Córdoba is a city that truly feels like a crossroads of history, and our day trip there from Seville was a great way to experience that blend of cultures. It’s about an hour from Seville and we arrived by train at around 10 AM, and despite a long 2-hour delay at the station on the way back, we managed to see quite a bit in our 8-hour visit—without ever feeling rushed. Here’s a breakdown of what we saw, did, and ate during our time in this historic city.
The highlight of our visit was definitely the Mezquita (the Great Mosque of Córdoba), which is truly an architectural wonder. We’d pre-booked our tickets online (which we highly recommend), and with the audio tour in hand, we really got to understand the significance of the building. Originally built as a mosque in the 8th century, the Mezquita is now a cathedral, and it’s fascinating to see how the different sections of the building reflect the history of these two religions.
The prayer hall, with its iconic red-and-white striped arches, is like stepping into another world, and the blend of Islamic and Christian influences is stunning. The mosque was later transformed into a Christian cathedral, and there are sections inside which feel in stark contrast to one another, whilst still feeling like they absolutely ‘belong’ together. It’s an amazing space and is absolutely massive – absolutely soemthing we’re both so pleased have been able to see.
A particularly striking feature is the bell tower, which Elliot climbed—though Kirsty, being pregnant, skipped it, as the steps were steep and narrow. The views from the top are amazing and give a bit more of a sense to the scale of the place, looking down over the Orange Garden.
The Orange Garden is a peaceful spot to relax. The scent of the trees and the quiet(ish) atmosphere make it a perfect place to take a moment before continuing your exploration of the city.
After the Mezquita, we strolled through the Calleja de las Flores, one of Córdoba’s most picturesque streets. It’s narrow, lined with beautiful white buildings, and at the end, looking back, you’re greeted by a stunning view of the Mezquita’s bell tower framed by vibrant flowerpots. It’s a lovely spot for a quick photo and a relaxed walk.
We were getting hungry by this point, so we found a local tapas place called Patio de la Judería. The food was nice, though not groundbreaking given the quality of so much food in Andalusia. The crispy aubergine, however, was a standout and something we’d definitely recommend trying.
Next, we headed towards the Roman Bridge, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The bridge is impressive, stretching across the Guadalquivir River, and at the far end, you’re met by a fortress. It’s a fantastic place for a photo op, and the views over the river and city are breathtaking. We had a bit of time to kill before our next stop at the Alcázar of the Christian Kings, so it was a great way to spend a few minutes taking in the scenery.
When we finally made our way to the Alcázar, I have to admit we were a bit underwhelmed at first. The entrance area looks a bit run-down, and we initially wondered if we were in the right place. However, as we explored further, we found that the gardens were absolutely beautiful—definitely worth the visit on their own. There’s also a tower with fantastic views over the city, so if you’re into panoramic vistas, it’s well worth the climb – and the steps are few enough that Kirsty could make it up, so don’t miss out if you’re pregnant! Inside the Alcázar itself, there’s not much going on (unless we completely missed it) but the gardens and views more than make up for it.
Afterwards, we walked to the Roman Temple of Córdoba, though to be honest, the ongoing excavation work (with cranes everywhere) made it hard to appreciate fully. We grabbed a quick drink opposite the site before heading over to the Cristo de los Faroles (Christ of the Lanterns), which stands in a square outside a church. The crucifix here is unique and makes for an interesting stop.
Before heading back to the train station, we stopped for a drink and dessert at Taberna Caballerizas Reales, which turned out to be a great little find. Elliot tried a local cheese and beer, while Kirsty had Pastel Cordobés, a delicious puff pastry filled with cabello de ángel (pumpkin jam) and dusted with sugar and cinnamon. It was the perfect way to end the day before heading back to the station.
Córdoba is a fantastic city for a day trip—it’s incredibly walkable, with a lot of history packed into a small area. The Mezquita is, of course, a must-see, and we’d recommend booking tickets in advance and getting the audio guide to really appreciate its depth. The Roman Bridge, Alcázar gardens, and little streets like Calleja de las Flores add to the charm. We did feel like a day was enough to take in the main sights, though, and we were happy to return to Seville for the evening.
Despite a minor setback with the train delay, Córdoba lived up to expectations. It’s a city that blends history, culture, and beautiful sights effortlessly, and we’re glad we made the trip.
