There are a whole lot of Cordoba tours to choose from to uncover the incredible tourist attractions the Spanish city hides. Home to multiple UNESCO sites, picturesque patios, and a wealth of history, there is no better way to explore the city and unveil its history than with a local guide.
I’ve spent a lot of time in Cordoba and joined a fair bit of tours in Cordoba so I can warmly recommend going on one or more whether you spend one day in Cordoba or a week.
We recently spent a few days in the city during the patio festival and it was a whole different experience going on a patio tour at this special time of the year. However, no matter when you visit Cordoba (except in summer – just don’t go in summer) the patios are awesome!
Without any further ado, let’s get into the best Cordoba tours so you can start planning your vacation to one of the best cities in Andalucia!
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Top-rated Cordoba Tours
Cordoba’s Authentic Patios: 2-Hour Tour with Tickets
This is the number one Cordoba tour you should not miss out on. It is so much more valuable to visit the patios in Cordoba with a guide, especially if you don’t speak Spanish, so I’d put it right up there with the best things to do in Cordoba.
First of all, you will easily get to them without getting lost in the streets, but the guide will also give you valuable information about the patios and the history of the patios in Cordoba, which dates back to Arab times.
You will also understand why the picturesque patios have been protected by UNESCO.
Even if you visit outside of the Cordoba patio festival (first two weeks of May) your guide will tell you more about the festival and what to expect if you decide to come back for it.
The last time we went on a patio tour in Cordoba was during the festival, and instead of visiting the regular patios, the guide took us to some of the prettiest patios that are only open during the festival, which was great. Because during the festival, all patios are free to visit so you can easily visit the ones in San Basilio without a guide.
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Mosque-Cathedral, Alcazar & Synagogue with Skip the Line Tickets
See the 3 most important attractions in Cordoba in one tour. The Mosque-cathedral, the Alcazar de Los Reyes Christianos, and the Synagogue. These are the most prominent reasons to visit Cordoba and should not be missed.
The tour includes skip-the-line entry tickets to all three attractions and a guided tour of each attraction so that you will learn more about the imposing sites’ history and architecture.
Islamic, Jewish, and Christian religions were all important parts of the Andalusian history and Cordoba was a center for all of these religions. This Cordoba tour encompasses them all giving you an understanding of their importance to the city.
The tour will take you through the historic center and the Jewish Quarter where you will learn more about these historical UNESCO areas comprised of narrow cobblestoned streets and picturesque alleyways decorated with potplants.
This is a small group tour of Cordoba allowing you to get closer to the guide and ask questions. The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.
Guided tour of the Mosque-Cathedral, Jewish Quarter, Alcazar and Synagogue in Private
If you prefer a private tour of the Mosque-cathedral, Synagogue, and Alcazar de Los Reyes Cristianos, this is a great option for you.
The tour has an option of hotel pickup if you are far from the meeting point. Going with a private guide gives you an incredible opportunity to learn about the sites you are visiting, including the picturesque Jewish Quarter as it makes it easy to have a conversation with the guide.
The private tours usually last 3-4 hours.
Classic Cordoba: Mosque, Synagogue & Jewish Quarter Guided Tour
This is one of the most popular Cordoba guided tours taking you to the Mosque-cathedral and the Synagogue. Your guide will talk about the history and architecture of the religious buildings and the impact the Islamic and Jewish religions have had on Cordoba.
The tour will also take you through the picture-perfect streets of the old Jewish Quarter giving you an insight into the lives and history of the Jews that lived in Cordoba.
Guided Tour of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba
The most popular tourist attraction in Cordoba is the Mosque-cathedral. The impressive mosque was not torn down after the re-conquest, but the Christians rather built their chapels in the mosque integrating their structure into the Islamic architecture.
The UNESCO World Heritage site is so magnificent and going on a guided tour will give you so much more insight into its history than going on your own.
This is one of the most popular tours in Cordoba Spain and includes the entrance ticket to the Mosque-Cathedral. Meet your guide in Patio de Los Naranjos and enjoy a 1-1.5 hours intriguing history lesson.
Cordoba: Alcazar of The Christian Monarchs Tickets and Tour
A great guided tour of the Alcazar de Los Reyes Cristianos including entry tickets. The tour of the palace and manicured gardens is a fantastic way of learning more about the Christian re-conquest.
The palace and fortress have had multiple uses from a Royal palace, fortress, prison, and the seat of the Holy Inquisition. Your guide will explain each of the periods and you can climb the towers for exquisite city views.
Cordoba Flamenco Show at Tablao El Cardenal with a Drink
One of the most unique experiences you can have when traveling to Andalucia is a Flamenco show and Cordoba homes some of the most talented Flamenco dancers in the country.
A Flamenco Show at Tablao El Cardenal is well worth it. Besides the entrance tickets, you will get served a drink that you can enjoy during the show.
Trust me when I say that this show is full of energy and passion and you might easily find yourself clapping along as the dancers move passionately on stage to live music.
The show lasts about an hour and a half and is in the heart of the historic center near the Mosque-Cathedral.
Evening Wine Tasting Córdoba
You might not be familiar with Andalusian wines, but the province of Cordoba makes exquisite wines. This Cordoba wine tour takes you to a lovely local wine shop where you can taste different wines from the local region of Montilla-Moriles.
You will be served tapas with the wine in true Andalusian style which makes this an unforgettable local experience.
Besides, your guide will explain everything you need to know about Cordoba wine, its history, and wine production, including the different types, Fino, Oloroso, and the sweet Pedro Ximénez.
So if you started off knowing nothing about wines from Cordoba Spain, you will surely appreciate it after this tour.
Cordoba: Medina Azahara Guided Tour with Ticket
Among the most underrated Cordoba Spain tours, you find the archaeological remains of the 10th-century Arab city of Medina Azahara, which is situated outside Cordoba city.
This is one of the top attractions in Cordoba, yet not that many tourists make it there as they often just go on a day trip to Cordoba from Seville, Granada, or Malaga.
This tour is an excellent option for those who don’t travel by car as you can get a bus transfer included in the tour.
Your guide will tell you about the history of this incredible archaeological site including take you through the museum where a large number of artifacts found on the site are exhibited.
Both entrance fee to the archaeological site and museum is included in the tour. This is a half-day tour, so I recommend not making plans for half the day (before or after lunch) when booking this tour so you don’t miss out on other booked activities.
Arabian Baths Experience at Cordoba’s Hammam Al Ándalus
What is more unique than enjoying traditional Arab baths in Al Andalus (the name of Andalucia during the Arab era?) The baths date back 2000 years and it is such an incredible ambiance inside the baths, like stepping back in time.
Lounge in the hot and cold baths and relax your muscles in the steam room after long sightseeing days.
You will get a 15-minute massage included (you can upgrade if you want a longer one with full body exfoliation.) and after, you can enjoy a cup of refreshing mint tea.
This might just be one of the best experiences in Cordoba to not only look at history but also feel it.
Private Tasting of Olive Oil in Córdoba
Andalucia is one of Europe’s major quality olive oil producers so it’s on its place to learn more about its production and not to mention, taste the liquid gold.
This is without a doubt one of the best Cordoba tours for anyone wanting to learn more about the local culture. Trust me, olive oil is such an important part of the Andalusian’s daily life.
The guide will explain everything about olive oil production, how to taste different types of olive oil, and how to distinguish if it is bad.
The tasting of Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a wonderful experience as you will start to taste the differences and find your own favorites. If you want to take with you home a bottle or two, I highly recommend getting them there as you’ll know it’s great quality.
Bike Tour Córdoba
If you’re tired of walking, what better than a 2-hour Cordoba tour on wheels? I really loved this tour as it takes you around the historical center, across the Roman Bridge, past the Mosque-Cathedral, the Alcazar de Los Reyes Cristianos, and the Synagogue.
Your guide will give you valuable information about the city’s history and the 3 religions that dominate its history and their influence on Cordoba.
But the bike tour also takes you past some of the city’s best-kept secrets and is a great way to see more of Cordoba than the major tourist attractions. You might also visit a couple of the patios on your way through the picturesque San Basilio neighborhood.
The guide also pointed out good places to eat and drink while in Cordoba, and what better than recommendations from a local?
Córdoba Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour
Traveling with kids and want to explore the city on a fun, interactive, and self-guided tour? The Cordoba Scavenger Hunt App takes you to the highlight of the city and you will have to solve different tasks along the way.
Questions you might find answers to at the sites, pictures you must take, and puzzles you must solve. With a map and different tasks along the way, you will navigate your way through the city at your own pace, so there is no stress in finishing it within a deadline.
Reflections on tours in Cordoba Spain
And with this, I’ll wrap up the best Cordoba tours to get the most out of visiting this amusing city. I am sure that you will fall in love with Cordoba just as much as I have after visiting.
There is surely something for everyone whether you’re on a short visit or if you spend a while using the city as a base for day trips from Cordoba while exploring the city and taking in its magical vibes.
Happy travels!