Surveying the royal gardens, neighbourhoods, architecture, cultural and religious highpoints of the great cities of European history are seldom an easy and inexpensive task. But visiting Cordoba – once the largest and most prosperous of all cities in Europe and seat of Arab power on the continent – can effortlessly be explored without the need for a metro system or complicated network of buses.
Now little more than a provincial gem, the old city’s rustic streets bring to life the colourful and eclectic history of Spain’s romantic Andalucía region. In addition to an obligatory walk along the Guadalquivir River, here are some tips on how to see the best of Cordoba.
What to see when visiting Cordoba
Only a 40-minute train trip away, Cordoba is a great day trip from Seville. Alternatively, book a night or two’s accommodation to full explore the city.
Regardless of how long you spend visiting Cordoba, her are a few things to do:
Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba
The undoubted jewel in the ancient city’s crown is the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba. Built on as a basilica by the Visigoths, the site became a massive mosque under its Arab rulers before being transformed into a unique Catholic cathedral, encompassing its 1000-year-old Islamic architecture. A tour is well worth the 15€ entry fee. Otherwise a wander around The Orange Tree Courtyard (free) is a great way to get a flavour of the compound’s majesty.
Get your skip the line tickets here.
Alcazar (castle) of the Christian Monarchs
The imposing Alcazar (castle) of the Christian Monarchs is another structure which bolsters Cordoba’s credentials as a European historic centre. Not as dull as it sounds, the towers once occupied by a succession of royal courts have witnessed some of Spain’s most important historic events.
Now featuring a museum comprising artworks and artefacts from its time as a royal court, the sense of history is complemented by the beautifully manicured gardens and network of sophisticated water features which surround the fortress. Entrance is free on Wednesday mornings.
Get your guided tour and skip the line tickets here.
The Jewish Quarter
The cobblestone streets of the city’s old Jewish Quarter is full of life, atmosphere and a myriad of shops, bars and restaurants. One of the last surviving (although unused) synagogues in Spain can be found in one of the back streets and is worth a look.
Related tour: Jewish Quarter, Synagogue, Mosque, and Alcázar Tour
The Arab baths
During its time as massive Arab city, public baths were popular among the region’s rulers, visitors and general population alike. The baths which were the centre of Arab social life during the 11th and 13th centuries were uncovered in the 1960s and have been transformed into a museum detailing the importance of the baths to the society.
If you want to see what all the fuss is about Arabs baths, there are two hammams in town which provide the full Arab bath experience from €50. You can book an experience Cordoba’s Hammam Al Ándalus here.
What to eat and drink in Cordoba
Glorious examples of the region’s world-famous culinary delights – including tapas and paella – are all found a short walk from its historical centre. For beautifully fresh, homemade (and cheap) tapas or more substantial meals, try the bodegas on (and in the streets branching off) the orange tree-lined Calle San Fernando. Terrace restaurants on the relaxing Calle Romero Torres also serve reasonably priced tapas and drinks.
While sangria is a popular beverage satisfying the palates of countless tourists, a fruity cup of vermouth (vermut rojo) is more popular among locals with several bars offering their own homemade drop. El Baron in the central Plaza Abades and a collection of small bars near the more cosmopolitan Plaza Tendillas serve locally made vermouths for less than 4€ a cup. For a sunset drink with some atmosphere, be sure to try a drink and tapas at the picturesque Plaza de la Corredera.
Tapas Tour in Cordoba
Why not treat yourself to an unforgettable tapas tour in Córdoba, Spain? Get ready to dive into the local culture and cuisine on this one-of-a-kind experience with a food specialist.
On this tour, you’ll get to experience the local culture and cuisine first-hand, visiting bars and taverns that will leave a lasting impression. Go for a behind-the-scenes look at the best the town has to offer!
This isn’t just any old food tour. It’s a personal shopping experience in gastronomy, where you’ll learn about the rich culture and gastronomy of Córdoba. Let yourself be carried away by the city’s spirit and experience it like a local for a day.
What’s included in the package? They’ll take care of the food and drinks! And there will be four stops at four different bars/taverns where you’ll get to enjoy some delicious tapas and drinks.
You’ll meet at the agreed meeting point, and if you’d rather, they can even pick you up from your hotel. Then you’ll take it easy on the way to your first stop.
It’s really straightforward. You’ll go to a bar, Mara the guide will suggest a drink that you’ll like, and you’ll have a chat about the wine and the history of the place. You’ll order a dish to share before moving on to the next stop. This will be the pattern throughout the tour.
While there is some walking involved between stops, they are all nearby. Just to be sure, it’s best to wear comfortable shoes to fully enjoy the experience.
Get ready to taste four different tapas, visit four unique stops in typical Córdoba taverns, and sip on four wines or beers. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to eat, drink, and explore like a local!
Price: from €100
Duration: 2 h, 45 min
Cancelation: Bookings are fully refundable up to the time of the event.
Wheelchair accessible
Cordoba Gastronomy: Savor the Finest Local Delicacies
Come and experience the Full Córdoba Tasting and discover the very best that Córdoba cuisine has to offer. Treat yourself to a tasting session where you can enjoy all the famous products that Córdoba has to offer.
Come and explore the amazing world of Cordoba cuisine at our museum and tasting room. You’ll get to taste some of the best food the region has to offer. Find out why these products are so important to the local economy and see why Córdoba is such a great place for tapas and wines.
During the tasting, you’ll get to try two types of olive oils, three different wines, a refreshing vermouth, traditional Cordobesian crackers, balsamic vinegar, edible flowers, slices of Iberian ham and cured meats, charcuterie from Pedroches D.O., and a selection of cheeses.
What’s included? We’ve got a great selection of food and drinks, plus WiFi for your convenience.
We’re happy to accommodate your needs, whether you have a furry friend or require wheelchair access. Just let us know, and we’ll make sure you have a great experience right in the comfort of your own hotel or apartment.
Price: €35
Duration: 2 hours
Cancelation: You can get a full refund up until the event itself.
Explore Cordoba Vineyards in a Convertible Car
Take a full day to explore Córdoba, surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, in a convertible car!
Join a one-of-a-kind food and wine tour in Córdoba with the opportunity to explore the region with Spain’s top sommelier, Mara de Miguel.
Kick off your day with a tasting of four different olive oils, while taking in some gorgeous views. Then, take a stroll through the vineyards and taste four wines, learning more about the local viticulture. Next, you’ll visit a top winery to taste two aged balsamic vinegars and enjoy a glass of wine at the shop.
You’ll be having lunch in a lovely old-fashioned tavern, which will really add to the authentic experience. Have you ever heard of whiskies aged in Montilla Moriles casks? You’ll also get to visit a barrel maker and taste a specially prepared whisky.
As the day draws to a close, you’ll head back to Córdoba to enjoy the last views of the cityscape before dropping you off at your hotel.
And all of this with a bit of light-hearted fun, promising a day filled with fun and laughter!
What’s included in the package?
- Food and drinks
- Olive oil tasting breakfast in the olive groves
- Private transportation
- Alcoholic beverages
- Bottled water
- Lunch
Mara operates a fantastic culinary venture in Córdoba, Spain. She offers wine tastings, olive oil tastings, traditional cooking classes, and more! Mara curates unique culinary experiences, including day tours to vineyards or Iberian Safaris in a convertible car or van. She provides convenient pick-up service from the train station or your hotel. Mara is an expert in leading Tapas Tours in Cordoba city. Book an experience with her to immerse yourself in the local culture and feel like a true Cordoban.
