9 Wonderful Things to Do in Córdoba, Spain

1. WALK THE ROMAN BRIDGE

Córdoba’s historic center boasts an impressive Roman bridge with two gates at either end: the Puerta del Puente and the Torre de la Calahorra. The bridge itself was originally built in the 1st century, but has been reconstructed multiple times since then–most of the bridge we see today was built in the 8th century. The gates were built in the 16th and 12th centuries, respectively. It’s pretty much guaranteed to be swarmed with tourists no matter the time of year you visit, but despite the crowds, it’s a really lovely spot to grab a picture and see some historic architecture!

2. OLIVE OIL TASTING

I think my favorite thing we did in Córdoba was book an olive oil tasting–typically you’d think to book a street food tour or a wine tasting, but getting to learn about and taste different olive oils from Spain was a really amazing experience! We booked our tasting through Airbnb and couldn’t have had a better host; I’m a sucker for any food-based experience or activity, and this one was just above and beyond. We learned where and how olives are grown and harvested, what harvests produce different types of oils, how to taste the oil with proper techniques and how to detect different flavors and notes… it really was Olive Oil 101! And then, of course, we got to relax and enjoy our oils with fresh bread and find our favorites. I very, very highly suggest booking the same tasting that we did, or just booking one in general! Such a fun, unique, and enjoyable learning experience right in the city center.

3. LA MEZQUITA-CATEDRAL DE CÓRDOBA

If you’re a lover of architecture, you can’t miss the Mezquita. I had never seen Moorish architecture in person before, and I was genuinely floored by how beautiful it was! The striped arches, the huge pillars, the splashes of Baroque and Renaissance influence mixed in… it’s truly stunning. We just wandered through the mosque without using the audio guides, but you’re definitely able to get tickets with the audio guide included, or book a guided tour as well.

Note: I’d definitely suggest buying your ticket online rather than waiting in line at the entrance–once we saw how long the line was, we just bought our tickets online in the courtyard and were able to get right inside with our QR codes.

4. EAT AT BAR SANTOS

Yes, Bar Santos is touristy–but you’re a tourist, so why not embrace it? This small bar next to the Mezquita is famous for its signature tortilla de patatas, but they serve a variety of foods like patatas bravas, tapas and pinchos, and lots of wines. It’s a walk-up bar with a fast-moving line, so have your order ready before you get to the counter and get ready to stand outside to eat! The food was simple but hearty and made for a great snack after touring the Mezquita.

5. CALLEJA DE LAS FLORES

I wish I could say this is a secluded, quiet spot, but alas, there are tourists galore at Calleja de las Flores… but that shouldn’t stop you from taking a stroll down the Alley of the Flowers! Patience is a virtue, so even with the crowds of people trying to fit through the alley at the same time, if you can wait for the surges of people to dissipate, you’ll find a window of time to walk through with minimal other people. It’s a beautiful spot in the Jewish Quarter that leads to a lovely courtyard that was almost empty when we got there. Definitely touristy and crowded (unless, again, you wait it out in the courtyard for a bit), but still worth a little stroll during your trip to Córdoba!

6. SHOP THE LOCAL GOODS

There’s no shortage of beautiful shops selling handmade goods in Córdoba, especially in the old town. You’re bound to come across a shop that has the perfect keepsake from your time in the city–trust me, I had such a hard time not going into every single store and collecting more souvenirs than I could physically pack in my bags! Hand-painted ceramics, local olive oils, colorful clothing, freshly baked goodies… how are you supposed to stop yourself from buying absolutely everything?

7. TEMPLO ROMANO

Looking a bit out of place right next to the town hall in Córdoba is the Templo Romano, the ruins of an ancient Roman temple built in the 1st century. It’s pretty surreal to walk by the ruins while they’re surrounded by modern buildings, restaurants, and retail stores, and it’s such a cool showcase of ancient history right in the center of our modern world. Pretty much all that’s left of the temple is the foundation, stairs, and some columns, but even if you just pass by it like we did, it’s still an awesome sight to see.

8. ENJOY A LONG MEAL

If you’re visiting Spain, you’ve probably already learned that dining culture is really on its own level here: hours-long meals, siestas in the afternoon, dinners that start at 10pm… it’s all about embracing slowness and savoring your meals, and Córdoba is a wonderful city to do it in! We had a late lunch at Bodegas Mezquita (there are a few locations around Córdoba), and it was a stunning restaurant with an open air dining room that was perfect on a hot day. We probably spent a bit too much money there, but when the drinks are flowing and the menu looks that good, how can you not? I share more details about our meal in my Spain food guide, but no matter where you go to grab a bite in Córdoba, make sure you take the time to slow down, really savor your meal, try local recommendations, and embrace the relaxed atmosphere!

9. EXPLORE THE CITY STREETS

I say it in every blog post and I’ll keep saying it: simply wander the streets and you’ll find magic! There’s really something beautiful about visiting a city with no set itinerary or plan–you get to explore at your own pace without a rigid schedule to stick to, and you’ll almost certainly find a beautiful street, a favorite shop, or a quaint courtyard that will make your trip even more worthwhile. Touristy activities and sightseeing are wonderful (there’s nothing wrong with being a tourist, folks!), but if you want to forego the group tours and crowded plazas even for an hour or so, just get lost down some side streets for a while–it’ll be worth it, I promise.