Best Things to Do in Cordoba Spain for a Short Visit
We came to Cordoba on a short trip from Seville by train, planning to stay just one night. With so little time, I wasn’t sure how much we could actually see without feeling rushed. I wanted us to enjoy the city, not just run from one spot to another.
So I picked a few places that would give us the real Cordoba experience in a simple, stress-free way. And it turned out to be the perfect plan.
If you’re also visiting for a short stay, here are the best things to do in Cordoba that fit easily into one or two days.
Short on time? These hotels and apartments are right in the heart of the city.
➡️$$$Hotel Boutique La Ermita Suites, The Only officially designated “Monument Hotel” in Córdoba – 3 minutes walk from the Mezquita
➡️$$Hotel Cetina Casa de Aguilar – 6 minutes walk from the Mezquita
➡️$$Patios del Orfebre – 8 minutes walk from Mezquita + have the castle/cathedral interior
➡️$Torre de Campanas apartment – lovely budget-friendly apartment in the city centre
Things To Do In Cordoba
With only one night in the city, we focused on the places that give you the real Cordoba feel. Here’s what we did, and what we planned, that I think you’ll enjoy too.
1. Visit Mezquita Cathedral
The Mezquita Cathedral is the most famous place in Cordoba and the main reason many people visit the city.
It’s a beautiful mix of Islamic and Christian history, and you’ll see it the moment you step inside with the endless red-and-white arches.
Honestly, we were so impressed by this place. It felt a bit mystical inside, dark and quiet, with warm light coming from the lamps and soft rays coming through the small openings above.
You will find the Mezquita near the city center, and right behind it is the Roman Bridge, which we found out about on the second day.
You can buy the entry tickets on their official website or book a guided tour here.
2. Walk over the Roman Bridge
The Roman Bridge is the second thing you shouldn’t miss in Cordoba, it’s one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
The bridge crosses the Guadalquivir River and gives you beautiful views of the old town and the Mezquita. If you get sunny weather as we did, it’s such a lovely walk.
On the other side, you’ll find the Calahorra Tower, where you can go up for a great view from above. We didn’t go up because only children aged 8 and older are allowed.
3. See the Roman Temple
The Roman Temple is a small but interesting stop in Cordoba, especially if you enjoy history. You’ll find a row of tall columns that once belonged to a grand Roman building, right in the middle of the modern city, and it’s completely free to see.
This one was on our list, but we didn’t make it in the end because we spent longer than planned at the Roman Bridge and had to go back for our luggage.
4. Eat some delicious food
Whether you want traditional tapas, Spanish dishes, or something more international, you’ll find plenty of options in Cordoba.
There are many places to sit outside, some with lovely views, and we also noticed that gluten-free menus were quite common.
On our first day, we ate at Ginos, a small spot in the city center with very tasty pizzas. The next day, we tried LaMundi, where we sat outside and enjoyed a delicious meal. Both places have a gluten-free menu.
5. Walk through the lovely streets
We fell in love with Cordoba. Compared to Seville, it’s smaller, quieter, and feels very friendly. Don’t get me wrong, we love Seville too, but Cordoba has a similar feel in a cozier version.
You can walk everywhere. The city center, the train station, and even the shopping mall, everything took us about 15 minutes.
What we loved most were the narrow streets with typical Spanish balconies and the small piazzas where people sit, enjoy tapas, have a drink, and chat. It’s such a simple but lovely part of being in the city.
6. Visit the Alcazar of the Christian King
Alcazar of the Christian King is a fortress and palace built in the 14th century. It has beautiful gardens, towers with great views, and a lot of history connected to Spain’s royal past.
It is special because it’s where Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand once met Christopher Columbus before his journey to America.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see it because it was under renovation at the time. We loved Cordoba so much that we preferred to spend a more relaxed time exploring the city rather than just visiting the gardens of the Alcázar.
7. Shop for souvenirs
Honestly, the souvenirs in Cordoba are irresistible. They’re colorful, lovely, and there’s so much to choose from that it’s hard to decide what to get.
From t-shirts and magnets to ceramics, sculptures, scarves, flamenco dresses, coasters, hand fans, and more. I especially recommend visiting Artesanías Medina, which has a great selection at good prices.
Where To Stay In Cordoba
If you’re only staying for one or two days, it’s best to stay right in the heart of the city so you don’t waste time commuting. We stayed in an apartment on the main street in the center, and it was perfect for a short visit.
The owners were so lovely, they welcomed us warmly, showed us around, and even left water and coffee for us. The flat was spotless, comfortable, and felt very homey.
➡️$You can book the apartment Torre de Campanas here
Other great places to stay in the city center include:
➡️$$$Hotel Boutique La Ermita Suites, The Only officially designated “Monument Hotel” in Córdoba – 3 minutes walk from the Mezquita
➡️$$Hotel Cetina Casa de Aguilar – 6 minutes walk from the Mezquita
➡️$$Patios del Orfebre – 8 minutes walk from Mezquita + have the castle/cathedral interior
How To Get To Cordoba And Move Around
Cordoba has a small airport, but it’s mainly for charter flights, so most people arrive by train. The main railway station, Cordoba Julio Anguita, is well connected with other cities in Andalusia. We came from Seville, and the journey took about 1.5 hours.
If you’re staying in the city, you won’t need any transport. You can walk everywhere. Cordoba is small, and all the main sights are within easy walking distance.
Visiting Cordoba: FAQs
Is one day enough for Cordoba?
One day isn’t really enough to enjoy the city properly. You can see a few highlights, but to walk around, visit the Mezquita, enjoy the food, and take in the atmosphere without rushing, you’ll need at least two days.
What is Cordoba best known for?
Cordoba is most famous for the Mezquita Cathedral, its beautiful patios, and its mix of Islamic and Christian history.
Is Cordoba walkable?
Yes, very. The city is compact, and most sights are within 10-15 minutes of each other, so you can easily explore on foot.
Is Cordoba expensive to visit?
Not really. Food, souvenirs, and attractions are generally affordable compared to other popular cities in Spain.
What is the best time to visit Cordoba?
Spring and autumn are ideal because the weather is warm but not too hot. Summer can be very hot, especially in July and August.
If you’re planning a trip to Andalusia, definitely add Cordoba to your list. It’s the perfect stop for a relaxed two days.
You may also like:
– 7 Day Andalusia Itinerary Without a Car – Spain Travel Guide
– 15 Best Things to Do in Seville That Are Worth Your Time
– The Ultimate 2-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary: Top Places To See And Things To Do
