Looking to take an epic day trip to Cordoba? I have got the guide for you!
Charming cobblestone roads surrounded by mid century architecture paint this picturesque, underrated European town. Located in the Andalucia region of Southern Spain, Cordoba is the less explored neighbor of iconic Spanish cities such as Seville and Granada.
Cordoba was truly one of my FAVORITE cities in Spain, and I can’t even begin to list all of the reasons why. Maybe it’s experiencing Andalucia culture with less crowds, or spacious plazas to relax in between exploring. Or simply its Moorish architecture surrounded by vibrant flower-filled alleys.
Enough about my opinions, get ready for the FACTS. Cordoba is famously the ONLY city in the world to have four UNESCO world heritage sites! That’s a LOT of UNESCO in one city. It is also home to one of Andalucia’s three great monuments, La Mezquita. And did I mention it houses the largest old town in all of Spain?
Cordoba is a convenient, unforgettable city stop on any Southern Spain Road Trip itinerary!
Cordoba Details
Location: Andalucia region of Southern Spain.
When to visit: Spring and fall are optimal times to visit Cordoba. Spring (March – May) sees a high of 80 degrees F and low of 43 F. May is optimal because of its annual Feria de los Patios. Fall temperatures (September – November) see a high of 88 and low of 45, but varies significantly from September to November. Winter (December – February) is also a pleasant time due to mild weather with low temperatures at 38 degrees F and high temperatures of 62 degrees F. Being known as the hottest city in Spain is no joke- so avoid a July or August visit unless you set on exploring just past-sunrise before the heat wave kicks in.
How many days: For travelers with less time, a day trip to Cordoba is very doable and easily combined with a Southern Spain Road Trip. Visitors with more time opt to spend two-three days in Cordoba exploring at a more leisurely pace.
Getting there: Trains depart frequently from neighboring cities like Seville and Granada. This makes for convenient day trips through the Andalucia region. Alternatively, consider renting a car if you are planning for a Southern Spain road trip. If you’re taking a city break from up north, consider a high speed 90 minute train from Madrid.
Cordoba Things to Do
There are limitless incredible things to do in Cordoba! Most of them are free or low cost, keeping your day trip to Cordoba in budget.
Calleja De Las Flores
It’s no wonder Calleja de Las Flores is known as one of the prettiest streets in spain. Bright blue flower pots placed along narrow, white brick walls make this short and sweet street iconic.
While beautiful year round, it comes to life during Cordoba’s annual Feria de Patios, or patio festival.
Operating hours: N/a
Entrance Fee: Free
Patio Festival
While Cordoba is famously known for its beautiful patios, a spring visit during its annual patio festival in May is an experience of its own. Competitors take preparation for the event seriously, with fresh blossoms springing out of pots all across patios.
Cordoba Jewish Quarter
Narrow, cobblestone streets wind through Cordoba’s Jewish Quarter. Visit historic Cordoba Synagogue and a charming house-museum. I loved my visit at Casa Andalusi Museo and highly recommend it for its quaint atmosphere, relaxing ambiance. It felt like a small, hidden treasure.
La Mezquita
No visit is complete without a trip to La Mezquita, one of Southern Spain’s four great monuments. Admire immaculate mid century architecture at Cordoba’s historic Mosque-Cathedral.
Originally built as a 10th century mosque, a 16th century cathedral was later built inside of it. Purchase tickets online in advance, at the door, or arrive on a weekday one hour before general opening for free. Keep in mind workers will be fully vested in maintaining La Mezquita during this hour, from cleaning to performing construction and maintenance.
A bathroom is located at the back of the building.
Operating hours: Check the website for operating hours
Entrance Fee: 13 Euro. Free on weekdays one hour prior to opening. Check La Mezquita website for other discounts.
Puerto de La Puente
These famous Spanish doors built in the 16th century serve as a gate from the Roman Bridge to the Old City. No need to spend too long here- snap a few photos or just enjoy its stunning beauty before departing the old city across the Roman Bridge.
Operating hours: N/a
Entrance Fee: Free
Roman Bridge
Built above the Guadalquivir River, the Roman Bridge was originally constructed during the first century BC. Crossing the Roman Bridge will bring you to the best views of Cordoba’s old town.
While there isn’t much more sight-seeing on this side of town, the views from here are well worth it. The Roman Bridge even made its big debut on Season 5 of Game of Thrones!
Operating hours: N/a
Entrance Fee: Free
Torre de Calahorra
On the opposite end of the Roman Bridge sits Torre de Calahorra. Originally built as a protective tower, today it serves as a museum. I chose to admire its historic architecture on the outside, but skipped visiting the museum inside.
Palacio De Viena
Cordoba’s Palacio de Viena is beautifully maintained palace that served as a home for centuries. Visitors today can explore its beautiful flower patios, and experience a glimpse of the culture during this time period.
It was not my favorite thing I did in the entire city, but I recommend it if you have a second day in Cordoba, or if you are itching to explore more patios.
Operating hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 9:00am – 3:00pm.
Entrance Fee: 6 Euro
Medina Azahara
Medina Azahara is a Caliphate city built during mid-tenth century.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site be added onto your Cordoba day trip if you cut out some old town Cordoba exploring. I HIGHLY recommend a visit, and I recommend ample time for the experience. I recommend adding a second day to your itinerary to avoid rushing through activities, but it can be doable on your Cordoba day trip if you time your day out in advance.
Visitors can take a taxi or drive to the main parking lot, which is at the museum. Purchase your tickets at the front desk. Wait at the labeled bus stop at the parking lot for a shuttle that takes you from the museum to the archaelogical site. The shuttle runs approximately every 15 minutes. The shuttle service is included with entry ticket.
Operating hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00am – 6:00pm. Sundays and Holidays, 9:00am – 3:00pm.
Entrance Fee: Free for EU Visitors, 1.50 Euro for all other visitors
Where to Stay in Cordoba
I highly recommend staying in Cordoba for at least one night in order to optimize your time on a day trip to Cordoba. Consider arriving the evening before your epic day trip in order to get an early start to the morning, or for an additional night after your day trip to optimize city exploring and not worry so much about transportation to the next part of your trip.
Budget: Libere Cordoba Patio Santa Marta is a budget accommodation in a prime location. Its hostel-style rooms are not equipped with refrigerator access.
Mid range: Hotel Macio Alfaros is a 4 star hotel in Old Town Cordoba. It has an outdoor pool, modern rooms, and a paid breakfast option.
Luxury: Hotel Hospes Palacio del Bailio provides a 5 star hotel experience. This luxe accommodation with a stunning interior has a spa and restaurant on site.
Things to do near Cordoba
Looking for more to explore on a Southern Spain road trip? Andalucia has no shortage of options. Explore pueblos magicos like breathtaking Ronda or continue on to Seville or Granada. The culture and charm cities exude in this region is something I recommend travelers must experience for themselves.
Taking the train to Cordoba
Taking the train around cities throughout Southern Spain is a popular choice for travelers. Consider using the website Omnio for train bookings. Be mindful that a small service charge is applied to ticket cost.
A taxi from the Cordoba train station to Cordoba’s city center costs 6.30 Euro. Taxis in Cordoba accept credit cards. There currently are no rideshare options like Uber or Bolt available in this city.
One Day Cordoba Itinerary
This itinerary is built for travelers who truly have only one epic day to explore Cordoba. That being said, it’s fast-paced and gets you started early in the morning. This may not be suited for everyone’s travel style, but allows you to see the key spots early on and have a relaxing afternoon.
You can of course tailor this itinerary to meet your individual travel needs, like starting the day later, exploring slower, and removing stops. Be mindful to enjoy the quality of your travel rather than the number of stops you checked off a list.
Morning
Assuming you arrived at accommodation the evening before, wake up by sunrise to maximize your day. After a breakfast of your choice, admire the Puerto de la Puente. Snap a few photos and then cross the Roman bridge and see the Torre de Calahorra.
Spend time taking in the old town views from this side of the bridge. It’s something very unique and not to be rushed through. After enjoying your views, re-cross the bridge the way you came and walk a few minutes uphill to La Mezquita. Arrive by 8:30am for free weekday entry. Give yourself at least an hour, if not more, to get lost exploring and taking all of the sites in.
Then, walk around its humongous courtyard. You will find Patio de Los Naranjos, a giant flowing fountain that you can fill your water bottle from, and the Torre Campanario. This is the cathedral’s bell tower that you can enter for a fee. It is known for its beautiful views at the top. skipped this to remain on my budget.
Afternoon
Slow things down over a unique lunch at Amaltea, with a vegetarian focus in a colorfully eclectic atmosphere.
After lunch, stroll through the Jewish Quarter. Consider stopping at Cordoba Synagogue or a house-museum. Stroll through Calleja de Las Flores, one of the prettiest streets in Spain.
Take a Siesta, keep walking, or find a plaza to sit and relax in. If you still want to be on the move, visit Palacio de Viena or The Alcazar Palace.
Evening
Begin making your way to the train station after enjoying your epic day trip to Cordoba. If you are spending the night, consider enjoying dinner at Regadera and exploring any final locations before cozying up after your long day. Most restaurants open for dinner at 8:00pm.
Two Day Cordoba Itinerary
If you stayed the night and have one more day or even just morning to explore, your first stop should be to Medina Azahara. I was blown away by this entire city architecture still intact.
Buy your tickets on arrival at the visitor center. Your ticket also gives you entry to a museum about the Medina Azahara located inside of the visitor’s center.
A labeled bus stop in the parking lot where a lime green bus picks you up to bring you to Medina Azahara itself. The bus arrives approximately every 10-15 minutes going to and from the Medina Azahara from this pickup and drop-off point. You can take the city bus or a taxi to get here.
The Medina closes at 3:00pm, so plan your trip accordingly.
Cordoba Day Trip Packing List
Consider the following items for your epic day trip to Cordoba:
Supportive Shoes– Comfort is key for a lot of city exploration!
Sandals– If you’re a sandal person, I recommend hiking sandals. Don’t sacrifice your comfort for style!
Water bottle– I always recommend a water bottle for long days exploring. Especially during Andalucia’s hot summer months. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
Packable backpack– Love packable backpacks because they take up almost no room in your suitcase, and are the perfect size for a day trip.
Fleece jacket– Pack a light, fleece jacket for Cordoba’s winter months. Check the forecast before you go!
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