How to Spend 1 Day in Cordoba

Come to Cordoba to explore a city shaped by history, from the arches of the Mezquita (Mosque-Cathedral) to the narrow lanes in the Jewish Quarter. With one day in Cordoba, you can discover the city’s key landmarks, taste local food and wine, and thrill to the rhythm of Andalucia’s fiery flamenco music. Use these tips to plan your trip.

Morning: Historic Highlights

The red-and-white striped arches of the Mezquita might be Cordoba’s most famous image, but there’s much more to see in the historic center, where you’ll also find Jewish and Moorish quarters and traditional homes. Winding streets make this a perfect spot to explore on foot, and it’s worth touring with a guide to discover the stories behind the whitewashed facades; with such a long history, there’s often more to the city than meets the eye. If you want to choose your destinations, a convenient option is to combine a hop-on hop-off ticket with guided visits to individual landmarks, saving time by choosing tours that include skip-the-line access.

Afternoon: Traditional Treats

After taking in the key sights, refuel with a relaxing afternoon: Choose between a laid-back tapas tour and a luxurious stop at the city’s Arab baths. If you opt for tapas, prepare for a colorful array of small plates, often served with locally produced wine. If a relaxing bath is more your pace, you’ll be enjoying another legacy of Moorish culture in Andalucia; like the beautiful Mezquita, hammam baths arrived with Arab conquest.

Night: Sounds of Flamenco

Flamenco is celebrated all over Spain—and the world—but Andalucia is the true homeland of this passionate art form. Most flamenco shows feature live guitar music and a number of performers, but otherwise, they can range widely from traditional to more contemporary dancing. Because watching a flamenco show in Cordoba is a popular experience, it’s worth booking well in advance to secure tickets to the performance that interests you most. Tickets often come with an included drink, so you can sip a glass of Andalucian wine as the dancers take the stage.