then tansfer to a Córdoba service (around EUR18).

Train

Córdoba's station on the Avenida de America has links to Sevilla, Malaga, Barcelona and Madrid, and is located at the heart of town.

Car

Take the E5 from Madrid or Seville, the A45 from Malaga or the A7 then the A45 from Barcelona.

Bus

Socibus services from Madrid run into central Córdoba (about 4 hours 50 minutes, EUR20).

Airports near Córdoba

Airlines serving Córdoba

Lufthansa
Good (7,187 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,360 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,831 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,668 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,841 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (8,969 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,683 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (848 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,558 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,559 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,943 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,368 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (7,879 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (396 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,325 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,312 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,235 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (9,386 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,917 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (891 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Córdoba

Historical hotels like the Balcon De Córdoba and the Hotel Hospes Palacio del Bailío offer rooftop terraces and beautiful rooms. There are also high-quality modern options like the Hotel Eurostars Palace.

Popular Neighborhoods in Córdoba

La Catedral - Córdoba's historical core, La Catedral is home to the Mezquita, so it's the first port of call for most visitors.

San Basilio - South of the city center, San Basilio is home to a gorgeous palace built by the Spanish conquerors and great tapas bars like La Viuda.

Centro - Córdoba's modern heart, Centro is packed with shops and lively bars like Glam or Jazz Cafe, as well as lovely green spaces like the Jardines de la Merced.

La Catedral - Córdoba's historical core, La Catedral is home to the Mezquita, so it's the first port of call for most visitors.
San Basilio - South of the city center, San Basilio is home to a gorgeous palace built by the Spanish conquerors and great tapas bars like La Viuda.
Centro - Córdoba's modern heart, Centro is packed with shops and lively bars like Glam or Jazz Cafe, as well as lovely green spaces like the Jardines de la Merced.

Where to stay in popular areas of Córdoba

Most booked hotels in Córdoba

Cordoba Center
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 9190 reviews)
$88+
Hesperia Córdoba
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 10674 reviews)
$63+
Hotel Córdoba Medina Azahara Affiliated by Meliá
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 5404 reviews)
$67+
Hotel Finca Los Abetos
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, 2421 reviews)
$60+
Crisol Jardines de Córdoba
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, 7540 reviews)
$54+
Hotel María
1 star
Poor (0, 0 reviews)
$41+

How to Get Around Córdoba

Public Transportation

Aucorsa provides bus connections to most parts of town and charge EUR1.30 for a single ticket.

Taxi

Expect taxis to charge around EUR5 for the first mile, then EUR2 per mile after that.

Car

Car rental companies in the Córdoba area include Avis and Budget, who charge around EUR20 per day for smaller vehicles.

Public Transportation

Aucorsa provides bus connections to most parts of town and charge EUR1.30 for a single ticket.

Taxi

Expect taxis to charge around EUR5 for the first mile, then EUR2 per mile after that.

Car

Car rental companies in the Córdoba area include Avis and Budget, who charge around EUR20 per day for smaller vehicles.

The Cost of Living in Córdoba

Shopping Streets

For the best shopping opportunities, head for Plaza de las Tendillas, where you'll find boutiques like Matilde Cano and La Ormiga. Check out Blas' Ceramics as well, for gorgeous pottery creations.

Groceries and Other

Local supermarkets include SuperAlCoop and Dia. Expect to pay around EUR1.80 for 12 eggs.

Cheap meal
$10.00
A pair of jeans
$93.48
Single public transport ticket
$1.33
Cappuccino
$1.48