9 Best Things to Do in Cordoba

Mezquita-Catedral is an impressive landmark in Cordoba’s historical quarter. The cathedral dates back to 784, and features a mix of Moorish, Baroque, and Gothic architecture. Its most impressive site is the main prayer hall, which has beautiful frescoes of evangelists and more than 1,250 pillars. Tickets to Mezquita-Catedral cost around €10 for adults and €5 for children between 10 and 14 years old. For a few euros, you can climb to the top of the bell tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city, 

Plaza de las Tendillas is a pedestrian square located between Cordoba’s historic and commercial areas. Check out the equestrian statue representing Gran Capitan set atop an impressive fountain. There’s also the iconic Tendillas Clock, which draws a huge crowd on New Year’s Eve. According to tradition, locals eat 12 grapes when the clock strikes at midnight. A mix of Moorish and Roman architecture are minutes away on foot, such as Palacio de Viana, Gran Teatro de Córdoba, Roman Temple, and Iglesia de San Pablo. 

Puerto Romano, also called the Cordoba Roman Bridge, is one of the best places to enjoy the sun setting over the city’s historical buildings. While it was originally built in the 1st century, many reconstructions had taken place over the years, especially during medieval times. The northern end of the bridge is where you can see the Triumphal Arch, while the southern end is connected to Torre de Calahorra, which has a museum exhibiting relics and artefacts from various archaeological sites in Cordoba.

Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (Castle of the Christian Monarchs) is a palatial fort that was rebuilt in 1327 by King Alfonso XI. The UNESCO World Heritage Site features a mix of Roman, Gothic, and Moorish architecture as well as gardens with fountains and a variety of cypresses, orange, and lemon trees. A must-visit here is The Avenue of the Monarchs, a beautiful walkway lined with statues of Cordoba’s former kings and queens. Entrance to the Alcázar costs about €4.50 for adults and guided tours are available for a few euros. 

Torre De Calahorra is a restored defence tower that was used by King Enrique II of Castile in 1369. Formerly a prison in the 18th century and a girl’s school in the 19th century, it’s widely known as one of Cordoba’s most visited landmarks. Inside the tower is where you can visit Museo Vivo de Al-Andalus. The museum is divided into 8 halls, where you can learn about the history of Cordoba using wireless headphones. Torre De Calahorra is located at the southern end of Cordoba’s Roman Bridge, which offers beautiful views of the river and city. 

Museo Arqueológico occupies a Renaissance-style palace in Plaza de Jeronimo Paez. The museum displays a large collection of pre-Roman, Islamic, Mudéjar, Gothic, and Renaissance artefacts. The basement level is where you explore the excavation site of the city's Roman theatre, known to be one of the largest in the Iberian Peninsula. Other interesting exhibits in Museo Arqueologico include a 10th-century bronze stag of Medina Azahara, the Iberian Lion of Nueva Carteya, and a sculpture of the Roman god Mithra.

Caballerizas Reales de Cordoba or the Royal Stables are located adjacent to the Alcazar Castle of the Christian Monarchs. Founded in 1570 by King Felipe II, the stables are known for housing pure Andalusian horses and hosting equestrian performances all year long. One of its most popular shows is the ‘Caballo, Arte Y Raza’, featuring a horse that seems to move in time with a flamenco dancer. Tickets are priced at €15 for adults and €10 for children between 3 and 12 years old. 

Mercado Victoria has around 30 food stalls selling quality wines, cheeses, fresh oysters, and cured meats from all over Andalusia. Established in 2013, many locals regard it as the first gastro-market in Andalusia. Whether you’re in the mood for Galician grilled octopus with a glass of sangria, or teppanyaki with a cold Japanese beer, Mercado Victoria has something for everyone. Mercado Victoria is within a 5-minute walk of the Roman mausoleum of Córdoba and Gran Teatro de Cordoba.

Calle Deanes is located within the Jewish quarter of Cordoba, where you can find some of the city’s busiest taverns, tapas bars, and bodegas. A must-visit in Calle Deanes is Bodega Taberna Rafaé, a local favourite since 1977. Aside from serving quality wines from the Montilla-Moriles vineyards, this bodega also produces its own wine and serves over 80 Spanish delicacies.