The Perfect One Day in Córdoba Itinerary

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Córdoba is one of the most colourful and fascinating cities in Andalusia in Southern Spain. However, it is one of the lesser-known cities in the area, so you may be wondering:

Is Córdoba worth visiting?

Córdoba should absolutely be on your travel bucket list, and it can easily be reached from hotspots like Granada and Seville. Conveniently, you can see most of what the city has to offer in under 24 hours!

So, if you're planning a Granada or Seville day trip to Córdoba, this one day in Córdoba itinerary will help you plan your time well and allow you to see some of the city's historic European landmarks.

If you are also wondering when to visit Córdoba, the city can be visited at any time of the year as it has a pleasant Mediterranean climate in all seasons.

However, the summer months are usually very sunny and hot, while the winter months can be cold and rainy. Therefore, visiting Córdoba in early spring or autumn is often recommended.

Are you planning a day trip to Córdoba? Continue reading for the perfect one day in Córdoba travel guide!

Heading to Córdoba and planning last-minute?

When visiting Córdoba, book your accommodations and experiences before you go. Below are some top recommendations to get you started.

🏨 Top accommodations in Córdoba

• Cordoba Carpe Diem (under $50 USD a night)
• Eurostars Palace (under $100 USD a night)
• Patios del Orfebre (rated highly)

☂️ Top tours and experiences in Córdoba

• Jewish Quarter, Synagogue, Mosque, & Alcázar Tour (likely to sell out)
• Private Visit Mosque-Cathedral, Jewish Quarter, Alcazar & Synagogue (rated highly)
• Flamenco Show Ticket With Drinks (rated highly)
• Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral - Skip-the-Line Guided Tour (very popular)
• Cordoba - Mosque,Cathedral, Alcazar & Synagogue With Skip the Line Tickets

1 Day in Córdoba Itinerary

Córdoba in a Day

If road-tripping around Spain, make sure to include Córdoba on your Spain itinerary! Conveniently, Córdoba is a relatively small city, so one day is enough to visit its main attractions. Arriving as early as possible is recommended to ensure you have a full day of sightseeing.

For this day trip in Córdoba, you will visit well-known Spanish landmarks, such as Puerta de Almodovar, the Córdoba Synagogue, the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs, and the Mosque-Cathedral Córdoba. You will also have a chance to wander through the majestic Calleja de las Flores and take photos of the colourful Patios of San Basilio.

Several recommendations for cafes and restaurants are also included for all types of travellers. Check them out if you aren't sure where to eat or want to taste the most authentic Andalusian food!

Have breakfast at El Arriate - Café y Tapas

El Arriate - Café y Tapas is a small cafe near the famous Roman Mausoleum. You will pass it on your way to the restaurant from the central train station.

The cafe serves various dishes, including freshly made churros, crepes, Spanish sandwiches, and toasties. The cafe also sells fresh orange juice squeezed from local oranges. The prices are affordable, too!

El Arriate opens early in the morning and is only a ten-minute walk from the main train station. If you arrive earlier than the cafe opens, walking around the nearby park, Jardines de la Agricultura, is a good idea.

🏨 Stay near El Arriate - Córdoba

• Apartamentos Plaza (good value)
• Soho Boutique Córdoba (scored highly by guests)

Be amazed by Puerta de Almodóvar

Almodóvar Gate, or Puerta de Almodóvar, is an Islamic city gate previously known as Walnut Gate (Bab al-Yawz). The Almodóvar Gate is one of three gates that has remained well preserved through modern times.

The gate's construction dates back to the 8th century, when the Moorish settled in Córdoba. Because the gate was located on the route to the city of Almodóvar, it was renamed Almodóvar Gate instead of Walnut Gate in 1236. Its current appearance dates back to the 14th century, and in 1802 the gate also underwent a small amount of restoration.

Today, Almodóvar Gate is the main entrance to the neighbourhood of Juderia, which is the old Jewish Quarter in Córdoba and stopping by to admire this over 700-year-old landmark is a must!

🏨 Places to stay near Barbería peluquería puerta de Almodóvar

• Eurostars Palace (value for money)
• Hesperia Córdoba (well-rated)

Visit Sinagoga de Córdoba

Constructed in the 14th century, Córdoba Synagogue, or Sinagoga de Córdoba, is one of the best-preserved synagogues in Spain. It is also one of the most famous landmarks that you must visit on your Córdoba day trip.

Situated in the centre of the Jewish Quarter, the synagogue consists of a lush courtyard, prayer room, and women's gallery. It was built to accommodate about 30 people at one time.

The interior is stunningly decorated in the Mudejar style, and you will be amazed by the decorated walls and ceilings that feature intricate designs. The synagogue was even designated as a National Monument in the 19th century.

Taking a guided tour of the Córdoba Synagogue is a good idea if you want to learn as much about the history of the landmark as possible. This tour also takes you to other famous spots, like the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs.

🏨 Accommodations nearby the Córdoba Synagogue

• Hospes Palacio del Bailio (5-star rating)
• H10 Palacio Colomera (relax by the pool)

a_taiga/Depositphotos.com

Take a tour of Patios de San Basilio

Many people add Córdoba to their travel bucket list after seeing the iconic photos of the city's colourful houses decorated with flowers. To view these houses, visit the Patios of San Basilio (Patios de San Basilio) while in Córdoba.

This district is filled with breathtaking patios that have won numerous awards for beautiful architecture and design. You can join a walking tour to explore the area, but wandering around solo is a great option too. Just remember to snap lots of photos of the stunning patios and houses!

🏨 Accommodations close to the Patios de San Basilio

• Sercotel Córdoba Delicias (unwind poolside)
• Hotel Cordoba Center

Have an Andalusian lunch at La Posada Del Caballo Andaluz

La Posada Del Caballo Andaluz serves authentic homemade Andalusian food that you can't pass up. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner services, but you can also come for coffee and dessert anytime during the day.

The eatery is situated inside a traditional Cordoban house with several cosy lounges, a colourful patio, and a spacious terrace. Customers are encouraged to sit on the terrace and enjoy the beautiful views.

You can order a range of classic Andalusian dishes at the restaurant that use fresh local ingredients. However, be aware that you might need to wait for some time before you get a table for your lunch, as this is a trendy spot with locals and visitors.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to La Posada Del Caballo Andaluz

• Soho Boutique Capuchinos & Spa
• NH Córdoba Califa

Explore Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs, also known as Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most important landmark on this Córdoba 1 day itinerary.

The ancient fortress is built in the Moorish style and dates back to Roman and Visigoth times. In the 13th century, Alfonso XI transformed it into a Christian palace, and it became a royal residence for Christian monarchs.

It is also well-known for its Moorish gardens, Royal baths, Hall of Mosaics, and towers that you can climb to enjoy stunning views of Córdoba. The landmark also has a museum that tells you more about the history of the building.

To get the most from your visit, booking an Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs guided tour is recommended. Note that opening times differ depending on the season, so check the website before your plan a visit or book a tour.

🏨 Places to stay close to the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs

• Hotel Macià Alfaros
• EM21 Apartamentos

Cross Puente Romano de Córdoba

There are many beautiful bridges in Andalusia, such as the famous Puente Nuevo in the city of Ronda, and Córdoba is no exception. The Roman Bridge of Córdoba, or Puente Romano de Córdoba, is 250 metres long and spans over the Guadalquivir River. The bridge is situated in front of the Córdoba Mosque.

The bridge was initially built in the 1st century BC by Romans, but the present Moorish structure dates back to the 8th century. The bridge has been reconstructed several times; now, only the 14th and the 15th arch out of the 16 total are original.

The Roman bridge is a good spot for taking photos of Cordoba's old town and the river. It is also a popular location to watch the sunset. However, it does get extremely crowded. To avoid crowds, the best time to go is in the early morning or a couple of hours before sunset.

🏨 Accommodation nearby the Roman Bridge of Córdoba

• Homesuitehome Cordoba

☂️ Join a tour to see the Roman Bridge of Córdoba

• Bike Tour Córdoba (top-rated tour)
• Cordoba - Mosque,Cathedral, Alcazar & Synagogue With Skip the Line Tickets

Take in the panoramic views from Torre de la Calahorra

Situated to the South of the Roman Bridge, Torre de la Calahorra, or Tower of Calahorra, is the oldest defence building in the city. The tower attracts numerous tourists due to its magnificent architecture, breathtaking views of the city, and interesting museum.

The Moors originally built Torre de la Calahorra to prevent the city from being attacked. However, in the 14th century, Henry II of Trastamara ordered to reinforce the structure and add the tower that makes it look more like a fortress.

After marvelling at the architecture, visitors can explore the landmark's museum, which features artefacts and documents that tell Cordoban history. Of course, you must also take time to admire the views of the city from the tower!

Enjoy views of Palacio de Viana

Palacio de Viana, also known as Viana Palace, is a beautiful attraction that features a museum located in a big Andalusian mansion. It also has 12 beautifully decorated patios.

The museum houses art, antiques, and information on the building's history. After exploring the museum, you can then explore the patios and snap many photos.

Buying a Palacio de Viana entry ticket in advance is a good idea. Also, note that if you are visiting in May, Palacia de Viana holds an annual patio festival, which will allow you to tour the property and patios for free.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to the Palacio de Viana

• Eurostars Patios de Cordoba
• ApartaSuites Alberca Deluxe

Stop by the Templo Romano de Córdoba

Located a short walk from Plaza de la Corredera, The Roman Temple of Córdoba, or Templo Romano de Córdoba, was discovered in 1950 and today exists as a set of ruins. It is a must-visit place during your day trip to Córdoba!

The temple was built in the 1st century and belonged to the Corinthian order. It is 32 metres long and 16 metres wide. Even though Córdoba has had numerous temples, the Roman Temple of Córdoba has survived the best over the years and is one of the most intact temples you can see today.

Bareta/Depositphotos.com

Wander around Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba

Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, also called Mezquita of Córdoba or the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, is an iconic Spanish landmark in Córdoba.

It is also one of the most visited buildings in the country, with more than 1.5 million tourists visiting every year. If you visit just a few landmarks during your one day in Córdoba, Spain, this cathedral has to be on your list!

The massive building occupies 24,000 square meters and has more than 856 columns made of the finest materials, such as granite and marble. It is decorated in Islamic and Catholic styles. You will also find a vast courtyard filled with pretty orange trees.

Construction of the building can be dated back to the 8th century when Abd al-Rahman I decided to build a mosque within the city. In the 10th century, the building was enlarged to its current size and became a Catholic cathedral.

As this landmark is so popular, make sure you book Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba skip-the-line tickets before you arrive.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba

• Patios del Orfebre (cheap option)
• Cordoba Carpe Diem (top-rated)

Explore Calleja de las Flores

Calleja de las Flores, also known as the Alley of Flowers, is the most picturesque street in the city. The narrow alley's walls are decorated with hundreds of flowers, making it an excellent spot for photos. The best time to visit the street is in late spring when geranium flowers are in full bloom.

Going to Calleja de las Flores in the evening when most tourist groups have left is also recommended, especially if you want to take pictures. The alley additionally leads to a square with a beautiful fountain and a view of the Mosque-Cathedral's bell tower.

🏨 Accommodations nearby Calleja de las Flores

• Hotel Plateros
• Hospedería Luis de Góngora

☂️ Visit Calleja de las Flores with a tour

• Jewish Quarter, Synagogue, Mosque, & Alcázar Tour (usually sold out)

Have dinner at Taberna El Capricho

Surrounded by narrow alleys and historic buildings, Taberna El Capricho is an authentic Cordoban restaurant. It is an ideal place to have dinner and immerse yourself in Cordoban cuisine. The restaurant's interior is charming, with flower pots on all the walls and artworks by local artists.

If you decide to have dinner here, ordering the eatery's famous braised oxtail dish, which has won several awards, is recommended. Taberna El Capricho also serves delicious and affordable tapas and classic Andulsuian dishes like salmorejo, a cold tomato soup similar to gazpacho.

Booking a table in advance is a must if you don't want to wait. If you come with a larger group of friends or relatives, there is also a small private room that you can book in advance.

🏨 Accommodations nearby the Taberna El Capricho

• Sercotel Córdoba Medina Azahara (lounge by the pool)
• La Boutique Puerta Osario

In Summary

If you've been wondering what to do in Córdoba in one day, this itinerary should have given you a good idea of the things you can see. Córdoba is the perfect city for a great day trip as you can visit most of the attractions on foot.

You can enjoy walking around gardens, exploring ancient ruins, and eating traditional Andalusian food, all in less than 24 hours. No matter how many of the attractions above you visit, you're guaranteed to have a wonderful time in Córdoba!

This article was edited by Alli Sewell.

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