Córdoba in 2 Days: The Mosque-Cathedral and Old Town

Begin with the rows of arches, the decorated mihrab and the cathedral built within the former mosque. This is the main visit of the day; book a dated ticket before exploring the surrounding lanes.

Take the narrow lane north of the Mosque-Cathedral for its flowerpots and the view back towards the bell tower. It is a short stop on the way into the Jewish Quarter.

Start with the medieval synagogue across Calle Judíos, then visit this museum of Sephardic history. Rooms devoted to home life, music and Córdoba’s Jewish community give the surrounding streets more context.

Finish in the municipal craft courtyard, where workshops continue traditions such as leatherwork, ceramics and jewellery. The small courtyard sits within the Jewish Quarter, near the synagogue.

Visit the Alcázar gardens for pools, planted paths and views of the fortress walls. Current admission covers the gardens, with the palace interiors under restoration; start here before the river walk.

Cross the Guadalquivir on the bridge linking the old town with the Calahorra tower. Pause for the view back towards the Mosque-Cathedral and the water below.

At the southern end of the bridge, the tower houses a museum about the cultures of medieval Córdoba. Its rooftop viewpoint also gives you a view along the bridge towards the old town.

From the riverbank, look across the islands, reeds and old watermills below the bridge. This is a riverside birdwatching and landscape stop, viewed from the public paths rather than a walk onto the islands.

Return to the northern bank and the square around the fountain. The former inn houses the Fosforito flamenco centre, with the Julio Romero de Torres and Fine Arts museums beside the square.

Choose Viana for a longer visit to its courtyards and palace rooms northeast of the old town. It is a useful alternative for an interest in gardens and domestic architecture, rather than another religious monument.

Walk around the octagonal tower and its arch over the street near Viana. The exterior gives this part of the city a short defensive-history stop without needing a tower interior visit.

Pause in the small square around the Cristo de los Faroles, enclosed by whitewashed buildings. It fits into a walk between the central streets and the Viana area.

Choose the archaeological museum for the city’s Roman and Islamic history, including the remains of a Roman theatre beneath the building. It sits close to the old-town route and makes a longer alternative to a short square stop.