Best places to visit in Córdoba
Head out early and check out the neighborhood. Fortunately, the hotel is surrounded by many of the main charms of the city and we begin with the most famous of all, the Mezquita-Cathedral of Córdoba.
As you head east from our doors, possibly after one of the hotel’s hearty breakfasts that we pride ourselves on, the mosque-cathedral is only a few minutes away. This fascinating Spanish-Islamic building dates back to before the 10th century and will have you in awe from the moment you step in through the Puerta de las Palmas. A stroll around is adequate to enjoy the mesmerizing architecture although a guided tour certainly provides more insights if you’d like to learn more about its history and significance.
Following a decent look around the city’s prized jewel, venture a few paces north up Calle Velázquez Bosco to find Calleja de las Flores. As you may have read before, flowered patios are a key element of Córdoba’s traditions and this exquisite street is a perfect example of it. You’ll see plenty more instances during your stay in the old quarter but this will certainly give you a feel for the floral artistry.
Trace back your steps to the northeastern corner of the Mezquita and then take Calle Encarnación for a lovely wander through the back streets towards our next two sites of interest within this guide of things to do in Cordoba. Along the way via Calle Horno del Cristo appreciate the local style of the streets and buildings until you arrive at the Museo Julio Romero de Torres and the adjacent Museo de Bella Artes.
Romero de Torres devoted much of his time to painting portraits of seductive women from the region and his mildly erotic works hang proudly. Across the way you have exhibits by the likes of Goya and Sorolla housed in the pink fine arts museum. Take your pick or, ideally, enjoy them both.
Already you’ll have noticed that between each of our recommended stops are numerous places of interest within this list of what to do in Cordoba and, if time allows, then peruse at your leisure those that catch your attention. Likewise, cafés and bars will tempt you in, as with La Bicicleta which is en route to our next stop, great for a healthy, refreshing fruit drink.
The city’s Roman Bridge, Puente Romano, is next up and to get there we head in a southwesterly direction from the museums. As you come down you’ll immediately notice the Guadalquivir river and the Ronda de Isasa will lead you to our target crossing. It may not be known as one of the world’s most noteworthy bridges – although was impressive enough to feature in Season 5 of Game of Thrones – but it would challenge any for historical relevance.
It draws a direct path towards the Mezquita and was a strategic gateway in early Andalucía. Admire the view as you step over the water beneath and awaiting you on the other side is the Torre de la Calahorra. Built in the middle of the 14th century to prevent intruders from entering the city, it is now home to the Museo Vivo de Al-Andalus, giving further insights into the region’s history. From the top of the tower, another thing to do in Córdoba is to relish the views back over the city and across the river.
Returning back over the Puente Romano (or for extra paces continue on to the Puente de San Rafael) our final visit on our whistle-stop tour is to the Catholic Kings' Alcázar. This stunning palace, another structure from the 14th century, was from where the Catholic monarchs Isabella and Ferdinand launched their conquest of Granada and the modern museum gives an understanding of how life was over the past few hundred years. Make sure you check out the beautiful gardens too.
From there, you’re just a short stroll back to the hotel, possibly stopping off at the Plaza de Judá Levi for a beverage. It’s worth noting that this walk can be done in around 50-60 minutes without stopping.
