The best day trip from Seville! 

We continued to be baffled by the beauty of the Andalusia region! Our journey started off with a few days in Seville, and afterward we decided to hop on a train and explore Cordoba for the day. If only we could have stayed longer! Luckily, Cordoba is a small town and you can knock off many of the city’s main landmarks in just one day.

How to get there

From Seville, Cordoba is just a quick two-hour bus ride. The central bus station, called Estación Avtobvses Cordoba, is a short 5-minute trip from downtown. And yes, you can hop on the train for a little more and get to Cordoba from Seville in just 40 minutes. Make sure to pick Córdoba Central as your arrival train station. Both stations are just across from each other. We love using Omio to book our train and bus tickets in Europe, it just makes everything much simpler and more organized. You can easily stop a taxi or call an uber to get to downtown from the stations. Walking can take up to 30 minutes, but that’s up to you!

What to do in Cordoba

How to spend a full day in Cordoba? Let’s get started. As you enter the historical district of Cordoba, you’ll immediately spot the magnificent Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos. This is yet another destination for which you’ll want to plan ahead – go early and make sure to grab tickets beforehand! The original structure was built in 1328, by Christian forces during the Reconquista, and served as a fortress. Almost a century later, the Alcazar became a prison and many of its unique architectural features were turned into torture chambers and interrogation quarters. Thankfully this beauty later became a national attraction in the 1950s.

Although the fortress itself is spectacular, the gardens are even more breathtaking. Make sure to spend some time walking through the labyrinth of terraces and greenery. The Alcazar is part of the greater historic center of Cordoba that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994 – and the more you explore this year the more you’ll understand the historic significance. Remember: Purchase your Alcazar tickets early here, skip the line and get a full tour!

Just down the road is the Mezquita or Mosque of Córdoba. A gleaming representation of Moorish architecture and the preservation of Islamic construction. The Mezquite was built in 784, as a mosque and yet again during the Reconquista was transformed into a Roman Catholic Church.

Everything about this structure is captivating, the façades, the Islamic minaret, the Christian chapels, the high vibrant arches … we’ll let the photos speak for themselves.

Now journey into town to discover the remaining authenticity of Cordoba. Namely, the San Basilio district which surrounds the Alcazar and the Mezquita.

In the heart of old town, is the eclectic street, Calleja de las Flores. This little district is known for its blooming and fragrant flower. When’s the best time to visit? Blooming season is in May! But don’t worry, if you’re traveling to Cordoba any other time of the year you can still enjoy these displays in several public courtyards. Or just head over to Palacio de Viana, a former palace dedicated to illustrating the beauty of geraniums and other plants all year long. We highly recommend a guided walking tour of Cordoba’s charming patios, here’s a very affordable option!

Head over to the old town. We enjoyed our walk down Calle Ángel de Saavedra and made our way to the Jewish Quarter or Juderia.

Again, the preservation of the dynamic religious architecture is incredibly unique to this region.  Is it siesta time? Here’s one cool place that’s open late if you run into shops closures mid-day! La Casa Andalusí. Just a little walk away from Juderia.

It might be time to head out of Cordoba now, but wait. You have to cross the bridge! Just over the Guadalquivir River is the Roman Bridge of Córdoba. Why is it important to cross the bridge? On the other side, is quite arguably the best panoramic view of the Alcazar and the Mezquita. And if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, I hear that this spot is a big deal.

Right at the edge of the bridge is the Calahorra Tower, where you can enjoy similar breathtaking views of the other side. Inside, there’s a small museum dedicated to the shared harmonious life between Muslims, Christians and Jews in the region.

At the end, or beginning, of the bridge you’ll also spot The Puerta del Puente, which literally translates to the Gate of the Bridge. A newer addition to the historic district, these arched gates were built on and off between 1576 and 1928.

Staying a little bit longer than a day? Catch a Flamenco show at Tablao Flamenco El Cardenal for a once in a lifetime experience.

Where to eat in Cordoba

The truth is we didn’t get to explore Cordoba’s cuisine as much as we would have like due to lack of time. However we did make a few notable stops. Bodegas Mezquita is a contemporary Andalusian chain that served delicious cuisine. Sabor a Espana is a true hidden gem of freshly made and served sweets and Spanish goodies – a great place for yummy souvenirs. Would you like a little taste of Morocco when in Spain? Check out Salón de Té while you’re exploring the old town for some fresh mint tea and Middle Eastern desserts. We won’t leave you hanging, so here’s a cool list of places to eat in Cordoba for those staying longer!

Don’t have time to for a sit down? Check out Mercado Victoria on your way out of town. A very classy and massive for market that caters to all your foodie needs.

And if you happen to start off your trip in Cordoba, make sure, and I insist, to travel to Seville for a few days.

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