Córdoba, Spain: travel guide
A mosque-cathedral and flower-filled patios in the old caliphate capital
Former caliphate capital whose Mezquita-Catedral and flowered patios are UNESCO World Heritage.
About Córdoba
Córdoba was the capital of a medieval Islamic caliphate, and that grandeur still defines the old city beside the Guadalquivir river. Whitewashed lanes of the Judería lead to patios hung with flowers.
The Mezquita-Catedral, with its forest of red-and-white arches, is the heart of any visit. Nearby you can see the Roman temple, the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos and the Torre de la Calahorra by the old bridge. The Patios de San Basilio and other courtyards open to visitors in spring, and the city's food has a distinct local flavour.
Córdoba suits history lovers and slow city-break travellers. Spring is the best time to visit Córdoba, with the patios in bloom, while summer is very hot.
- Country
- Spain
- Currency
- EUR
- Time zone
- Europe/Madrid
Last updated
Top places to visit in Córdoba
Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba
Heritage · about 2 h · entry €13 (≈ ₹1,390)
Great Mosque-Cathedral of red-and-white arches, a UNESCO masterpiece of Islamic architecture.
Roman Bridge of Córdoba
Heritage · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Ancient bridge over the Guadalquivir linking the old town and the Calahorra tower.
Sinagoga de Córdoba
Synagogue · about 0.3 h · entry €0 (≈ ₹32)
One of only three surviving medieval synagogues in Spain, with Mudéjar plasterwork.
Medina Azahara
Heritage · about 2 h · entry €2 (≈ ₹160)
Ruined 10th-century caliphal palace-city west of Córdoba; UNESCO World Heritage.
Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
Fort · about 1.3 h · entry €5 (≈ ₹530)
Medieval royal fortress with terraced gardens and Roman mosaics.
Judería of Córdoba
Heritage · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Whitewashed medieval Jewish quarter of flower-filled lanes around the Mezquita.
Calleja de las Flores
Heritage · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Photogenic flower-hung alley framing the Mezquita tower.
Palacio de Viana
Heritage · about 1.3 h · entry €12 (≈ ₹1,280)
Renaissance mansion famed for its twelve planted patios.
Plaza de la Corredera
Heritage · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Grand 17th-century arcaded square, unique in Andalusia.
Templo Romano
Heritage · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Reconstructed columns of a 1st-century Roman temple beside the town hall.
Torre de la Calahorra
Museum · about 0.8 h · entry €5 (≈ ₹480)
Medieval gate-tower across the Roman bridge housing a museum of Al-Andalus.
Patios de San Basilio
Heritage · about 0.8 h · entry €5 (≈ ₹530)
Alcázar Viejo quarter famed for its UNESCO-listed courtyard patios.
Things to do
- Mezquita-Catedral Guided Tour Cultural · 1.5 h · from EUR 30 per person
- Judería & Synagogue Walking Tour Walking Tour · 2 h · from EUR 18 per person
- Patios of Córdoba Tour Cultural · 2 h · from EUR 25 per person
- Medina Azahara Half-Day Trip Day Trip · 4 h · from EUR 40 per person
- Córdoba Tapas & Wine Tour Food Tour · 3 h · from EUR 55 per person
Day trips and tours
- Córdoba Full-Day Tour 8 h · from EUR 90
Where to stay in Córdoba
- Judería about EUR 110 per night
Whitewashed medieval Jewish quarter wrapped around the Mezquita.
Hotels
- Balcón de Córdoba 4-star · EUR 180 to EUR 380 per night
- Hospes Palacio del Bailío 5-star · EUR 200 to EUR 480 per night
- Las Casas de la Judería de Córdoba 4-star · EUR 130 to EUR 280 per night
- Option Be Hostel Córdoba 2-star · EUR 16 to EUR 55 per night
- Eurostars Palace Córdoba 4-star · EUR 100 to EUR 220 per night
Where to eat
- Bodegas Campos Spanish, Andalusian · about EUR 40 per person
- Casa Pepe de la Judería Spanish, Andalusian · about EUR 38 per person
- Taberna Salinas Spanish, Andalusian, Tapas · about EUR 20 per person
- El Churrasco Spanish, Grill, Andalusian · about EUR 42 per person
- Casa Mazal Jewish, Mediterranean, Sephardic · about EUR 30 per person
- Taberna San Basilio Spanish, Andalusian, Tapas · about EUR 18 per person
Getting to Córdoba
Nearest airport: Seville (SVQ), about 111 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Bus
- Walking
More in Spain
Frequently asked questions about Córdoba
- What are the main places to visit in Córdoba?
- Places covered in our Córdoba guide include Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba, Roman Bridge of Córdoba, Sinagoga de Córdoba, Medina Azahara, Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos.
- Where should I stay in Córdoba?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Córdoba: Judería.
- How do I get around Córdoba?
- Ways to get around Córdoba covered in our guide: City bus, Walking.