2-Day Córdoba Itinerary: How To Plan The Perfect Weekend

Compact yet bursting with history, there are some truly world-class things to do in Córdoba. Visit charming orange-tree-lined squares, cool local tapa bars, and one of the most important buildings in the world. 

It seems our early ancestors were onto something when, in the 10th century, they deemed Córdoba the greatest city in Western Europe.

Home to an Islamic Caliphate, Roman influences, and local Spanish charisma, a two-day Córdoba itinerary is an ideal European weekend getaway or great day trip from Seville.

The Mezquita-Catedral is one of the most intriguing buildings in the world.

The ancient ruins of Madinat al-Zahra are the only Islamic Caliphate capital ever to reside in Western Europe.

Wonky, cobbled streets, narrow alleyways and gorgeous patios still carry remnants of Roman design.

It’s one of our favourite places in Spain, not only for the important historical sites but also for the squares full of local banter, the long summer nights, the bright, white-washed streets and the ageing tapas bars.  

Córdoba is a pint-sized treasure, but it punches well above its weight.

ABOUT OUR ITINERARY

We’ve collected all our favourite things to do in Córdoba in order so you can see as much as possible in one or two days.

If you only have 1-day in Córdoba, the first day of this itinerary covers everything you should see.

We have also included information on visiting, including where to stay, how to get around, and some wonderful day trips. I hope you have a fantastic weekend in Córdoba.

MAP – CÓRDOBA ITINERARY

The map below shows all the attractions in Córdoba that we covered in this guide. Save it to your device to have all the locations ready to go.

USING OUR MAPS. Click on the top right corner to open in the Google Maps app. Click on the star to save to your Google account.  

DAY 1 – OLD TOWN & HIGHLIGHTS

Witness one of the most famous attractions in Córdoba, along with some insights into the local culture that make this city one of the most interesting in Andalucía.

MEZQUITA – CATEDRAL DE CÓRDOBA

Get an early start this morning to take advantage of the free entry at the Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba between 8:30 and 9:30 every day (except Sunday).

Originally built in 785 CE as a mosque, it was converted to a cathedral after the Christian conquest in 1236. The mix of Christian opulence and Islamic iconography in the building is compelling.

It’s utterly fascinating to visit, and one of the most important historical buildings in the world.

CATHEDRAL BELL TOWER

Next, head up to the Bell Tower for an uninterrupted view of the Christian cathedral punching its way through the Islamic mosque.

From here, the cathedral’s towering dominance serves as a reminder of the power of religion. The entrance to the bell tower is every 30 minutes.

PUENTE ROMANO

Walk across the Puente Romano (Av. del Alcázar) for great views across the town.

Today’s bridge is mostly from the Islamic period and contains the famous Moorish arches familiar across Córdoba.

The Torre de la Calahorra, which contains the Museo Vivo de Al-Andaluz, is at the end of the bridge. Unfortunately, it’s a poorly assembled museum, so skip it.

PATIOS SAN BASILIO

Head back into Córdoba to explore the Patios San Basilio.

A ticket for €5 provides access to 5 patios, all privately owned by locals.

Pick up your tickets from Calle San Basilio 14 and follow the trail of smiling locals from one patio to the next. Read our guide to the patios of Córdoba for more information about seeing the best of the patios.

LUNCH – PUERTA SEVILLA 

No Córdoba itinerary would be complete without an al fresco lunch in an atmospheric square. So, after the patios, have lunch at Puerta Sevilla, taking up a prime spot in the square just inside the Sevilla Gate.

It’s hearty Spanish fare, so unless you have a healthy appetite, one dish per person will probably do.

BAÑOS DE ALCÁZAR CALIFAL

After lunch, head over to the Baños de Alcázar Califal, the site of the execution of Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Rahman V in 1024 CE.

It’s not the most exciting attraction in Córdoba, but the execution marked the end of the European Caliphate. So, while not much remains of the baths today, they’re worth a quick look for their historical significance.

ALCÁZAR OF THE CHRISTIAN MONARCHS

Next, visit the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs, one of the top attractions in Córdoba that every visitor should see.

The Christians built the Alcázar after they conquered Córdoba in 1328. The sumptuous gardens draw the most energetic gasps of pleasure from visitors.

After the Mosque/Cathedral, it’s the best location to witness the Christian opulence in Córdoba.

JEWISH QUARTER

Now, explore some more of the Jewish Quarter.

Start at Casa Andalusí, a house/museum full of Moroccan charm. It includes the first paper factory imported to Spain by the Islamic empire.

Next, take a short stroll to the Maimonides statue located here. One of the most prolific and influential Jewish scholars, Córdoban born Maimonides, was also an astronomer and physician.

PLAZA DE JUDÁ LEVI

After meandering around the Jewish Quarter, it’s probably time for a break. If so, head to Cosmopolitan Food on Plaza de Judá Levi.

Despite the terrible name and even worse reviews on TripAdvisor, it has a great location in the square, which is ideal for people-watching.

CASA RAMÓN GARCÍA

After the sundowner, visit Casa Ramón García Romero to witness one of Córdoba’s traditional crafts.

To our surprise, this museum, dedicated to leather art, was one of our favourite attractions in Córdoba. The craftsmanship is something to behold.

DAY 2 – CALIPHATE PALACE & PATIOS

On your second day in Cordoba, explore the capital of the Islamic Caliphate on a half-day excursion from Córdoba and discover more of the beautiful patios.

MADINAT AL-ZAHRA (MEDINA AZAHARA)

This morning head out to Madinat al-Zahra, palace of Abd al-Rahman III.

It was the heart of the 10th-century Islamic Caliphate in Spain. Set in the foothills of the Sierra Morena Mountain Range, the palace was a sprawling complex stretching 1500 metres across.

Guided tours start in the modern museum with artefacts collected from the site.

A shuttle bus takes you to the ruins, which are 8 kilometres outside of Córdoba. It is an easy half-day excursion.

HOW TO GET THERE?

The bus departs from Paseo de La Victoria outside the Almodovar Gate in Córdoba at 10:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 11 a.m. The return buses depart at 1:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m., and 2:15 p.m.

The bus costs €9.

Guided Tour – This fantastic guided tour includes the option of including transportation from Córdoba.

PLAZA DE LOS CAPUCHINOS & CUESTA DEL BAILÍO

Back in Córdoba, stroll through Plaza de los Capuchinos, which contains Christo de los Faroles, an interesting religious sculpture known as Christ of the Lanterns.

Then check-out Cuesta del Bailío. The old palace and church at the top of the steps is an excellent photo opportunity.  

Next, go to Palacio de Viana, the second of Córdoba’s prime patio offerings.

PALACIO DE VIANA

Palacio de Viana was originally built in the 15th century and, after five centuries of expansion, now boasts 12 beautiful courtyards, all open for public inspection.

Look for hints of Arabic roots, such as the ornate mosaics and water features, or Hispanic details, such as the sculptured cypress trees.

We have a separate guide for visiting the Palace de Viana and the other patios of Córdoba.

TEMPLO ROMANO

After inspecting the patios, stroll past Templo Romano (Calle Capitulares), which is the remains of a Roman temple with reconstructed pillars.

There’s not much to see, but the towers beside the modern buildings contrast nicely.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

Potter around the Muslim quarter before checking out the Archaeological Museum.

It has a good selection of artefacts from prehistoric times discovered in the Córdoba area. The basement houses the remains of a Roman theatre, which is said to be the largest in Spain.

MUSEO DE BELLAS ARTES

After the Archaeological Museum, visit the Museo de Bellas Artes. The gallery contains work by Córdoban artists from the 15th to 20th centuries, supported by a number of contemporary paintings and sculptures.

Although it doesn’t contain any major names in art, it is a great little gallery on one of the prettiest squares in Córdoba. It’s well worth taking a look around.

DINNER – LA BOCA

For dinner, try La Boca. While it didn’t have the earthy atmosphere of other restaurants, it did have an innovative take on Spanish/Moroccan fusion dishes.

The service is a little perfunctory and confusing but offers a different type of Córdoban dining in a modern, stylish space.

For a more traditional setting, head a little further north to Taberna Salinas, which has very traditional décor and some fine food. Their speciality is Tundidores, ratatouille with a fried egg.

WHERE TO STAY IN CÓRDOBA?

Córdoba is a charming, compact city, so we recommend staying centrally so you can walk to all the attractions. Like many Andalusian cities, Córdoba is very cost-effective. Here are some of our recommendations for great places to stay.

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DAY TRIPS FROM CÓRDOBA

Situated in north-central Andalucía, Córdoba is well-placed to take advantage of the region’s diversity. Here are some suggestions for wonderful day trips from Córdoba.

For more inspiration, read our guide to the best places to visit in Andalucía, including our favourite places.

SEVILLE

As the heart of the Spanish Christian empire, Seville has opulent palaces, interesting architecture, and a formidable art scene.

It’s also a beautiful city with great food and an energetic culture that overflows from vibrant squares. Seville is 1 hour, 40 minutes drive from Córdoba or 45 minutes by train.

For more information, read our guide to Seville.

MÁLAGA

At just under two hours’ drive or one hour on the train from Córdoba, Málaga is an excellent day trip option. Apart from the beaches of the Costa del Sol, there are Roman ruins, Moorish citadels, and a gleaming central shopping district.

All the information is in our guide to visiting Málaga.

GRANADA

Granada is home to Alhambra, the most visited attraction in Spain. At around 2 hours driving time from Córdoba, it’s easy to spend the day exploring the palace then return.

However, the university city also has a modern edge with an emerging craft beer scene and great live music.

All the details are in our guide to visiting Granada.

RONDA

Ronda is an interesting historical town set in a dramatic location high above the Tajo de Ronda.

It has a fascinating blend of Roman, Islamic, and Christian influences in a town that, despite its beautiful location, is not yet a tourism conveyor belt.

Our guide to spending a day in Ronda has all the details.

ANTEQUERA

Antequera is a historical town dating back to the Bronze Age. It has an impressive Moorish Fortress, Gothic Churches, and Roman burial grounds.

As a classic Spanish white village, it’s an excellent and easy day trip from Córdoba. The drive takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

This guide covers more of the White Villages of Andalucía and includes a driving route to see the best of them.

GETTING TO CÓRDOBA

Córdoba is located in southern Spain, around 140 kilometres north of Seville. It is a popular tourist destination, and getting to Córdoba is straightforward.

BY AIR

VIA SEVILLE AIRPORT

Seville Airport is 135 kilometres from Córdoba. Regular flights from several European cities make it probably the most convenient airport for most international visitors.

A 45-minute direct train leaves from Sevilla Santa Justa station in central Seville. The train station is a 20-minute bus ride from the airport.

VIA MÁLAGA AIRPORT

Málaga Airport is 166 kilometres from Córdoba. Málaga has a large airport with several daily flights from many international locations.

It is a 1 hour and 45-minute drive to Córdoba or 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours by train changing at Málaga María Zambrano Station.

BY TRAIN

Córdoba is part of Spain’s high-speed train network, Alvia.

The service connects the major cities in Andalucía with Madrid. Some trains are faster, so check the details as you book. Below are the average journey times to Córdoba.

• From Seville – 43 minutes | 18 trains per day
• From Málaga – 49 minutes | 10 trains per day
• From Granada – 1 hour, 22 minutes | 4 trains per day
• From Madrid – 1 hour, 45 minutes | 17 trains per day

GETTING AROUND CÓRDOBA

Córdoba is a very compact city. All the destinations in this itinerary are within walking distance except Madinat al-Zahra, which is 10 km from town.

If you have your own car, driving out is easy enough. However, some of the roads in Córdoba are very tight.

The easiest way to get to Madinat al-Zahra is by taxi.

Alternatively, a bus leaves from Paseo de La Victoria outside the Almodovar Gate at 10.15, 10.30 and 11:00 and returns to Córdoba at 13.30, 13.45 and 14.15. The price is €9.

BEST TIME TO GO TO CÓRDOBA

Córdoba can be a fiery Spanish town, so it is best avoided from June to September when the weather can be stifling.

We suggest March to May when it’s not too hot, the gardens are lush, and the sun is beckoning those of us from more northern climates.

In particular, Córdoba springs into action during the second week of May for the Patio Festival.

During the festival, many patios are open for free, and the streets hum to the murmur of discussing who might take the converted Battle of the Flowers prize.

Read more in our guide to the patios of Córdoba.

FREE THINGS TO DO IN CÓRDOBA

Many attractions in Córdoba are free at certain times and days of the week. If you have some flexibility, it’s well worth aligning your visit to save on some entry fees.

• Mezquita-Catedral—Entry is free from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday; however, access to the Bell Tower is €2.
• Baños de Alcázar Califal – free from 6 pm to 8:45 pm Thursday.
• Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs – free from 6 pm to 8:45 pm Thursday.
• Palacio de Viana – free Wednesday between 2 pm and 5 pm.
• Madinat al-Zahra, the Archaeological Museum, and the Museo del Bellas Artes are all free for European Union citizens.

HOW MANY DAYS IN CÓRDOBA?

With so many great sights in such a charming city, we recommend spending two days in Córdoba. However, this itinerary works for either one or two days, as the first day covers all the main attractions.

1 DAY IN CÓRDOBA

The old town’s highlights can be visited in one day, provided you’re willing to start early.

If you are pressed for time, we recommend at least visiting the Mezquita Cathedral, the Alcázar of the Christian Monarchs, Patios San Basilio and the small lanes and alleyways of the Jewish Quarter.

2 DAYS IN CÓRDOBA

If you have two days in Córdoba, it will give you time to head out of the old town. Here you will find more palaces, some very good museums and more of that lovely Spanish culture.

Most importantly, two days in Córdoba will allow enough time to visit the old caliphal capital, Madinat al-Zahra, 10 kilometres out of town.

MORE HELPFUL ANDALUCÍA GUIDES

• Read about our favourite places to visit in Andalucía.
• Relax on the Costa del Sol with our guide to the best beach bars near Marbella.
• Our guide to the best things to do in Granada has the top attractions plus the best tapas.
• The Caminito del Rey hike is one of the most stunning in Spain.
• Get off-the-beaten track on the El Pinsapar Trail in Sierra de Grazalema.
• Soak up the sun at these beautiful beaches near Tarifa.
• Visit el Torreón, the highest peak in Sierra de Grazalema.
• Discover all the best things to do in Seville.
• What to do in Mijas on a day trip.