What to do in Cordoba, Spain on the weekend

Cordoba, Spain is one of the most impressive cities in Andalucia with 4 incredible UNESCO sites, a vibrant historic center, and colorful courtyards.

There are so many wonderful things to see and do in Cordoba on a weekend. From visiting the impressive Mosque-Cathedral where Islamic and Christian architecture is elegantly integrated to seeing the remains of the only Synagogue in Spain that has remained after the Jews were driven out of the country.

You will get a glimpse of the top attractions you can fit into a weened trip in this post so that you can start planning your trip. There are also a lot of great Cordoba tours including the best attractions where you can learn a lot of the city’s history from a local guide.

What to do in Cordoba on the weekend

1. Visit the Mosque-Cathedral

Pillar interiors at Mosque-Cathedral. — Inside Mosque-Cathedral

The Mosque-Cathedral is the main attraction in Cordoba and if you prefer eating tapas and drinking wine all weekend over visiting tourist sights, this is the one place you should see.

This is the perfect example of the influence of different religions on Spanish cities, from Albufeira to Valencia to Cordoba. The impressive interior with red and white striped Arab arches holding up a vast forest of columns and the opulent Christian altarpiece and choir in the middle will leave you in awe.

Besides the interior, the orange garden outside is absolutely stunning and you can climb up the clock tower for epic views of the complex and the city from above.

2. Alcazar de Los Reyes Christianos

Walk on old castle wall at Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos. — Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos

The Alcazar de Los Reyes Cristianos is one of the impressive Moorish remains in Andalucia where you can walk the old castle walls and stroll through the manicured gardens and glittering fountains.

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It served as a center of Cordoba’s political power even before the Moorish fortifications, when Visigoths and even earlier, the Romans occupied the area.

3. Jewish Quarter

Whitewashed houses with mosque cathedral in the background. — Calleja de las Flores

If you are looking for where to stay in Cordoba Spain, the Jewish Quarter is a great area with cute whitewashed houses with narrow cobblestoned streets winding through pot plants hanging on the walls.

In the Jewish Quarter, you also find some of the most prominent attractions in the city like the remains of the Synagogue and a number of palaces, like Casa Andalusí. There are great restaurants and bars to choose from too!

4. Roman Bridge

Scenic view of the vibrant Roman Bridge Cordoba. — Roman Bridge Cordoba

The Roman Bridge crosses the magnificent Guadalquivir River and connects the Calahorra Tower and the Mosque-Cathedral on the other side. The vibrant bridge is always full of people, buskers, and street sellers where you can find hand-made jewelry and other unique items.

5. Explore the patios

Variety of plants at patios in San Basilio neighborhood. — Cordoba Courtyard Patios

Cordoba is famous for its pretty patios and while they are all open during the Patio Festival the two first weeks in May, there are a few you can visit all year round.

Your best bet to visit the ones in the San Basilio neighborhood is to go on a guided tour. This way you will learn more about the history of the patios and you will be taken to the best ones.

There are few places where you can enjoy so many colorful patios – some of them are private homes sharing their beautiful patios with you.

6. Stroll around the historical center

White washed houses at the historic center in Cordoba. — UNESCO-protected historical center in Cordoba

Make sure you take your time to stroll around the UNESCO-protected historical center in Cordoba. It is incredibly charming both at day and night with plenty of bars and restaurants to take in the flavors of Andalucia’s cuisine, watch Flamenco shows, and taste local wines. Make sure you do not miss out on the picturesque Calleja de Las Flores!

7. Take a half-day trip to Medina Azahara

The archaeological site of Medina Azahara is one of the best places to visit during a weekend in Cordoba. It is situated 8 kilometers outside the city and can easily be reached by a guided tour from Cordoba.

The visit includes the museum and the archaeological site, which dates back to the 10th century and was the seat of the Caliphate of Cordoba until its fall in the year 1009-1010 during the Civil War.

The city was forgotten for nearly 1000 years before it was rediscovered sometime during the early 20th century. Today, Medina Azahara is one of Cordoba’s UNESCO sites.

Bio: Linn Haglund

Linn Haglund is an avid traveler and travel writer that has called Andalucia home for over 10 years. She created Amused by Andalucia to help travelers navigate this intriguing corner of Spain and uncovers the most secluded parts of Andalucia as she slow-travels full-time in her van with her partner and dog. Catch more awesome content about Andalucia on Linn’s YouTube Channel Brainy Backpackers or follow her on Instagram.