Has anyone been to Cordoba, Spain?

Question

Cordoba, Spain is currently a "dream destination" of mine. Once I have the money to pay for my ticket and living accommodations, I will be able to turn this dream into a reality. I've always wanted to see the Mesquita! So, any suggestions or advice would be just lovely.

Answer 1

We went there for a day, on a side trip, while staying in Sevilla.  We thought the Mezquita was wonderful!  but that, plus a couple of other destinations, we were done in time for tapas in Sevilla, at about 6:00.  I don't know if I would give the town more than about 3 days at the most, unless you are planning to put down roots, and that's a whole different story.

Enjoy it!  We thought it was beautiful, but my heart lives in Sevilla.

Answer 2

I went to Cordoba for a day on a tour out of Granada. The Mesquite is a wonderful place to visit.

The caliphate had his palace outside of Cordoba. The ruined palace is a beautiful place too.

There is an old bridge with a tower at one end near the mesquite. The tower is converted to a museum.

Cordoba was quite a bit warmer than Granada in december.

Watch out for gypsies. I had a really hard time with one trying to beg for money whilst I was eating lunch at an outdoor restaurant.

I took Spanish language lessons with accomodations whilst in Granada. Don Quijote and Enforex are recommended. They have several schools in the major cities.

Answer 3

I'm from Cordoba altough I don't live there anymore and I just go there to visit my family.

Let's start with accommodation. The cheapest way to spend a month in Cordoba would be finding a room in a shared flat with students. It's not usual to rent only one month but you can give it a chance through www.loquo.com. It will cost you between 150 and 250 euros if you are lucky to find it. It will be easier from June to September because university students are enjoying holidays. But if you really want to enjoy Cordoba, you should go in May. Spending the whole month of May in Cordoba will be the greatest experience you'll have in your life. Easter can be very interesting too. The problem for those dates will be finding accommodation in case you finally end in a hostal, apartment or youth hostal but if you book well in advance you may not have any problem. Cheap and nice hostels are Corredera (20€), youth hostel in shared room (16-20€), Alcazar (30€)... This way your lodging can go up to more than 600€ for the month.

Luckily, food is not very expensive in Cordoba but you should calculate around 15€/day unless you have a kitchen avalaible and can get your food from supermarket.

Actually, things would be way much more easy renting a room for the month because you will need to wash your clothes at some point and there is no selfservice laundry in Cordoba so that will be very expensive in a regular laundry.

About visiting it all depends on your interests. If you are Arts or History student, you'll probably enjoy it for more than anyone else. Another aspect to take into account is the dates when you are visiting. If it is May you would enjoy the whole month there because there are many typical events. Easter week is also impressive here.

Cordoba itself is great but, if you have the chance, you could also go to Almodovar castle (25kms from Cordoba), Ermitas (15 kms) and Medina Azahara (10kms).

The most important thing you need to cover all the monuments in Cordoba are the timetables. I've met many people that made the one day trip on monday and found everything closed so the first link I add it is the page that they will give you at the tourist info points. Check it out and plan your visit according to it. Plus, you have listed in a single document all the places you may want to see.

Trick!: the best day to visit is Friday. Most of museums are for free that day. If you are EU member, take a passport with you because many of them are also for free any day of the week. And the best tip: go visiting the Mezquita early in the morning: from 8am to 10am (except sundays) you save 8 euros. You don't need to get a ticket in the ticket box; just go to the entrance (you'll probably see a guard there) and get in. Any doubt, just ask anyone.

Check in the website "turismodecordoba" about what you can see there and decide if it's worthy or not for you.

Apart from monuments, take your time to enjoy the old town.

Go to Plaza de la Corredera to have churros with chocolate at Churreria Mari Paz (breakfast). If you don't mind to spend a little more go for lunch to Taberna Casa Rubio (don't go upstairs, stay in the bottom floor) near Puerta de Almodovar and order Berenjenas a la miel and salmorejo and try the desserts. It will cost around 25 euros per person but it is absolutely worthy.

If you are spending the night in Cordoba, don't miss a night walk to Plaza de Capuchinos, Calle de las Flores and Puerta de Almodovar and if avalaible, go to the Hamman in a late hour. You have to book in advance.

If you need further information or detailed opinion, you are free to contact me. I'll be pleased to help you.