So you only have one day to explore this charming Spanish town?? Let me show you how to see Córdoba in one day!
This town can be found centrally located between Seville and Granada, and is often overlooked due to its more popular neighboring cities. Once known as the largest city in the world, it’s no wonder this city has a perfect blend of Roman, Moorish and Spanish culture.
So if you’re looking to beat the crowds, but still catch some spectacular sights than Córdoba is the place for you!
Córdoba in One Day (VIDEO)
A place this good just hits differently! Trust me, you’re going to want to dive into the enchanting streets of the old town of Córdoba. From the cute colorful planters that fill the streets to the vibrant plazas buzzing with life, Córdoba will steal your heart. And this video? It’s just a glimpse of the magic that awaits you as I help you scope out Cordoba in one day!
@herjoliejourney Located right next to the Mosque #cordobaespaña #cordobaspain #spain #spaintravel #traveldiaries #travelbucketlist ♬ Niña Bonita - Josue Noel
How to Get to Córdoba
Getting to Cordoba, Spain, is quite convenient, and you have several options depending on your starting point. Lucky for you, I’ve got the inside scoop on the best ways to get here. Believe me, you don’t want to miss out on Córdoba’s charm.
Did you know there is more than one airport you can fly into to get to Córdoba? Let me show you, I have listed them in closest proximity below.
- SEVILLE AIRPORT
- GRANADA AIRPORT
- MALAGA AIRPORT
- JEREZ AIRPORT
This is one of the most popular ways to get to Córdoba! Especially if you have just one day in Córdoba. You can actually catch a train from Madrid or Seville to Córdoba. The most popular line is the AVE high-speed train. This train will get you to Córdoba from Madrid in just 1.5 hours and just 25 minutes from Seville!
The price varies, but on average it will cost $86 from Madrid and $37 from Seville. To purchase train tickets go here.
How to Rent a Car in Spain
There is SO much to see in Southern Spain, so we opted to rent a car and make a road trip out of it and let me tell you it was the BEST decision we made! If you want to learn more about how to explore Southern Spain by car check out my road trip itinerary here. We rented our car through Hertz, but I highly recommend checking out the resource below to find the best pricing!
What To Know Before Getting to Córdoba
Eek!!! So you’re making your debut in Córdoba! I am freaking out for you, because this Spanish town is so underrated and deserves a spot on your itinerar! Sharing some important tips before you spend one day in Córdoba.
- How much time should you set aside to explore? The bare minimum time you should spend here is 1 full day. You can easily see all the best tourist spots here in 1 day, but if you want to take your time and explore 2 days max!
- Best time to visit Córdoba? The spring is the BEST time to visit, because the town is covered in flowers in bloom. AND if you really want to see the town absolutely packed in flowers you have to catch the Patio Festival here in May.
- Best way to get around Córdoba? The town is small enough to explore by foot! It is mostly cobblestone streets, so wear comfortable shoes.
- What if I can’t speak Spanish? It always helps to know how to speak the local language, but you will find that many locals know how to speak English.
- What should I budget when visiting Córdoba? Accommodations are VERY reasonable, but on average it costs $114. And the average cost of food is $28 for the day.
Where to Stay in Córdoba
This killer Airbnb in old town Córdoba boasts insane views of the Mosque-Cathedral and even has a pool! All this and at a reasonable price too. The space was totally comfy and conveniently located near all the sights. Plus, the terrace was the perfect chill spot after a long day of exploring. You’re going to want to scoop this one up!
@herjoliejourney For a super reasonable price!! #cordobaespaña #cordobaspain #spaintravel #spain #beautifulhotels #airbnbfinds #traveldiaries ♬ Darling - Trees and Lucy
Things to do in Córdoba
Did you know Córdoba is the ONLY city in the world that has four UNESCO World Heritage Sites?? Below you will find these sites and more of the best things to see in Córdoba in one day.
Wander Through the Stunning Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba
I have to warn you that you’re going to wanna buy more iCloud storage when you step foot in here! This incredible structure was built in 988 AD and the history is fascinating. Step inside to marvel at the stunning blend of Islamic and Christian architecture, with its iconic red-and-white striped arches and intricate detailing.
This is one of the oldest structures still standing from the time Muslims ruled in the late 8th century and has shifted from Muslim to Christian rule over the centuries. It’s no wonder it has become a popular UNESCO site. Today much has been done to restore the original Islamic architecture and it’s a spot you don’t want to miss on your one day in Córdoba.
General admission tickets cost 11 euros and can be purchased here. You will want to consult this website on days and times it is open, because it does change often.
Stroll the gardens at Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs
This palace was once the royal residence of the Christian Monarchs and was turned into an UNESCO site in 1994 making it one of the most popular spots to visit here. The real show stopper are the beautiful gardens!
It is open 7 days a week and tickets cost just 4 euros. It can be tricky to figure out how to purchase tickets online as their website does not provide an option. You can go through a third party like Viator or getyourguide. We went directly to the ticket office and purchased our tickets through a website they provided.
Explore the Magical Palacio de Viana
Idk how to describe my love for this place, but the Palacio de Viana was our absolutely favorite spot in Córdoba!!! This palace is a DREAM!!
What makes this place truly stunning are the 12 different patios found here that are filled with beautiful flowers and vegetation.
You have the option of taking a self-guided tour or a guided tour of the rooms. We got here an hour before they closed, so we were unable to do the guided tour of the rooms but we enjoyed the gardens! Days and times vary depending on the month you can check the schedule here. It is closed on Mondays.
Take a Peek at these Beautiful Gardens (VIDEO)
@herjoliejourney Palacio de Viana is beautiful! #palaciodeviana #cordobaespaña #cordobaspain #spain #spaintravel #traveldiaries ♬ Alice in Wonderland - Joanna Wang
Catch Incredible Views at Roman Bridge of Córdoba
It’s hard to miss this iconic bridge in Córdoba! And we knew we couldn’t miss an opportunity to see it up close and personal, so we made our way here shortly after our visit at Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs.
Built in the early 1st century BC this Roman bridge leads to the Calahorra tower that provides some stunning views of Córdoba. You will find the Calahorra Tower on the south side of the bridge. Aside from the stunning views found here you can also find a museum. Entry to the tower can be purchased in person for 4.50 euros.
Snap Photos at the Colorful Patios Cordobeses
I am going to let you in on a little secret…Córdoba hosts a patio festival every year. Courtyards are filled with flowers and flamenco dancers can be found throughout the streets. This festival is so impressive it’s now considered an UNESCO site!
This festival takes place on the first fortnight of May. If you are not visiting during this time you can still find some time to explore these courtyards in Córdoba like the trueque cuatro courtyard.
Discover the Hidden Calleja de las Flores
Although this small, narrow street is considered one of the most popular tourist streets in Córdoba we found it to be very quiet when we visited this spot in the afternoon. You will find some great views of the Mosque-Cathedral from here!
Looking for the secret alleyway? It’s conveniently tucked away near the north-east corner of the Mezquita off calle Victor Bosco. Stand in the little square at the northern end and voila! Witness the majestic tower framed by picturesque flower-covered white walls. It’s no wonder this scene graces so many postcards around town.
Pick Up Some Souvenirs at Plaza de la Corredera
This beautiful historical courtyard is located in the heart of Córdoba and was once used for bull fights and even executions. Today, many wonderful shops and restaurants can be found here. Some of our favorite tourist purchases came from this very square including a locally made rattan bull head!
Looks like we missed out on the last UNESCO site – Medina Azahara. It’s a real shame, but let’s blame it on the fact that it’s just outside the city.
Who knew Córdoba would be such a hidden gem?! We didn’t know what to expect, but were we pleasantly surprised!!! If you’re not already planning a visit, you need to add Córdoba to your Spain itinerary!