Don’t get me wrong from the title. Córdoba’s grandiose, glorious thousand-year-old mosque is absolutely a must whenever you find yourself in town. However, a lot of visitors simply don’t know what else the city has to offer, and limit their time here to a simple day trip. If you’re not sure what else to do in Córdoba that isn’t the Mezquita, here are 40 suggestions that will help you make the most of your time here.
1. Visit the famous floral patios all year long at the Viana Palace
2. Take the iconic picture of the Mezquita tower peeking up from between whitewashed alleyway walls at the end of Calleja de las Flores
3. Explore the awe-inspiring ruins at Medina Azahara (the newest of Córdoba’s four UNESCO World Heritage sites!)
4. Eat the thickest slice of tortilla de patatas you’ll ever try at Bar Santos, preferably sitting on the steps of the mosque
5. Go for a run in Parque Cruz Conde
6. Let yourself get lost in the whitewashed winding streets of the old Jewish quarter
7. Stroll along the Ribera (riverfront) and stop for ice cream at Buonisssimo (3 S’s, that’s not a typo)
8. Have drinks on the terrace of Sojo Ribera overlooking the Guadalquivir
9. Hang out in Plaza de las Tendillas and see if you can spot what’s wrong with the statue in the center of the square
10. Learn all about the history of the city against a beautiful backdrop of light, color, water and sound at Magical Nights at the Alcázar
11. Sip on Montilla-Moriles wine, sherry’s lesser-known cordobés cousin
12. Step into one of the best-preserved synagogues in Spain
13. Have a picnic under the airplane on the east bank of the river in front of the Arcángel mall (the joke is that we have a grounded plane adorning a small hillside, but not a working airport?)
14. Take a tapas crawl along Avenida del Aeropuerto (again with the aviation references! Why, Córdoba?), the largest stretch of free-tapas-with-your-drink bars in the city
15. Climb the Calahorra Tower to check out the views, then visit the small but fascinating museum inside
16. People-watch and enjoy the ambiance in Plaza de la Corredera
17. Treat yourself to some well-deserved R&R at the gorgeous Arab Baths
18. Say hello to the ducks at the Jardín de los Patos
19. Enjoy a horse show at the Royal Stables, which date from the 16th century
20. Devour the best local bites that are at their best here in the region where they were born: salmorejo (similar to gazpacho but better, IMO), rabo de toro (bull’s tail), and fried eggplant in honey, with a slice of pastel cordobés for dessert
21. Check out what’s on at the Palacio de la Merced—this beautiful 18th century convent now hosts everything from the annual nativity scene to food truck festivals to wine tastings
22. Step back in time at Casa del Bailio and check out the Cristo de los Faroles (Christ of the Lanterns) statue nearby
23. Take a day trip out to the castle in Almodóvar del Rio
24. Relax with a good book in the small garden at the center of Plaza de Colón
25. Enjoy the lively ambiance in Plaza del Potro, preferably in the evening before it gets dark when they turn the fairy lights on and it feels almost magical
26. Drink craft beers from all over the world at La Trappería, or those brewed right here in Córdoba at Califa
27. Shop till you drop on Calles Concepción and José Cruz Conde
28. Eat a flamenquín as long (and as thick) as your arm at Bonillo
29. See a real Roman temple up close
30. …and a Roman mausoleum, too!
31. Take in the views from the other side of the bridge at Parque de Miraflores
32. Drive (or hike, or take the bus part of the way and then hike) up to Las Ermitas and enjoy the peace and quiet
33. Enjoy live music from talented artists at Golden Club
34. Or, check out a show at Teatro de la Axerquía or the Caseta Municipal
35. Discover the gastro-heaven that is Mercado Victoria
36. Wander into one of the dozens of beautiful churches dotted throughout the city
37. Find great deals at the Arenal flea market every Sunday morning
38. Learn something new at an interesting museum, like the Museo Arqueológico or the Museo Julio Romero de Torres
39. Catch a soccer game at Arcángel Stadium (Córdoba’s team isn’t very good, but there’s something about the energy of a live sporting event that makes that seem less important)
40. Walk across the Roman Bridge at sunset, enjoying the fading light of the day and the sounds of one of the talented street musicians as background music to your charming European adventure
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Thank You – great information on Córdoba!
Do you know if the train station has a place to store luggage? We want to stop for the day (Seville to Madrid).
Robert
Thanks for reading, Robert! Last I’ve heard the train station’s left luggage service is closed, but you should be able to use the storage area at the bus station (directly across the street from the train station). Enjoy Spain and Cordoba!
I appreciate the fast reply! Also a former Ohio (Cincinnati) resident who abandoned the cold .
Keep going with your blog – it’s great fun.