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Cordoba is a wonder for the senses, one of the enclaves which best unites and embraces the past and the modernity. The city was declared a World Heritage Site in 1994, and not too many cities have such a rich and precious historic center and living legacy. Walls, palaces, remains, museums, cathedrals, castles, squares, courtyards, bridges and mosques merge into an incomparable landscape with the Guadalquivir river crossing and bathing the city and being an unbreakable part of it.
Where to buy in CordobaIn Cordoba you can lose yourself in shopping areas, as if they were monuments: souks, markets and spaces full of handicrafts and gold and silver work. As well as being a city of reference for its monuments and for having been the heart of Al-Andalus, it is a great place to eat as in all parts of Andalusia, and you can spend hours shopping for handmade products in traditional courtyards. It is difficult to find places in Cordoba that are not beautiful or that do not have a well-thought-out architecture or design. It’s a difficult task, so we’re going to give you some tips for you to discover the best places to shop in Cordoba.
This is the busiest street in the city due to its large variety of shops. It starts at the Plaza de las Tendillas and ends at the junction of Avenida del Gran Capitán, Calle San Felipe and the beginning of Calle Concepción. Here you can find famous brands’ shops, as well as visiting establishments that have survived the passage of time, such as the centenary shop and factory Casa Rusi, where you can find authentic Cordoban hats. In this street you can experience shopping like a true Cordovan, and you will find some of the most emblematic shops.
This is another of the most important shopping streets in the city. It starts at Plaza de las Tendillas and ends at Ronda de los Tejares and has a wide range of shops, as well as housing the Post Office, which is completely pedestrianised. One of the shops you can visit in this street is the Escribano Jewellers, one of the most traditional ones in Cordoba, with a great variety of items for that special souvenir.
The best leather in Cordoba, in Calleja de las Flores. This is a place specialised in Cordovan and guadamecí leather. You can see how the craftsmen work with care and dedication with leather in a beautiful Cordoban courtyard house. Cordovan is the tanned skin of a goat with sumac, in fact, the plant gives the skins their superior quality. Cordoba is the epicentre and the largest producer of this type of leather since the influence and implementation of Arab techniques. On the other hand, guadamecí is an artistic leather-working technique that is characterised by an enlargement of a thin sheet of silver in preparation for the lasting painting or polychroming of the leather. Watching the craftsmen at work against the fantastic backdrop of the Cordoban courtyards is quite a spectacle.
In addition, we find the craft souk, behind the bullfighting museum. It is one of the corners that every traveller should keep in mind, especially if they are moving around the Jewish Quarter. Also known as the Mercado de la Artesanía, this is one of the most characteristic places where local crafts are promoted, disseminated and structured, with some really beautiful shops. Framed within the historic centre and surrounded by groves of trees, there is a new courtyard with lots of flowers and artists playing guitar and singing. Undoubtedly, one of the best places to shop in Cordoba.
And finally, it is impossible not to stop at the Casa del Pedro Ximenez, the most famous sweet wine on the peninsula, a garnish for so many dishes of our spectacular and rich gastronomy. If you don’t know where to buy a good local wine in Cordoba, this is the place for you. A visit to their home, to their headquarters, is very interesting, not only to buy their aforementioned sweet wine, but also some of the extra virgin olive oils from the Cordoba countryside, as well as all the latest in their delicatessen products in the form of jams, pâtés and sweets. There are several shops located in the Jewish Quarter. You can also take guided tours and tastings, and they even invite you to a free tasting of their wines. They show you how it is obtained, what Pedro Ximenez is, and the secrets of its production through a tour of its cellar-museum.
Things to do in CordobaThe possibilities to enjoy Cordoba are endless and varied. What is clear is that there is a set of essential attractive for its meaning, beauty and uniqueness. Others, depending on availability and time, can be left for a second time. Thus, there is always an open door to return to a city as magical as Cordoba.There are few places that represent the Andalusian idiosyncrasy so faithfully: beauty, joy and aroma can be appreciated in every corner of its streets and monuments. The charms of Cordoba are to be enjoyed both in winter and summer, and that is why, from Oway, we are going to tell you some of its secrets and recommended places.
You cannot miss the show of power and goblin of the Andalusian horse. It is a spectacle of 70 exciting minutes in which elements of the most classic Andalusian horse riding are perfectly combined with those of the high school. In turn, they connect and intermingle with the history and equestrian tradition of the city. Power, sophistication, elegance and impact for the viewer.
If the Mosque-Cathedral is already a scandal for the senses during the day, imagine at night when, through the advanced technology of lighting, sounds and projections, you get an almost unique atmosphere. In fact, the profound knowledge of the monument continues to be transferred, although with a spectacular extra. The passes of the visit are made permanently throughout the year and with a maximum capacity of 100 people, so that you can feel like a privileged person when contemplating such a singularity in a much reduced environment.
One might think that the Alcazar, without the sun radiating all the flowers of its garden, could lose majesty. But the opposite: the spectacle of water, light and sound in the Alcázar de Córdoba is a delight for the senses. It is about knowing and approaching the dimension of this great jewel from a different and completely spectacular way. Do not miss it, it’s worth it.
It is the first gastronomic market to open its doors in Andalucia, already in 2013. It is a space in which culture, leisure and obviously gastronomy align almost perfectly. It has more than 20 stalls in which you can taste from the best cuisine from Cordoba to the most sophisticated and traditional Spanish, passing through the best international dishes. Oysters, Iberian, cheeses, wines. Sublime for the palate. In addition, they have terraces in the gastronomic space for a good coffee or cocktail.
Located in the heart of Cordoba, it is one of the best places to go through Cordoba. It has stunning views, a heady atmosphere and great music. It closes at 4:00 in the evening but it is ideal to savor this place in any part of the day. There is always a special moment to have a cocktail and take beautiful photos: either after lunch, when the sun goes down or when the night takes over the city.
About 15 kilometers from the city, in the foothills of Sierra Morena, the Ermitas rise up. Founded in the 18th century, they were a place of recollection and ascetic life since the Middle Ages. Within the precinct has located a magnificent viewpoint that allows to see all of Córdoba in its splendor. It is worth the climb to enjoy the city from another perspective.
We continue with the Castle of Almodóvar, also called Castillo de la Floresta, built on top of a mountain, from where you also have a fantastic view of Cordoba. It is about experiencing an exciting journey back in time to the Middle Ages and contemplating its towers, dungeons and courtyard. Going to its balconies, with all the majestic elevation of the mountain, is like taking a look at the past and feeling like a soldier or a king in a fortification. In fact, the popular series Game of Thrones took advantage of the appropriate backdrop to record its seventh season and represent the Altojardín, the headquarters of Casa Tyrell, and also the underground Casterly Rock with different scenes from the dungeons.
What monuments to see in CordobaCordoba is big, spectacular, historical and has beauty in every corner. Its courtyards, its aromas, its art in every corner, its streets, its cobblestones. Everything in Cordoba will seem unique. From the Jewish quarter to the living jewels that have stood the test of time, such as the Mosque, the Alcazar, the Synagogue or the Calahorra Tower. At sunset, its patios, its terraces, its viewpoints and its neighborhoods. At nightfall, its light and color shows in different historical enclaves and its magical spectacles. But Córdoba, above all, is a monument. It is stone, it is a remnant of the most glorious Arab history. It is culture, it is the scent of great deeds. Everything has been carefully preserved and that is why many of its monuments have been declared a World Heritage Site
The first thing that happens is planning a visit to the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba complex, a precise visit. Discover one of the most beautiful, iconic and unique buildings in the world. Declaration of World Heritage by UNESCO in 1984 (even before in the city itself), your visit has an exceptional journey through the History of Art and Architecture. It is an authentic temple. It is undoubtely the soul of Córdoba.
Like the Mosque-Cathedral, the mysterious ruined city of Medina Azahara was also declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO recently in 2018. Caliph Abd-al Rahman III ordered it to be built in the foothills of the Sierra Morena. The legend says that he asked to build it in tribute to his favorite woman of the Caliphate: Azahara, hence his name. However, the thesis that they wanted a symbol, a renewed and powerful image, of the newly created Independent Caliphate of the West also gained strength. Three terraces surrounded by a wall, beautiful portals that welcome, beautiful arches and imposing stone exteriors go hand in hand in one of the most famous ruins of the peninsula.
Probably, the monument that has been best preserved. It is the only one that has been preserved until today in Andalusia. A historical monument that has gone through different times and uses throughout history: from hospital to hermitage, passing through school. It is located within the neighborhood of the Jewish Quarter and is the proof of the cultural diversity of the city and the shelter of different civilizations.
Another of the corners that you have to visit yes or yes is the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, a fortress of Roman and Visigoth remains that coexists with those of Arab origin in a majestic palace that imposes only seeing it from afar. An almost rectangular construction with solid walls, imposing groves and a beauty without paragon. You will not get tired of seeing historical walls, we can assure you. Gothic domes, four towers, pagan sarcophagi, Arab-inspired baths, courtyards that appear as oases and extensive gardens that give splendor to the Alcázar Cordobés.
In May the festival of the courtyards of Córdoba is celebrated, a contest that has been held since 1921 to the present. There are many but each one presents a singular architecture. Of course, with a common denominator: they all are beautiful, with their flowers, their ornaments and their color. We can separate them between monumental and stately courtyards, those of ecclesiastical or aristocratic air, and the courtyards of competition, with variations of ancient or modern architecture. The problem will be how to manage the space of your memory in the mobile with so many photos that you will want to take out.
You have to imagine an incredibly beautiful, sophisticated space, surrounded by green and with an inner courtyard of monasterial air. It is a house inhabited until the end of the 20th century by noble families but still has an aroma of a popular place. It has 12 courtyards plus a garden that is a real wonder. But there is not only beauty in its outermost and outdoor face, the Palacio de Viana also stands out internally for its collections of paintings, tapestries and leather.
Equestrian shows such as Passion and Duende are only possible for buildings of reference such as this one, that of the Royal Stables, where an arduous and famous task is made: to create the race of the Andalusian horse, the pure Spanish race. It knows in depth its dependencies and how the process of upbringing and training is carried out.
Created in 1931 a year after the death of the painter, Julio Romero is one of the contemporary artists who have most impacted the Spanish art scene of the twentieth century within the current of idealism. This gallery also shares a building with the Museum of Fine Arts. In the museum, we will be able to appreciate some of his creations better known as Oranges and Lemons, Cante Hondo or Poem to Córdoba.
A fortress of purely defensive function in the past that makes up today, next to the Bridge Door and the Roman Bridge, the so-called monumental environment of the Guadalquivir River. It is not one of the most famous monuments but it is certainly impressive, imposing and of great beauty. In the interior, there are fourteen rooms housed in three heights, to which the terrace must be joined. Currently, it houses a permanent exhibition dedicated to the three cultures that inhabited the city.
The Andalusian Centre for Contemporary Art, also known as C3A, is a place that dedicates its main activity to producing and creating contemporary art. For this reason, many artists are able to achieve their work goals in this space, researching, producing their works and exhibiting them to the public. In this centre you can enjoy culture while at the same time contemplating the encounter between various disciplines. One of the main objectives of this space is for the public to learn more about contemporary artistic languages, being able to appreciate both the finished work and the process that has been followed to reach it. Everything the Andalusian Centre for Contemporary Art in Córdoba has to offer is aimed at all audiences. So there is no excuse not to visit this place, go ahead and come and see how wonderful the world of visual arts can be!
Located in the heart of the Historic Center, we find this beautiful open space that complements the most famous building of Cordoba, the Mosque-Cathedral. It is presented as the main and only courtyard of the monument, being the first element that you find as soon as you access the end of the Mosque. It has dimensions of 130 meters long and 50 meters wide, its name being the almost 100 orange trees planted in it at the end of the seventeenth century. Beautiful and ancient fountains, along with ancient trees and a historic cobbled floor, make up this splendid courtyard surrounded by galleries and porches, which is considered one of the most pleasant places to hang out in the city. Want to know more about him? Well, here’s all the information.
Cordoba is full of monuments and places to see and things to do. You can enjoy unique monuments, squares, narrow streets, Roman remains, festivals and an exquisite cuisine and good atmosphere. Cordoba is one of the 15 cities declared a World Heritage Site and is formed by its great attraction which is the Mosque-Cathedral and one of its most famous old neighborhoods, the Jewish Quarter.
Se trata de un complejo de estancias en las que visitar cómo eran los baños califales del primitivo Alcázar. Se trata de un conjunto de baños árabes que rezuman historia y singularidad.
Largas habitaciones con arcos y bóvedas, de tonos oscuros, en las que los califas se relajaban.
Where to stay in CordobaThe best areas to stay in Cordoba are located in the center but, being a relatively small city and with short distances, it would not be an obstacle to stay in more perimeter areas. The ideal is to stay in the Jewish Quarter and the modern center although it is also true that they are more expensive areas. However, we propose an offer that is adjusted to the needs and possibilities of each traveler and their purchasing power. But staying in Cordoba is not expensive in general and everything is well connected with public transport and even to cover it on foot.
In this post we propose you the best areas and hotels to stay in Cordoba, at affordable prices for each pocket and with detailed information. Once we have told you what to eat, what to visit, what to buy and what are the charms of the city, what better to know in which areas to locate so your trip is round. This is the proposal we make from OWAY, from more to less demanding comfort and glamour (all recommendations being remarkable up).
For the most demanding travelers. An oasis of glamour, luminosity, luxury and extraordinary plasticity in the center of Córdoba. An authentic place in the form of a hotel. Of exquisite taste, with palatial rooms, chiseled walls and open spaces that transmit restlessness and tranquility thanks to the presence of fruit trees and aromatic plants. It is a palace house with centuries of history.
Address: Calle Ramírez de las Casas Deza, 10-12
Telephone: 957 49 89 93
Website: https://www.hospes.com/palacio-bailio/
Another reference to stay in the city. Hotel recognized and prestigious, designed for clients with a taste for the exclusive, luxurious and edgy. Located between the modern city and the old town, it gives off comfort, good views (from the seventh floor there are splendid panoramic views of the Guadalquivir and the Sierra Morena) and sophistication.
Adress: Paseo de la Victoria
Telephone: 957 76 04 52
Website: https://www.eurostarshotels.com/eurostars-palace.html
Another privileged enclave. In full Jewish quarter, in front of the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos and 200 meters from the Mosque-Cathedral. This hotel is the union of 5 palace houses that were adapted over time to turn it into a singular place, with charm and all the features so that the traveler has the best of the stays.
Adress: Calle Tomás Conde, 10
Telephone: 957 202 095
Website: https://www.lascasasdelajuderiadecordoba.com/
Although it is hard to believe, it is possible to have a 360º view of the city, the Sierra and the Cordovan countryside from the hotel’s terrace and pool. It is located in the Golden Apple, in the heart of business and leisure, and with quick access to the historic center. In addition to the panoramic views, Fitness Center, outdoor Jacuzzi, piano bar and modern convention center.
Adress: Av. de la Libertad, 4
Telephone: 957 75 80 00
Website: https://www.hotelescenter.es/hotel-cordoba-center/
Located in the heart of the city center, in the old Jewish quarter of the city, near Plaza de la Corredera and Plaza del Potro. It is an ideal hotel to stay, with train and bus stations a 15-minute walk away. With modern style rooms, cafeteria service and private parking with direct access to the hotel.
Adress: Calle Jesús María, 8
Telephone: 957 49 78 50
Website: https://www.hotel-cordobacentro.es/
Also located in the center and near the Mosque. It is a magnificent complex whose privileged coordinates allow the greatest enjoyment and access to some of the main monuments and attractions of the city. Careful and modern decoration, breakfast buffet and communal areas full of comfort and relaxation.
Address: Calle Eduardo Dato, 7
Telephone: 957 47 65 00
Website: https://www.hotelselu.com/
An ancestral hostel located near the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos and the Royal Stables. Surrounded by Cordoban courtyards, this accommodation is a haven of tranquillity, silence and historical dyes. All rooms have private bathrooms around a courtyard adorned with arches and a central fountain.
Address: Calle Enmedio, 16
Telephone: 957 29 03 47
Website: https://mayflowershostel.es/
Where to eat in CordobaSalmorejo (tomato and bread cream with dices of ham and eggs), bull´s tail, flamenquín (fried meat roll with ham), Spanish jamon ibérico of los Pedroches , alcachofas (artichokes) a la montillana…the problem will be to decide what to eat and where for a good meal with so much quality. And finally a pastel cordobés ( typical cordoban pie with puff pastry of pumpkin). There is a high variety in Cordoba: the most traditional restaurants where you can eat the typical tapas, or locals where you can enjoy the avant-garde cuisine. That is why we want to make yor life easier, aiming with our recomendations to make the most of your trip.
They are one of the most illustrious neighbours, the first located in Calleja de las Flores, a few metres from the Mosque-Cathedral; and the other, on the Cordoban riverside, on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Traditional Cordoban tapas, but with an innovative touch. Salmorejo, oxtail, potato pelotons and fried or grilled pescaíto are some of its specialities. When it comes to dessert, it is recommended for chocolate lovers. Undoubtedly, one of the best restaurants in Cordoba.
Addresses: Calle Velázquez Bosco 7 / Rda. de Isasa, 10, 14003 Córdoba
Hours: From 12:00h to 16:00h, and from 19:30 to 22:30 (except Fridays and Saturdays until 23:00)
Telephone and website: 681 96 68 29 | https://tabernaelabanico.com/
It is a typical place where the most typical Spanish omelette in Cordoba is served next to a side of the Mosque. But at the same time so complicated and meritorious of doing. Apart from the specialty in tortilla wedges (very generous in as for volume), we found another version gratin with aioli, tapas deer and an economic menu proposal. And if the place is full, always you can take the lid and go outside to taste it while contemplating the Mosque wall. The site is privileged.
Address: Calle Magistral González Francés 3
Hours: From 10 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. every day, except Saturday and Sunday that start the day from 11h.
Telephone and website: 957 89 32 20 | https://www.tabernabarsantos.com/
With this powerful slogan this restaurant is presented and does so from a sensational enclave: the banks of the river Guadalquivir. Its terrace has been recognized as the best in the city, and the views of the most Roman Cordoba are priceless. From the typical flamenquines and salmorejo to the auteur dishes, everything is intermingled with sense and taste at this fantastic place. A gastronomic experience in Cordoba
Address: Calle Enrique Romero de Torres 7
Hours: From 12h to 00:00 every day
Telephone and website:957 47 85 19 | https://latabernadelrio.com/
His fame precedes t since 1930. Tavern with tradition, rustic chairs and imposing lounge that turns out to be as a meeting point between the roots of the Cordovan kitchen and a more personal auteur gastronomic proposal. From this mixture arises what they call High Market Cuisine. It has one of the most imposing views of the bell tower of the Mosque.
Address: Calle Romero 1
Hours: From 12:30h to 16:00, and from 19:30 until 23:00 every day.
Telephone and website: 957 20 07 44 | https://restaurantecasapepedelajuderia.com/
With more than a century of history, its origins were dedicated to the ageing of Montilla Moriles wine. Located in the Old Town and famous for its cellars, barrels and rustic appearance, it has been visited by celebrities such as Tony Blair or the Duchess of Alba. They highlight the salmorejo, the oxtail and the eggplants with honey. Some of those who have tried say that it has been the best they have tasted in time
Address: Calle Lineros 32
Hours: From 13:30h to 16:30, and from 19:00 to 23:00
Telephone and website: 957 497 500 | https://www.bodegascampos.com/
Another classic located in the heart of the Jewish Quarter. At the same time that the establishment evolved, so did its cuisine until it now has a wide range of meats (its specialty) as well as vegetables, fish and seafood, always emphasizing seasonal and autochthonous products. Traditional tavern
Address: Calle Romero 16
Hours: De 13h a 16h, y de 20:30 a 00:00
Telephone and website: 957 29 08 19 | https://elchurrasco.com/
This is the personal project of Paco Morales, presented on his return to the kitchens of his hometown with a Michelin star. In Noor, not only does the day-to-day life of Andalusian cuisine palpitate, but innovation and creativity also come together because Noor has an R&D space where new dishes are approached from fresh and dynamic perspectives. A jewel for the palate
Address: Calle Pablo Ruiz Picasso 8
Hours: From 13:30 to 15:30, and from 20:30 to 22:30
Telephone and website: 957 101 319 | https://noorrestaurant.es/
‘Cooking’ Andalusia in all senses. This is how the project of the renowned chef Kisko García was born and presented. It aims to trace a sensory and aromatic journey through the south, extracting with care the flavors of each region and transferring them to the dish in a clear tribute to Andalusian culture. Some of his main commandments are the use of local and seasonal products, the flavor as the core of his work, and promote sustainability from organic products.
Address: Calle Compositor Serrano Lucena 14
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 13:00 to 15:30, and from 20:30 to 22:30; on Sundays, there is no evening service. And on Mondays they close.
Telephone and website: 957 264 863 | https://www.restaurantechoco.com/
Activities in CordobaDiscover all the activities to do in Cordoba in the following link.
For all this and more, Córdoba is captivating and irresistible. It is unavoidable to visit for the culture, history, gastronomy and the aromas. A city that invites to take photographs while strolling around the famous Calleja de las flores, where you will feel the irrepressible desire of taking wonderful pictures.
The number of attractions is overwhelming. The majestic Mosque-cathedral, jewel of the past splendor of Al-Andalus, as well as the Jewish quarter with the synagogue, the Medina Azahara remains (an ancient city-palace), the Alcazar of the Christian monarchs, The Palace of Viana and other similar places full of flowers; the Cristo de los Faroles or the Roman Bridge. Everything is perfect to be visited and contemplated. Don’t forget different and interesting exhibitions like Pasión y duende del caballo andaluz, an equestrian spectacle that show us the richness and diversity of Córdoba, or just to get lost in the narrow streets of the Jewish quarter.
And to finish up your visit, you can climb up to the Hermitage and discover the wonderful views of the city from the mountains, the perfect place to relax and fall in love with the landscape. In addition, we could add some other attractions like the culinary offer, for example the famous Mercado Victoria, the first gastronomy market in Andalucía. Specially getting lost and wandering around the old town for no other reason than to enjoy and be impressed by its beauty.
