Local Guide: Day Trip Seville to Cordoba and Top Things to Do & Restaurants in Cordoba

Known as the ‘City of Flowers’ (don’t miss the annual Courtyards Festival of Córdoba in May when local courtyards become a flurry of florals on display), Cordoba feels vastly different from Seville, although it still boasts that Southern Spain charm. Plus, the entire Historic Center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

More intimate, but retaining a lot of the Moorish-type architecture and culture, it’s the sort of destination where you want to take photographs with every corner you turn. It’s utterly picturesque. It feels like a Spanish Middle Eastern dreamscape. 

Ever arrive somewhere new and simply think, “Wow, is this even real?” A kind of pinch-me moment based on the surrounding beauty. Yup, Cordoba is like that. Not only wooing in beauty, but the city is also renowned for its cuisine. It’s one of the best places in the Andalusia region to sample local, regional specialities. You can tell this just by comparing the restaurants (I’ve yet to stumble upon a terrible spot). 

Just 1.5 hours from Seville (if heading slightly north/inland), if you’re considering adventuring on a day trip Seville to Cordoba, I say do it! You won’t regret it one bit. 

P.S. Spring is my favorite time to visit Cordoba, when most flowers begin blooming. The scents that fill the air are divine. 

How to get from Seville to Cordoba

By train

The fastest and easiest way to get to Cordoba from Seville is via train. While driving on the roads takes 1.5 hours, the train journey is a shorter 40 minutes. Trains depart from Seville to Cordoba about every 20 minutes. You might want to consider pre-booking train tickets to save you time. 

By bus

Buses depart from Seville’s main bus station: Estación de Autobuses (Plaza de Armas). This is the longer route, and the journey takes between 1h 40 mins to two hours to reach Cordoba. The trains are actually cheaper than the bus. 

By car

If you have your international license, you can always hire a car. This way leaves travel time to your leisure, as well as any stops in between. If you’ve already rented a car for the duration of your time in Spain, it’s a good way to reach Cordoba. Then you can leave as late as you want. 

By tour 

Are you the type of traveler who prefers it when nitty gritty travel plans are taken care of for you? You might want to opt for a pre-organized tour instead, where everything is sorted before the day trip Seville to Cordoba (including transport).  

Top things to do in Cordoba 

Calleja de las Flores

Renowned for its paradise of flowers, if you’re not here in May, you can still totally appreciate the city’s floral-ness down the breathtaking Calleja de las Flores street. It’s a narrow alleyway, but one that is always bustling as visitors arrive with their cameras in hand. The buildings are so pretty, and each is adorned with flower pots or vines growing up the walls. It’s a Spanish love affair. In the distance, the Mosque-Cathedral peaks out at certain angles. It’s all very beautiful. 

Then, an eight-minute walk from here is the visually stunning Ruta de Patios, i.e., the Patio Route. Cordoba’s patios and terraces are famed for their garden oases, no matter how big or small. Bright flowers and greens contrast against classic Andalusian-style architecture; like you’re in a colorful dream. 

Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos

Some parts of Cordoba remind me of Granada (a two-hour drive away), especially with its Moorish influences and palaces. Queen Isabella I of Castile and King Ferdinand stayed here (the monarchy in charge of many of Andalusia’s Muslim to Christian conversions).   

Also known as the Alcázar of Córdoba, this former palace and fortress is a fusion of architectural styles, from Mudéjar to Baroque. Constructed in the 13th century, it boasts gorgeous gardens, Arabic baths, courtyards, and a Hall of Mosaics. For an in-depth exploration, book a tour of the grounds. 

Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba

Introducing Cordoba’s most famous attraction! If there’s one site not to miss during your day trip Seville to Cordoba, it has to be the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba (also called the Great Mosque). Dating to 785 CE, it was originally a grand city mosque, constructed under the Emirate of Córdoba rule. Tours are available, and I’d suggest buying skip-the-line tickets for time-saving purposes. 

When the Christians overtook the city circa June 26, 1236, the Mosque was the first building to be converted! (Hence the double entendre title.) It is, without a doubt, an absolute MARVEL of architecture, and I love how certain original features are preserved. In today’s world, I find it quite symbolic of how I wish the world, and countries/cultures, could work as one. Its arches and ceilings, in particular, are mesmerizing.  

Hammam Al Andalus

Fun fact: The Andalusia region is rich in thermal springs. As a result, many thermal baths were erected over the centuries, either by the Romans or the Moors, and some in modern times. 

Visiting the Hammam Al Andalus Baños Árabes (Arab baths) is one of the most unique experiences during a day trip Seville to Cordoba. Once inside, feel as if you’re entering an otherworldly destination. Apart from the bathing sessions, there are other treatments to relax and rejuvenate, ranging from massages to skin rituals to water therapies. Purchase tickets for just the baths, or ones including a massage. 

Roman Bridge of Córdoba

It’s not often I recommend making extra effort to check out random city structures like bridges, roundabouts, and squares, unless there truly is something WOW. The Roman Bridge of Córdoba is one such example, where you’ll gasp at its grandeur. 

Located within the UNESCO-listed historical town center, the 331-meter-long bridge spans the Guadalquivir River. But the impressive attributes don’t end there. 

This bridge (albeit it’s been rebuilt countless times) dates to the very start of the 1st century BCE (built by the Romans) — that’s insane when you think of how many people have traversed this space. And it’s not just a flat structure, oh no. Its construction takes your breath away with its impressive 16 arches. The most beautiful time to walk the bridge is at sunset, or at night when it’s lit up in warm orange light.  

Medina Azahara – Conjunto Arqueológico Ma

We all have our hobbies, interests, and things in life that set our souls ablaze. For many, that’s discovering ancient ruins, ambling around spaces that eons ago were full of life. Maybe half the allure is using your imagination to picture what life was like then. If you’re an archeologist or just generally love sightseeing ruins, don’t miss Medina Azahara – Conjunto Arqueológico Ma — well, what remains of it, anyway. 

It’s just outside of the city, and was once a magnificent palace. Notice similarities in colors and structures, such as the red/orange curved archways that are seen in the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba. Another interesting place to visit on your day trip Seville to Cordoba is the Archaeological Museum of Córdoba.

Best restaurants in Cordoba

Noor

Welcome to Cordoba’s one and only three-Michelin-starred restaurant: Noor. With such an accolade, you best believe it’s a whole fine dining vibe, and it’s considered the city’s top restaurant above them all. If you love your food, you have to make a reservation for your day trip Seville to Cordoba. 

My favorite thing about this spot is the concept, centered on recreating the history and cultures of Cordoba, specifically from the 10th century. But make it food art. They’ve even gone so far as to chat with historians and archaeologists!

The attention to detail shines in flavors, ingredients, but most importantly, the story behind each dish. If you’ve explored the city’s landmarks, you’ll immediately notice the similarities and odes to landmark architecture! 

Terra Olea

Creative, thoughtful, and providing diners with interesting ingredients you may not have tasted before, Terra Olea is the kind of restaurant that reminds me why I love food so much (and eating out). 

Interiors are bright, stylish, and incorporate many natural elements, which lend a laidback-ness to the room. Choose between six degustation menus, varying from eight to 16 dishes (max). What’s the cuisine like from the Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded spot? Think traditional regional recipes with a contemporary spin. 

Restaurant Taberna La Viuda

Not that I am shunning anyone who does this (okay, I kind of am), but why travel across the world and then stick only to cuisine you’re used to? Restaurant Taberna La Viuda is one of the most authentic restaurants to eat at during your day trip Seville to Cordoba. 

It’s modeled after a traditional Spanish taverna (the current building was a classic “taberna”), and everything from the interiors to the dishes is quintessentially Cordobese, with plenty of culinary specialties. On Thursday nights, there is live music.  

Food Tip: Wondering what the Spaniards enjoy for breakfast? Have a read through these traditional Spanish brekkie foods — a perfect read during the journey for your day trip Seville to Cordoba. 

Restaurante Damasco

For the most delicious (halal) Arabic cuisine, look no further than Restaurante Damasco. It suits this city to a tee, especially considering Cordoba’s Moorish past. Set up within one of the town’s stunning, floral-adorned patios, it’s close to the Mosque-Cathedral (a three-minute walk). 

Food is an explosion of color, flavor, and fragrances, and although many dishes cross Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries, it’s a Syrian restaurant. Order plates (ideal for sharing) like Lebanese-style arayes, castaletta (Sudanese-style lamb chops), dolmades, and muhammara dip. Finish your meal with a Turkish coffee. 

Casa Pepe 

Casa Pepe is another really popular restaurant in town (make a reservation prior), serving classic Spanish/Andalusian-type cuisine. It’s got an unpretentious feel to it, but still manages to be refined. The atmosphere is ever-inviting and warm. 

This is an excellent option for your day trip Seville to Cordoba to sample the city’s iconic dishes. These include the likes of cold tomato soup (salmorejo), oxtail stew, and their famous flamenquín. This dish is a Cordoba original and comprises jamón serrano slices, which are wrapped in pork loin, rolled up, then battered in breadcrumbs, and finally deep-fried. 

Restaurant La Esquinita de la Judería el patio

Cordoba is most famous for its cuisine, and it’s a fantastic destination to taste the real traditions of the region, which many restaurants have preserved. Restaurant La Esquinita de la Judería el patio has raving reviews all around, and is often in contest for the city’s top restaurant spot, especially when it comes to local dishes. 

Definitely try to nab a table within the outdoor courtyard (a traditional Cordoban patio situation). I especially like how the menu has three parts to it: traditional food, fusion bites to keep up with contemporary times, and a meat-heavy section. Find them in the Jewish Quarter.  

Since my first time in the country, Spain has remained one of my favorite European destinations. Wondering where to next? Here’s a guide to the best places in Spain for first-timers!

Returning from your day trip Seville to Cordoba, you’ll reach the city in the late afternoon/evening. Keen for a tipple? Dive into the best bars in Seville, including some fab rooftop options. 

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