Are you looking for a 1 day itinerary in Cordoba in order to see and do it all? Maybe you’re planning to take a day trip to Cordoba from Seville or Granada? If you only have one day to visit Cordoba, this is the itinerary for you!
Back in its glory years, Córdoba was the capital of Spain and the largest city in the Iberian Peninsula with Moorish, Jewish and Spanish influences. The city is now known for its beautiful Mezquita, flower-filled patios, and annual festivals and fairs.
The month of May, when we visited, is arguably the best month to visit. The weather is perfectly warm and all the fun festivals and fairs take place during this month. Lucky for us, La Feria de Córdoba was happening the week we visited (read more our La Feria experience!), so we got to get a little peek of how the locals celebrate!
Visitors often travel from Cordoba to Seville and Granada. If you need inspiration or help with planning, check out our Seville itinerary and Granada travel guide!
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Is 1 Day Enough in Cordoba?
You can definitely see the highlights of this beautiful city in one day, but you would be barely scratching the surface. We stayed in Cordoba for 3 days and felt like we were able to truly explore and appreciate everything it had to offer.
Where to Stay
If you do plan to stay a night in Cordoba, we highly recommend a night at Hesperia Córdoba, an NH Hotel, right across the Roman bridge from downtown Córdoba. It is an affordable option (especially during festival season), clean and an easy 10 minute walk in either direction to both La Feria and to downtown. Check out more accommodations in Córdoba here!
Cordoba 1 Day Itinerary
Here’s what to do in Cordoba in one day:
Morning
Breakfast
If you want to grab a quick coffee and breakfast to start the day, try Aromas Cafe Bar, an affordable hidden gem of a cafe located in a Plaza del Dr. Emilio Luque. It opens earlier in the morning and is just under a 10 minute walk from the Mezquita where you will begin your one day in Cordoba.
Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba
Start your morning with a visit to the famous Mezquita. It’s free to enter most mornings Monday through Saturday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and about 9:30 a.m. You definitely won’t be the only one there at 8:30 a.m. but the crowds are small and you’ll be able to enjoy the place comfortably.
What is unique about the Mezquita is that it’s a mosque turned cathedral where you can see a beautiful blend of both Moorish and Renaissance architecture. If you were to visit one place in Cordoba, it would be this beautiful Mezquita.
Explore Old Town Cordoba
While you’re in the area, continue your tour by exploring the historic center of Cordoba. It goes without saying that the best way to explore and get the lay of the land is to wander. Old town Cordoba is the perfect place to do this with it’s intricate alleyways and secret side streets with gorgeous floral walls and discreet little churches. The city is small enough that you can never really get lost.
A few spots in Old Town to check out:
- Calleja de las Flores
- Cordoba Synagogue
- Plaza de la Corredera
Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs (Alcazar of Cordoba)
The Alcazar served both as a fortress and a palace and showcases how the architecture in Cordoba changed through history and the different rulers of the city. It is now a museum with Islamic art and artifacts and visitors can explore the royal chambers and towers. You can also enjoy the palace gardens which includes one of Spain’s most beautiful Spanish courtyard, Patio de los Leones.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Cordoba Mosque-Cathedral, the Jewish Quarter, and the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs, get a guided tour of these top attractions here!
Afternoon
Lunch at La Tata
After all that walking, take a break and enjoy this little gem with authentic home cooked meals. This place was affordable and so tasty and was a perfect afternoon break from the heat. We only paid 15 euros for 3 large tapas (all amazing) and 4 drinks.
Palacio de Viana
Cordoba is known for its many colorful, gorgeous courtyards and gardens. One of the more famous places to enjoy these courtyards and gardens is the Palacio de Viana. You can explore the house and history, but the highlight here is the 12 beautiful patios and gardens that are part of the palace. A must see in my book!
Evening
Roman Bridge
One day in Cordoba would not be a complete without a visit to the Roman bridge. It’s a beautiful spot to watch the sunset and take in the views on both sides of the river. We crossed the bridge every day from our hotel to Cordoba city center and the views and beauty never got old.
Flamenco and Drinks
When in Spain, enjoy a flamenco show and drinks before dinner. The dancing and music from the guitar were mesmerizing and it was a beautiful start to the evening.
Dinner at Regardera
This is great spot for fresh ingredients and Spanish fusion dishes. The interior is rustic chic and the food was so so good! Make a reservation for the best table. Closed on Mondays.
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