11 Luxurious Things To Do In Cordoba Spain

Cordoba is one of Andalusia’s most extraordinary cities, and the things to do in Cordoba will keep you busy for days.

We visited on an Andalusian road trip and were genuinely stunned by its scale and beauty. From the jaw-dropping Mezquita-Catedral to flower-draped patios hidden down cobbled lanes, this city rewards slow exploration.

With a history stretching back thousands of years, Cordoba holds a record for Europe – four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in a single city. Founded by the Romans and later the jewel of the Moorish caliphate, it wears its layered past with quiet confidence.

What Is Cordoba Famous For?

The city of Cordoba has around 784,000 residents at the last census in 2019. It’s the largest city in the province of Cordoba.

Cordoba is a city steeped in history and brimming with cultural riches. It holds a remarkable European record – four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in a single city: the Mosque-Cathedral, the historic quarter, the Festival of the Patios and Medina Azahara.

The Great Mosque remains one of its most iconic landmarks, with its towering minaret and intricate designs attracting visitors from around the world. Cordoba is also celebrated for its picturesque patio courtyards, Pastel Cordobés (a delectable almond puff pastry) and its highly sought-after leather craftsmanship.

Brief History of Cordoba

Córdoba was originally a Carthaginian settlement before becoming a Roman city in 206 BC. Thanks to its position on the Guadalquivir River, it thrived as a trading hub – shipping wine and olive oil to ancient Rome.

From 929 to 1031, it served as the capital of the Caliphate of Córdoba, one of the most advanced cities in the world. In 711, Muslim invaders captured the city, and it was during the 10th century that the Great Mosque was built. The blend of cultures that followed can be seen across the city’s architecture, where Moorish influences meet Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance elements.

After the Reconquista, Córdoba came under Christian rule and was eventually declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its well-preserved historic centre continues to draw visitors from across the globe.

1. Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

Known in English as the Alcazar of Cordoba or Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs, this medieval fortress was the main residence of Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon. The monarchs welcomed Christopher Columbus here before he embarked on his first expedition to the Americas.

King Alfonso XI of Castile commissioned the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos in 1328, in the Mudejar architectural style. It is known for its courtyards and gardens, spread over 55,000 m².

On a hot day, take refuge amongst the garden’s 3 levels, and admire the King’s walk, El paseo de los reyes. Inside the Alcazar, the Hall of Mosaics displays a well preserved series of Roman motifs.

2. Royal Stables of Cordoba

The Caballerizas Reales, or Royal Stables, are one of Cordoba’s most captivating landmarks, with over five centuries of history behind them.

King Philip II commissioned the stables in the late 16th century with a singular purpose – to breed exceptional horses for the Royal Household. The tradition has continued ever since, and the site remains deeply connected to the breeding of the celebrated Córdoba horse.

Declared a National Historic Monument in 1929, the stables inspired Federico García Lorca to call them “a true cathedral for horses” – and stepping inside, it’s easy to see why.

Today the Royal Stables are also home to Pasión y Duende del Caballo Andaluz, a spectacular equestrian show where riders perform choreographed routines set to music, demonstrating the remarkable bond between horse and rider in a truly majestic setting.

Tickets and show schedules are available at cordobaecuestre.com.

3. Cordoba Old Town

Wander along the cobbled pedestrianized streets of Cordoba old town, one of the largest in Europe. The historic center of Cordoba includes the San Basilio district, the Roman Bridge, Caliphal Baths, Episcopal Palace and the Alcazar.

Check out the neighbourhood of Santa Marin, to the northeast, with its 13th century Gothic-Mudejar church. In the southwestern section of historic Cordoba, San Basilio is a picturesque area with many patio courtyards.

Plaza de la Corredera is a 17th century town square with four-storied Castilian style buildings. Spread over 67,000 square feet, the pedestrianized zone has many cafes and restaurants.

 The vibrant area of San Andrés-San Pablo is popular for its tapas bars. Palacio de Viana is a 15th century palace with 12 courtyards.

4. Cordoba Patios

Cordoba is famous for its courtyard gardens or patios. These white walled spaces are adorned with a myriad of flowers in brightly colored planters.

The best time to see the patios of Cordoba is during the first week of May. This is when the Fiesta de los Patios de Córdoba takes place.

A week long festival of the patios, this popular celebration has been held in Cordoba since 1918. Locals open up their courtyards to visitors so that they can admire their elaborate decoration.

If you can’t visit at this time, head to Palacio de Viana or the Jewish Quarter, two of the best places to see examples all year round.

The Calleja de las Flores is a short street situated at the intersection with Velázquez Bosco street. Translating as the Street of Flowers, it has white walled buildings adorned with blue flowerpots.

5. Cordoba Roman Temple

These Roman ruins on Calle Capitulares bear witness to the importance of the Roman empire in Cordoba. The Templo Romano was discovered in the 1950s, when City Hall was being expanded.

Work on the temple began during the reign of Emperor Claudius, in the first century AD. Monumental columns in the Corinthian style stand proud on the site. You can see other remnants of the temple at the Archaeological and Ethnological Museum of Córdoba.

6. Jewish Quarter

Known in Spanish as Juderia, the Jewish Quarter in Cordoba is home to one of only three synagogues in Spain. The Synagogue of Cordoba in Calle de los Judios dates from 1315.

La Puerta de Almodavar is a 14th century entrance gate featuring a statue of the philosopher Seneca, who was born in Cordoba.

The statue of Maimonides can be found close to the synagogue, on Plaza de Tiberiades. Maimonides was an astronomer and philosopher in the 12th century. The statue’s feet are shiny, as it’s considered good luck to rub them.

7. Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba

Also known as La Mezquita, Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral is a prime example of Moorish architecture. Located on Calle Cardenal Herrero, this famous Spanish landmark is visited by more than 1.5 million people each year.

They come to admire 856 columns made from marble, onyx, jasper and granite in the prayer hall. These double arches were made from pieces of the Roman temple that previously stood here, as well as other Roman buildings.

The Mezquita complex is spread over 24,000 square meters and includes The Court of Orange Trees or Patio de los naranjos, as well as a belltower with panoramic city views. One of the best things to do in Cordoba, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is not to be missed.

8. Plaza de las Tendillas

This elegant plaza is the most central part of the city, and one of the oldest squares in Cordoba. A popular meeting point for locals, Plaza de las Tendillas comes to life after 5 pm when the shops open.

The imposing equestrian statue represents Gran Capitán, general Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba. There’s also a huge clock that sounds each hour, with a flamenco guitar chime.

9. Puerta del Puente

This impressive Renaissance gate was built in the 16th century. Close to the Guadalquivir river, this triumphal arch is appropriately located on Plaza del Triunfo.

Bridge Gate was originally part of the city walls, and was redesigned by Hernan Ruiz III in a monumental style. There’s a permanent exhibition room, explaining the history of the building, and a top floor balcony with a panoramic view of Cordoba.

10. Roman Bridge of Cordoba

While the original Roman bridge in Cordoba was built in the 1st century BC, it was reconstructed by the Moors in the 8th century. San Rafael Roman Bridge is situated next to the Sotos de la Albolafia nature conservation area. Kingfishers, cormorants and grey herons can be spotted amongst the reeds.

There’s a statue of San Rafael, the patron saint of Cordoba in the middle of the bridge. This is a popular place to say a prayer. The bridge has 16 arches and features in Season 5 of Game of Thrones, as the Long Bridge of Volantis.

At the end of the bridge on Puente Romano you’ll find Calahorra Tower. This fortified gate was built by the Moors to protect the city from invaders.

11. Sculpture of the Grandfather and Grandson

Known in Spanish as the Escultura Del Abuelo & El Nino, this is a charming sculpture of a grandfather and grandson. The grandson is up a ladder and the grandfather is handing him a pot of flowers to decorate the patio garden.

Designed by Jose Manuel Belfonte, this bronze statue honors the important tradition of the Cordoba patios. You can find this tourist attraction on Plaza Manuel Garrido in the historical quarter of San Basilio.

There are a few more of his works dotted around town, including the Caregiver of Patios on Puerta del Rincón.

Shopping in Cordoba

Shopping is one of the top things to do in Cordoba. El Zoco Artisanal Market in the Jewish Quarter is small but has a nice range of crafts on display. Head to Mercado Victoria, a covered market, for local cheese, meat, olive oil and wine.

For locally made leather goods, ceramics or jewelry, Mercadillo El Arenal is worth a browse. This Sunday market on Calle del Infierno has over 240 stalls.

El Corte Ingles is a Spanish department store on Calle Sta. María de Trassierra. It has a good range of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing as well as stylish homeware.

Where to Eat in Cordoba

Dine in a former convent at Bodegas Campos on Calle Lineros, visited by politicians and celebrities. For gazpacho, Casa Mazal – Juderia is a good choice.

A popular drink in Cordoba is the fifty-fifty, a mix of sweet sherry and white wine. Try it with some tapas from Bodegas Mezquita – there are 5 branches in the city. Garum 2.1 is known for its salmorejo, a cold tomato soup with bread.

Guided Tours of Cordoba

It’s well worth taking one or several Cordoba city tours. Here are two of our favorites:

Day Trip from Cordoba

There are quite a few places that you can easily visit for a day trip from Cordoba, such as:

• Medina Azahara – the largest archaeological site in Spain.
• Ronda – a historic Andalusian town, known for the Puente Nuevo bridge.

Places to Stay in Cordoba

Córdoba offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. You can choose from a range of hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals located in the historic city center or in the surrounding areas.

Some popular areas to stay in Córdoba include the Judería (Jewish Quarter) for its charming narrow streets and proximity to the Mezquita-Catedral, or near the Plaza de las Tendillas for its lively atmosphere and easy access to shopping and dining. Additionally, there are options for countryside retreats and traditional cortijos (country estates) for those seeking a more rural experience.

Here are some of the best luxury hotels in Cordoba:

Best Time to Visit Cordoba

The best time to visit Cordoba is during the spring and autumn months, specifically from April to June and September to October. During these periods, the weather is generally pleasant, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months.

This allows for comfortable exploration of the city’s historic sites, such as the Mezquita-Catedral and the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, as well as leisurely walks through the charming streets of the old town. Additionally, visitors can also enjoy the city’s famous patios during the Cordoba Patio Festival in May, showcasing the vibrant floral displays in private courtyards.

How to Get to Cordoba

The city is easy to reach by high speed AVE train from Seville to Cordoba in 41 minutes. The closest international airports to Cordoba are Malaga and Seville.

In Conclusion: Best Things to Do in Cordoba Spain

After spending time in Cordoba, it’s hard to argue with its reputation as one of Spain’s most extraordinary cities. The Mezquita and Royal Stables alone are worth the journey, but the patios, the Roman bridge at dusk and the tapas scene around the old town all add up to something genuinely special.

If you’re planning an Andalusian itinerary, make sure the things to do in Cordoba earn their own dedicated day – or two. You won’t regret it.

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