This Cordoba travel guide has the following sections:
- Why Visit
- Covid-19 Restrictions
- When to Visit
- Safety
- Top 5 Things
- Accommodation
- Costs
- Overall Rating
- More Information About Spain
If you are arriving by bus from Seville Plaza de Armas bus station, there are several ALSA connections per day, EUR 13 one way, 2 hours. Buy ticket online or at the ticket machine at the bus station (cards or cash accepted). Arrive 15-20 minutes before the bus departure time as there will be a queue.
When coming from the Malaga airport, a one-way bus ticket is EUR 13 and takes over 2 hours. Departures from the airport (bus stop immediately outside the terminal building): 15:55. Otherwise, go to the Cordoba main bus station for more connections.
Cordoba bus station to city center: 30-40 minutes walk, straightforward and safe.
Why Visit?
Cordoba in Andalusia is a city filled with history, culture and good local food. Known for its stunning Moorish architecture, including the famous Mezquita-Catedral, Cordoba is a must-visit destination for any traveler.
Roman, Moorish and Spanish architecture
Upon arrival, the first stop should be the Mezquita-Catedral, a former mosque turned cathedral that is considered one of the most important examples of Moorish architecture in the world. The intricate arches and columns are truly breathtaking, and the contrast of the Christian and Muslim elements within the building is fascinating.
Next, take a stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of the Juderia, the city’s historic Jewish quarter. Here you’ll find colorful houses, patios filled with flowers, and plenty of shops and restaurants. Be sure to stop by the Synagogue, the only one still standing in Cordoba from the medieval times.
For those interested in history, the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos is a must-see. This fortress and palace was built in the 14th century and has been used by various rulers throughout the centuries. The gardens are particularly beautiful and offer a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city.
In the city center it will be difficult to miss the Roman bridge. It it not in the name only, the original structure is 2,000 years old with the subsequent Moorish and Spanish renovations and additions.
Cordoba is also famous for its patios, traditional Andalusian courtyards filled with flowers, fountains, and intricate tilework. These patios are a symbol of the city and are open to the public during the annual Patio Festival in May.
Plus excellent local food
Finally, no trip to Cordoba would be complete without sampling some of the delicious local cuisine. Dishes like salmorejo, a creamy tomato soup, and fried eggplant with honey, are must-tries. And don’t forget to wash it all down with a glass of sherry, a local specialty.
Overall, Cordoba is a city that offers something for everyone. Its unique blend of history, culture, and beauty makes it a truly special place to visit.
Finally, the sun is usually shining and the temperatures in the spring and fall pleasant. Combined with excellent Spanish food and good flight, bus and train connections, an easy city to visit for a few days.
Comparing with other Andalusian cities, Cordoba is more relaxed with families walking around on cobblestone streets.
Covid-19 Restrictions
As of January 2023, none.
When to Visit
Cordoba (and Andalusia overall) is a year-round destination. However, summer is hot with regular 30C+ temperatures.
Safety
No issues, feels even more secure than Sevilla or Granada.
Top 5 Things
(1) Mezquita Cathedral (this Cordoba travel guide: MUST SEE)
The Mezquita-Catedral, also known as the Great Mosque of Cordoba, is a former mosque turned cathedral located in Cordoba, Spain. It is considered one of the most important examples of Moorish architecture in the world.
A subjective view but as impressive as Alhambra in Granada, Royal Palace in Seville, or the Silk Road architecture in Samarkand and Bukhara in Uzbekistan.
The mosque was built in the 8th century under the rule of the Muslim Umayyad dynasty, and it was expanded and modified over the centuries. During this time, it served as the main mosque of Cordoba and was one of the most important religious buildings in the Islamic world.
In the 13th century, when the city was conquered by King Ferdinand III of Castile, the mosque was converted into a cathedral. A Renaissance-style nave was added in the 16th century, and the mosque’s minaret was converted into a bell tower.
One of the most striking features of the Mezquita-Catedral is its forest of columns. The mosque originally had over 850 columns and horseshoe arches, many of which were taken from other buildings and reused. The forest of columns creates a unique and mesmerizing effect inside the building.
The Islamic depiction of heaven below is stunning and draws tourist crowds.
Buy a ticket in advance for early morning
- Purchase a ticket: The Mezquita can be visited with a standard entry ticket (EUR11), or you can buy a combination ticket which also includes other monuments or attractions in the city (I bought the individual ticket as the combination requires intense sight seeing). The ticket can be bought online in advance or at the box office on the day of your visit. Arrive as early as possible before hundreds of tourists arrive later on. The official ticket website: https://mezquita-catedraldecordoba.es/en/organiza-la-visita/entradas-y-horarios/
- Arrive on time: The Mezquita has specific opening hours and can get very busy, so it is best to arrive on time to avoid long queues.
- Make use of the audio guide: An audio guide is included with the ticket, and it is available in several languages and it provides a great overview of the history and architecture of the Mezquita.
(2) Juderia (this Cordoba travel guide: MUST SEE)
Cordoba’s Juderia, also known as the Jewish quarter, is a charming and historic neighborhood that should not be missed on any visit to the city. The Juderia is located in the heart of Cordoba, surrounded by the city’s ancient walls and it’s one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters in Spain.
Walking through the narrow, winding streets of the Juderia is like stepping back in time. The neighborhood is filled with colorful houses, many adorned with flower-filled patios, and plenty of shops and restaurants.
One of the main highlights of the Juderia is the Synagogue, the only one still standing in Cordoba from the medieval times. The Synagogue is a small but beautiful building that dates back to the 14th century. The decoration inside is simple but elegant, with horseshoe arches and intricate tilework.
Another must-see in the Juderia is the Palacio de Viana, a beautiful palace that was built in the 15th century by a wealthy Jewish merchant. Today, it’s open to the public and it’s used for cultural events and exhibitions.
(3) Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos
The Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos is a 14th-century fortress and palace located in Cordoba, Spain. The Alcazar is one of the city’s most important historical landmarks and a must-see for any traveler interested in history and architecture.
Moorish and Spanish architecture
The Alcazar was originally built in the 14th century by King Alfonso XI of Castile as a fortress to protect Cordoba from invading Moors. It was later converted into a palace by King Pedro the Cruel in the 14th century. The palace has been used by various rulers throughout the centuries and has served as a royal residence, a prison, and even a military academy.
One of the most striking features of the Alcazar is its gardens. The gardens are considered one of the most beautiful in Cordoba and offer a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city. The gardens are filled with exotic plants and flowers, fountains, and beautiful statues. It’s a great place to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The palace also has a number of important historical artifacts on display, including medieval paintings, ceramics, and other decorative arts. The palace also has a beautiful chapel, and it’s considered one of the best examples of Mudéjar style architecture in Cordoba.
Visitors should note that while the palace is open to the public, the gardens are closed on Mondays. Moreover, the palace is closed on Tuesdays. It’s always a good idea to check the schedule before visiting and to get there early to avoid the crowds.
(4) Roman Bridge
The Roman Bridge in Cordoba, Spain, is a historic bridge that spans the Guadalquivir River and connects the city’s old town to the newer neighborhoods on the other side. The bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Cordoba and offers a great view of the city and its surroundings.
The Roman Bridge, also known as the Puente Romano, was originally built by the Roman Empire in the 1st century AD. It’s considered one of the best-preserved Roman bridges in Spain and one of the oldest standing bridges in the world. The bridge has undergone several renovations throughout the centuries, but it still retains much of its original structure. Imagine, you will be walking on a bridge 2,000 years old and it is pretty stable. How many of our modern buildings will survive that long?
Cross at night and get great photos
Crossing the bridge is a must-do experience for any visitor to Cordoba. The bridge offers great views of the city’s famous Mezquita-Catedral and the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, as well as the beautiful Guadalquivir River. It’s also a great spot for photography and to enjoy a sunset.
You can see the perfect symmetry of the bridge from the next modern bridge, especially impressive at night when the Roman bridge is nicely illuminated.
When crossing from the touristy city center, the other side is considerably less visited and a distinctly local feel.
(5) Local Andalusian (or Cordoba) food (this Cordoba travel guide: try salmorejo, a local delicacy)
After all this sight seeing you deserve a well-earned break. Go for a leisurely lunch or dinner in one of the local restaurants, especially those outside of the core tourist center. A 15-20 minute walk will probably get you to a place with excellent local food potentially located in a lovely square with the local families around. You might be the only tourist around but most probably there will be an English menu.
As always, a good idea is to look around what the locals are eating, find what you like and ask for that. You will be well rewarded for your curiosity.
Accommodation
Cordoba is a beautiful city with a lot to offer largely centered around Mezquita.
But, fortunately, there is less pressure on us tourists as there are no five must-see museums with countless buildings to visit. The city overall is not huge and largely walkable.
Costs
As elsewhere in Andalusia, an excellent price-value relationship. Significantly cheaper than Madrid, France or Italy but with world-class Mezquita and excellent food.
Overall Rating
Highly recommended by this Cordoba travel guide.
Come because of the stunning Mezquita, and stay an extra day or two for the relaxed vibe and local food.
More Information About Spain
Beyond this Cordoba travel guide, Southern Spain Itinerary is a high-level overview of the Andalusia cities. Seville and Granada have more detail about those cities.
