🕌 Córdoba Travel Guide
Overview
Córdoba, once the capital of Islamic Spain and one of medieval Europe's greatest cities, is home to the magnificent Mezquita — a mosque-turned-cathedral that ranks among the world's most beautiful buildings. This Andalusian city offers an extraordinary blend of Roman, Moorish, Jewish, and Christian heritage within a compact, walkable old town.
Beyond the Mezquita, Córdoba enchants with its labyrinthine Jewish Quarter (Judería), whitewashed streets lined with flower-filled patios, ancient Roman bridge, and relaxed Andalusian atmosphere. The city is smaller and quieter than Seville or Granada, making it perfect for a peaceful cultural escape.
💰 Budget Estimate
Córdoba is very affordable. A 2-day trip costs around €90-140 per person:
- Accommodation: €31-40 per night (budget hotel or hostel)
- Food: €20-30 per day (menú del día, tapas)
- Transportation: €5-8 (mostly walkable)
- Attractions: €15-20 (Mezquita €13, other sites €2-5)
Use our budget calculator for estimates.
🎨 Top Attractions
The Mezquita-Cathedral
- What it is: Former Great Mosque of Córdoba (784 AD), later converted to Catholic cathedral. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Highlights: Forest of 850+ columns with red-and-white striped arches, stunning mihrab (prayer niche), Renaissance cathedral inserted in center.
- Entry: €13 (€11 online). Free Mon-Sat 8:30-9:30am (worship time, respectful silence required).
- Visit time: 1-2 hours minimum. Audio guide recommended.
- Tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh light.
Jewish Quarter (Judería)
- Calleja de las Flores: Iconic narrow street with flower pots and Mezquita view. Free, very touristy but photogenic.
- Synagogue: One of only three medieval synagogues in Spain. €0.30 entry (free Wed afternoons for EU citizens).
- Casa de Sefarad: Museum of Sephardic Jewish culture. €4 entry.
- Wandering streets: Best experience — get lost in narrow alleys with whitewashed walls and flowerpots.
Other Historic Sites
- Roman Bridge (Puente Romano): 2000-year-old bridge over Guadalquivir River. Free to walk. Beautiful at night.
- Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos: Medieval palace with beautiful gardens and views. €5 entry (free Wed 2-6pm June-Sept).
- Torre de la Calahorra: Tower museum at far end of Roman Bridge. €4.50 entry, views from top.
- Palacio de Viana: 12 beautiful courtyards (patios). €6 entry, €5 for patios only.
- Templo Romano: Roman temple ruins. Free, small but impressive.
🍽️ Food & Dining
- Salmorejo: Córdoba's signature dish — thick, creamy tomato soup topped with egg and ham. €4-6.
- Rabo de toro: Oxtail stew (bullfighting tradition). €12-16.
- Flamenquín: Breaded, fried pork roll with ham. €7-10.
- Berenjenas fritas: Fried eggplant with honey. €5-7.
- Menú del día: €10-14 for 3 courses. Best value in local restaurants.
- Tapas: €2-4 per tapa. Not free like Granada, but affordable.
- Wine: Local Montilla-Moriles wines (similar to sherry). €2-3/glass.
Best areas: Around Plaza de las Tendillas (local), or Judería (touristy but convenient).
🚇 Getting There & Around
From Madrid
- Train (AVE): 1h 45min, €30-60. Fast and comfortable.
- Bus: 5 hours, €15-25. Cheaper but long.
From Seville
- Train: 45min, €15-35. Frequent departures.
- Bus: 2 hours, €10-15.
From Granada
- Bus: 2.5-3 hours, €15-20.
- Train: Not direct.
Getting Around
- Old town is compact and walkable (20-30min across)
- City buses available (€1.30) but rarely needed for tourists
- Train station to center: bus #3 (€1.30, 15min) or taxi (€7-10)
📝 Travel Tips
- ✔ Visit Mezquita first thing in morning for free entry (8:30-9:30am) or to avoid crowds.
- ✔ Córdoba is VERY hot in summer (40-45°C). Visit in spring or fall if possible.
- ✔ Siesta is strictly observed — shops close 2-5pm.
- ✔ Most attractions are free or discounted on Wednesdays (EU citizens).
- ✔ Evening is beautiful — the Mezquita and Roman Bridge are beautifully lit at night.
- ✔ Get lost in the Judería — the best experience is wandering aimlessly.
- ✔ Order salmorejo — it's the local specialty and delicious!
- ✔ One full day is enough to see main sights. Overnight stay allows relaxed pace.
🌸 Patio Festival (Festival de los Patios)
Córdoba's patios (interior courtyards) are famous worldwide. During the annual Patio Festival:
- When: First two weeks of May
- What: Private patios open to public, decorated with hundreds of flower pots
- Entry: FREE to visit patios during festival
- Competition: Owners compete for best-decorated patio
- Routes: Follow the patio trail (20-40 patios open)
- Crowds: Very busy, but worth it for unique experience
Outside festival: Visit Palacio de Viana (12 patios, €6) or some open patios in Judería (free).