Best things to do in Córdoba, Argentina

Top attractions in Córdoba, Argentina

Knowing some of the key spots to check out is crucial. The following walk can be completed in a couple of hours, including exploration.

Start by heading north from the NH Córdoba Urbano hotel following the banks of the Río Cañada. After just a few minutes you’ll be presented with the leafy areas surrounding the City Hall, opposite the doors of our other hotel. There’s something special about waterscapes in the center of a busy city and this is no exception with the grand municipal building rising behind it.

From the seat of the local council, venture northeast to the Museo Genaro Pérez, an art collection housed in a beautiful Luis XVI-styled building. The Argentinian works, with a focus on the Córdoba region, are laid out chronologically, with pieces dating from the mid-nineteenth century to modern day. A visit here won’t take up too much time but gives a glimpse of how art in the country has developed over the last 150 years.

If it feels like time for a coffee then pop into the quaint café on 9 de Julio that goes by the name of Bonafide. Be careful though; the pastries on display can really test your decision making!

Moving south, another thing to do in Córdoba, Argentina, is stopping off at the Plaza San Martin before heading to the Cathedral de Córdoba. The large square is a hotspot for various cultural events and a great place to absorb a sense of the city as people go about their daily activities.

The cathedral, just opposite the plaza, took two centuries to construct and is the oldest church in continuous service in the country. Pop in, even for just a moment, to appreciate its grandeur. A Unesco world heritage site is next in this guide on what to do in Córdoba, Argentina, as you step into the Manzana Jesuítica, 'manzana' being the Spanish word for city block. The history museum and University of Córdoba are found here and are well worth seeing.

Continue south on Obispo Trejo until you reach Avenida Hipólito Yrigoyen and the Museo de Antropología. Wonderfully preserved antiquities fill each room of the museum including fossils, daily living items, and even the remains of local ancestors. The artifacts are displayed in a logical fashion and insights into their existence shared via information points. There is even a full-size replica of a cave and house from much earlier times. A very satisfying visit if this is in your area of curiosity, and as a bonus, just down the road is a café to die for. Pop into Medialunas Calentitas if a quick burst of caffeine and a tasty pastry are calling.

You’ll probably notice while wandering around this neighborhood that there are multiple museums covering everything from the history of the region to fine arts, fabrics, financial institutions, labor movements and zoology. Our team at the hotel will be delighted to point you in the direction of particular more things to do in Córdoba, Argentina, depending on your interest.

As you return back up the street towards the hotel, check out the Teatro del Libertador – or at least take a note of it for a potential evening visit and performance. This theater dates back further than any other in Argentina (1891 to be exact) and even when viewed empty is rather stunning.

Dig deeper into what Córdoba has to offer

This region enjoys a mix of weather including warm and very pleasant days and you can make the most out of this with a short trip to the Parque Sarmiento, which lies just to the east of downtown Córdoba.

In front of the park, on Plaza España, sits the Museo Emilio Caraffa. There are constantly changing exhibitions on display at this popular attraction, all held within a beautiful building of neoclassical design, something in itself should be admired.

To the north of the center is a great find, the Mercado Norte. It takes around 25 minutes to walk from the hotel although a cab is also a great option (around 18 dollars). Colors and smells surround you as vendors present their fresh produce and if you’re in need of a filling snack then order yourself a succulent steak sandwich or one of a selection of filled pastries, known locally as empanadas. Of course, whether you delve into your wallet or not, another thing to do in Córdoba, Argentina, is just milling around the market. It will give you an experience of seeing a small slice of this city’s real life.

Dining options in Córdoba

As with any large, modern city, your personal eating desires can almost certainly be catered for. In saying that, don’t be under any illusion that Córdoba is any different from the rest of Argentina, putting meat at the heart of most meals. There are, of course, regional specialties and locro is one such example. Corn is the main ingredient in this traditional stew along with beans, potato or pumpkin. It’s definitely worth ordering at least once. And don’t forget the exquisitely tasty choripan!

In terms of more specific dining requirements, we have a few suggestions for what may come in very useful…

• Best place to have breakfast: there are few better places to get the metabolism going in the morning than in our very own breakfast bar, however, if you’re already out and about, Brunchería on Dr.T.Achával Rodríguez is a fabulous option. This bistro is actually open all day and provides a lovely array of tempting bites in an airy and relaxed setting.
• Snack on the run: as we mentioned earlier, meat is a staple when in Argentina, so it’s always good to know the address of a good steakhouse for when a client makes that specific request. Yoly Bar is a no-frills, friendly option where you’ll be welcomed with a smile and treated to a delicious taste of the local community.
• Best dinner restaurants: as part of our things to do in Córdoba, Argentina, while you’re here we included the Mercado Norte. As well as the experience of local life that it provides, it also has a great value-for-money restaurant. Stroll around the stalls until something catches your eye. Then take a seat and enjoy.

Informal, fun and high on taste, La Parilla de Raúl is a wonderful example of how to do an Argentine steak house. As well as an extensive wine list, you will also have the choice of several local and international beers. However, as you might expect, it’s the food that steals the show with a steak-based mixed grill – known as the Parrillada – one of the favorites that has residents of Córdoba and further afield coming back again and again.

You’ll struggle to find a more fitting dining venue than Alcorta on Avenida Figueroa Alcorta. Whether you and your guests are in the mood for meat, fish or pasta, the ever-helpful waiting team will return to the table with dishes that will delight the eyes, before doing likewise to the pallet. Remember to ask for an appropriate local wine to accompany the food. The best grill-house, or parrilla, in town, some say. It could just be.

Córdoba nightlife

If you are looking for 'something a little different' take them along to Brindisi Coctel Bar in Belgrano, a little south of the hotel. It’s open till late and the bartenders really know how to mix a cocktail of your choice, with live music to help you finish on a high. Oh, and if you’re feeling brave, join the locals and order a glass of fernet con cola. There are plenty of other bars, many with live music, down this street so take a wander and dive into the place where the vibe feels right.

We trust this guide of things to do in Córdoba, Argentina, has opened up the fantastic opportunities that await you in this Argentine city.