Cordoba, located in Andalusia, Spain, is a city with a fascinating history, beautiful architecture, and a fusion of several cultures. Cordoba provides a variety of experiences that enthrall visitors, from its magnificent mosque-turned-cathedral to its well-preserved medieval neighborhood. Here are the top ten things to do in this charming city, together with some advice and approximations of their costs, to help you make the most of your vacation.
1. Mezquita-Catedral de Cordoba (Great Mosque-Cathedral)
Visit the Mezquita-Catedral as your first stop in Cordoba; it is a masterpiece that represents the city’s fusion of cultures. The building was first a mosque and afterwards a church, resulting in an intriguing fusion of Islamic and Christian design. It remains as a memorable and distinct Spanish landmark.
Price: The admission price ranges between €10 and €12, while guided excursions cost about €20.
2. Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs)
Discover the old Alcazar, which was formerly a palace and fortress and is surrounded by beautiful gardens, courtyards, and architecture. It has a multitude of different gardens all with different styles of inspirations.
Price: The entrance fee is around €5-€10, and guided tours can cost around €15-€20.
3. Judería (Jewish Quarter)
Explore the Jewish Quarter of Cordoba’s lovely cobbled streets to find little passageways, whitewashed structures, and colorful patios overflowing with blooms and a plentiful amount of shots to by gifts and souvenirs for your home or family.
Prices: This area is free to explore, and you can also join walking tours for around €10-€15.
4. Puente Romano (Roman Bridge) and Torre de la Calahorra
Visit the Torre de la Calahorra, a defensive tower that today houses a museum exhibiting Cordoba’s history, after crossing the famous Roman Bridge over the Guadalquivir River. People cross this bridge all the time by walking or cycling. You will also an old worn mill next to the bridge.
Prices: Entry to the tower is approximately €4-€5.
5. Patios of Cordoba
The Cordoba Patio Festival, when people expose their vibrant and fragrant patios to the public, is a must-see if you’re in town in early May. They have many variations of flowers including carnivorous ones and it can take up to 3-4 hours to water all the flowers.
Price: Outside of the festival, some patios are still accessible with an admission fee of around €5-€8.
6. Palacio de Viana (Viana Palace)
Discover the splendor of the magnificent Viana Palace, a home with 12 exquisitely decorated patios and gardens. On the inside, you will get to see old relics and furniture and styling of the 500-year-old palace.
Price: The entrance fee is approximately €8-€10.
7. Calleja de las Flores
Learn about the charming Calleja de las Flores, a small lane lined with balconies full of flowers. It is free to visit this gorgeous location, which provides wonderful photo opportunities. It’s a very popular location so I recommend going very early in the morning. There are also tourist shops around if you wish to get yourself a souvenir.
8. Plaza de la Corredera
Plaza de la Corredera, a bustling area surrounded by bright facades, eateries, and cafes, is a great place to experience local culture. You will often see people crossing through to get to the other side but it works well for those who like to people watch.
9. Flamenco Show
Discover the soulful art of Flamenco, which has a strong Andalusian cultural foundation. The music is captivating, and the acoustics along with the beautiful dance moves really glue your eyes to the performance.
Price: Flamenco shows can cost anywhere between €15 and €40 depending on the location and style of performance.
10. Medina Azahara
Explore Medina Azahara, an old Moorish palace city, at its archaeological site by taking a little drive outside the city.
Price: The entrance fee is around €2-€5.
Tips:
- Timing: Cordoba can get quite crowded during peak tourist seasons, so consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) to avoid large crowds and enjoy pleasant weather.
- Comfortable Footwear: Many of Cordoba’s attractions involve walking, so wear comfortable shoes to explore the city comfortably.
- Local Cuisine: Indulge in Cordoba’s gastronomy by trying dishes like salmorejo, flamenquín, and the local wine, Montilla-Moriles.
- Language: While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few basic Spanish phrases can enhance your experience.
- Transport: Public transportation is efficient, but walking is often the best way to explore the city center.
Rough Cost Estimates:
- Accommodation: Budget options start from €40 per night, while mid-range hotels range from €70-€120. Luxury accommodations can go beyond €150.
- Meals: Budget around €10-€20 for a meal at a mid-range restaurant. Grabbing a quick bite from a local tapas bar might cost €5-€10.
- Public Transport: A single bus or train ride costs around €1.20-€1.50. A taxi ride within the city is approximately €5-€10.
- Entrance Fees: Most attractions mentioned have fees ranging from €2 to €20.
How to get to Cordoba?
Unfortunately, Córdoba, Spain, lacks an airport. The closest airport, in Malaga, is just under two hours away by car and welcomes travellers from all over the world.
The captivating fusion of history, architecture, and culture of Cordoba makes it a must-see location in Spain. You may fully experience Cordoba’s alluring atmosphere without going over budget by visiting these top 10 attractions and using this advice.
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