If you are wondering where to stay in Cordoba Spain, you’re in luck. Not only because I am here to help you with finding the best area to stay in Cordoba Spain, but also because you are about to visit one of the most magnificent cities in Andalucia!
Cordoba is a UNESCO city, famed for its unique Mosque-Cathedral, the only Synagogue in Andalucia, and the best preserved in Spain. It is a city of three religions, it is a city of history and art.
The art does not only come out in the museums and the historical remains but in the homes of the locals, through a rainbow of flowers cascading down balconies and windows, filling courtyards with flourishing life. With potplants decorating the walls, and fresh water filling beautiful fountains.
Cordoba comes to life in May when the neighbors across the city open their courtyards to the public during the famous Patio Festival in Cordoba.
Luckily, there are some splendid patios in Cordoba that are open all year round that you can see on a Cordoba Patio Tour.
No matter when you decide to visit Cordoba, you are going to love it (except in July and August when the city competes with Seville over the country’s hottest temperatures!) There are also a whole lot of fabulous day trips from Corodba that you can take, so this is definitely a great base for your central Andalucia vacation.
So without any further ado, let’s look at the best places to stay in Cordoba Spain.
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HERE ARE MY TOP PICKS FOR WHERE TO STAY IN CORDOBA SPAIN
LUXURY: Hotel Madinat – an exquisite hotel in the heart of Cordoba with a hamman and terraces with views of the Mosque-Cathedral. It is situated in a historical building and gives you the impression of stepping back in time – to a time of kings and opulence.
MID-RANGE: Eurostars Azahar – decorated in Art Deco Style, this is a great hotel located in the old town, yet with quiet rooms. The hotel also has a fitness room.
BUDGET: Hostal Maestre – a lovely hotel with a traditional courtyard. The hotel offers private parking.
Table of Contents
Where to stay in Cordoba Spain
The Jewish Quarter – Best area to stay in Cordoba Spain for first-timers
The Jewish Quarter in Cordoba is the most enchanting area to stay in Cordoba. This is absolutely the best place to stay in Cordoba for first-timers, as you are right in the middle of the historic center and within walking distance from all the must-see attractions in Cordoba.
There are plenty of local bars and restaurants for all tastes where you can sit for hours to end tasting different tapas and try local wines.
The neighborhood is so charming with whitewashed houses, potplants on the walls and home to some of the prettiest palaces in Cordoba. Among them Casa Andalusi and Casa Sefarad, both boasting mesmerizing courtyards.
But the main highlight is the Synagogue, one of the symbols of Cordoba’s multi-religious past where Jews, Muslims, and Christians lived in harmony.
Getting lost in the winding streets in this ancient neighborhood is truly an attraction in itself, and when looking for where to stay in Cordoba, it is hard to argue against the Jewish Quarter.
Nonetheless, I suggest you take a look at the other neighborhoods too, as you might find a better match for your liking.
WHERE TO STAY IN CORDOBA SPAIN – JEWISH QUARTER
LUXURY: Hotel Madinat – an exquisite hotel in the heart of Cordoba with a hamman and terraces with views of the Mosque-Cathedral. It is situated in a historical building and gives you the impression of stepping back in time – to a time of kings and opulence.
MID-RANGE: Hotel Posada de Vallina by MiRa – an incredible historical building with many original stone walls, arches, and columns. The decor, paintings, and patio indicate the opulence of a palace of the middle ages.
BUDGET: Soho Boutique Atalia – a lovely boutique hotel in the heart of the Jewish Quarter with a small garden. They have private parking.
Downtown – Best place to stay in Cordoba for nightlife and shopping
Downtown Cordoba, also known as Centro, is by far the best option for where to stay in Cordoba Spain for shopping and nightlife.
This is a more modern part of town where you find an array of shops from boutique shops to famous brands. There is also vibrant nightlife in this part of town with modern bars and trendy restaurants for all palates.
Among the top attractions you can see in Downtown is the largest square in Andalucia, Plaza de La Corredera, the staggering 15th-century palace of Palacio de La Corredera, and the Roman Temple. Besides, there are pretty churches and convents that remind you of the city’s religious history.
Another place worth seeing is Plaza de Capuchinos, a plain square with a statue of a crucified Christ, known as Cristo de los Faroles, in the middle that was erected in the 1700s.
There are a lot of cute cafés to have a coffee and a sweet treat as you rest your legs too.
WHERE TO STAY IN CORDOBA SPAIN – DOWNTOWN
LUXURY: Hospes Palacio del Bailio – beautifully located in a 16th-century palace, the hotel has an outdoor pool in a beautiful garden. The hotel has a spa and wellness center where you can wind down after days of sightseeing. Breakfast is included in some rates and pets are welcome.
MID-RANGE: Hotel Boutique Suite Generis – a unique boutique hotel with light rooms and minimalist style decor. They offer private parking. Breakfast is included in some rates.
BUDGET: Patio San Andrés – super cute apartments in a restored historical building with its own charming patio. Breakfast for an additional cost.
Alcazar Viejo (San Basilio) – Best place to stay in Cordoba for first timers
San Basilio, also known as Alcazar Viejo, is another super charming neighborhood where you will find picturesque patios that are open all year round.
The whitewashed houses are decorated with potplants and so are the windows, which makes this area so incredibly cute.
Together with the Jewish Quarter, I think this is the best place to stay in Cordoba for first timers, but even more so during the Patio Festival.
During the festival, this neighborhood turns into life both day and night as groups of singers dressed in Flamenco dresses press through the crowds lifting the mood with Sevillanas dances and songs.
The rest of the year, some of the most popular Cordoba guided tours take place in the neighborhood as tourists flock to see the patios.
Even so, San Basilio is right at the doorstep of attractions like the Alcazar de Los Reyes Cristianos and a short walk from the Mosque-Cathedral and the Synagogue.
WHERE TO STAY IN CORDOBA SPAIN – ALCAZAR VIEJO
MID_RANGE APARTMENT: Atico Deluxe San Basilio – a lovely oasis in the city with a relaxing chillout area on the terrace, fully equipped kitchen, and private parking. The apartment sleeps up to 4 people.
BUDGET APARTMENT: Apartamento San Basilio – beautiful and light apartment in the heart of San Basilio that sleeps up to 4 people. The apartment is 53m² with a patio. Free parking is available.
BUDGET B&B: San Basilio´s Red House – a nice Bed&Breakfast in the heart of the famous patios of Cordoba. Small kitchen for breakfast, but you can take it with you to the terrace for a private breakfast.
Cordoba Train Station – Best place to stay in Cordoba on a budget
Best area to stay in Cordoba if:
- You are passing by
- You got a train early in the morning
- You’re on a budget
- You travel for business
Cordoba Train Station is located only a 15-minute walk from the Jewish Quarter and is a perfect place to stay if you are passing by train, arriving late at night, or leaving early in the morning.
Cordoba train station is connected with the big cities in Andalucia like Seville, Huelva, Malaga, and Algeciras, but also with Madrid and Barcelona.
But this is also one of the top places to stay in Cordoba on a budget. It might not be the prettiest area in Cordoba as it is surrounded by more of an industrial area, but you can find some really cheap accommodation there.
While Cordoba Train Station might not be the best neighborhood in Cordoba Spain for immediate closeness to attractions, there are still a few things to see nearby, like Malmuerta Tower, Merced Palace & Gardens, and a Roman mausoleum.
WHERE TO STAY CORDOBA – CORDOBA TRAIN STATION
MID-RANGE: Sercotel Córdoba Medina Azahara – The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, a small gym, and a bar. Some fares include breakfast. Pets are allowed.
BUDGET: AC Hotel Córdoba by Marriott – perfectly situated a few minutes walk from the train station, the hotel has a restaurant and bar on-site, a fitness center, and some rates include breakfast.
BUDGET APARTMENT: Tabor – a small loft apartment that sleeps up to 4 people. It is fully equipped, so you can cook your own meals.
Vial Norte – Best area to stay in Cordoba for families and students
If you are looking for where to stay in Cordoba with kids, look no further. Vial Norte is located in the northern part of the city and is the best place to stay in Cordoba for families.
It is a quiet neighborhood with a lot of parks, botanical gardens, and green spaces where you can take the kids.
This is also a great place for finding modern accommodation in Cordoba that is reasonably priced, which are good news if you travel with a large family. It is also a popular neighborhood among language students that look for an affordable place for a longer period.
It takes between 15 and 25 minutes to walk to the Jewish Quarter and its tourist sites, but there are local buses running all day if you get tired after a day of sightseeing.
Vial Norte is also located within a short walking distance from Downtown where you will find hip bars and restaurants. You will find some of the best hotels in Cordoba Spain at affordable prices in this area.
WHERE TO STAY CORDOBA SPAIN – VIAL NORTE
MID-RANGE: Soho Boutique Córdoba – a lovely boutique hotel with a rooftop pool. There is private parking and a restaurant on-site. Some rates include breakfast.
BUDGET: Hotel Cordoba Center – a fantastic boutique hotel with a rooftop pool with a jacuzzi overlooking the city. Some rates have breakfast and dinner included. There is private parking.
APARTMENT: La Perla del Centro – a beautiful 4 bedroom 190 m² apartment that sleeps up to 8 people. You will have everything you need to have a comfortable stay and cook your own food.
MORE FROM CORDOBA
- How to get Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba tickets
- How to get tickets to Alcazar of Cordoba
- Cordoba Patio Festival
- Best tours in Cordoba
- Cordoba Patio Tour
- Beautiful patios in Cordoba
- Fun day trips from Cordoba
- One day in Cordoba itinerary
- Reasons to visit Cordoba
- Seville to Cordoba day trip
Reflections on the best area to stay in Cordoba Spain
While in Cordoba, where to stay might be quite individual, yet, there are no bad choices as these are all wonderful neighborhoods and the city is perfectly walkable.
Whether you have one day in Cordoba or you spend a week in this lovely historical city, I am sure you will enjoy big time no matter which neighborhood you end up in.
Happy travels!
