Córdoba – old city, world heritage site, fabulous monuments, tradition and history. How to see the best of the city in just 36 hours.Centuries unfold and merge together uniquely but if your time to visit is short, what should you experience, where should you stay and what should you eat? My recent overnight stay included the best of Cordoba, I’d been several times before and planned well.
The Alcazar
The Alcazar or Royal Palace has lovely gardens and water features, especially if you visit at night when the fountains are illuminated with a colourful display. A day time visit is also good, climb the top tower for the city views across the River Guadalquivir, once navigable from the Atlantic Ocean in Cádiz. The gardens are charming and relaxing but what amazed me most was the Roman mosaics discovered in and moved from the Plaza Corredera, now homed in the Alcazar.
The Royal Stables Show – Espectaculo Ecuestre
The enormous Royal Stables next to The Alcazar are not only an incredible bit of architecture but host a fascinating display of carriages through the ages as well as the once or twice weekly horse shows. On this visit to Córdoba one was the highlight. An hour of horse demonstrations showing the incredible mastery of both man and beast. I would have been sitting on the edge of my seat except that being on the front row the horses came rather closer than I felt comfortable with, so I was leaning as far back as possible. Check the dates at certain times of the year there is only one show a week.
The Mezquita
The Mezquita – an absolute must-visit and probably the main reason you’re planning a trip to Córdoba. Try and go early in the day or near the end of opening hours so it’s not so busy. The emptiness amplifies its awesomeness and enormity which will really impact your experience. No amount of photos or videos prepared me, it is overwhelming. My first visit was by far the best. Apart from one couple and several security guards I had it to myself. I went midweek at the end of the day.
Restaurante Bodegas Campo
A wonderful traditional olde worlde wine cellar, bar and many-different-roomed restaurant with top-notch service and a blend of old and new mainly old-style Spanish but also Mediterranean dishes.
Where to Stay – Córdoba Hotels
These are three of my favourite hotels in Córdoba, click to read my review of them.
See the hotels I have stayed in on my Only Spain Boutique Hotel site, both in the city and the province Cordoba Boutique Hotels.
See my Cordoba, Spain Full of UNESCO Sites posts on my sister site Only Spain.
Read my 36 Hours in Granada post.
Fancy a Hammam Bath Experience in Cordoba?
