Last updated on March 19th, 2025 at 11:43 pm
Have you been looking for the best Seville to Cordoba day trip itinerary? I’ve got you covered!
Córdoba is a city rich in history, with beautiful architecture, charming cobbled streets, and a fascinating mix of cultures making it a perfect day trip from Seville.
Visiting Córdoba in a single day is not only possible but an absolute must! Whether you’re exploring the stunning Mezquita-Catedral, the picturesque Jewish Quarter, or the iconic Roman Bridge, this itinerary will ensure you make the most of your day in Cordoba!
On my recent trip to Seville, I spent an afternoon in Cordoba with a private guide and realised this city has so much to offer beyond its charming flower-filled streets and cosy cafes.
In this itinerary, I’ll cover exactly how to spend your one day in Cordoba, including stops at iconic landmarks, a bit of relaxation, and incredible food along the way. With this itinerary, you’ll be well prepared for your Seville to Cordoba day trip!
Short on time? Don’t miss this incredible tour of the Mosque-Cathedral, it includes a walk through the interesting history and skip-the-line tickets! Book it now!
Can You Do Córdoba In One Day?
Yes! Absolutely, you can see all of the highlights this compact, but lovely Andalusian town has to offer all in a day – if you plan it well!
Cordoba has many attractions, most of which can be explored on foot! In just one day, you can marvel at the Mosque-Cathedral, stroll across the historic Roman Bridge, and wander through the charming cobbled paths of the old town.
If you stay overnight, you will benefit from an atmospheric evening of drinks, tapas and flamenco and a morning visiting the cobbled streets and patios without the tourist crowds! (See my suggested hotel options below).
A Day Trip From Seville to Córdoba: The Perfect 1 Day In Córdoba Itinerary!
This Seville to Cordoba day trip itinerary is broken down into four sections: morning, midday, afternoon, and evening, it’s based on the assumption that you will be spending 8-9 hours in Cordoba!
I’ve chosen the best things to do in Cordoba based on my own experiences with a private driver-guide, whether you opt to explore independently or not, the goal is to see as much as possible without being totally overwhelmed!
Here’s the details of your Seville to Cordoba day trip!
1 Day In Cordoba Itinerary: Morning
1. Mezquita-Catedral
Start your Seville day trip to Cordoba strong, with a walk around the Mosque Cathedral, it’s Cordoba’s top attraction and is best visited in the morning to avoid the worst of the crowds, the gate opens at 10am!
Mezquita Catedral is the crown jewel of Córdoba and one of the most impressive sites in Spain (after the Alhambra in nearby Granada). This former mosque, later converted into a cathedral, reflects Córdoba’s diverse history.
In my opinion, the must-see highlight is the breathtaking red-and-white horseshoe arches, they are enormous when walking underneath, I highly recommend going inside WITH a tour guide, it’s a great experience!
Don’t miss the Patio de los Naranjos, filled with palm and orange trees – and climbing up to the bell tower for spectacular views of the city!
If you are looking for more of a deep dive into the history, book a 75-minute private tour of the Mosque Cathedral, which includes skip-the-line entry tickets– it’s worth it for the perks!
Note: The Mosque-Cathedral is extremely popular, book your tickets in advance of your trip to secure your spot!
2. Exploring the Jewish Quarter (Judería)
After leaving the Mezquita-Catedral, take a stroll through the Jewish Quarter, one of the most charming and historic areas of Córdoba’s old town.
The Jewish Quarter is just a short hop from the Mezquita Cathedral, it’s extremely picturesque! While there you can visit the Córdoba Synagogue – one of the only remaining synagogues in Spain from medieval times.
And take your time to wander through Calleja de las Flores, a narrow, picturesque alley with white-washed buildings, adorned with vibrant flowers, perfect for photos!
Calle de San Basillo
Nearby the Jewish Quarter you’ll find Calle de San Basilio with many traditional Cordoban houses and stunning courtyards and pathways just as pretty as the famous Calle de las Flores, discover hidden patios at your leisure, some of which are open to visitors for free!
Bonus points if you happen to be in Cordoba in May when the town hosts Feria de los Patios – the annual patio competition!
1 Day In Cordoba Itinerary: Midday
3. Where to Eat in Córdoba
After a morning full of exploring, find a nice lunch spot in the old town, this is your Free time for shopping, or relaxing at a café.
Some of the best places to eat in Cordoba include, Bodegas Mezquita Cespedes or Bodegas Mezquita Corregidor, both restaurants are perfectly located in the Jewish Quarter, near the Mosque, offering delicious tapas and traditional Córdoban dishes with lovely surrounds.
After lunch, you can stroll through the city center and top by squares such as Plaza de la Corredera – a lively square filled with cafes and local shops, fountains, and lively markets for a bit of shopping.
1 Day In Cordoba Itinerary: Afternoon
4. Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
Nearby the Jewish Quarter you’ll find Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos – a fortress with beautiful vivid green gardens, fountains and ponds.
You can go inside this Palace to have a look around, but if you’ve already seen Seville’s magnificent Royal Alcazar you might want to focus on wandering around the gardens, which are the highlight anyway (in summer they are better than Seville’s!!).
5. Roman Bridge
Lastly, a visit to Córdoba isn’t complete without a walk across the Roman Bridge, a landmark dating back to the 1st century BC – it’s a must!
This scenic spot provides some of the best views of the city, especially with the Mezquita-Catedral in the background and the afternoon light is the best time to visit!
A stunning spot with great photo opportunities – and it’s totally traffic free so you can truly enjoy!
6. Calahorra Tower
At the bridge’s southern end you’ll find nearby attraction, the Calahorra Tower, which houses a small musem, if you want to learn more about Cordoba’s history, I personally skipped going in as I felt like I’d learnt so much history already!
If you’re travelling independently and are looking for a deeper dive into Cordoba’s two main historic attractions – you can book this top-rated private guided tour of the Mosque Cathedral and Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos – be sure to book in advance!
1 Day In Cordoba Itinerary: Evening
7. Drinks At Rooftop Terrace
Wrap up your day trip to Cordoba at a rooftop bar like stylish Balcon de Cordoba, where you can sip a cocktail with a spectacular view over the charming old town.
Balcon de Cordoba Hotel’s sophisticated rooftop terrace is my favourite place in Cordoba for sipping cocktails, it’s situated in a great location with a nice vibe – a lovely end to your Seville to Cordoba day trip!
8. Journey Back To Seville
After a full day trip, it’s time to return to Seville, giving you time to relax after your busy day in Córdoba.
If you’re travelling via train the last train back is usually around 9pm, but check the schedule to avoid missing the last departure!
Alternatively, if you’re not too tired, grab a quick dinner in Córdoba before heading back to Seville, if you’re travelling with a private driver you can arrange a time to leave that suits you!
Is Cordoba Worth A Day Trip From Seville?
Yes if you have an extra day in Seville, a day trip to Cordoba is well worth it! Córdoba is a fantastic way to experience more of Andalusia’s rich culture and history. You’ll get to see the city’s top highlights before returning in the evening back to Seville.
HOW TO GET TO CORDOBA SPAIN
There are 4 ways to get from Seville to Cordoba, I’ve highlighted the most convenient and easiest options, these are train, private driver, car and guided day tour.
Note: Buses are an option as an alternative transport, but take around two hours, making them less ideal for a one-day trip!
Here’s how to get to Cordoba from Seville!
1. Day Trip From Seville To Cordoba With A Private Driver
A private driver and professional guide is a fantastic choice, this is what we did and thought it was an excellent way of getting to know Cordoba without the constraints of a tour!
This private day trip to Cordoba with Welcome Pickups is 100% customisable and flexible, so if something doesn’t suit you, you can just leave it out and opt for something else! For example, we included Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (palace and gardens) – and a lot of tours skip this, but it was a real highlight!
My top tip – discuss what you would like to see and how much free time you want to walk around the historic Jewish Quarter and beautiful flower-filled patios yourself, this way your driver/guide can create the perfect itinerary for your day in Cordoba – and give you as much or as little information as you require!!
If you’re looking for something more tailored to your interest, a private driver day tour to Cordoba is the perfect choice! Check availability and book your tailor-made private day tour today!
2. Seville To Cordoba Day Trip By Train
The fastest and easiest way to travel from Seville to Córdoba is by train. The speed train (AVE) connects the two cities in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for an independent day trip.
Where to catch the train: Trains depart from Sevilla-Santa Justa train station and arrive at Córdoba train station, which is about a 20-minute walk from the old town.
Ticket prices & booking: It’s best to book in advance via Rail Europe website to secure good fares. Prices can range from 10 to 40 euros, depending on the time and demand – be sure to select the direct 40 minute speed train!
Once you arrive at Córdoba train station, either take a short taxi ride, hop on a bus, or enjoy a leisurely stroll into the historic city center.
Book your Seville to Cordoba train here!
3. Seville To Cordoba Day Trip By Car
Driving from Seville to Cordoba is possible, if you’ve hired a car for a road trip around Andalusia and Cordoba is a stop between Seville and Madrid for example, then a car is a valid option. If you’re staying overnight your hotel will provide you with parking details.
If you’re visiting for the day, however, parking is limited to outside of the city centre, your best bet is finding a secure underground garage.
Another benefit of driving is stopping along the way to somewhere like Carmona for example, which pairs beautifully with Cordoba!
However, you don’t need to rent a car for just one day in Cordoba – you can rely on a private driver, the speed train or group tour instead!
Check car hire rates with Discover Car for your Andalusian trip!
4. Day Tours From Seville To Cordoba – Small Group
Taking a guided tour from Seville to Cordoba is certainly an option for those looking for more information about Cordoba’s history and a smooth ride without any hassle!
You will also benefit from seeing more in a shorter amount of time, like the nearby charming town of Carmona and with the inclusion of transport and entry fees, it works out pretty well!
I love this tour, because it allows you 2hrs of free time to grab lunch and roam the pretty historic centre of Cordoba and see the flower patios of Los Patios de San Basilio at your leisure!
Book This Top Rated Cordoba day trip from Seville Group Tour Here, Includes – Carmona stop, Callahorra Tower, Juderia de Cordoba, Mosque Cathedral, professional guide and entry tickets!
GETTING AROUND CORDOBA SPAIN
Cordoba is a very walkable compact town, you can walk to most places within this day trip to Cordoba from Seville itinerary and it’s very flat similar to Seville, so it’s easy going too!
I recommend walking around the historic centre especially, its clean and beautiful with many flower-filled lanes and patios to wander amongst!
There are taxis available if you wanted to travel further afield, if you have a private driver from Seville, you can of course be driven to as many or as few stops as you please!
WHERE TO STAY IN CORDOBA SPAIN
Before we wrap up this guide on how to spend one incredible day in Cordoba, I wanted to touch on where to stay in this beautiful town!
Overall, I highly recommend staying in the historic town centre (especially if you are visiting Cordoba in Spring), so you are able to enjoy the pretty patios in the mornings without the tour groups and get to the main sites easily!
Balcon de Cordoba
Balcon de Cordoba is a beautiful luxurious boutique hotel in Cordoba’s historic centre. It’s a stylish re-vamped 17th century monastery, with pretty flower-filled patios, a wonderful rooftop terrace with views (I wandered here for a glass of wine) – and it’s just minutes from the Unesco-listed Mezquita.
Hospes Palacio del Bailio
Hospes Palacio del Bailio is five star luxe retreat with history, this hotel is set within the Roman ruins of a villa and is a member of Designs Hotels. At this hotel, there’s plenty of places to relax including flower garden, pool and spa, if you’re craving a slice of luxury, this is it!
P Santa Clara Hotel Boutique By Sojo
P Santa Clara Hotel is a new charming and centrally located hotel, P Santa Clara offers charm and convenience. It’s within walking distance of all the major landmarks like the Cordoba Mosque – only 200 metres away! This hotel blends modern elegance and natural beauty, it’s superb!
SEVILLE TO CORDOBA DAY TRIP FAQ
When to visit Cordoba?
I highly recommend planning your Cordoba trip in Spring and Summer, the flowers will be in full bloom (the star of the show!!) and the green spaces around the Mosque Cathedral and Alcazar of Cordoba will be at their very best!! (The flower show takes place in May).
Where is Cordoba Spain?
Cordoba is located in Andalusia Southern Spain, conveniently in the middle of Madrid and Seville making Cordoba a great day trip or stop from either place if you’re travelling between the two cities!
Which is nicer, Cordoba or Seville?
Cordoba and Seville are stunning Andalusian cities offering historical attractions, charming old towns and a great vibe! Seville is larger and bustling with more things to see and do and is worthy of at least 2 days, whereas Cordoba you can see everything in a well-planned day!
If you’re looking to build on your Seville itinerary, check out my complete 2 Days In Seville Itinerary or my 25 Magical Things To Do In Seville Spain post!!
How far is Cordoba from Seville by train?
A Seville to Cordoba day trip is quick via a speedy train service that takes only 40 minutes – then a 20 minute walk to the centre of Cordoba, if you travel by car it’s about the same amount of time – unless you stop to take pictures!
Can Cordoba be a day trip from Seville?
Is Cordoba a day trip from Seville? Yes, Cordoba is one of the best day tours from Seville – and the distance from Seville to Cordoba by car is only 140km, which is why day trips from Seville to Cordoba are so popular!
One full day is all you really need to see the main highlights, but if you wanted more leisure time and a morning to wander the historic centre without lots of tourists then maybe an overnight stay will be more suitable. It all depends on your overall-time frame!
Is is worth staying overnight in Cordoba?
Yes if you stay overnight, you will enjoy the full evening without needing to leave early, staying in a beautiful hotel and having the old town to yourself to wander in the morning without the crowds, plus include additional nearby attractions such as Carmona.
CORDOBA TO SEVILLE DAY TRIP SUMMARY
That wraps up my Cordoba to Seville day trip itinerary! As you can see there’s a lot in Cordoba worth exploring!
Cordoba has some of the most interesting attractions in Andalusia Spain from the historical Mezquita-Catedral to the charming Jewish Quarter, the stunning Roman Bridge, and lovely patios, Córdoba is a much more than a quick stop!
Whether you’re interested in Cordoba’s colourful past or its vibrant present, a FULL day trip to Córdoba from Seville is an absolute must. So organise a private driver or hop on the train from Seville to Córdoba, Spain, and get ready for a day filled with fascinating history and beauty!
If you have extra time in Seville, there’s more to see in an around Andalusia!
Check out my guide to the best day tours from Seville, to help you decide which option is best for you!
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Plan your Seville 1 day itinerary, Southern Spain’s beautiful city!
Here’s my go-to list of resources for transport, accommodation, tours for travel in Seville!
- Booking.com: For the best accommodation rates
- Trip Advisor: Check out the latest reviews & trips
- Get Your Guide: For incredible day trips
- Discover Cars: Best car hire price comparison
- Rail Europe: Best routes & prices across networks
- Welcome pickups – travel around Seville Spain in luxury
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- 5 Wonderful Day Tours From Seville
- 7 Best Tapas Bars In Seville
- 2 Days In Seville Itinerary
- 1 Day In Seville Itinerary
- How To Experience Alcazar Gardens Seville
- 25 Magical Things To Do In Seville Spain
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Michelle Trudie, is the founder of Little Wanderblog, a luxury boutique travel site. She has travelled to over 30 countries in the last 15 years. Michelle share’s her passion for stylish and affordable luxury travel experiences in Europe and beyond! Her goal is to make travel planning easier to hidden gem places!
