Wondering how to spend a day in Córdoba, Spain? We loved Córdoba, and think it warrants alongside Granada as one of the must-visit Spanish cities if you’re looking to explore the abundant and multifaceted history and remnants of Muslim governance in Southern Spain.
To be fully honest, we basically had no idea that there was a Muslim presence on the Iberian Peninsula for hundreds of years until we spent over a month between Spain and Portugal a few years ago.
Wherever we went, we heard stories about the wars between the Christian kingdoms and the various Muslim states until, in the 13th century, the Christians prevailed and reclaimed southern Spain and Portugal.
However, the impact of that time period under Muslim rule persists today, seven centuries after the Reconquista took place. Even the name of the region in Spanish – Andalucía – originates from the Arabic designation for the equivalent region – Al-Andalus.
There is perhaps no better place to learn about the blending of cultures and architectural styles than Córdoba. And conveniently for you, Córdoba is a short train ride from Sevilla (another excellent place to witness that melding of cultures), which makes planning a day trip to Córdoba simple.
We ultimately spent a complete three days in Córdoba, which was likely longer than what most people on a quicker-paced Spain itinerary would need. Based on our own involvement, we`ve chosen the best things to do in Córdoba and assembled them into this guide for spending one day in Córdoba.
Note that this guide to independently planning your Seville to Córdoba day trip will cover all you require to know to accomplish it – the logistics like how to get there and when, the top things to do in Córdoba, and additional info.
If you want to avoid planning the logistics yourself, we would suggest signing up for an escorted tour of Córdoba from Seville instead. Here is a highly rated full-day guided trip from Sevilla, though you won`t see all of the attractions we discuss below.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.
Table of Contents
Is One Day in Córdoba Enough?
The short answer is probably.
We actually spent three days in Córdoba, and it was somewhere between one and two days too lengthy.
Naturally, your ideal experience also plays a big part in determining your itinerary
If you choose to do a day trip to Córdoba, then you’re going to be spending your time transitioning from place to place, without much downtime in between.
Spending an overnight in Córdoba allows more flexibility to experience the attractions you want at a relaxed pace. It depends on your preferences and how much time you have available on your itinerary in Spain.
We believe one could either have an action-packed day in Córdoba, or view essentially the same sights at a slower pace with an overnight stay in Córdoba. We will say, it’s quite pleasant being in the city in the morning and evening after all the people on day trips have departed.
Many people visit Córdoba, see the world-renowned Mezquita, and then head home all within a few hours. But we DEFINITELY think it`s worth delving deeper than that. We likely wouldn’t recommend anything over two days based on our own experience.
Our recommendation – and the way we’ve structured the Córdoba itinerary below – is to spend a complete day exploring Córdoba, arriving in the morning and leaving in the evening after dinner.
You`ll have ample time to explore the cultural sites linked to Judaism, Islam, and Christianity while also enjoying unique local cuisine and beverages before heading back to Seville.
Getting from Sevilla to Córdoba
The best means to travel from Córdoba to Sevilla is the high speed train, which takes precisely 40 minutes, leaving from Sevilla Santa Justa, the main train station in Sevilla.
This is undoubtedly the simplest and most efficient option, though it’s a little more pricey than the bus or regional trains, which both consume notably more time.
You’ll arrive at the Córdoba Railroad Terminal ( located here on Google Maps), which is a 15 minute walk from the main sights in town (or a €6-8 cab ride).
We utilized Omioto reserve trains and buses in Spain because the formal Renfe site presented us with quite a few difficulties when it came to payment with our American credit cards.
Using this transit option is convenient as the instructions and routes are provided in English, giving you all possible travel choices – including buses where a small fee is charged per ticket.
Click this link to view price and schedule info for traveling from Sevilla to Córdoba.
Traveling by bus may be marginally less expensive, but it would take two hours each way, more than doubling the journey time via train to Córdoba. That’s too much transit time for one day there, and we’d strongly recommend the train.
Can You Drive from Sevilla to Córdoba?
Traveling from Sevilla to Córdoba is possible by automobile, but it can take anywhere between 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic conditions – longer than even the local train transportation. Additionally, the old town of Córdoba is closed to vehicles unless you’re lodging at a hotel in the center, so you’ll need to park quite some distance away.
Even if you have a vehicle, we’d propose leaving it in Sevilla and taking a day trip to Córdoba by rail.
Getting To Córdoba From Madrid
Córdoba is located approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Madrid by high-speed train, so it`s quite distant for a day trip – though one could possibly make the journey if they really wanted (though we`d argue that there are better day trips to take from Madrid, like Toledo).
However, Córdoba sits on the route between Madrid and Sevilla, so you could stop for an overnight trip on the way between the two (depending on your itinerary). This works if you’re traveling by train or by car. If you are traveling by car, remember to book lodging that includes on-site parking.
Getting Around Córdoba
We traveled around Córdoba on foot, and the longest walk included in this itinerary is likely to be to and from the train station at approximately 20 minutes.
If utilizing public transit is necessary for moving around the city, using the bus system is straightforward. Board the bus, pay the driver €1.30 for a ticket, receive the ticket, and you are on your way! We took the bus to visit a specialty bakery distant from the city center focused on gluten-free options, and the trip went smoothly.
We utilize Google Maps to find bus routes and times when traveling, and it usually works very effectively.
A Complete One Day Córdoba Itinerary for First Timers
As we’ve already mentioned, we think that one day is sufficient time to tour Córdoba’s most notable attractions, like the iconic Mezquita Cathedral, stunning Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, and the city’s renowned patios.
In the itinerary outlined below, we’ll guide you through our version of making the most of twenty-four hours in Córdoba.
If visiting Córdoba on a day trip from Sevilla, try to catch an early train so you arrive in Córdoba between 8-9am. This itinerary will take a full day, so you can catch your return train in the evening after dinner.
The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
Begin your day in Córdoba by going to the southern part of the city center and exploring the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos – which roughly translates to “Castle of the Christian Monarchs.”
Like numerous present locations around Europe, this site was constructed upon an already existing area belonging to prior inhabitants. In this scenario, with ancient Roman and Visigothic artifacts and a fortress from the Islamic Caliphate.
The magnificent palace seen here today was rebuilt by King Alfonso XI of Castile in the 1300s following Spain`s reconquest.
The ruler`s residence was designed in the unique Mudejar style, a Christian architectural style affected by the Islamic artists who stayed in the region after the reconquest.
Significantly – and you’ll find this true in Sevilla too – it was built following the reconquista, when this style of stunning architecture became trendy in now-Christian Spain, which we often find rather amusing.
Throughout its history, the architectural structure has served various roles, such as a royal home, a detention facility, and even the official headquarters for the atrocious Spanish Inquisition directed by Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand II of Aragon.
Today the enormous palace complex has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and many sections are accessible to the public.
Inside, you can visit the area called the “Hall of Mosaics,” which houses an impressive collection of Roman mosaics from the 2nd and 3rd centuries, as well as a 3rd-century Roman sarcophagus. While underneath, you can see the remains of the King’s baths with their unusual Arab star-shaped skylights allowing light inside.
However, the magnificent outer gardens and patios truly made the biggest impression on us
Situated on three tiers, the attractively manicured gardens are home to quite a few sizable fish ponds, elegant marble fountains, and rows of palm, cypress, orange, and lemon trees. The gardens by themselves are worth a visit to the Alcázar.
The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos is open each day from Tuesday to Saturday and during Sunday mornings. It’s closed on Mondays, so aim to plan your day trip on a day other than Monday if you wish to visit the palace.
Visitors can select tickets in advance for €5 on the formal site if touring alone. When pre-booking, a time window must be designated to attend.
Or you can explore the palace through a one-hour guided tour like this option. On a tour, you’ll gain more knowledge about the site`s long and fascinating history from a local expert serving as your guide.
However, if time or budget only allows for one tour, we would advise the Mezquita (which was our choice). More details on that shortly.
Now that your travel plans for Tenerife are complete, make the most of your trip and enjoy everything the island has to offer!
Puente Romano de Córdoba & Torre de la Calahorra
From the Alcázar, walk a couple of minutes along the river and cross over the renowned Puente Romano de Córdoba (the Roman Bridge of Córdoba).
The structure spans the Guadalquivir River via 17 stone arched sections. Dating back to the 1st century AD, it once served as part of the Via Augusta, an important Roman road extending from Girona to Cádiz.
Though renovated through the centuries, the arch bridge`s current form has become a defining image of Córdoba.
The bridge is now completely traffic-free and walking across it feels like stepping back in time to the days of Roman Córdoba. There’s always a lively atmosphere and it`s a great place to snap some photos of the river and city.
Additionally, if you enjoy the television series `Game of Thrones,` you may recognize that location as the site used to film the Long Bridge of Volantis.
At the southern edge of the bridge, you’ll locate the Torre De Calahorra, a substantial tower dating back to the time of the Muslim era in Córdoba, that once served as a fortified entryway into the city.
You can climb a narrow staircase to the top of the tower to enjoy bird`s-eye views over the bridge and the city’s skyline, including the Alcázar and the Mosque-Cathedral. Tickets for the tower are €4.50 and can be purchased at the entrance
The tower also houses a small museum called the Museo Vivo de Al-Andaluz, depicting life in Córdoba when Christians, Muslims, and Jews coexisted peacefully.
The little museum is worth a quick browse on your way through, but the view is definitely the main highlight of the Calahorra Tower.
The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba
Now onto the main event, at least in our eyes.
The Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba is one of the most unique and intriguing religious buildings in all of Spain and the number one attraction in Córdoba.
Nicknamed the “Mezquita,” the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba features various architectural styles that uniquely integrate Islamic and Christian art and culture.
It’s also one of the best conserved Islamic structures in Europe, earning its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (twice!).
Similar to numerous other Christian places of worship scattered across Spain, Italy, and the rest of Europe, this one was constructed atop a site that previously held spiritual significance for the earlier inhabitants of the local area.
However, unlike many others, the basic structure was kept intact, which makes it a very unique architectural experience.
The original Mosque was constructed in the 8th century when Córdoba was under the rule of Emir Abd al-Rahman I of the Islamic Umayyad dynasty, which governed the Iberian Peninsula for several centuries.
Abd al-Rahman wished to build a composition that competed with the magnificence of the grand mosques around northern Africa and the Middle East.
During the 13th century, after Córdoba was captured by Christian forces in the reconquest of Spain, the mosque was converted for use as a cathedral. Minor renovations were undertaken, such as addition of small private prayer spaces (funds were limited following the exhaustive military campaign).
However, it wasn’t until the 16th century when it underwent its most significant renovations, such as constructing a Renaissance-style cathedral nave and bell tower, completing the unique fusion of styles visible today.
To enter the Mezquita, one will need to stroll through the Patio de los Naranjos, a beautifully landscaped courtyard with orange trees, arriving at Puerta de las Palmas, the primary entrance corridor well known for its numerous red and white arches.
The interior of the Mosque-Cathedral is immense and filled with quite a lot of fascinating history. It can be somewhat overwhelming to independently explore (and there isn`t quite as much signage as desired), so we`d suggest visiting on an guided tour.
We would advise the tour we embarked on. Our guide was a knowledgeable historian who offered plenty of helpful historical and cultural context concerning the building, which may not necessarily be evident exploring alone.
It was also a superb way to gain more knowledge about the history of Spain under Muslim rule, and about the reconquista and how the impression of that period continues to be intrinsically woven into Spain’s culture, even presently.
If someone wants to visit the Mosque-Cathedral by themselves, they can reserve their entrance ticket online for €13. The Mezquita is the city’s most famous attraction, so it’s best to book in advance during the busy season to avoid the large ticket lines at the door.
The basic ticket to the Mosque-Cathedral does not feature the bell tower. You can purchase this separately for €3 online or in the cathedral. The 54-meter-high bell tower provides spectacular panoramic views over the city and a bird’s-eye perspective of the main Mezquita building.
If you find yourself with some extra time in the morning, climbing the bell tower is worthwhile. But if you`re already running behind schedule and ready for lunch, we`d recommend skipping it.
Lunch in the Jewish Quarter
If you take the guided tour of the Mezquita recommended above, it will conclude in the neighboring Jewish Quarter.
The Jewish Quarter – “La Judería” in Spanish – is an intriguing neighborhood in Córdoba’s UNESCO-listed ancient center. It was formerly the location of the city’s substantial Jewish community between the tenth and fifteenth centuries before Jews were displaced from Spain during the Spanish Inquisition.
The picturesque neighborhood is known for its narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed buildings surrounding pretty interior courtyards.
Calleja de las Flores is renowned street in the area, thanks to its colorful potted flowers lining the white walls.
As you might imagine, given its location next to the most important tourist attraction in the city, the Jewish Quarter is also packed with plenty of places to eat and drink.
Here are three restaurants in Córdoba that were recommended to us by various tour guides and people we met.
- Bar Santos – A diminutive yet extremely busy cafe with lengthy customer lines for their famed Spanish tortillas. If you are willing to wait in line, you should take your meal to go since interior seating is quite limited.
- Casa Pepe de la Judería – An elegant eatery that specializes in contemporary interpretations of traditional dishes from southern Spain. Renowned for its oxtail stew. Their rooftop terrace has amazing views over the city and the Mosque-Cathedral. Perfect for lunch on a sunny day.
Visitors can individually pre-book tickets online for €13 to privately see the city`s most important attraction, the Mosque-Cathedral, especially during peak season to avoid long ticket lines onsite.
- Bodegas Mezquita – A local tavern and eatery serving Andalusian fare at multiple areas surrounding the Mosque-Cathedral. Excellent menu of appetizers and set lunch menus. Impressive selection of regional wines.
We’d also suggest stopping at the Casa-Museo del Guadamecí Omeya, which is a free museum showcasing beautiful leather artwork. We stumbled upon this spot accidentally and loved how original the art was. The museum is only open in the morning before 1:30pm and after 5pm, so time your visit accordingly.
The Roman Ruins of Córdoba
After exploring the Jewish Quarter, begin heading north through the city center and up to the Palacio de Viana (see below). Along the way, you can briefly detour to see some of the city`s most famous ruins from ancient Rome.
Templo Romano is situated on a small hill above the historic center and houses the remnants of an ancient Roman temple, built during the rule of Emperor Claudius in the 1st century AD.
The complimentary archaeological location now features several reconstructed pillars, allowing you to view just how impressive the white marble temple once towered. In its heyday, it would have been visible from all over Córdoba.
Just a minute`s walk down the street from the Roman ruins, you`ll also come across an area called Plaza de la Corredera ( here on Google Maps), one of the city`s most well known and lively open spaces. The expansive and colorful plaza is surrounded by picturesque red and yellow arcades housing numerous nearby cafes, bars, and shops.
Explore The Patios of Córdoba
End your day exploring some of Córdoba’s beautiful hidden patios. The Spanish city is famous for its many stunning inner yards filled with colorful flowers, trees, ponds, and fountains.
The patios are an important part of Muslim culture left over from the time of Muslim rule in the city.
Traditionally, homes during that time would have a relatively modest facade while the interior courtyards and gardens were intricately decorated and formed the center of family life.
Following the Christian reconquest, this architectural feature persisted and over time Córdoba`s courtyards grew more and more ornate. They are now a World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO for their cultural significance.
Since 1918, Córdoba has hosted an annual courtyard pageant (Fiesta de los Patios) each spring, where locals vie to have the most attractive patio in the city. During the festival, many private courtyards freely welcome the general public, creating an excellent time to explore the city.
However, even if not in Córdoba for the festival, several patios can still be visited throughout the rest of the year.
Palacio de Viana
During our time in Córdoba, we toured Palacio de Viana, a grand 15th-century stately residence with 12 lovely patios, and would strongly suggest it.
The palace has earned the moniker “the Museum of Courtyards” because it houses the largest collection of patios in the city. Each of the patios embodies various eras of the property’s history and the preferences of its owners across the past five centuries.
You are able to purchase tickets for entry into the patios of Palacio de Viana either at the door or online in advance. If you visit on a Wednesday between 2pm and 5pm, entrance to the patios is free (except in July and August when they close at 3pm).
You’ll need a separate ticket to visit the palace’s interiors, but with just one day in Córdoba, you likely won’t have time to fit this in.
The San Basilio District
Another region worth exploring to find some of the best outdoor dining spaces is the charming San Basilio neighborhood located in the southern part of the historic city center.
Note: If you do plan on visiting San Basilio instead of the Palacio de Viana, you may want to bypass the Roman ruins as they’re in the opposing direction. Or visit the ruins after the patios instead.
Calle de San Basilio is home to many splendid private gardens that regularly launch their doors to the general population throughout the year. You can walk down the street and see which ones are accessible during your visit – numbers 14, 17, 20, and 40 are some of the best if they are accessible.
Most patios here don’t require a ticket, but the owners do have a donation box at the gate where you can leave €1-2 tip.
However, the availability or opening status of these private courtyards cannot be guaranteed or predicted with limited time available in Córdoba, so visiting this way carries some risk.
Another choice is purchasing admission to the Ruta De Patios, a collection of five award-winning courtyards in the San Basilio neighborhood. Tickets may be obtained at Calle de San Basilio 14 and provide a map of the visitable patios, all situated within a brief walk of one another.
A visit to Calle de San Basilio 44 is also a must. This place houses the courtyard association headquarters and contains one of the most colorful and picturesque courtyards in Córdoba. The courtyard is accessible from 10:30am-2pm and 5-8pm most days and is always free to enter.
Dinner at Mercado Victoria
Finally, end your day in Córdoba with a well-earned dinner at Mercado Victoria, a trendy modern food hall that could be situated in Brooklyn or the Arts District in Los Angeles.
Situated right in the heart of Victoria Gardens, the marketplace building itself dates back to 1877, originally serving as the booth of the Circle of Friendship at the Córdoba Fair.
Now the unusual building is home to the very first gourmet food market in the Andalucia region, with 20+ stalls selling a variety of Córdoban, Spanish, and international cuisines.
From standard Andalusian “salmorejo” (resembling a thick gazpacho) and nearby handmade cheeses to Italian pizzas and American hamburgers, there are plentiful choices to select from. It’s a fine dinner spot for choosy eaters or groups with differing tastes.
The marketplace also has abundant seating, a pleasing local wine and sangria menu, and regular live musical performances, so it’s an enjoyable spot to grab a drink or two and appreciate the lively evening atmosphere.
Just a 10 minute walk back to Córdoba train station, the market makes for an ideal finale before catching your train back to Sevilla.
What to Do With More Than One Day in Córdoba
If you end up spending more than a single day in Córdoba, there are a couple other attractions you could include to expand upon this itinerary.
The Museo Arqueológico de Córdoba
Situated within a beautifully renovated Renaissance-style royal residence, the Museo Arqueológico de Córdoba is one of the most comprehensive archaeological museums in Spain and is worth exploring if time permits.
The museum houses hundreds of archaeological remains and items found in Córdoba and the surrounding area. The exhibits range from prehistoric times up to the period of Muslim rule into the Middle Ages, providing a fantastic overview of Córdoba’s history.
You can even visit the excavated remains of the city’s 2,000-year-old Roman theater, which sits in the basement of the museum. The ancient ruins were uncovered when construction work to expand the museum began.
The museum allows free entry for EU citizens and charges €1.50 for others. All exhibits have detailed explanations in Spanish and English. We’d recommend allocating around one or two hours to see the primary displays.
Take a Day Trip to Medina Azahara
Medina Azahara, otherwise known as Madinat al-Zahra, is a magnificently fortified palace-estate constructed on the outskirts of Córdoba in the 10th century by Arab ruler Abd-al Rahman III. For a brief period, it took over from Córdoba itself as the capital of the Caliphate of Córdoba.
This palace is the sole one of Córdoba’s major historic attractions not within walking distance of the city center. Instead, it sits around 8 km to the west. Realistically, fitting it into just one day may be a stretch, but with a little extra time in Córdoba, a visit is undoubtedly worth the effort.
The impressive city was constructed as a symbol of authority – the ruler wanted to project power to the other kingdoms farther east and in North Africa – and housed a complete urban complex, including a royal fortress, a mosque, government buildings, living quarters, gardens, workshops, Arab baths, and more.
Archaeologists uncovered some of the palace ruins in the early 1900s. It is now among the largest archaeological sites in Spain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can visit Medina Azahara on a guided tour (this is with the same company we visited the Mezquita through, who we appreciated).
Entry to Medina Azahara is free for EU citizens and €1.50 for all others. One can reach the site by vehicle or the daily tourist shuttle.
Travelling by vehicle takes just 10-15 minutes from central Córdoba. However, the ruins are sited a couple kilometers from the unmetered parking area, so shuttle transport is necessary to reach the primary location (an additional €3 fee).
The best option if you don’t have a car is to take the tourist bus that departs daily at 11am (Tues to Sun) from Avenida Alcazar in central Córdoba. A round trip costs €10 and allows you 2.5 hours to visit the complex. It’s best to book the bus at least one day in advance from the tourist office.
