Cordoba, the cultural jewel of Andalucia, is brimming with museums and historic monuments that reflect its rich millenary history and exceptional heritage. We enjoyed the diversity of the collections, from archaeological remains to contemporary works of art , classical paintings and the botanical garden. Something for art, history and nature lovers!
In this article, find our tips on Cordoba’s best museums, our list of the city’s 7 essential museums and palaces and a few bonuses.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Cordoba’s best museums and palaces: tips
In Cordoba, in addition to the must-see sites, you’ll find a rich and varied range of museums, from history and archaeology to classical and contemporary art, as well as a botanical garden and museum. The palaces, which we recommend you visit during your stay, complete the cultural landscape of Cordoba, one of Andalucia’s most beautiful cities, and bear witness to its multicultural past.
If you only need to do 3, we recommend it:
- TheAlcazar of the Christian Kings for its historical importance and remarkable architecture
- Viana Palace for its magnificent patios and art collections
- The Archaeological Museum, with its exceptional collections tracing the history of the region.
1. Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos (palace)
Why visit it? Our review
Here are a few reasons why we think you should visit the Alcázar of the Christian Kings:
- This is one of the most beautiful palaces in Andalucia!
- Its unique Mudejar architecture combines Moorish influences and Christian techniques
- Its fascinating history as a royal residence, seat of the Inquisition and prison
- Its magnificent gardens with ponds and fountains offer a haven of freshness.
- UNESCO World Heritage listing, attesting to its cultural value
Our 3 favorite moments
- Climb the tower for an overview of the fortress and a glimpse of the Cathedral Mosque
- Stroll through the gardens with their fountains and beautifully shaped trees
- Admire Roman art in the Hall of Mosaics
Useful tips
- Location: in the Judería district, near the banks of the Guadalquivir. In the immediate vicinity of the famous Mezquita-Catedral.
- Access by public transport: the nearest stop is “Puerta Sevilla” on the city’s public transport network. To plan your itinerary, please consult the route maps, timetables and fares here.
- Tour duration: 2h
- Price: adults – €16
- Opening hours:
- Summer (June 15 – September 15): Tuesday to Sunday: 8:15 am to 2:45 pm
- Winter (September 16 – June 14): Tuesday to Friday: 8.15am to 8pm, Saturday 9.30am to 6pm and Sunday 8.15am to 2.45pm.
- Visit the official palace website here.
- Book your guided tour ticket now!
- There are no facilities for children on the site. On the other hand, we think they’ll appreciate all the charm of this palace, with its towers, fountains and flower gardens. Capture their attention by telling them about the area’s past: the kings, the prison, Christopher Columbus…
To find out more, read our full article on Cordoba’s Alcazar of the Christian Kings!
WHERE TO STAY IN Cordoba
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Historic district
Hotel Las Casas de la Juderia – See prices, photos and availability
Hotel Madinat – See prices, photos and availability
Santa Marina district
Hotel Hospes Palacio del Bailio – See prices, photos and availability
- Hotel 1 – See prices, photos and availability
- Hotel 2 – See prices, photos and availability
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Cordoba
2. Palacio de Viana (palace)
Why visit it? Our review
This former stately home offers a unique historical journey through 5 centuries of history, from its medieval origins to its Moorish-inspired orchard garden. We were particularly captivated by its 12 patios, which bear witness to the evolution of architectural styles, from the sober Renaissance to the baroque Cordouan.
We also appreciated the authenticity of this home, inhabited until the end of the 20th century, where collections and objects are presented in their original context. Did you know that this is one of the most important and best-preserved stately homes in Cordoba, and certainly one of the most important in Spain?
Our 3 favorite moments
- We really enjoyed discovering and exploring the 12 patios, each with its own identity and telling part of the palace’s history.
- The discovery of this stately home, one of the best preserved in Spain, was particularly impressive.
- We also enjoyed exploring the first floor and its various rooms. The historical elements present, such as the furniture and horse-drawn carriages, helped us to imagine what life was like in this incredible residence when it was still inhabited.
Useful tips
- Location: in the center of Cordoba, precisely in the Santa Marina district, on Plaza Don Gome. A 10-minute walk from the Roman Temple.
- Access by public transport: the “Palacio de Viana” stop on the city’s public transport network is the nearest stop. To plan your itinerary, please consult the route maps, timetables and fares here.
- Length of visit: allow around 1h30 to visit the 12 patios, the garden and the exhibition rooms.
- Full adult price:
- Tour of the 12 patios and the first floor of the palace: €8
- Combined visit of the 12 courtyards + guided tour of the Palace interior: €12
- Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10am – 7pm
- Sunday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Closed on Monday
- Visit the official palace website here.
- There are no facilities for children on the site. On the other hand, we think they’ll love discovering the different patios and their history. They’ll also be interested in the palace’s various rooms, filled with historical artifacts.
- Reserve your tickets now!
To find out more, read our full article on Viana Palace!
RENT A CAR IN Andalucia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a compact car, as some villages have very narrow streets!
- Think ofcomprehensive insurance for the same reason
- Book early for choice.
3. Archaeological Museum
Why visit it? Our review
The Archaeological Museum of Cordoba was a particular highlight, with its exceptional collection tracing the history of the region from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. Housed in an impressive Renaissance palace, built on the remains of a Roman theater, the museum offers a fascinating journey through time. We appreciated the classic yet accessible museography, which showcases remarkable pieces such as weapons, jewelry and ancient pottery. One of the masterpieces that will undoubtedly surprise you is the stele dedicated to the cult of the god Mithras. It is a unique testimony to the religious diversity that characterized ancient Cordoba. This museum is one of Andalucia’s must-see attractions!
Our 3 favorite moments
- We loved discovering the remains of an ancient Roman theater, one of the largest in Hispania, located beneath the museum!
- We were charmed by the remarkable architecture of the Renaissance palace that houses the museum. Its main façade reminded us of the Puerta del Puente at the end of the Roman Bridge.
- The Iberian lion from Nueva Carteya fascinated us. This unique and rare piece, probably dating from the 3rd century BC, is a typical example of pre-Roman Iberian art.
Book your guided tour of the Archaeological Museum now!
Useful tips
- Location: the museum is in the Plaza de Jerónimo Páez, in the Juderia district, close to Cordoba’s main attractions.
- Public transport access: the nearest stop is the “San Fernando” stop on the city’s public transport network. To plan your itinerary, please consult the route maps, timetables and fares here.
- Visit duration: 1h30 to 2h
- Adult price: €1.50
- Opening hours:
- June 16 to September 15: Tuesday – Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- September 16 to June 15: Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. & Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- closed on Monday
- Book your admission ticket + guided tour
- Visit the official museum website here
- P.M.R.: most of the museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- Children: there’s nothing to accompany young visitors during their visit.
To find out more, read our full article on Cordoba’s Archaeological Museum! (coming soon)
4. Museum of Fine Arts
Why visit it? Our review
The museum offers a complete panorama of Spanish art history, from the Middle Ages to the modern era. It houses exceptional works by Andalucia artists, illustrating the evolution of the city and its society over the centuries.
We were also particularly taken by thehistory of the building that houses it: a former hospital steeped in history. Its transformation into a museum over the centuries has endowed it with fascinating architectural singularities, such as the magnificent 16th and 17th century frescoes gracing the staircase hall.
Our 3 favorite moments
- We particularly enjoyed discovering the various works by Cordoban artists. They bear witness to the cultural richness of this city of exceptional heritage, one of the most beautiful in Andalucia.
- We were also impressed by thearchitecture of the building: this former hospital turned museum contains many architectural treasures, including the former chapel, now used as an exhibition hall.
- We enjoyed discovering the art on paper collection. It’s a delicate discipline that is well showcased in this museum.
Useful tips
- Location: the museum is located in Plaza del Potro, in the Juderia district. A 10-minute walk from the Roman Bridge and the Cathedral Mosque.
- Public transport access: the nearest stop is the “San Fernando” stop on the city’s public transport network. To plan your itinerary, please consult the route maps, timetables and fares here.
- Tour duration: approx. 1 hour
- Price: adults – €1.50
- Opening hours:
- June 16 to September 15: Tuesday – Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- September 16 to June 15: Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. & Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- closed on Monday
- Visit the museum’s official website here.
- P.M.R.: As there is no elevator upstairs, only the first floor is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- Children: there are no special arrangements for young visitors.
To find out more, read our full article on Cordoba’s Museum of Fine Arts!
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
5. Cordoba Flamenco Museum – Fosforito Centre
Why visit it? Our review
The Centre Flamenco Fosforito appealed to us for its authentic atmosphere that celebrates the art of flamenco. Housed in a 15th-century inn (the Posada del Potro), this cultural center pays tribute to the famous cantaor Antonio Fernández “Fosforito”. We were captivated by the exhibits tracing thehistory of flamenco in Cordoba through documents, photos and artists’ personal objects. For example, there’s an area dedicated to the “Cinco Llaves de Oro del Cante”, flamenco’s highest distinction, of which Fosforito was the only holder. This former inn, referred to by Cervantes in Don Quixote as “a den of brigands”, offers the perfect historic setting for exploring this ancient art form.
Our 3 favorite moments
- We were delighted to discover the Posada del Potro, a 15th-century inn.
- We enjoyed discovering the part of the exhibition dedicated to Fosforito.
- The interactive multimedia area, where we could discover the different styles of flamenco, gave us the opportunity to learn more about this emblematic Spanish art form.
Useful tips
- Location: the museum is in the heart of Cordoba, in the Juderia district. Just a few steps from the city’s main monuments.
- Public transport access: the nearest stop is the “San Fernando” stop on the city’s public transport network. To plan your itinerary, please consult the route maps, timetables and fares here.
- Tour duration: about 30min
- Price: €2
- Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Visit the official website here.
- Children: there are no special arrangements for young visitors.
To find out more, read our full article on Cordoba’s Flamenco Museum – Centro Fosforito!
PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO andalucia
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 150 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- 300+ photos to help you choose
6. Julio Romero de Torres Museum
Why visit it? Our review
The Julio Romero de Torres Museum(dedicated to the artist of the same name) boasts a remarkable collection of paintings, the largest in the world by this emblematic Cordovan artist. Like Cordoba’s Museum of Fine Arts, it is housed in the former Charity Hospital, a listed building since 1962. We think you’ll enjoy the tour, which offers total immersion in the painter’s world. We were particularly touched by the fact that the artist’s personal objects were on display. This will give you a better understanding of his life and work. You’ll also discover a fascinating collection of portraits of political and literary figures, as well as his famous depictions of women.
Our 3 favorite moments
- We enjoyed the magnificent collection of female portraits for which the artist is renowned.
- The discovery of the personal objects on display gave us the feeling of being closer to the painter’s intimacy.
- Observe the remarkable architecture of the former Hôpital de la Charité, home to the museum
Useful tips
- Location: the museum is located in Plaza del Potro, in the Juderia district. A 10-minute walk from the Roman Bridge and the Cathedral Mosque.
- Public transport access: the nearest stop is the “San Fernando” stop on the city’s public transport network. To plan your itinerary, please consult the route maps, timetables and fares here.
- Tour duration: approx. 1 hour
- Adult price: €4.50
- Opening hours:
- September 16 to June 14: Tuesday – Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
- June 15 to September 15: Tuesday – Sunday, 8.15 a.m. to 2.45 p.m.
- closed on Monday
- Visit the museum’s official website here.
- Children: there are no special arrangements for young visitors.
To find out more, read our full article on the Julio Romero de Torres Museum!
7. Ethnobotanical Museum and Botanical Garden
Why visit it? Our review
The Ethnobotanical Museum gave us a unique perspective on the relationship between man and plants through the ages. We liked the richness of the collections, which illustrate the traditional use of plants in different cultures. The area includes an arboretum, a rose garden and a sensory garden. You’ll probably appreciate the tactile and olfactory garden, designed to be accessible to the visually impaired, offering a unique interactive experience.
Our 3 favorite moments
- A visit to the tactile and olfactory garden, where we enjoyed a unique sensory experience.
- The permanent exhibition rooms enabled us to learn more about the use of plants throughout history.
- We enjoyed discovering the remarkable collection of plant fossils.
Useful tips
- Location: the museum is on the banks of the Guadalquivir, south-west of central Cordoba. About a 20-minute walk from the historic city center.
- Access by public transport: the nearest stop is the “Doctor Julián R. Martín” stop on the city’s public transport network. To plan your itinerary, please consult the route maps, timetables and fares here.
- Visit duration: 1h30 to 2h
- Adult price: €3
- Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 2.30pm. Closed on Monday
- remember to check the timetable before your visit.
Unfortunately, at the time of writing (November 2024), the museum is closed for works until an unspecified date.
- Visit the museum’s official website here.
- P.M.R.: most of the museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- Children: workshops and guided tours are organized to introduce young visitors to the secrets of plants and botany.
FUN in Andalucia: activities
- Cooking course in Sevilla
- Canyoning from the Costa del Sol
- Caminito del Rey guided hike
Other museums in Cordoba
We were impressed by the cultural richness of Cordoba, with its many other interesting museums:
- Casa-Museo del Guadamecí Omeya: this small museum showcases the ancestral art of guadamecíes: a unique leather art technique that made Cordoba famous in the Umayyad period.
- Musée Diocésain: A remarkable collection of religious art from the Catholic Church.
Museums and palaces to visit with children in Cordoba
We particularly recommend a family visit:
- Musée ethnobotanique: Its sensory garden and family workshops make it an ideal destination for children.
- Archaeological Museum: The varied collections and clear presentation of objects will captivate young visitors.
- Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos: Spectacular gardens, towers to explore and pools make this the perfect place to spark children’s imaginations while learning about history.
- Palacio de Viana: 12 flower-filled patios and green spaces provide the ideal setting for a playful stroll, where children can learn while having fun.
- Musée Archéologique: its varied collection of ancient artifacts and Roman remains will fascinate budding explorers!
VISIT Cordoba
- What to do in Cordoba
- Best hotels in Cordoba
- Best restaurants
- Best museums and palaces
- Visit the cathedral
- Visit Medina Azahara (coming soon)
- Itineraries: 1 day – 2 days – 3 days (coming soon)
SHE MADE THE TRIP Fanny
